Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The son of High Point coach Joey Hammond, Josh is a two-way player reminiscent of fellow North Carolina prep product Nolan McLean, who went on to Oklahoma State as a two-way player before signing with the Mets as a third-rounder in 2023. The consensus was that Hammond was better on the mound and he focused mainly on pitching with the Team U.S.A.'s 18U team last summer, but he wanted to play every day and hit his way into first-round consideration as a senior. He led Wesleyan Christian Academy to its second state independent schools 4-A title in three years, homering in the title game, and went to the Royals with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 Draft (their PPI reward for Bobby Witt Jr. finishing in the top three for AL MVP voting).

Hammond has at least plus raw power that plays to all fields and he hits the ball exceptionally hard from the right side of the plate. His bat speed and strength should translate into 20-25 homers per season, perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more consistently. While his pop stands out more than his pure hitting ability, he's making better swing decisions as he leaves pitching behind to focus full-time on hitting.

Hammond had a thicker lower half when he pitched more often, but he has trimmed up his 6-foot-1 frame a bit and is now an average runner. The former Wake Forest recruit was drafted as a shortstop, but many see him as a future third baseman with enough agility and plenty of arm strength to handle the position.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The son of High Point coach Joey Hammond, Josh is a two-way player reminiscent of fellow North Carolina prep product Nolan McLean, who went on to play both ways at Oklahoma State before signing with the Mets as a third-rounder in 2023. The consensus was that Hammond was better on the mound and he focused mainly on pitching with the U.S. 18-and-under team last summer, but he wants to play every day and has hit his way into first-round consideration as a senior. He led Wesleyan Christian Academy to its second state independent schools 4-A title in three years, homering in the title game in May.

Hammond has at least plus raw power that plays to all fields and hits the ball exceptionally hard from the right side of the plate. His bat speed and strength should translate into 20-25 homers per season, perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more consistently. While his pop stands out more than his pure hitting ability, he's making better swing decisions as he begins to leave pitching behind.

Hammond had a thicker lower half when he pitched more often, but he has trimmed up his 6-foot-1 frame a bit and is now an average runner. The Wake Forest recruit won't play shortstop at the next level, but he has enough agility and plenty of arm strength to handle third base. When at his best on the mound, he showcases a plus fastball and slider along with a solid changeup, topping out at 96 mph.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/04/2025	ACL Royals activated SS Josh Hammond.
	07/21/2025	Kansas City Royals signed SS Josh Hammond.
	07/21/2025	SS Josh Hammond assigned to ACL Royals.
	05/26/2025	College Workout activated 3B Josh Hammond.
	09/10/2024	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated RHP Josh Hammond.
	09/13/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	09/13/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	08/18/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.