Wates is an advanced college bat without a position. He's got a slight leak because he taps his front foot rather than striding, but otherwise has a great swing -- short to the ball with some loft and very good bat speed.
He's a disciplined hitter and an above-average runner who shows good feel for the offensive side of the game. Wates has the speed and build to play centerfield, but has spent most of the spring playing first base and the rest playing left, leading to serious doubts as to whether he could play center in pro ball -- he lacks experience and hasn't shown good instincts at all when he has played the outfield.
He can hit, and that makes him worth a gamble, but he's going to have to find a better spot than first base to be a big-league regular.
— ESPN.com's Keith Law on Austin Wates' pro prospects. Law rates the Hokie utility player as the 24th best prospect for next month's MLB draft.