Cole
Foster

A blue chip prep recruit from Texas, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound switch-hitter has always been a solid player and professional prospect. Following a similar defensive path as predecessors Brody Moore and Ryan Bliss, the athletic Foster slid over from second base as a sophomore in 2022 to shortstop this season where he’s a ultra dependable defender (three errors in 173 chances for a .983 FLD%) with sure hands, average range and a plus arm. More instinctive than fast on the base paths, Foster is a near average runner down the line and will steal an occasional base. In the batter’s box he shows good bat speed from both sides of the plate for average raw power and projects to hit around a dozen home runs per season in pro ball. With an improved approach this season that uses all fields and elevates the ball more often (ground ball rate has decreased from 41% as sophomore to 30% this season, while his line drive rate has increased from 14% to 25%), he has raised his batting average from .267 as a sophomore to .314 currently this spring. Although his walk rates are solid (13%), somewhat concerning is a 20% strikeout rate both this season and last. Overall, he’s a similar prospect to Duke’s Alex Mooney and should receive strong consideration for late in the second to third round. College bats, and especially SEC middle infielders with a track record of success, tend to rise the closer it gets to draft day and Foster will likely be no different.

Rising Hitter: The 6-foot-1, 190-pound switch-hitter has always been a solid player and professional prospect, but this fall the reality of a consistent, performing SEC infielder finally settled in, and so did Foster near the top of many area scouts’ draft follow lists. His instincts and ability to simply play the game allow his otherwise modest tools (50/55 defender, 55/60 arm strength, 50/55 range, 50 hit, 40 game power) to play up. College bats, and especially SEC middle infielders with a track record of success (.267/.395/.488 in 2022), tend to rise the closer it gets to draft day and Foster is likely to be no different.

5-foot-11, 165-pound, strong, athletic, advanced frame for his class. Foster, just a freshman, has an advanced all-around skill set for his class. Offensively, the switch hitter has excellent presence and strength at contact from both sides of the plate. Foster has a fluid swing with rhythm, balance and good extension both right and left-handed. Off the tee, his exit velocity was 82 mph from the left side and 81 mph from the right side. At shortstop, Foster throws from an athletic, high-¾ arm slot with excellent carry at 85 mph across the diamond. He can field and throw on the run and has a clean exchange with good footwork. Ran a 7.65 second 60-yard dash.