Scouting Report

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

Back in 2021, the Maryland high school scene produced a left-handed-hitting shortstop who rushed up Draft boards and landed at the end of the first round of that summer’s Draft. That was 2024 MLB All-Star Jackson Merrill. West, who was seen on the summer showcase circuit at events like the East Coast Pro Showcase, is another lefty-swinging infielder from the Old Line State, and while he doesn’t seem likely to have Merrill-like helium, he could see himself in play early on Day 2 of the Draft.

There appears to be some consensus from scouts about West’s left-handed swing and his ability to stay on the dirt defensively. He’s added good strength since he was seen on the summer circuit, and using good bat speed and a relatively flat path that works for him, he routinely hits the ball hard, with a chance to have solid power in the future. There were some swing-and-miss and swing decision concerns, along with a tendency to get locked up on breaking stuff, all of which gave some evaluators pause.

An above-average runner who has gotten more physical, West has decent hands and an average arm, but most feel his range will be a bit shy to stick at shortstop long-term. He has good enough actions to stay on the infield, with a move to third the most likely direction should he head to pro ball instead of to North Carolina State.

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

With the notable exception of Jackson Merrill, West is the best position prospect to come out of the Maryland high school ranks in the last decade. He's a physical middle infielder with 20-20 upside, albeit with some questions about his bat and his ability to stay at shortstop. The Dodgers selected him in the fourth round in July and signed him for more than double slot value at $1,272,500.

West is well put together at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds and has room to continue adding strength. He has a quick left-handed stroke that generates plus raw power and impressive exit velocities. He'll need time to develop at the plate because he hasn't faced much quality pitching, chases fastballs a bit too much and has struggled with secondary offerings.

While West will flash plus run times, he's more of a solid runner who will have to work to maintain that speed if he packs on more muscle. He has good actions and solid arm strength at shortstop but lacks the range for the position. He profiles more as a second or third baseman, and his quick hands would be an asset at either spot.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/11/2025	SS Aidan West assigned to ACL Dodgers.
	07/27/2025	Los Angeles Dodgers signed SS Aidan West.
	05/28/2025	SS Aidan West assigned to College Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated SS Aidan West.