Drew Bowser has always had a knack for providing consistent offensive production and driving the ball with authority dating back to his days as a top recruit out of Harvard-Westlake (Calif.) School.
The offensive ability that made him a sought-after high school recruit has carried over to Stanford. The slugging third baseman hit .297 with 25 home runs in his first two years at Stanford and looks to take another step forward as a junior this spring.
Although his focus remains on his on-field production, Bowser is receiving interest for July’s MLB draft. It marks the second time Bowser has experienced the draft process. He was a potential first- or second-round pick in the 2020 draft but remained firm in his commitment to Stanford.
Scouts project Bowser as an early-round pick in this year’s draft.
“I was always going to come to Stanford, but I still went through the draft meetings my senior year,” Bowser said. “I had some meetings this fall and new exactly what to expect. That experience helped me navigate meetings during the fall and how I approach it. All of that stuff is great and exciting. But once I am on the field, it is all about winning, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Bowser is a strong right-handed hitter with a quick swing that allows him to hit for above-average power. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound power hitter uses all parts of the field and produces notable exit velocities.
Defensively, Bowser moved to third base at Stanford after playing shortstop in high school. He moves well at the position and has above-average arm strength. He makes all the necessary plays and figures to stick at third base in the pro ranks.
“The biggest strength in my game is my competitiveness,” Bowser said. “I hate losing. I love to win. Being that competitor, training hard and going out there every game and giving it my all, there are no regrets at the end of the day. My competitiveness and passion, as well as the strength of my bat and power, are the biggest things in my game.”
In the offseason, Bowser worked on his mental game, in addition to his strength and speed training. It consisted of him devoting more time to growing in his faith and relationship with God. It also involved reading books, listening to podcasts and journaling.
He believes the improved mindset will allow him to remain in the present and be a better leader on the team this season.
Bowser also wants to show an improved approach at the plate this season. Last year, his strikeout numbers increased, as he tallied 77 strikeouts compared to 20 walks. He posted 38 strikeouts and 18 walks as a freshman in 2021.
“I just need to have good intentions at the plate,” Bowser said. “Last year, I sometimes tried to do too much. I’m sure a lot of guys say that, and it sounds cliché. But I genuinely think, at times, I tried to do too much. Having good intentions and not giving an at-bat away. I don’t see myself as a guy who will continue that trend. I see my guy as a freshman year who didn’t strikeout much.”
Stanford has made the College World Series in each of the last two years and will try to make it three straight this spring. Last season, the Cardinal went two and out at the CWS.
Stanford enters this season as one of the top teams in college baseball. Stanford has plenty of talent returning on the mound and to their lineup, including Bowser, infielder Tommy Troy and two-way player Braden Montgomery.
This season, Stanford will try to capture the program’s first national title since 1988.
“The past couple of years have been successes, but there is still a little bit more in the tank for what we want to accomplish,” Bowser said.
Read more in-depth stories on top 2023 MLB draft prospects at Baseball Prospect Journal.
Do you enjoy reading Baseball Prospect Journal’s draft content? Support our work and become a Patron!
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for eight years. He has interviewed 433 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
