Prep Baseball Report

The Five: Position Players to Watch for the '19 Draft


Matt Payne
Associate Scout, PBR North Carolina

The Five is a weekly feature highlighting players from across North Carolina.  PBR North Carolina associate scout Matt Payne zeroes in on prospects fitting the category of the week, noting performances, stats, and video.


Last week The Five  took a look at five pitchers who could be on draft boards for MLB teams next spring (SEE HERE).  This week we want to highlight five position players who have a tool or tools that could draw them pro attention as well.  While position players are typically harder to project, it makes it interesting to see who makes big jumps before spring time.  The guys featured this week have potential to see their stock rise before next June.

The Five

Kyle Smith, C, New Hanover HS, 2019

North Carolina commit.  The number one ranked catcher in North Carolina has a combination of athleticism and strength.  Hits from right side and generates above average bat speed and advanced barrel awareness.  Swing translates into game action and has shown the ability to hit for power.  His athleticism plays behind the plate and his arm has carry with his best pop time recorded at 2.00.  Extremely consistent with his throws, he is still raw on is transition, relying on his athleticism to get the ball out.  Helped lead New Hanover to a state championship last spring and has showed well at State Games and the East Coast Pro Showcase.  Should get plenty of attention from pro scouts next spring with the tools to play a premium position at the next level.

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