Guardians Select Power-Hitting Outfielder In First Round of MLB Draft

A power-hitting outfielder is exactly what the Guardians' big league roster is missing, and outside of Chase DeLauter and C.J. Kayfus (who's played 31 games in the outfield this season), there aren't many other prospects in Cleveland's farm system that fit this skillset.

MLB.com's draft profile for LaViolette noted he possesses "as much raw power as anyone in the Draft, LaViolette is built to crush balls with a quick left-handed stroke, the strength and leverage in his impressive 6-foot-6 frame and a focus on launching pitches to his pull side."

That said, the scouting report also pointed out he "makes quality swing decisions but the lone flaw in his offensive game does scare some teams. He frequently swings and misses within the strike zone, even on fastballs, leading to a .258 average with a 25 percent strikeout rate as a junior."

There will always be concerns about swing-and-miss rates with players who hit for power, which is prevalent in the minor leagues and persists at the big league level.

The potential is undeniably there, but the question for LaViolette throughout his development will be whether he can generate more contact.

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