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Draft  | Story | 1/21/2022

KC Area Prospects Flourishing with Royals

Photo: Ben Kudrna (left), Carter Jensen (right)
The Kansas City area had two prep prospects who were head and shoulders above the pack going into the 2021 draft. The hometown Royals walked away with both.

Right-handed pitcher Ben Kudrna was selected in the second round (43rd overall) and catcher Carter Jensen was selected in the third round (78th overall). COVID-19 limited looks on all high school prospects in 2020, but fortunately for the Royals, they had plenty of history watching and getting to know both prospects throughout their prep careers as they both played on the Royals Scout Team during the summer throughout their high school careers.



In a recent discussion with a Royals front office executive, Perfect Game got an update on both players’ development since making the leap to the professional ranks.
 
Kudrna, who in his senior year at Blue Valley Southwest High School had one of the most projectable frames in the country - 6-foot-3, 195 pounds - was also sitting 91-93 mph with his fastball and would occasionally touch 96 mph. Most scouts who saw him projected future plus velocity on his heater (you can read Kudrna's report from the 2020 PG National Showcase on his PG profile here), and according to the Royals official we spoke with, Kudrna has already put on 20-30 pounds of “good weight” and he’s regularly touching 99 mph with his fastball these days.



On an even more positive note for both Kudrna and the Royals, the secondary pitch drawing the highest future grades is his changeup, a pitch he didn’t have to utilize very often against prep hitters last spring. Part of the reason the changeup has blossomed so quickly is because the Royals regularly have him throw sessions just using his fastball-changeup combination. His slider, which tends to sit in the mid-80s, has always shown tightness and late break. In PG looks during his prep career, Kudrna tended to rely on chases out of the zone with the pitch, but the Royals have been very encouraged by how far along the command for his secondary arsenal has come in just a short time in their system.

Jensen was more of a known commodity in the Perfect Game universe heading into the draft. The Park Hill High School product played in 24 PG events in his prep career, announcing himself with a walkoff home run in Jupiter during the 2019 WWBA World Championship, and later capping his prep career with a trip to Oklahoma City for the 2020 Perfect Game All-American Classic.



Jensen has always been carried by his big left-handed power and advanced approach at the plate. Many evaluators, including this one, saw some risk of him moving off the catcher position once he entered the professional ranks. That doesn't seem to be the case, however, in speaking with the Royals. Since getting Jensen in the door, they have been more than pleased with how he’s taken to professional development and how committed he’s been to staying behind the plate.

The huge hurdle for a lot of catcher’s development-wise is how much time and energy they must dedicate to the defensive side of the ball and working with the pitching staff. It often bleeds into their development time for their bat. That hasn’t happened with Jensen, though, as his approach continues to get rave reviews from Major League evaluators, and it helped him post a .281/.388/.404 slash line in the Arizona Complex League where he was almost three years younger than average player in the league.

There’s not a single Major League team that wouldn’t want a power-hitting backstop on their roster, and if Jensen’s catching abilities can continue to evolve, that’s exactly the ceiling a player like him has.



The Royals have always done their due diligence with scouting their own backyard, and the 2021 MLB Draft was no exception. Perfect Game got looks at Kudrna and Jensen at least a half dozen times during the high school season and there wasn't a single game where there wasn’t at least one Royals evaluator in attendance. Considering both played on the Royals Scout Team as amateurs, there likely wasn’t a team with more background or in-person looks on these two.

In an age where data is so prevalent on players, being able to have an accurate gauge on player attributes that can’t be quantified, such as makeup, will sometimes prove to be a separator in finding future Major League players.

2022 summer homes for Kudrna and Jensen haven't been set just yet. The Royals find it best to let that situation stay fluid and organic based on their development and Spring Training performance. With the consolidated Minor League alignment leaving organizations with fewer low-level affiliates, it's more difficult to make the jump from Complex League to Low-A.

However, the Royals won’t hesitate to hand either of the local products an aggressive assignment if the club feels that’s most appropriate for their long-term development. Both players are already proving to live up to their high ceilings many evaluators saw in their futures as amateurs, and if the two end up making it to the Major League level, their friends and family won’t have to travel far to watch their home games.



Draft | Mock Draft | 7/9/2023

Draft Night Mock: V 5.0

Brian Sakowski
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Round 1 1, Pittsburgh Pirates: Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS (Ind.) 2. Washington Nationals: Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU 3. Detroit Tigers: Dylan Crews, OF, LSU 4. Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida 5. Minnesota Twins: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (N.C.) 6. Oakland Athletics: Brayden Taylor, 3B, TCU 7. Cincinnati Reds: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest 8. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Teel, C, Virginia 9. Colorado Rockies: Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee 10. Miami Marlins: Matt Shaw, 2B/3B, Maryland 11. Los Angeles Angels: Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida 12. Arizona Diamondbacks: Enrique Bradfield Jr., CF, Vanderbilt 13. Chicago Cubs: Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss 14. Boston Red Sox: Aidan Miller, 3B, JW Mitchell HS (Fla.) 15. Chicago White Sox: Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (Fla.) 16. San Francisco Giants: Tommy Troy, 2B/3B, Stanford 17. Baltimore Orioles: Colt Emerson,...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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