With the 2018 Draft fast approaching (June 4-6 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Name: Jarred Kelenic
Position: OF
School: Waukesha West, (Wis.) HS
Rank on Draft Top 200: 10
DOB: 07/16/1999
Bats: L
Throws: L
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 196 lbs.
College commitment: Louisville
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
18U National Team Stats
Games: 9
At-bats: 35
Slash line: .257/.372/.486
HR: 2
RBI: 4
SB: 3
Scouting report
Wisconsin hasn't been known for producing professional baseball players in the past. Kelenic is the outlier. MLB.com was told earlier in May that Kelenic's parents, Tom and Lisa, purchased land where they built baseball fields and indoor complexes so Kelenic would have the best opportunity to play at a higher level. This is where he was able to develop his bat power. Kelenic, a Louisville commit, never played high school ball due to the season being in the summer, so he played club ball and national play.
Scouts recognize Kelenic for his ability at the plate. The 18-year-old outfielder may need to swap from his home position of center field to right or left, but his arm should handle either corner without issue. Kelenic will be drafted in the first round and could also become the first Wisconsin native to go in the top 10.
When Kelenic was a junior he was the best producer at the plate for team USA U18 and won the MVP award in 2016 at the Pan American games. Kelenic is great with the barrel of the bat, explosive and quick. All of which are important tools to make a successful pro baseball player.
MLB comp: Mark Kotsay
Fun fact: Kelenic played U18 USA travel ball as a freshman in high school. He always played up several years, and even played the biggest fields available to him at just 11 years old.
He said it: "The biggest thing [for my confidence] was playing for USA Baseball. When I first had my tryouts for Team USA, it was a huge learning experience. I got to play with guys from all around the country and see where I stacked up against them. On a positive note, I stacked up really well."
They said it: "I think he's a kid that's taken advantage of a situation. He's always worked out and played in facilities given to him, he was involved in USA baseball from an early age and had the best trainer in the country and best hitting guys in the state. There's a lot of kids that don't use the facilities, or at least only use them during the season, but they aren't gym rats like Jarred." - Jarred's father, Tom.