Kai
Caranto

PBA SCOUT DAY: 

It’s simple to sum up Carranto’s performance defensively by saying it was the best I’ve seen him there. He was smoother on his footwork than I’d seen before and the hands appear softer in certain scenarios. Carranto’s arm has never been an issue and he once again showed why with ropes (77 mph) from all spots on the left side of the infield with his customary accuracy. There are always things to work on and it’s good to see Caranto putting in that work. His swing appears more controlled and direct to the ball than in past viewings. His overall improved strength helps, I’m sure, but Caranto is showing better control of the barrel and maintaining the barrel on plane through the zone longer is resulting in more barreled balls.

at Hart (Winter Game) - The #9 Player in the California 2023 Rankings, Caranto will push to be the starting SS for Harvard-Westlake as a Freshman with defensive skills that are very advanced for his young age. That defensive prowess was on display throughout the game showing a strong prep-step and ability to cover ground all around him. His footwork is very smooth and controlled keeping momentum while being able to work under and through the baseball with ease and showing the ability to get the ball out with firm throws across the diamond. Late in the game with his team leading he made a big-time play cutting in front of the bag at 2nd to grab a strongly hit ball taking away a hit as he threw a strike to 1st. You could see the confidence from his pitchers that balls hit his way would be outs. At the plate, Caranto showed a strong understanding of the zone from a wider, balanced stance seeing the hands start high and pulling back on a slight foot lift before working level through the zone; it’s the type of swing built for linedrives and to stay at the top of the lineup as he matures.

Standing 5-foot-7, 150-pounds with a more compact frame, Caranto caught our attentiom with his pregame preparation that included one of the more impressive long toss sessions that you will see from a player of that age. The shortstop followed up his pregame-showing with memorable performance in the field where his crisp, savvy play looked like that of a prospect much older. He went comfortably to the back hand in the hole on multiple occasions, exhibiting the arm strength to get the ball across the diamond on a line. Meticulous in his footwork, Caranto put himself in excellent position to allow his silky-smooth hands to work, and his advanced glove-to-hand skills provide for a quick release from all angles. At the plate, the right-handed hitter is quiet with the head throughout the approach, utilizing a leg kick to push the hands further back in a load before ripping them through the zone on a flat path. There is some deadness to the hands late, but his strong wrists whip the barrel through the zone and help to provide some intriguing, growing power from gap to gap. His pitch recognition is advanced, as he is able to keep the hands back no matter what is thrown his way, and his ability to cover the entire plate stands out right now. Overall. Caranto looks the part both at the plate and in the field, and coaches will want to mark him down as a player to see sooner rather than later.

NOTE: Caranto’s arm strength also carries over to the mound where the ball jumps out of his hand, and he demonstrates feel for multiple pitches while showcasing the same polish that he does as a position player.