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Jeren Kendall is a centerfielder for the Vanderbilt Commodores who is regarded as the top outfielder available in the 2017 draft. Kendall is 5’10’’ and weighs 180 pounds, and is often referred to as a smaller version of Jacoby Ellsbury. The Commodores’ outfielder played prep baseball at Holmen High School in Wisconsin and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 30th round, but chose to attend college. Kendall bats left and throws right, with natural athleticism adding to all areas of his game. To see what he offers as a prospect we will have to look at the basic areas of his game.

The most important aspect of Kendall’s game is his hit tool, which has caused scouts a lot of concern. Jeren is a line drive hitter with a simple load, which is what you want from hitters. His lower half has become more synchronized with the rest of his swing since his high school days, but he will still occasionally get off balance with his back leg, causing him to have trouble hitting breaking balls. The main concern with him as a hitter is pitch recognition, and he admits that even when he is hitting well he cannot tell his teammates what pitches he is getting. As a result, there is a lot of swing and miss in his game, which has taken a toll on both his season and his draft status.

Kendall has average power, and should be able to hit about 15 home runs on average when he reaches the big leagues. Offensively he profiles as a number two hitter in the order, with his plus speed giving him a chance to beat out routine grounders and steal bases. His speed and above average arm strength make him a great centerfielder, and now that Bryan Reynolds has left Vanderbilt for pro ball he has been given more chances to play at the premium spot. Because of Kendall’s defensive abilities, teams believe that Kendall will still be able to contribute in the majors even if his hitting never pans out. He is a good student and has a winning personality, and evaluators believe that he will work hard to make the needed adjustments.

The Twins have the first pick in the draft, and they have been looking at Kendall this spring. There are other players who are currently higher on their board, but if his hitting picks up in the next six weeks he could make a case to be taken first in the draft. Some sources from the industry say that Kendall is the Twins favorite hitter in the draft class, and if they decide to go that route, he would be the favorite to be picked. Minnesota has a history of taking players brimming with athleticism, but with the new regime in the front office that could change. If the Twins are concerned about similar college players not having had success in the big leagues they may stay away, but Darin Erstad did have success after being taken first overall in the 1995 draft.

Having looked at the basic areas of his game, it is easy to see why scouts like him, but it is also obvious that he will have a lot to work on once he gets drafted. Most people, like one Friday night starter in the SEC who I talked to, say others are better hitters, but that Kendall is one of the best all-around players in college. He will have to make progress as a hitter, since very few players get into major league lineups because of their defense, but he is talented enough to do that. Improving his pitch recognition and hitting to all fields would go a long way in advancing his career. Kendall would be a top five pick if the draft were held today, and when it is held in June he will likely be one of the first prospects to go.