Baseball America has unveiled key insights into its highly anticipated **2026 Prospect Handbook**, featuring **Konnor Griffin** on the cover. In a recent episode of the Prospect Podcast, hosts **J.J. Cooper** and **Geoff Pontes** provided an in-depth discussion on how the handbook is compiled, including explanations of tool grades, the 20-to-80 scouting scale, and various grading systems used to evaluate over **900 prospects**.
The **Prospect Handbook** serves as an essential resource for baseball enthusiasts, scouts, and team management, offering a comprehensive overview of upcoming talent in the sport. Cooper and Pontes emphasized the importance of understanding how various scouting tools are applied to assess player potential, highlighting that each prospect is evaluated based on specific skill sets and future risk.
Understanding the 20-to-80 Scouting Scale
One of the key topics discussed in the podcast was the **20-to-80 scouting scale**, a standardized system used to rate a player’s abilities. This scale allows scouts to quantify their assessments of a player’s skills, with **20** being the lowest score and **80** representing elite talent. According to Cooper, this method facilitates clearer comparisons between players, making it easier for teams to identify prospects that align with their needs.
The hosts also took a closer look at **Konnor Griffin**, the top prospect featured in this year’s handbook. Griffin’s tool grades were compared to those of **Bobby Witt Jr.**, another highly regarded player, showcasing how these evaluations can influence scouting decisions. The discussion highlighted Griffin’s strengths and areas for development, providing listeners with a clearer picture of what to expect from him in the future.
Exploring BA Grades and Adjusted Grades
A significant portion of the podcast focused on the various grading systems, including **BA grades** and the concept of **adjusted grades**. These assessments help to contextualize a player’s performance in relation to their peers. For example, **Kevin McGonigle** garnered an impressive **80 hit tool**, reflecting his exceptional batting skills. The hosts explained how ratings can fluctuate based on performance, potential, and other external factors.
Listeners were also treated to insights from the hosts’ prospect soapboxes, where they discussed emerging talents such as **Lucas Spence** of the Houston Astros and **John Peck**, a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. These segments offered valuable perspectives on players who may be flying under the radar but have the potential to make significant impacts in the coming years.
For avid baseball fans and professionals alike, the **2026 Prospect Handbook** promises to be an invaluable tool for understanding the next generation of players. Those interested in purchasing a copy can find it available for preorder, ensuring they stay informed on the latest developments in baseball scouting and talent evaluation.
