Kaden Wu (Mercer Island) is a top-40 prospect in the state’s senior class, headed to Belmont this upcoming fall. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound right-handed hitting backstop has some thump attached to his right-handed barrel, generating power thanks to a strong, sturdy stature.

We spoke with the future Bruin on his recruiting process, how he narrowed his college commitment, and much more. All of that, found below.

KADEN WU 

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Wu: I didn't know what to expect about the process but I knew it was going to be difficult. There were a lot of things that I had to stay on top of during this process like making phone calls every week, creating good relationships with different coaches, and of course making sure I was continuing to work hard on the field, weight room, and especially in the classroom. What I didn't expect out of the recruiting process was how eye-opening the experience was and how much I learned during the process. Learning to be good on the phone, creating real relationships, and all the knowledge I gained about the process and baseball community really taught me skills that not only will help me in my baseball career but later in life as well. I was looking for a school that I could feel at home at and what fit me as a student-athlete. I wanted to be at a school where academics were respected, a location I love, and with a program that wins and develops.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

W: I did want to stay on the west coast at first. But when you know, you know. I knew Belmont was the right fit after I visited, so I pulled the trigger and committed.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

W: It started to get hectic in the summer of 2020. After I played in front of a lot of different schools at events like the PAC NW Regional Games, a lot of different coaches started asking about me and started getting in contact with me. Belmont first saw me play at the PNW games in August 2020. I got the opportunity to play in front of them for three different weekends, and when they got in contact the process went by really quick.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

W: What I like most about the baseball program at Belmont is our coaching staff. The entire staff with coaches Dave Jarvis, Aaron Smith, Caleb Longshore, and Nick Bredeson were all great people with a true knowledge for the game. Speaking with all of them individually helped me see that Belmont was the place I wanted to be. They also opened up a brand new indoor facility this fall with new locker rooms and cages which has gotten me very excited. Seeing Belmont invest more and more into their athletics was awesome to see. Belmont is also making a move from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Missouri Valley Conference starting my freshman season. It's a huge jump in terms of competition, recruiting, coverage, and more. The challenge is definitely exciting and another reason why I'm pumped to join the Bruin family in the fall.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

W: Portland, San Diego, and Belmont were my top three.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

W: RHP Dom Giustino (Issaquah, 2022; Portland). His fastball is very heavy and hard to hit. His curveball will drop from the top of the zone into the dirt and will just buckle you. I think he has the best changeup in the state because of the filthy movement and his ability to locate it consistently. His mix makes him extremely hard to hit and the fact that he knows my swing and weaknesses so well makes it even harder.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

W: I had always dreamed of playing college baseball since I was 6 years old. But I realized it could be a real possibility in my sophomore year. After playing against other Division I commits older than me and being able to perform and compete with them, I realized I could reach the next level and started training and working towards that goal.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

W: Cut out any distractions that will stop you from reaching your goal. Do well in class, learn how to play the game correctly, and commit to the dream. Everyone's journey is different but it won't happen if you don't work for it.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

W: The most memorable moment in my baseball career is when I hit back-to-back homeruns to start the game with my older brother, Kyle, with my dad coaching third base. That moment was definitely awesome for my family and something that we'll never forget.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

W: The Islanders have some big expectations for 2022. We are losing some impact players this season but I'm confident our next guys up will be able to fill those shoes. I think we have one of the most efficient pitching staffs in the state with Gov Aufranc, Austin Cupic, and Edgar Nakamura. Marques Abulhosn, Max Clark, Jack Varney, and Jett Mai are key pieces in our strong lineup. Rolling with those guys and an amazing coach in Dominic Woody, we know that we're the team to beat in KingCo 3A so we know to expect everyone's best. After ending our 2021 season with a tough loss in our championship, everyone is returning with a hunger that'll be hard to stop once we get rolling. Our boys have been working hard all offseason and we're ready to make a run for a state title in the spring.

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