Walter
Ahuna III

USA CNT: Ahuna heads to Knoxville this fall as one of the newest Volunteers after entering the transfer portal following his breakout 2022 season with Kansas. Over 53 games and 236 plate appearances with the Jayhawks, the shortstop slashed a remarkable .396/.479/.634 while showcasing solid feel for the barrel and an ability to spray line drives from chalk-to-chalk. It's a high-energy profile both in the box and on the dirt, with Ahuna projecting to stick up-the-middle at the next level while showing potential to hit, as well. At present, offensively, there is a lot of action through his load and a big leg kick and stride — all of which can complicate consistent contact. When he's on his timing, however, he hits the ball hard with emerging power to boot. The jump to SEC competition day-in and day-out in 2023 should help sort his ultimate offensive ceiling, as the foundation is here for a potential two-hole stick with above-average production on the defensive side. There's further value in that even if the bat ultimately falls short of its lofty potential, the glove and feel could fit as a part-time utility option across the dirt and even in the grass. Ahuna will be one of the more interesting high profile draft talents to watch this fall and next spring, as he carries with him perhaps the broadest range of potential outcomes among the infielders on the final USA Collegiate National Team roster.

Hands stay tight with a body crunch and direct hands producing an in/out styled swing staying compact and spraying line drives; quick bat with oppo focus showed the bat to ball skills staying to the middle of the field during games along with patience to be a top of the lineup hitter (3 BB, 3 Hits). Defense was consistent moving easy and showing athleticism to stay in the middle of the field with strongly average arm strength that plays up at 2nd base. Strong runner showing quick feet and moving down the line well (4.22-4.29 H-1st). Frame still has space to add strength.