Matthew
Higgins

6/14/16 - 60 Time: 6.94, Position Velocity:  OF-82, Exit Velocity: 91
6-foot-1, 185-pound LHH hits from a balanced stance, short stride, quick and loose hands produce good bat speed, squared up everything in BP in the most impressive round of the event, shows gap to gap pop, above average runner, went 2-for-3 in game play. Works though the ball with athletic actions, long high-3/4 release with slightly above average arm strength, throws had some carry and stayed mostly online. Higgins impressed tremendously as one of the top left-handed hitters in the 2017 class.

Summer 2020: During my five-game look, Higgins was the most impressive hitter in a lineup full of draft prospects. He showed plus raw power to his pull side and also during the game with a deep, foul fly ball to right field. His bat-to-ball skills set him apart with consistent, hard contact. After a .419/.498/.702 slash with 13 home runs and 63 RBI as a sophomore, Higgins was off to a .378/.464/.467 start to his junior year before the season was cancelled. During quarantine he made a swing change, shortening his spread stance, standing taller in the box and raising his hands. These adjustments allow him to be more linear in his approach, transferring weight forward, instead of  being prone to collapsing his backside. So far the results have been mixed as Higgins currently has produced a .209 batting average with three home runs in 69 at-bats. Defensively, he is average on either corner, but profiles best to left field due to an average run tool and below average arm strength. As a high level college performer with a bat first hit tool, expect Higgins to receive top 10 round consideration in 2021.