Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Halpin wasn't considered an elite-level player as the summer showcase circuit started last summer, as evidenced by him not getting an invite to either the Perfect Game All-American Classic or the Under Armour All-American Game. But a strong performance in the PDP League led to a spot at the MLB High School All-Star Game in Cleveland and he performed well later in the summer at the Area Code Games to put him more firmly on the map.

The outfielder often displays impressive tools across the board. He's a plus runner, one who led the PDP League by going a perfect 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts, and that speed allows him to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. He also has a very strong arm, one that's been up to 92 mph off the mound. He makes loud contact consistently from the left side of the plate and while he's hit over power now, he's shown the ability to drive the ball and was launching balls out at Angels Stadium this past fall during the Angels Elite showcase, the same event where 2019 first-rounder Keoni Cavaco showed up for the first time.

Halpin, who initially committed to UCLA but then decided to head out of state and play at Texas should the Draft not work out, might be underestimated by some scouts. Pete Crow-Armstrong is the more famous name among California prep outfielders, but don't be surprised if Halpin isn't all that far behind him.

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

Halpin performed well on the high school showcase circuit in 2019, starring at the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League and putting on a show in batting practice before the High School All-Star Game in Cleveland. The Guardians drafted him the following June in the third round and lured him away from a Texas commitment for an over-slot $1,525,000. He has advanced quickly, opening last year in Double-A at age 20, which has contributed to a lackluster .261/.335/.388 line in his first three pro seasons.

Though Halpin has a quick left-handed swing and feel for the barrel, it hasn't translated into much production yet. His plate discipline regressed in Double-A, leading to too many chases and weak contact. He has added 15 pounds since turning pro but it hasn't translated into power yet because he doesn't turn on pitches with authority. His proponents still think he can develop into a solid hitter with 15-20 homers per year, while others question his pop and think he may be no more than a platoon player after posting a .567 OPS against southpaws last year.

Halpin does offer solid speed, defense and arm strength, allowing him to contribute in a number of ways. He's more of a heady baserunner than a prolific basestealer, however. He covers ground in center field and is a quality defender at all three outfield spots.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 40 

Halpin was one of the more dynamic performers at the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2019, leading the showcase with eight runs and six steals in nine games, and then he displayed impressive raw power during batting practice at the High School All-Star Game in Cleveland. A third-round pick in 2020, he gave up a commitment to Texas to sign for an over-slot $1,525,000. He was one of the youngest regulars (age 20) in the High-A Midwest League last year, and his .262/.346/.385 batting line belies his offensive upside. 

Halpin has a smooth left-handed stroke, feel for the barrel and good pitch-recognition skills. He doesn't try to do too much at the plate, managing the strike zone well while using the entire field. He makes regular hard contact and has the bat speed and projectable strength to hit 15-20 homers per season once he incorporates his legs better in his swing and learns to pull and lift more pitches. 

With his plus speed, Halpin can have an impact on the bases and in center field. He has good overall instincts but is still learning the nuances of base stealing. He covers a lot of ground in center and can fit anywhere in the outfield with his solid-to-plus arm strength. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45 

Halpin starred at the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2019, leading the event with eight runs and six steals in nine games. He also impressed the Guardians with his raw power during batting practice at the 2019 High School All-Star Game in Cleveland, and they signed him in the third round for an above-slot $1,525,000. He successfully navigated Low-A at age 19 in his 2021 pro debut, batting .294/.363/.425 with 11 steals in 54 games.

More advanced than most youngsters, Halpin has a sweet left-handed stroke and nice feel for the barrel. He recognizes pitches well and displays patience at the plate. He hits the ball hard and could provide 15-20 homers annually once he learns to use his legs more in his swing and starts turning on and lifting more pitches. 

Halpin's plus speed allows him to make an impact on the bases and in center field. His basestealing is a work in progress after he got caught nine times in 20 attempts last season. With quality range and solid to plus arm strength, he's an asset anywhere in the outfield. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

The Indians came away with two of the better prep center fielders in the 2020 Draft, selecting Halpin in the third round and acquiring Mets supplemental second-rounder Isaiah Greene in the Francisco Lindor/Carlos Carrasco trade. Halpin starred at the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2019, leading the showcase with eight runs and six steals in nine games. Cleveland gave under-slot bonuses to its first three picks last June and used most of the savings to sign him for $1,525,000, the equivalent of mid-second-round money. 

Halpin's offensive profile resembles those of Greene and 2020 Indians first-rounder Carson Tucker, as all three display advanced feel for the barrel as well as plus speed. Though his hitting ability exceeds his power potential, he impressed club officials with his raw pop during batting practice at the 2019 High School All-Star Game in Cleveland. He might be able to produce 20 homers on an annual basis if he incorporates his legs more in his left-handed swing.

Halpin uses his quickness well on the bases and in center field, where he's a more polished defender than Greene. With solid to plus arm strength, he's capable of playing anywhere in the outfield. Though his only 2020 pro experience came in instructional league, he may be advanced enough to begin his career in Low-A this season.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45 

The Indians paid under-slot bonuses to their first three picks in the 2020 Draft and used most of their savings to sign Halpin, a third-rounder who landed a $1,525,000 bonus, the equivalent of mid-second-round money. He starred at the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League last summer, leading the showcase with eight runs and six steals in nine games. He spent his first three years of high school at St. Francis High (Mountain View, Calif.) before transferring to Mira Costa High (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) for his senior season.

Halpin has a similar offensive profile to Carson Tucker, Cleveland's 2020 first-rounder, displaying advanced feel for the barrel as well as plus speed. Halpin's hitting ability overshadows his power from the left side of the plate, but he wowed Indians officials with his raw pop during batting practice at the High School All-Star Game in Cleveland last July. If he incorporates his legs more in his swing he could become an annual 20-homer threat.

Halpin's quickness plays well on the bases and should allow him to stay in center field. His solid to plus arm strength fits anywhere in the outfield. Mets first-rounder Pete Crow-Armstrong was more famous among Southern California prep prospects but Halpin's tools are in the same class.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	11/19/2024	Cleveland Guardians selected the contract of CF Petey Halpin from Akron RubberDucks.
	11/19/2024	Cleveland Guardians activated CF Petey Halpin.
	09/25/2024	Akron RubberDucks activated CF Petey Halpin from the 7-day injured list.
	08/26/2024	Akron RubberDucks placed OF Petey Halpin on the 7-day injured list.
	03/07/2024	Cleveland Guardians Prospects activated OF Petey Halpin.
	01/19/2024	Cleveland Guardians invited non-roster OF Petey Halpin to spring training.
	06/24/2023	Akron RubberDucks activated OF Petey Halpin.
	06/23/2023	OF Petey Halpin roster status changed by Akron RubberDucks.
	05/14/2023	Akron RubberDucks activated OF Petey Halpin from the 7-day injured list.
	05/05/2023	Akron RubberDucks placed OF Petey Halpin on the 7-day injured list.
	04/05/2023	OF Petey Halpin and assigned to Akron RubberDucks from Lake County Captains.
	02/26/2023	OF Petey Halpin and assigned to Cleveland Guardians.
	04/07/2022	OF Petey Halpin assigned to Lake County Captains.
	03/21/2022	OF Petey Halpin and assigned to Cleveland Guardians.
	06/27/2021	OF Petey Halpin assigned to Lynchburg Hillcats from ACL Indians.
	07/03/2020	CF Petey Halpin assigned to AZL Indians Blue.
	07/03/2020	Cleveland Indians signed OF Petey Halpin.
	07/03/2020	OF Petey Halpin assigned to AZL Indians Blue.