Matt
Wood

Featured earlier this spring in our Rising Catchers feature, Athletically built at 5-foot-10, 190-pounds, Wood is having an incredible season at the plate, entering the final weekend tied for the Big Ten lead in batting average (.402), and he's third in both slugging (.692) and on base percentage (.495). The junior shows a mature approach at the plate, complete with feel for the zone and the ability to recognize spin. A level swing plane allows him to maximize the time the barrel is in the zone, and it typically results in consistent hard contact. He runs fairly well for a backstop and has used his wheels to swipe five bags this spring. Scouts would like to continue to see more of that athleticism translate behind the plate, where the receiving and blocking are inconsistent. He showed below average arm strength in i/o and popped 2.09 from his knees during the game, albeit on a less than ideal pitch to throw on. With Wood, the carrying tool is the advanced left-handed bat, and it's appealing enough to tolerate some uncertainty in the defense. I'd expect to hear Wood's name called on day two of the draft this summer.

A 2nd Team All-Big Ten performer last year, Wood controls the strike zone (17 walks vs 15 strikeouts) and has a penchant for barreling the baseball. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound left-handed hitter has quick hands and a line drive stroke that's allowed him to currently rank 15th in the country in batting average (.412). His above average raw power has produced six home runs and a .679 SLG. He is neither heavy-legged nor twitchy and is considered an average athlete for a catcher. A quick exchange behind the dish allows his average arm to play up a bit, popping as high as 1.90 down to second, but he's more often in the 2.05-2.10 range. Overall, Wood is a work-in-progress defensively with a chance to become Major League average. As a draft prospect he will likely hear his name called somewhere around the 5th round.

Five-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance with wide base.  Initiates swing with short stride. Showed good balance, rhythmic load and short, connected approach to baseball. Bat is on plane throughout hitting zone allowing Wood to use whole field. Drove ball to opposite field gap on 86 mph FB. Defensively between inning pop time of 2.06. Hands are soft, frames well, flexibility is above average.  Showed ability to easily handle Virginia Tech recruit with late movement.

8/18/16 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitter starts from a wide, slightly open stance with a high back elbow and initiates his swing with a short stride. Sits on his back side well and hits off a stiff front leg producing a bat exit velocity of 86 mph. Impressed with a solid feel for the barrel and the ability to routinely barrel the baseball with authority, especially to the pull side. Flashed 72 mph arm strength out of the crouch with pop times of 2.20-2.28. Receives well and presents a soft wall for blocking. Throwing technique will improve as he works to better incorporate his back side allowing himself to get through his throws.