SF Giants: Wrenzie’s five 2021 draft prospects to watch

Wrenzie’s 5 SF Giants Draft Prospects to Watch:
Harry Ford, C, North Cobb H.S. (Georgia)

Quick Ceiling Tool Grades: Hit 45 | Power 55 | Speed 60 | Arm 60 | Glove 50

Given the recent draft trends of the current regime, it sounds pretty absurd to think that the Giants will draft a prep player with their first pick at a spot where they look to save some dollars in the bank. It is also ridiculously absurd to think that they will draft a catcher with their first pick in three of the last four years. But what if there is a catcher in the prep ranks that is just too good to pass up? That’s Harry Ford.

Simply put, Ford is a ballplayer. It is rare to find catchers who can run a 60-yard dash in 6.42 seconds and think they will stick behind the plate (like J.T. Realmuto), and Ford is one of those players. His lower half is thick, and he is so explosive not just in a straight line but also in his general movements. He has one of the quickest bats in the entire draft class with a slightly uphill swing path resulting from his low hand set-up in his batting stance.

Ford has above-average power to all fields and comes with its fair share of swing-and-miss. However, given his youth, there’s plenty of hope that he can improve it as he gets older.

Defensively, Ford remains full of potential. His arm and pop times are one of the best in the prep ranks. His receiving, blocking, and framing needs plenty of seasoning, but the potential to be an elite defensive catcher is there. Moreover, his athleticism could give him the potential to play in the outfield or infield as well.

If I am the one calling the shots in the draft room, I would greatly consider Ford’s tools and look for ways to put him in the field. Ford could turn out to be a uniquely talented catcher if he can develop to reach his full potential.