Baseball Scouting FAQ

Baseball Scouting Frequently Asked Questions

What do major league scouts look for in a pro player?
That depends on which positions the athlete plays. For position players, scouts closely evaluate the “5 Tools.”  That is, hitting, hitting for power, fielding, throwing arm, and speed.

Major league scouts, when evaluating pitchers, look at fastball velocity, fastball movement, breaking ball, other pitch (typically a change-up or splitter), control and arm action/mechanics.

Scouts also pay attention to “intangibles,” the non-physical attributes that come into play when evaluating potential prospects.

Here’s some more information on what major league scouts look for in a pro player.

How do major league scouts evaluate players?
Major league scouts use the 20/80 scale.  For every measurable skill that a major league scout evaluates, he gives the player a grade between 20 and 80. 50 equates to major league average.  Major league scouts grade players on a major league scale. That means your skills (and your potential) are compared against players in the show right now. Keep that in mind if you ever catch wind of a scouting report on you that you may not be happy with.

 How do major league scouts find me?
That’s kind of a trick question, because unless you’re a stone cold prospect, they’re probably not just going to find you. YOU have to go out of your way to make major league scouts aware that you exist. One way to do that is through open major league tryouts.

There are ways to contact scouts directly, but that gets a little tricky. To learn how to contact major league scouts and other ways to generate exposure to scouts, order “Live The Dream: Get Paid to Play Baseball.”

 What does it meant to be "carded" by a scout?

When a scout shows interest in a player, he may ask that player to fill out an information card. This card details the player's personal and contact information, playing history, and current league/team so the organization can follow up at a later date.

How does the major league scouting system work?
Major league scouting is separated into a few categories. Most scouts work for a major league organization and hunt for amateur players that can be drafted and signed into their organization. Other scouts that work for organizations scout only professional players—either opponents of the major league club, or pro players in other organizations that may later become available through trade or free agency.

Aside from this exists the Major League Scouting Bureau, which scouts players independently and makes their information available to each major league organization.

What should I do if a major league scout is at my game?
First of all, go all out, 100% on every play.  Second of all, use every opportunity to show off the skills that scouts look for. A good major league scout will show up early and closely watch pregame infield/outfield.  That’s the time to show off your defensive skills and particularly your arm!

When at bat, run all out on every hit--whether a clean base hit or a ground ball in the infield. Even on a routine grounder, major league scouts will time you down to first.

If a scout talks to you or asks you to fill out an information card, be respectful and let him know professional baseball is your goal if, in fact, it is.

You’ll find a lot more information on major league scouting and other related subjects in the book “Live The Dream: Get Paid to Play Baseball.”  If you really hope to sign a pro contract, this book could be the best investment you ever make in your career.