Carter Kieboom 2016 MLB Draft Profile

Carter Kieboom features a mature approach at the plate that should make him an offensive force one day. But can he stick at shortstop over the long term?

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Overview

School: Walton High School (Marietta, Georgia)
Position: Shortstop/Third Base
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right

Carter Kieboom 2016 MLB Draft Profile

For Carter Kieboom, baseball is in his blood. Carter’s brother Spencer is a catcher in the Washington Nationals organization, while another brother, Trevor, splits time between first base and the outfield for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Kieboom has a mature approach from the plate that has scouts drooling, with great discipline that leads to him being in more hitter’s counts. When aggressive, Kieboom demonstrates good awareness and control that allows him to connect with pitches all over the strike zone. He doesn’t project to be an explosive power hitter, but if his brothers are any indication of how he’ll fill out, he should develop above average power.

Currently playing shortstop, Kieboom has good enough footwork to remain at the position in the interim. However, he lacks the tools to play the position long term and is likely to end up at third base at some point in his career.

Strengths:

Ideal build for third base
Loose, clean swing that generates pop
Ability to let pitches get deep as opposed to cheating up
Above average footwork and arm makes him a fit for the hot corner or the middle infield

Weaknesses:

Lack of elite arm strength
Probably projects as a second or third baseman long-term, as opposed to shortstop
Average on the base-paths
Older amongst HS players in this class (19 in September 2016)

MLB Comparison: Trevor Story, Evan Longoria, Todd Frazier
Projected Pick Range: Late first round, early second round
Most Likely Landing Spot: Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, New York Mets

Bottom Line

Kieboom is an intriguing talent who will certainly attract the eye of many Major League ball clubs. Despite his commitment to Clemson, Kieboom will likely opt to begin his professional career if he is drafted as high as he is being projected (top-two rounds). It’s fair to say that Kieboom has tremendous offensive potential and will certainly hit as a pro. Coupled with above average defensive prowess (despite probably having to move off shortstop permanently) at a premium position, Kieboom is an extremely valuable young player with tremendous upside.

Given that he is only going to be 19 years old if he chooses to sign following the draft, Kieboom will require a decent amount of seasoning in the minor leagues. Look for the Chicago White Sox to think long-term in replacing free agent to-be Todd Frazier. The San Diego Padres who could use any help they can get in the infield, are also a likely suitor. Another interesting idea would be the possibility of Kieboom being drafted by the New York Mets, if they are considering looking for a long term replacement for David Wright. The Mets farm system has no clear replacement for Wright, and a player like Kieboom ,with outstanding makeup, fits the build. Wright’s career is in jeopardy due to his current struggle with Spinal Stenosis, so Kieboom’s development could work out perfectly with the team phasing David Wright out of the picture.