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Top-10 Profiles of 2020: No. 1 Ed Howard

December 31, 2020
Diego Solares
Staff Writer

As the year starts to unwind, our staff will start to highlight the top-10 most viewed profiles from 2020 - starting at 10 and counting down. 

We’ll end the year by wrapping up our countdown with the most viewed profile of this year: former Mount Carmel product Ed Howard. Long known for being one of the top prep prospects that have come through the Prairie State over the last few years, Howard finished his high school career ranked second overall in our national rankings for the 2020 graduating class. 

Howard’s all-around profile and high floor is what made him one of the more enticing prep prospects from this recent draft class. He’s made strides offensively and has slowly started to tap into more power, a tool that should improve as his body continues to mature. Complementing the offensive improvements is one of the silkiest high school gloves you’ll come across; a sure-handed up-the-middle star that will almost certainly stick at shortstop throughout his professional career.

As the top ranked prep shortstop from his class, Howard was routinely mocked to go in the first round and he eventually did, signing with the hometown Chicago Cubs after they selected him 16th overall this past June. Reports that surfaced from the Cubs’ alternate training site and fall instructs raved about Howard’s performance against more experienced competition, which is obviously a step in the right direction. He’s expected to make his minor league debut in 2021 and we’re eager to monitor his progress throughout his professional career. 

TOP-10 PROFILES OF 2020: No. 1 ED HOWARD 

View Full Profile

Edward Howard IV

Class of 2020 / SS

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 HS Draft 100Rank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 2 / POS: 1 PBR Draft BoardRank: 8 / POS: 1

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2020
  • Primary Position: SS
    Secondary Position: 2B
  • High School: Mount Carmel
    State: IL
  • Summer Team: White Sox Ace
  • Height: 6-2
    Weight: 185lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Statistics

Position
78
INF Velo
89
Exit Velo
4.62
H-1st

Scouting Report

1/14/20

Lean, athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. One of the top defenders in the country, he glides around the infield with ease, has athletic actions and an above average arm. The question has been around his hit tool, but there’s enough life in it to get people excited. There is a little length to his swing, but it’s loose and he has bat speed. He is committed to Oklahoma.

5/23/19

Oklahoma commit. Currently the top ranked prospect in the IL 2020 class and one of the top prospects in the country. 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting infielder, uber athletic frame, chiseled and loose; continues to add efficient strength. Plays the game at a very high level; Knack to slow it down and looks smooth on all sides of the ball, dynamic actions. Hit leadoff and played short in the Regional Semifinal game against Kenwood, four quality at-bats with an offensive line: 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 4R, 2RBI, BB. Athletic stance, minimal movement pre-pitch, smooth load and short stride, maintains balance through contact. Quick twitch swing, direct path with rhythm through contact, gets easy extension through the ball, generates quick bat speed. Impressive showing on the HR, inside pitch, kept his hands in and drove it just inside the left field foul pole. Hit his double past the shortstop, 4.49 on the turn. Repeatedly puts barrel to baseball. Easy and natural actions on defense, ranges with ease, floats to and through the baseball, stays low, efficient footwork through the ball. Comfortable around the bag, soft and confident hands, quick and clean to release, short, multi-slot arm action, ball carries across. Personally, the best prospect I have seen to date. A must watch come draft time next year.


Videos

(5/23/19)

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