School: University of Florida; Class: Sophomore
Position: 2B/OF; B/T: L/R
Height: 6-4; Weight: 200
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: North Marion High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 50 | 40 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: Thompson’s tenure at North Marion High School lasted a single season (2020), but he’s going to become the most successful professional player to walk through the school’s hallowed halls. Ranked as the 55th best prospect by Perfect Game, Thompson made an immediate impact during his freshman season at the University of Florida. Primarily used as a right fielder, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound prospect batted an impressive .301/.396/.470 in 2021, belting out 10 doubles, three triples, and five homeruns in 55 games for the SEC conference powerhouse.
After shredding the Florida Collegiate Summer League to the tune of .391/.482/.609, Thompson continued to swing a hot bat during his sophomore season with the Gators. In 66 games for head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, Thompson slugged .354/.443/.563 and set career highs in doubles (16), homeruns (11), and stolen bases (10).
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only four SEC hitters batted at least .340/.430/.550 with a sub-16% strikeout rate and a walk rate between 11% and 13% in a season (min. 300 PA): Austin Martin, Wyatt Langford, Jacob Gonzalez, and – of course – Sterlin Thompson.
Very simple, low maintenance swing with impressive bat speed. Thompson’s power grades out as average, maybe a tick better, but when he turns on the inside pitch he can give it a surprising jolt. He’s going to spray line drives from gap to gap. Solid-average speed and patience. Florida experimented with having the former prep-shortstop-turned-collegiate-right-fielder at the keystone last season. Obviously, the bat plays significantly better on the infield, as opposed to a corner outfield position. Lacks a difference-making tool.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: Second Round
