Justin
Kester-Johnson

at Willow Glen HS - Strong build with lean visible musculature in lower half, simple hitting approach with aggressiveness to early strikes and FB in particular, lots of barrels in this game, short to hit with ability to create impact contact with a compact swing, flat plane, runs well underway (4.75 on a turn on double down LF line), played LF in this game while hitting in the 3-spot, may not be the flashiest of hitters in regard to huge power but the approach and ability to make consistent barrel contact should make him a successful hitter beyond HS.

At Sobrato: Kester-Johnson has a long athletic body with current strength and the frame to keep adding to it. Hitting 2nd in the Live Oak lineup, KJ showed a patient approach at the plate taking two walks before showing his bat-to-ball skills in his final AB with a linedrive to LF on a low 80’s FB. The open and wide elbow stance has a good scap load that matches up with a toe-tap to give him some adjustability at the plate allowing the flat bat to work in time. With his lengthy stride, there can be times where the bat gets around the ball showing best when he can work through the middle of the field. In the OF the speed to stick is there and he showed he can close on a ball when needing it; length out of the glove on throws, but was accurate and threw with rhythm.

Fall tournament - strong athletic build, open set-up, closes front side with his stride, there are some intriguing hitting tools present, hand speed is good, there are hints of future power potential. Limited look and only time seeing him but will look forward to seeing again.