John
Aiello

5.15.18 - Strong framed and athletic, Aiello has plus raw power but struggled during the series, even sitting out Sunday's game after going 0-for-5 with five strikeouts the night before. He has good bat speed, balance and a loose swing, yet was consistently late to the ball and lacked barrel control. Easier said than done, but if he could get consistent with his load and being in rhythm with the pitcher, this should help his ability to control the barrel for more consistent contact. Unfortunately, swing/miss and a lack of plate discipline have been the story of his spring. It was also concerning last season with a 27% strikeout rate, but hitting 20 home runs while sandwiched between two second rounders (Gavin Sheets and Stuart Fairchild) lessened the team impact of those empty at-bats. This spring his strikeout rate is currently just under 30%. Anything over a 20% college strikeout rate is a red flag for professional success since this rate usually increases as hitters see more skilled pitchers on a daily basis. He is similar statistically, physically and tool-wise to former Arizona Wildcat third baseman Bobby Dalbec who struck out in 30% of his plate appearances during his junior year, yet still wound up as a 4th round pick of the Red Sox in 2016. As a pro, Dalbec has continued to strike out, increasing to a 33% rate with a low average and modest power production. Defensively, Aiello showed an above average arm when his feet were set with average fielding actions and hands. Range was near average. Also, is an above average runner underway who has 10 stolen bases this spring. Played hard every pitch and didn't let his current struggles get the best of him. Aiello will face an interesting situation this June. His stock has obviously dropped this spring, but the draft rewards prospects like him with power and athleticism. Will he be drafted high enough to sign? Or will he return to Wake Forest for his senior season, complete his degree and lead what should be a very good Demon Deacon club next spring? He could also continue to work on switch-hitting, something he did his freshman season and also what he did extensively during Friday's pregame batting practice. Day 2 of the draft should answer this question.