2018 Draft - Pick #1: OF - Jared Kelenic (revised posting)

New -

Carlos Collazo - @CarlosACollazo

They got the best high school bat in the class with Kelenic (wish I would have left him there in our final mock!) and an athletic Texas RHP trending in the right direction who has a terrific body and is one of the younger players in the class.

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PG Grade: 10 - Jarred Kelenic is a 2018 OF/LHP with a 6-1 196 lb. frame from Waukesha, WI who attends Waukesha West HS. Very strong athletic build. 6.57 runner, has centerfield range and speed with a high level right field throwing arm, makes accurate throws with very good carry, highest level defensive outfielder. Left handed hitter, hits from a spread stance, excellent raw bat speed with a low tension swing and loose hands, ball flies off the barrel, big power when he turns on the ball but will let it travel and drive it up the gaps as well. Advanced player with all the tools, plays hard. Good student, verbal commitment to Louisville. Selected for the 2017 Perfect Game All-American Classic.

South Side Sox - What is Kelenic’s game?

Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall:55

Kelenic is an excellent all-around outfielder. His hit tool is more developed than his power currently, but as he grows up a bit, he has the potential to add to that power potential. His outfield play is based a lot on his legs and his arm currently. He’s not the most instinctive fielder, so a move to the corners would likely help him out in the long term.

L/L, HS, 7/16/99  -  Waukesha West HS (WI)  -  6'1" 196 lbs

Max Bultman/The Athlete -

‏           Jarred Kelenic was one of the most fascinating athletes I profiled this spring. He's heading off to the Mets, and I think they got a good one:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinal –

           Jarred Kelenic made Wisconsin baseball history Monday evening when he was taken at No. 6 in the first round of the MLB draft by the New York Mets.

         Kelenic, of Waukesha West High School, became the highest draft pick ever from the state and by a significant margin. The previous top pick was Nekoosa High School’s Kevin Brandt, taken at No. 11 in 1979 by the Minnesota Twins.

         Kelenic, 18, projected as a Top 10 pick by many draft sites, was the first high school player taken. A left-handed-hitting centerfielder, he was considered the top bat among prep players and one of the better athletes. He graduated in December so he could focus on being prepared for the draft, a move that obviously paid off.

USA  Today:

                   Jarred Kelenic may be the best high school player from Wisconsin to never play high school baseball. Because his high school team’s schedule didn’t begin until late May, he opted instead to  hone his skills during summer travel ball and with USA Baseball squads.

         On Monday, he was chosen as the No. 6 pick by the New York Mets, making him only the second high school player from the “America’s Dairyland” to be taken in the first round in the past 30 years, the other being shortstop Gavin Lux two years ago.

         Kelenic plans to be ready for the moment. The Louisville signee graduated a semester early from Waukesha West (Waukesha) to prepare for the MLB draft, not always an easy thing during frigid Wisconsin winters and springs.

John Sickels –

         Kelenic is listed at 6-1, 195 a left-handed hitter and thrower born July 19th, 1999. He’s universally considered one of the best pure hitters in the class, with good feel for the strike zone and a mechanically-sound swing that he repeats well. His hitting skills are quite polished, especially for a cold-weather bat.

         Power ratings range between 50 and 60 depending on the source. We’ll have to see exactly how his home run power manifests at higher levels but he should have significant pop.

        Defensive tools are another positive: he’s got a 60-arm and 55/60-speed. There’s some concern he may lose a bit of speed with maturity but he should manage center field at least for several years. He should still have enough power for a corner if necessary and his arm would work well in right field. Makeup is another positive. He has a University of Louisville scholarship but this isn’t expected to be a major hindrance to his signability if he’s selected where his talent warrants.

MLB –

            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.