7/16/21

2021 MLB Draft - Mets pick # 7.202 - SS - Kevin Kendall - UPDATE - New Info + Mack's spin

 


Kevin Kendall

 

SS      5-10      175     UCLA 


Mack's spin - 

Let's see... an infielder that is a leadoff hitting with an OBP around .800, who switched to center in 2021.

Hmm...

Is this Brandon Nimmo v2.0?


 7-14-21 - peninsula daily -

 

Kevin Kendall, who played infield and hit .301 for the Lefties in 2017, was drafted by the New York Mets Monday in the seventh round of the draft.

 

Kendall, a redshirt junior at UCLA, was the 202nd pick overall.

 

He hit .301 with seven doubles, a triple, 11 RBIs, 12 runs scored, 12 walks and five steals in 28 games for the Lefties. His on-base plus slugging percentage for the Lefties was .799.

 

Kendall was a member of the All-West Coast League honorable mention team.

 

Kendall also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2019.

 

He played primarily shortstop through much of his career with UCLA, switching to center field in 2021. He hit .356 for the Bruins in 2021 and has hit .309 for his career. 

 

7-13-21 - SI-

 

The Mets went with Kevin Kendall in the seventh round out of UCLA. The shortstop lacks power, but slashed .356/.413/.498 for the Bruins in 2021. Kendall also had a .911 OPS out of the leadoff spot.

2021 UCLA stat line - 56-G, 247-AB, .356, 4-HR, 37-RBI, .413-OBP

 

Three-year starter at UCLA, serving as a primary shortstop (2018-19) and center fielder (2021) ... Career slash line of .309/.375/.419 including a career-best .356 average in 2021 ... Pac-12 leader in hits per game (1.6) in 2021. 

 

PBR -

 

8/13/19: - impressed with his defense at shortstop, showing smooth actions, very good lateral range in both directions, as well as good reads and closing speed on flares over his head. At the plate he sets up in the far back of the box, takes a long stride and pulls off the ball. He wraps his bat head which helps him produce whip and above average bat speed for plus raw power to his pull side, but his swing gets long and he spins, taking his bat head in/out of the zone for much swing/miss (.188 batting average with 21 SO in 69 at-bats). As a college shortstop with top defensive abilities and left-handed power at the plate, Kendall will be considered for Day Two this June. Any adjustments to his hitting approach and the resulting improved performance will only augment his draft value. 

 

PG -

 

Kevin Kendall is a 2017 MIF/3B with a 5-10 150 lb. frame from La Mirada, CA who attends La Mirada. Medium frame, well proportioned build. Hits from an open stance, good separation of upper and lower halves to create torque, sound swing, pull approach, long swing generates solid bat speed, projects well. Good defensive actions, quick exchange, good hands, quick release on throws and solid arm

 


2 comments:

Shawn B said...

Is there a cap or limit on the amount you can offer a draft pick after the 10th round?

Mack Ade said...

None that I know of.