Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Plum High School (PA)
Position: Outfield/First Base
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 pounds
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Alex Kirilloff 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Alex Kirilloff possesses the type of potential that scouts salivate over, which has seen his stock rise over the last few months. Kirilloff swings one of the premier bats in this draft class, and at the tender age of 18, is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Kirilloff has impressed at every opportunity as he is a recent 2016 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American and was First-Team All-Region in the Atlantic. This builds off his past accomplishments of being a PG 2014 Underclass High Honorable Mention and 2015 Underclass First-Team honoree. Kirilloff has shown off his tremendous power potential when he participated and won the Perfect Game AA Home run Derby as well.
Dave Kirilloff, Alex’s father, is a professional instructor and has been developing and improving the mechanics for baseball and softball players for over twenty-four years.
Strengths:
- Plus bat speed
- Plenty of raw power
- Mature approach at the plate
- Above average speed
Weaknesses:
- Plays a ‘non-premium’ position
- Average defensively
- May grow out of outfield entirely
MLB Comparison: Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins
Projected Pick Range: Kirilloff is already viewed as one of the best hitters in this draft, and the potential to develop into an even more potent hitter should land him within the top 20 of this draft class.
Most Likely Landing Spot: Los Angeles Angels
Bottom Line
Going 16 to the Los Angeles Angels may be a bit of a reach, but take a look at the Angels lineup. Couple that with one of the worst farm systems in baseball, and there clearly is a lack of talent up and down the roster. When you have one of the best players in baseball in Mike Trout, you need to surround him with as much talent as possible. If the Angels are intent on keeping Trout, then drafting Alex Kirilloff makes a ton of sense.
Kirilloff will provide some more balance in the lineup when he does eventually make it the big league roster in a few years. Additionally, by the time Kirilloff will potentially make it to the majors, the Angels will be that much closer to having Albert Pujols off their books and start to build around both Trout and Kirilloff for years to come.
Main Photo via Youtube
Sources: Perfect Game, Baseball Draft Report, USA Today, Viva El Birdos, Baseball 19
