Scouting Report

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

Santa Clara University’s best player was outfielder Randy Winn, and he’s also the last position player to be taken in the top five rounds from the school, a third-round selection back in 1995. When Hipwell jumped into the starting lineup during his sophomore year in 2023 and posted a 1.206 OPS, there was anticipation in Northern California that the Broncos could have another early-round bat on their hands. That excitement was tempered when Hipwell was suspended and missed the first chunk of the season, though he did return in mid-April to try and answer questions about his tools and makeup.

At his best, Hipwell can do some serious damage from the left side of the plate, and he was back to showing off some impressive offensive qualities after his suspension. He has quality at-bats with a solid approach, drawing tons of walks and working counts so he can do more damage. He has an ability to drive the ball to all fields and has routinely registered high exit velocities. 

Where Hipwell plays defensively remains a question. He’s played both infield corners at Santa Clara, and his strong arm would profile very well at the hot corner, where some thought he could play long term. He seemed slow-footed and stiff upon his return, with scouts wanting to see if he could return to form as he gets more reps. Assuming concerns about the suspension can be answered, there’s a belief Hipwell can hit, perhaps with first base or left field as a future defensive home.

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

Hipwell was more difficult to scout than most college players in the 2024 Draft because he played just 76 games in three seasons at Santa Clara and had little history with wood bats in summer ball. He was suspended for the final three weeks of his sophomore season and the first two months of his junior year after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, which he attributed to an over-the-counter supplement. The Giants saw enough of his power potential and arm strength to sign him in the sixth round for $345,700 in the sixth round.

A left-handed hitter, Hipwell generates plus raw power and high exit velocities. He has an extremely patient approach that creates a lot of walks, though he also piles up strikeouts as a byproduct of working deep counts. He might not hit for a high average but could produce 20 homers per season to go with healthy on-base percentages.

Hipwell isn't a factor on the bases with his below-average speed, which also limits his range at third base. He has the requisite arm strength for the hot corner but is still a work in progress defensively. If he can't stick at third, the outfield corners and first base would be possibilities.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/01/2024	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to San Jose Giants.
	07/19/2024	San Francisco Giants signed 3B Robert Hipwell.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	06/10/2024	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to College Workout.
	06/03/2024	State College Spikes activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	06/03/2024	State College Spikes activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	06/03/2024	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to State College Spikes.
	06/03/2024	State College Spikes activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	04/20/2024	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to Santa Clara Broncos.
	06/15/2023	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to College Workout.
	05/26/2023	College Workout activated 3B Robert Hipwell.
	05/23/2023	3B Robert Hipwell assigned to Santa Clara Broncos.