A general view prior to the Atlanta Braves game. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images)
29. Tyler Collins
Personal Rank: 22
The Atlanta Braves 8th round selection in the 2021 MLB draft was Tyler Collins out of McKinney Boyd High School in Texas. The Braves were able to keep Collins away from Oklahoma State by going over-slot on his draft bonus.
The early returns on Collins were promising in rookie ball. Collins hit .347/.424/.453 with a 140 wRC+. He may not have hit any home runs, but he did score 16 runs and add in 7 RBI.
The biggest key offensively was the 12 stolen bases in 23 games. Complex numbers can be deceiving, especially for stolen bases, but the 70-grade speed potential is there and will be what draws him the most hype in prospect rankings.
There is also belief he could become a plus defender in the outfield. His legs will give him opportunity, but he will need to hit enough to stay on the field to take advantage of that speed and defense.
He struck out 27.1% of the time, which is a concern. However, he did show some patience at the plate, walking 8.2% of his plate appearances.
Collins is a line drive hitter with good bat to ball skills, and there is belief that he should add power to his frame as he ages. How much power he develops will impact how highly he will rise rankings.
The Braves Vice President of Scouting, Dana Brown, spoke highly of Collins comparing him to Kenny Lofton. That is a big comparison. Others have compared him to Dee Strange-Gordon.
I'm not sure enough people are talking about 2B/OF Tyler Collins (5-10, 180) of McKinney Boyd HS in Texas. Legitimate 70+ runner (4.29 on the turn). Athletic frame, line drive oriented, some good bat-to-ball skill. Very little game power. Some Dee Gordon archetype here.#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/fdKIxekevC
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) April 22, 2021
Collins is a raw talent with plenty of upside. He is still years away from being in the big leagues, meaning there will be plenty of time for him to develop.
He will most likely spend most, if not all, of 2022 in Low-A Augusta. If the power develops, and Collins continues to get on base, he could be a prospect to keep an eye on in 2-3 years. Could be worth making a trip out to Augusta to watch a game!