Cobb Hightower hails from Salisbury, North Carolina, and played high school baseball at East Rowan High School, where he led his team to a 3A state championship. Although somewhat under the radar during the draft process, the Padres saw potential and selected him in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft, signing him for $852,300. Hightower literally and figuratively has plenty of room to grow. Only 5’11” and 180 pounds, his potential for power in his bat will hopefully grow as he does. In his first 60 at-bats, he has hit .222 with a .386 OBP. He needs more time to develop and truly find his potential. 

Scouting reports indicate that Hightower is an offensive-minded shortstop with a compact right-handed swing that consistently produces line drives. He projects as an advanced hitter with potential for 20-home run power as he matures and grows acclimated to professional pitching. His speed and arm strength are both average, and while his defensive skills at shortstop are still developing, his high baseball IQ aids his fielding. With multiple potential prospects vying for the Padres' shortstop of the future, this could be another situation that necessitates either a position change or a trade to avoid bottlenecks.