Charlie
Keller

3B Charlie Keller (2022, Mississippi State) has started off his junior year as hot as anybody at the plate for the Leopards. Leading the way for a Murderer’s Row lineup, Keller had blasted six home runs heading into this game, and he added two more to his collection on Monday night. The first came in the 4th inning, when Keller handled an elevated pitch and hit a towering blast to the back side, which is the first clip in the video below. The second game in the 6th inning, and he did not miss this one. Working his way into a 3-1 count, Keller took advantage of a pitch left over the plate and blasted a two run shot, this time to the pull side. At 6-3, 185 pounds, Keller has made significant strides to his body in terms of strength and filling out. He’s added more muscle and looks the part in the box. He’s simplified his load/pre-pitch since the last look, staying more grounded and using his lower-half well now. Looks comfortable taking pitches and not missing the pitches he hunted for. Powerful stroke that’s athletic enough to stick at the hot corner in the future. 

Athletic ‘22 grad that showed nice athletic makeup on the day. From the left side, Keller showed advanced barrel control from a slightly open stance and there is definite strength in the hands. Consistently showed a middle of the field approach during BP and did a nice job of slotting the back elbow in the swing and getting nice extension through contact. Physical bat who had a loud barrel AB in his 2nd at bat of the day.. Defensively he is athletic enough to play either SS or 3B and shows a very solid transfer after the ball is in the glove.  Pure actions with the feet and the glove presentation is plus. Showed a definite ability to throw from different arm slots. A ‘22 to follow.