School: Coastal Carolina University; Class: Junior
Position: SS; B/T: R/R
Height: 5-10; Weight: 190
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: Parkway High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 45 |
Background: The talented shortstop was able to live up to the hype entering his senior season at Parkway High School in 2019, batting a red hot .523 with seven doubles, six triples, and six homeruns while knocking in 36 runs. That production earned Brown a bevy of awards and recognition, including the All-District 1-5A MVP. Perfect Game ranked him as the 85th best shortstop in the nation; the second best shortstop in the state of Louisiana; and 10th overall best prospect in the state.
Splitting time between second and third bases during his freshman season at Coastal Carolina, Brown put together a mediocre offensive debut, hitting .259/.377/.310 with a trio of doubles before COVID prematurely ended the year. Brown followed that up with a breakout campaign for the Chanticleers during his sophomore season, slugging .294/.413/.513 with 12 doubles, one triple, nine homeruns, and 11 stolen bases. And he was able to continue showcasing his offensive potential during the summer with the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod League (.282/.375/.436).
This season Brown turned in his best performance to date for Coastal Carolina. Appearing in a career best 57 games, Brown set personnel bests in average (.330), on-base percentage (.460), slugging percentage (.544), doubles (19), triples (two), and stolen bases (12). He also banged out seven homeruns, two off from his previous high.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only five Sun Belt Conference hitters met the following criteria in a season (min. 250 PA): hit at least .325/.450/.525 with a walk rate north of 14% and a strikeout rate between 8% and 12%. Those five players: Zach George, Mike Martinez, Matt Sanders, Billy Cooke, and – of course – Eric Brown.
Another one of these extreme contact hitters that is becoming more en vogue nowadays. Good patience at the plate. Average hit tool. 45-grade power and a little bit of speed. Brown’s stance is a bit peculiar, starting with his hands held high, at the top of his head. As he gets his bat in position he points the bat head almost directly at the pitcher. Brown doesn’t have a lot of offensive upside, but his above-average defense could make him a low end starting option.
Ceiling: 1.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: Second / Third Round
