CLASS OF 2027

Payne Kent, Lafayette (MO), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 219-pounds. Durable build.
Hit: LHH. Tall even setup with a balanced base, weight shifted to the back side, and active hands. Uses a moderate leg lift trigger gaining ground forward. Long slightly uphill path through the zone, some barrels, power present. 73.7 mph bat speed with 9 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 max exit velocity, averaged 90.3 mph. 308' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-78 mph. Short stroke from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Confident athletic actions defensively.
ATH: 7.77 runner in the 60. 1.86 and 4.31 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.
Vizual Edge: 62.49 Edge Score

9/06/25

1B Payne Kent (Lafayette, 2027) continues to show some of the loudest raw power in Missouri’s 2027 class, profiling as a true middle-of-the-order bat at the next level. Physical at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, the left-handed hitter swung a heavy barrel throughout BP, consistently producing loud pull-side contact. Kent barreled his best ball at 100.9 mph — one of the day’s top exit velocities — while averaging an impressive 90.3 mph per batted ball. Kent is a name to keep an eye on and could continue to see his stock rise as he continues to prove he can produce at the highest levels.

2/22/25

Payne Kent, Lafayette (MO), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 220-pounds. Physical frame.
Hit: LHH. Tall even setup with a narrow base, weight centered, and active hands. Uses a moderate leg lift trigger gaining ground forward. Short slightly uphill path through the zone, some barrels, present power. 70.2 mph bat speed with 14 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 max exit velocity, averaged 78.4 mph. 286' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-76 mph.
Defense: Confident actions defensively.
ATH: 7.91 runner in the 60. 1.83 and 4.30 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 19.90 max vertical.

2/08/25

One of the most impressive and consistent rounds of BP this preseason came from 1B Payne Kent (Lafayette, 2027). Standing strong at 6-foot, 220 pounds, Kent unleashed powerful swings with clear aggression and intent, consistently driving the ball with authority to the pull side. His hardest-hit ball of the day was a 102.5 mph missile that traveled 358 feet. With significant middle-of-the-order power potential, Kent is undoubtedly a player to watch in the ‘27 class.

9/07/24

Payne Kent, Lafayette (MO), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 210-pounds. Durable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with a deliberate tempo. Uses a moderate leg lift before striding open and falling off after landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long strong arm action from an over the top slot.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Some strikes, keeps its plane. T2076, 1865 average rpm.
SL: 69-72 mph. Developing accuracy, rolling right to left break. T1923, 1780 average rpm.
ATH: 7.79 runner in the 60. 22.00 max vertical.

9/07/24

Payne Kent, Lafayette (MO), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 210-pounds. Durable frame.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, balanced base, feet even. Rhythmic movement in hands, moderate leg lift trigger gaining some ground forward. Compact flat path through the zone, some barrels. Power present with high exit velocity. 72.3 mph bat speed with 10 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 84.8 mph. 285' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-77 mph. Moderate stroke from an over the top slot.
Defense: Pronounced actions defensively.
ATH: 7.79 runner in the 60. 22.00 max vertical.

9/07/24

1B/RHP Payne Kent (Lafayette, 2027) continues to impress at the plate throughout our looks over the past year. An extremely physical, 6-foot, 211-pound left-handed bat, Kent was on the barrel with loud contact often throughout BP. He hammered balls back through the middle at an average of 84.8 mph topping out at 96 mph with plenty more in the tank. Additionally, Kent also hopped on the mound and pitched in the low-80s with his fastball. With present raw strength and size, Kent will be a name to follow in the 2027 class.

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