Walker Jenkins is considered the top high schooler in the 2023 MLB Draft. It’s a name that those that pay attention to mock drafts are familiar with. Jenkins is North Carolina’s best prep position prospect since Josh Hamilton, who went first overall in 1999. At 6’3″, Jenkins does damage in the batter’s box as his high school stats back it up. In 2022, he hit .527 in 30 games, with over half of his hits being extra bases. He led his conference with ten home runs and 40 RBI to win the Mideastern 3A/4A Conference Player of the Year. Primarily an outfielder, he’s a left-handed hitter with aggressive routes to the ball with quick feet.
Walker Jenkins Draft Profile
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 60
Strengths
Thanks to his 60-grade hit tool, Jenkins looks like a power hitter. He can turn on quality fastballs by driving them out of the park to right field. His pop can even extend to the opposite field too. Despite his hitting ability not standing out, his double-plus raw power gives him an excellent swing with consistent hard contact. Jenkins still has above-average speed with the instincts to handle center field at any level. He doesn’t have Max Clark’s tools, but there’s a case to be made about Jenkins having both the higher ceiling and floor.
Defensively, he’s a quality center fielder due to his above-average arm strength and quality. Jenkins takes quality routes to the ball with accurate throws across the field.
Weaknesses
There’s a lot to like about Jenkins, but his health is slightly concerning. He was cleared this spring, but he’s undergone hip surgeries in the past. Jenkins got off to a solid start in 2023, and he’s performing just fine. Although, it’s something to consider regarding his long-term durability. He should be just alright as his body continues to develop. Though Jenkins displayed plus speed early in his high school career, he has slowed a bit as he’s gotten stronger. No matter what, any team should be happy with drafting the 18-year-old.
MLB Player Comparison
One player comparison that’s been mentioned with Jenkins is Austin Meadows. He struggled early in his career but has since put up substantial numbers. Meadows is an excellent natural hitter; even this limited powers line-drive approach is at the plate. Though, Jenkins does hit for slightly more potent than Meadows himself. In the field, both players present to be good outfielders to handle center field.
While Jenkins’s speed isn’t at the elite level yet, he makes up for it with good jumps and strong instincts. It’s one big league profile that should make for an everyday outfielder. He has a powerful backside to produce excellent arm strength and carry. He could go off the board at any spot, but it wouldn’t surprise many if he fell out of the top 10.
Photo Credit: © Michael Cuneo/STARNEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK
Players mentioned:
Walker Jenkins, Josh Hamilton, Austin Meadows, Max Clark
