Ethan
Anderson

Emerging as one of college baseball’s top run producers as a sophomore in 2023 when he hit .375/.469/.649 with 15 home runs, 26 doubles and 66 RBI, Anderson was a two-year starter at DH and first base. With Kyle Teel’s departure to pro ball, Anderson has transitioned back to his prep position behind the plate where he currently splits time with Jacob Ference. Anderson showed average arm strength, but it played a bit less than average. He has thrown out four of sixteen base runners this season. At times he will stab and carry the ball out of the strike zone at times and he’s not an elite defender by any means, but there is certainly enough to work with for a career behind the plate at the next level. At the plate he’s a switch-hitter with keen control of the strike zone — he drew 42 walks against 32 strikeouts in 309 plate appearances last year and is on similar pace this season with 24 walks vs 14 strikeouts to date. His highlight of the Louisville series was 5-for-5 (all singles) with a walk and multiple hits from each side on Friday. His left-handed swing is more polished, powerful and productive than from the right side (LH-.360 AVG/.584 SLG vs RH-.255/.333), but both are flat through the zone resulting in a collective 50% ground ball rate this season. His top exit velocity is 106.5 mph which equates to near average. This lack of raw power (for a catcher and corner infielder) is somewhat offset by an elite 6.8% strikeout rate and just a 2.1 whiff% (99th percentile) from the right side. Anderson is also one of the best in college baseball with making contact on pitches in the zone (96%, 98th percentile). With that said, he will need to tap into every bit of his power for improved ISO (isolated power) to further increase his draft value. At the end of the day, the team that believes Anderson will have a pro career behind the plate will likely select him in the top-three rounds.

Cape Cod: Don’t be fooled by Anderson batting just .195 in 82 at-bats this summer with Harwich, the guy is a hit machine from both sides of the plate, as shown by his .375/.469/.649 slash line with the Cavaliers last season. More than just a basher, he’s also a solid defender at first base. As 2024 approaches, it will be interesting to see what kind of chance he gets to be an everyday catcher for Virginia after the departure of Kyle Teel. He made some cameo appearances there for Virginia last season and had a cup of coffee at the position this summer, but he’s never been a full-time backstop at this level. He’s already a quality prospect because of his bat, but if he can prove to be at least a serviceable catcher, his value will increase. 

VA/DC Scout Blog

Anderson has a strong athletic frame. The UVA commit is a switch hitter with a high contact rate from both sides. Is a little bit more upright from the right side, shorter flat path to contact, and more ground ball line drive tendencies from that side. From the left side the hands separate a little bit more, gets on plane, and in my opinion has a better chance to produce power from the left side. Had three at bats from the right side and one at bat from the left side on the day. Behind the plate Anderson has average arm strength, but uses a quick exchange and release with accuracy around the bag. Is pretty active in the run game and is not afraid to throw behind runners.

About as physical of a frame as you will see especially on a junior. Switch hitting catcher that has advanced barrel and zone awareness and does not swing and miss much. Similar stance from both sides. Sets up open and strides forward landing on line. Hands load back in rhythm and has some uphill tilt to the swing. Led off the first game with a double down the line, had a sac fly to deep right in his second at bat, and later on in the day stayed inside a fastball and barreled it up right at the short stop. Behind the plate shows some hand strength at the bottom of the zone and on pops it is a quick exchange and short arm action to release.

Anderson has continued to develop nicely since his commitment over a year ago to Virginia. Offensively advanced and physicality is present in the freshmen catcher. From the right side, his hands are free at the plate with nice extension through contact. Looks like he will develop some nice gap power at the plate as well.  Will stick as a switch hitter. Left handed stroke is more compact and bat speed is present. Might end up developing more power from the right side and better average from the left. Excellent balance at the plate for his age and will continue to progress well in the 2021 class.

Anderson has a physically mature athletic frame that is projectable. He hits form the right side with a good short swing and some batspeed. He is quick to the ball with a knack for getting the barrel and has a lot of power potential. He is still in middle school but looks like he belongs on a varsity field this spring