2022 Draft Profile: Malcolm Moore

Date:

School: C.K. McClatchy High School; Class: Senior

Position: C; B/T: L/R

Height: 6-2; Weight: 210

Previously Drafted: N/A

College Commitment: Stanford University

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Background: Sacramento-based C.K. McClatchy High School is a hotbed for notable or famous alums, including politicians (Robert Matsui, Anthony Kennedy, and Xavier Bacerra), entertainers (Channing Polock, Chino Moreno), astronauts (Curt Michel), and – of course – baseball players (Nick Johnson, Vance Worley, Steve Holm, Dion James, and Larry Bowa). But the California-based prep school hasn’t produced a player chosen before the fourth round since 1996 (Johnson) and no player has been drafted directly from the school since 2005.

Things are about to change. Enter: backstop Malcolm Moore.

Moore was nearly unstoppable during his senior season with the Lions in 2022, posting a batting average of .511 with a whopping 13 homeruns, 51 RBI, and 47 runs scored. For his career at C.K. McClatchy, the lefty-swinging backstop has hit .476 with 39 doubles, 27 homeruns, 147 RBI, and 136 runs scored.

He’s committed to Stanford University.

Scouting Report: There’s an old baseball adage that says that young arms or high school catchers will break your heart. So it’s not surprising that over the previous ten MLB drafts (2012 – 2021), less than two prep catchers on average have been taken in the opening round (it’s actually 1.6 high school catchers to be exact). In fact, three years (2016, 2017, and 2019) failed to produce any first round high school backstops. And the 2022 MLB Draft could be the same story.

Moore and IMG Academy’s Brady Neal are considered the top two prep catchers – and both could easily slip into the middle of the second / early third rounds.

Moore starts from an open stance, giving himself plenty of time to get into hitting position before the ball is released. Thick lower body with plus raw power that translates into above-average in-game power. Solid approach at the plate. Big time natural loft. Quick bat but the swing tends to get a bit long. Defensively, he’s agile with a decent arm. There’s starting material here. But with any teenage catcher, he’s years and years away.

Ceiling: 2.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

Grade: Second Round

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