Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

After selecting just two position players in the 2021 Draft, the Dodgers needed some more bats and farm director Will Rhymes liked Gauthier's swing and selectivity. Signed for $20,000 as a nondrafted free agent, he has ranked in the top 10 in the Minors in both walks and on-base percentage in each of his two full pro seasons. He batted .316/.435/.475 with 12 homers and 19 steals while reaching Double-A in 2023, and he soon could become Hofstra's first big leaguer since mid-1970s Mets right-hander Hank Webb.

Gauthier understands the strike zone and makes better swing decisions than most players, rarely giving away an at-bat. He understands his right-handed stroke and doesn't try to do too much with it, lacing line drives while using the entire ballpark. He focused on adding strength after his first full season and hit the ball harder in the second, though he won't have more than 12-15 homer power unless he looks to turn on pitches and drive them in the air more frequently.

While Gauthier doesn't have loud tools, he makes the most of them and is surprisingly versatile for someone with average speed and arm strength. He started 18 or more games at five different positions in 2023: third base, shortstop, second base, left field and right field. He fits best and provides averageish defense at second base, grades as fringy elsewhere and profiles as an offensive-minded utilityman who excels at getting on base.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40 

Hofstra hasn't produced a big leaguer since mid-1970s Mets right-hander Hank Webb, but Gauthier may end that drought in the near future. Signed as a nondrafted free agent for $20,000 in 2021, he ranked fourth in the Minors in on-base percentage (.441) and walks (103) during his first full pro season. He has done more damage while playing five positions and advancing to Double-A this year. 

A right-handed hitter, Gauthier controls the strike zone better than any hitter in the Dodgers system, making regular line-drive contact while working counts and drawing plenty of walks. He focused on adding strength last offseason and is hitting the ball harder than ever in 2023, though most of his power goes to the opposite field. He offers 15-homer potential and might have more if he looked to launch more balls to his pull side. 

Gauthier possesses average speed and is an opportunistic baserunner. He can get the job done all over the infield and on both outfield corners, though his average arm is a bit stretched at shortstop. He fits best at second base and profiles as an offensive-minded utilityman. 

Awards

MiLB.com Organization All-Star

Year	Team
2023

MID Player of the Month

Month	Team
05/2023

MID Player of the Week

Week	Team
05/28/2023
05/07/2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	10/26/2024	Oklahoma City Baseball Club activated SS Austin Gauthier.
	05/07/2024	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Oklahoma City Baseball Club from Tulsa Drillers.
	03/24/2024	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers.
	03/07/2024	Los Angeles Dodgers Prospects activated SS Austin Gauthier.
	01/26/2024	Los Angeles Dodgers invited non-roster SS Austin Gauthier to spring training.
	09/22/2023	Tulsa Drillers activated SS Austin Gauthier from the 7-day injured list.
	09/15/2023	Tulsa Drillers placed SS Austin Gauthier on the 7-day injured list.
	05/30/2023	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Tulsa Drillers from Great Lakes Loons.
	03/21/2023	SS Austin Gauthier roster status changed by Los Angeles Dodgers.
	03/21/2023	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers.
	08/03/2022	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Great Lakes Loons from Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
	04/05/2022	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes from ACL Dodgers.
	08/05/2021	SS Austin Gauthier assigned to ACL Dodgers.
	08/04/2021	Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent SS Austin Gauthier to a minor league contract.