Dalton
Reed

8-1-2018: 6’4/220 pounds with a track record of hitting for power from the left side. Reed will arrive on campus at Kentucky in the fall and has the potential to be an immediate impact bat for the Wildcats. Big and strong with a physically mature frame. Possesses the defensive actions and athleticism to stick at 1B. For the home run derby, set up in the box with a relaxed, narrow stance square to the pitcher. Easy lift in his swing to pull-side, where all of his home runs were hit. In the game, hit from a wider base with more knee bend and capable of hitting with power to all fields. In both instances, the hands show noticeable quickness and consistently work inside of the ball. Hits against a firm front side and shows top hand extension after contact. Overall the hitting actions are balanced, with low effort and quality bat speed. Hits with a mature approach and routinely finds a way to get his best swing off. Ripped a double to right-center field during the All-Star Game and drew a walk in his other at-bat. Launched an opposite field three-run home run when I was in attendance for a regular season match-up against the New Bedford Bay Sox. Possesses a quiet confidence in the batter’s box and simply has the look of an advanced hitter. It’ll be exciting to follow Reed’s progress in the spring as he gets the chance to prove himself against SEC competition for the first time. (D Jurik)