Kevin
O'Connor

Verbally committed to Bellarmine University.

LHP Kevin O’Connor (DePaul College Prep) will be a southpaw to monitor this coming spring. Listed at 6-foot-1, 200-pounds, O’Connor has a durable build and looks to have room to add on strength as he continues to mature. The left-hander has an up-tempo yet simple delivery, working into a coiled balance point with a medium leg lift, he gets his front hip moving down the mound with a slight drop/drive lower-half, staying in-line to the plate. His fastball worked clean out of the hand in the 84-86 mph range, spinning over 2300 RPM at times. His off-speed was the separator, starting with his slider that worked around 74-78 mph, displaying sharp 2/8 action through the zone with over 2700 RPM at times. His curveball also had well above-average spin, coming in with over 2500 RPM at times and playing with more downer shape and sharp action, 72-74 mph. His final offering was a changeup at 80-82 mph, spinning up to 2200 RPM with heavy run, flashing some feel around the zone. Upside arm with a dynamic arsenal to know in the state.

Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-1, 200-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo, short leg lift with slight tuck, tall/fall delivery that works in-line down the mound.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, arm plays with acceleration out front.
FB: T86, 85-86 mph. Plays with life out of the hand, has some arm-side run, throws to both sides of the plate. T2314, 2231 average rpm.
CB: 72-73 mph. Knuckle-curve, 1/8 shape, plays at the bottom of the zone, thrown with confidence. T2508, 2419 average rpm.
SL: 74-78 mph. Tight, 2/7 shape, plays at the bottom of the zone at times. T2750, 2565 average rpm.
CH: 80-82 mph. Plays with fade low in the zone, thrown with intent. T2218, 2087 average rpm.

Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 200-pounds. Sturdy frame, well-proportioned.
Delivery: Tall-and- fall, works in rhythm with minimal effort, works directionally with home.
Arm Action: LH. Long, clean arm action from a low 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. Clean out of the hand, four-seam action. T1894, 1760 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Feel for the zone, tight horizontal break. T2349, 2111 average rpm.
CH: 75-78 mph. Maintains arm-speed, late sinking action. T1805, 1745 average rpm.

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: LHH. Stock setup, balanced, small leg lift, medium stride. Easy, simple swing, strong hands and middle/pull-side approach.. 68.9 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 83.6 mph. 349’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 83 mph. Long, easy arm, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady actions around the bag, fluid and easy turn.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60.

Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed pitcher got the start against Mount Carmel. Went six innings, scattering eight hits, two earned runs and struck out six. O’Connor pounded the zone and challenged hitters throughout; registering a 70.1% strike rate with 22 first pitch strikes to 30 batters faced. He also showed a three-pitch mix with his fastball sitting at 78-81 mph with arm-side-run. The main secondary offering was a curveball with slurve-like action, thrown with confidence at 68-70 mph. He also showed a slider that worked off a 2/8 horizontal plane at 70-73 mph.