I just don’t see this kind of report on Carter Johnson anywhere. Most draft guys talking about highest upside seem to mention Theo Gillen, Kellon Lindsey, and Tyson Lewis. Carter Johnson sounds like a safer type of HS pick.I mentioned Johnson because Bob mentioned him. There's a whole slew of guys for consideration at #32. Awesome.
I think the Law comp to Colt Emerson seems much further off than Henderson. Emerson had a fairly stable SS projection without as strong an offensive profile that he's now grown into a little. Henderson didn't and Johnson seems a little less so, but we're biased towards Gunnar today because we've seen him become that quality of SS. There was lots of questions of him becoming that guy prior to becoming that guy.
If the Orioles think they can coax the same development out of Johnson they did with Henderson, good gracious, I hope they take him.
Draft Prospects
Ranked #30 prospect in 2019 draft
The top prospect in Alabama, Henderson is a physical, 6-foot-3, 194-pound shortstop with high upside both offensively and defensively. At the plate, Henderson has the potential for an average hit tool with current above-average power that could turn into plus power down the line. His body has improved this spring, as he's grown into his 6-foot-3 frame with even more room to continue to add strength. Defensively, teams are still mixed in regards to Henderson's future. For a rangier kid without elite quickness, some scouts believe Henderson will need to move to third base, where he has plus defensive potential with solid hands and 60-grade arm strength. Others, however, have seen him handle shortstop well and believe he has enough athleticism to remain there, where he could be an average defender. To meet those aspirations, Henderson will need to shorten up some of his actions in the infield--he can get long with his throwing motion at times--and also improve his footwork and ability to throw from multiple angles. He has allowed the game to speed up on him at times, but he should at least get a chance at shortstop at the next level before moving to third base. He has enough hitting ability and power to profile well at either position. An Auburn commit, Henderson could go off the draft board at some point on Day 1.