Eddie
Rynders

Kent State commit. Rynders emerged as one of the most highly regarded infielders in Wisconsin entering the 2024 season, and lived up to the hype as he prepares for the MLB Draft in the near future. The slick-fielding shortstop was a problem on the offensive end for Wisconsin Lutheran, batting .430 with 13 extra base hits and 36 runs scored. Rynders capitalized on strikes when he saw them, but also provided a disciplined eye at the plate. The senior finished with 20 walks and only nine strikeouts during the regular season—finishing the year with a 1.318 OPS. He led the Vikings to a conference championship amongst quality programs in the greater Milwaukee area, along with a Regional Title in the Division 1 field. Even when he didn’t produce extra base hits, the No. 2 player in the state found himself in scoring position often. Rynders swiped 25 bags in 2024—summarizing his dominance on the offensive end. In the field, Rynders finished with a 0.96 fielding percentage at the shortstop position—continuing to raise his stock on the infield as a defender. The senior has a bright future ahead of him, as our staff will be intrigued to see where he takes the field next after concluding his prep career on a high note.

Rynders delivered some of the best swings of the event providing a glimpse at a potential hit/power combination in the future. Delivering heavy barrels with upwards of 102.2 mph exit velocities and 391 ft. max distance, the left-handed hitter out of Wisconsin was balanced while portraying some controlled violence to a swing that saw him turn the barrel in a tight window with a propensity for lifting. The bat is clearly the carrying tool for the 6.73-runner whose ceiling as an infield defender would be more average, but he moved well enough to warrant a look on the dirt with a versatile profile in the outfield.

INF Eddie Rynders (Wisconsin Lutheran, 2024; Kent State commit) looked the part as one of the top players in Wisconsin’s 2024 class this weekend, as the physical 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete ranks at No. 10 currently. His bat speed and confidence at the plate separates him on the diamond. Rynders showcased quality timing and patience, while also finding his share of barrels over the weekend. Ever since the Milwaukee Preseason ID, Rynders has been a standout in the state, and continued to write that narrative over the weekend. The Kent State commit finished with five hits in three games of action for his team.

Rynders continued to show why he is one of the state’s top prospects, regardless of class. One of the biggest takeaways from Rynders’ day was the mass he has added on to his athletic frame and is now listed at a premium 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. Rynders started his day by running a sub-7 60 at 6.99 and then would take one of the top rounds of infield defense, showcasing fluid, athletic and advanced actions, and fired his hardest bullet to first at 88 mph. While the rest of his day was impressive, Rynders really stole the show during his round of BP. Rynders, a left-handed hitter, sets up with rhythm before delivering a loose swing to the ball and he registered a max exit velocity of 97.1 mph and averaged 87.9 mph. His hit tool is also something we have seen collect a multitude of barrels in live gameplay, too. Currently ranked No. 10 in Wisconsin’s junior class, Rynders continued to impress our staff and we are confident that this won’t be the last time. 

SS Eddie Rynders (Wisconsin Lutheran, 2024; Kent State commit) continued to show why he is one of the state’s top prospects, regardless of class. One of the biggest takeaways from Rynders’ day was the mass he has added on to his athletic frame and is now listed at a premium 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. Rynders started his day by running a sub-7 60 at 6.99 and then would take one of the top rounds of infield defense, showcasing fluid, athletic and advanced actions, and fired his hardest bullet to first at 88 mph. While the rest of his day was impressive, Rynders really stole the show during his round of BP. Rynders, a left-handed hitter, sets up with rhythm before delivering a loose swing to the ball and he registered a max exit velocity of 97.1 mph and averaged 87.9 mph. His hit tool is also something we have seen collect a multitude of barrels in live gameplay, too. Currently ranked No. 10 in Wisconsin’s junior class, Rynders continued to impress our staff and we are confident that this won’t be the last time.

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. Long levers, projectable, more fill coming.
Hit: LHH. Wider base set up, slightly open.  Loose swing with barrel feel, drives balls to all fields.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 87.9 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH.  INF - 88 mph.  Present arm strength, carry and accuracy through the target.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fluid actions, fields ball to body, quick, clean transfer, athletic actions.
Run: 6.99 runner in the 60.

He exhibits some of the class’ biggest offensive potential, as a lean and wiry left-handed hitter with a loose swing that’s fluid in and through the zone. As he tacks on muscle to a 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame that can support it, he can mold his bat into one of the Midwest’s best – and his athleticism should keep him playing an above-average defense on the left side of the diamond.

Rynders is one to keep an eye on in this class. He’s got a loose left-handed swing and he enters the batter’s box with a confident look about him. Rynders has some projection to him, listed at a lanky 6-foot, 155 pounds, with a barrel control swing.

5-foot-8, 135 pounds; lanky frame with long levers. Left-handed hitter who tallied five hits over the weekend; athletic/balanced setup, short path that’s long through the zone, above-average bat speed, barrel feel, spray contact abilities. Solid up-the-middle actions on defense for age; short arm action with some carry.