Image credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
| Born: 04/12/2000 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 0′ 0″ | Weight: |
| Mechanics |
| Extra-large frame with a slender, thin build; moderate growth remaining; Repeats his easy, balanced delivery well; 3/4 arm slot. |
| Evaluator | Nathan Graham |
| Report Date | 07/08/2022 |
| Affiliate | Cedar Rapids Kernels (High A, Twins) |
| Dates Seen | 6/12/22 |
| OFP/Risk | 50/High |
| MLB ETA | 2024 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| Fastball | 50 | 88-91 | 92 | Velocity currently sits in the average band for a lefty but will tick up a notch as he matures. He commands the fastball well to both sides and his natural arm-side run and ability to cut it help him stay off barrels. |
| Changeup | 50 | 80-84 | 85 | Currently the most advanced secondary. Replicates his arm action well. Fades away from hitters, eliciting weak contact. |
| Slider | 50 | 77-80 | 83 | Thrown slightly harder than the curve, but the two will blend together at times. When he gets it right it features 1-7 shape. Not a true swing and miss offering but will be an effective breaking pitch with continued development. |
| Curveball | 40 | 74-78 | 78 | Lacks feel, only mixed in a handful during my look mostly to steal a strike early in the count. |
| Overall |
| Povich doesn’t blow hitters away with premium stuff but he’s more than just a typical soft-tossing, under-slot, college lefty. He displays knowledge of pitch sequencing and mixes his pitches well to keep hitters off-balance. With expected velocity gains for the fastball and continued development of the secondaries Povich profiles as a future back of the rotation starter. |
| Born: 02/27/2002 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6′ 4″ | Weight: 205 |
| Primary Position: SS | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Tall, high-waisted, large frame with broad shoulders. Good athlete but movements aren’t always fluid, especially in the lower body. Slight physical projection possible. |
| Evaluator | Ben Spanier |
| Report Date | 07/07/2022 |
| Dates Seen | several Apr, May, Jun |
| Affiliate | Kannapolis Intimidators (Low A, White Sox) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Video |
| 2024 | Medium | 60 | No |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 60 | Fairly quiet, assured set-up with some rhythmic pre-pitch hand movement, slightly open stance with very small leg kick. Excellent barrel ability, very good plate discipline and approach, has ability to recognize spin/location and adjust, can use all fields. Has handled anything thrown at him at this level. |
| Power | 55 | Expecting power output to tick up on account of large, broad-shouldered frame with strength throughout, some physical projection, decent bat speed and leverage in swing. Seems to use contact-minded approach for the most part, but advanced plate discipline and pitch recognition bodes well for increased pop as he should be able to pick out pitches to turn on and drive when he desires it. He may very well get to a plus grade here, but not assuming it. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 40 | Below-average runner already, might slow further as he continues to grow into his body. |
| Glove | 50 | Has enough range and arm to play an average shortstop, though upper and lower-body movements can be somewhat disconnected at times. Not always the smoothest, but generally makes the plays. Should handle third or second if he has to move off position. |
| Arm | 55 | Plays overhand or sidearm, plenty strong enough for any IF position. |
| Overall |
| 60 OFP is based on well above-average offensive production for shortstop position, overall grade might get dinged slightly if move to 3B/2B proves necessary. While there is some negative variance re: the positional fit, there is positive variance depending on power output. Will be an impactful offensively-minded player regardless. |
| Born: 02/01/1999 (Age: 23) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6′ 2″ | Weight: 210 |
| Primary Position: RF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Extra large frame, strong build with a thick lower half; Physically mature. |
| Evaluator | Nathan Graham |
| Report Date | 07/08/2022 |
| Dates Seen | 4/10/22 |
| Affiliate | Quad Cities River Bandits (High A, Royals) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Video |
| 2023 | Medium | 50 | No |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 50 | Gentry utilizes an upright, balanced stance with a toe-tap for timing. He shows plus bat-to-ball skills and a solid command of the strike zone. Attacks in hitters counts, punishing mistakes, and recognizes spin well enough to not chase out of the zone. Average bat speed and some length in the swing leave him susceptible to high velocity. |
| Power | 60 | Plus raw power is generated by physical strength and natural loft in the swing. Very little is lost in-game due to the advanced approach shown at the plate. Hunts fastballs in hitters counts and is strong enough to put them over the fence to all fields. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 40 | Average present runner, not a threat to steal but runs the bases well. Likely to settle in as below average as he ages. |
| Glove | 50 | Limited range, but shows good instincts in the field. Takes efficient routes, and will be an adequate defender. |
| Arm | 60 | Strong arm, throws show good carry, will be able to handle any outfield position. |
| Overall |
| Aside from Bobby Witt Jr., recent Royals prospects certainly have a type. They tend to be older, more polished hitters who do everything well but lack loud tools. Gentry definitely fits this mold, likely to settle in at the major league level as an average hitter who hits with just enough power to be an average right fielder. |
| Born: 03/25/2002 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6′ 0″ | Weight: 184 |
| Primary Position: CF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Large frame with an athletic build, room for moderate growth. |
| Evaluator | Nathan Graham |
| Report Date | 09/11/2022 |
| Dates Seen | Multiple 2022 |
| Affiliate | South Bend Cubs (High A, Cubs) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Video |
| 2023 | Medium | 60 | No |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 60 | Quiet swing with very little wasted movement, hands start high and explode through the zone with plus bat speed. Shows solid bat-to-ball skills and a willingness to hit to all fields. Quick hands and wrists allow him to catch up to velocity. Currently, the approach is extremely aggressive and will chase outside of the zone. The hit tool will be plus as he learns to be more selective at the plate, learning better when to attack. |
| Power | 50 | He’s not a big, physical player but the ball jumps off the bat due to his extremely quick bat speed. Over-the-fence power is mostly to the pull side but will be able to produce loads of doubles and average home run totals at the big league level. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 60 | Super quick out of the box and flies down the line. An aggressive and smart runner that will leg out extra bases and challenge outfield arms. Uses speed well, will bunt for a hit and steal the occasional base. |
| Glove | 70 | Double-plus defender in center field. Gets outstanding jumps and tracks the ball well. Solid instincts in the field, will be able to stick in center for the foreseeable future. |
| Arm | 50 | Average arm strength but is accurate. Plays average in center, slightly above in left. |
| Overall |
| A passionate player who is always going full speed no matter the situation, almost to the point where you worry about his ability to withstand the rigors of a full major league season. He does all aspects of the game well, plays a gold-glove caliber outfield, and hits the ball with authority at the plate. Profiles as a plus major league starting center fielder who makes the occasional All-Star game. |
| Born: 07/08/2002 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6′ 4″ | Weight: 190 |
| Primary Position: RF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Extra-Large frame, thick build with plenty of natural strength. |
| Evaluator | Nathan Graham |
| Report Date | 09/17/2022 |
| Dates Seen | Multiple 2022 |
| Affiliate | South Bend Cubs (High A, Cubs) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Video |
| 2024 | High | 55 | No |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 50 | Features an upright, slightly open stance with a minimal load and leg kick. There’s above-average bat speed and barrel control. Swing can be long, making him susceptible to velocity on the inner half. Commands the zone well, is a patient hitter who doesn’t chase often, and will use the entire field. There’s always going to be some swing-and-miss but I also see additional hit tool development as he gains experience and will settle into a big league average hitter in the future. |
| Power | 60 | Plus bat speed and physical strength make for excellent raw power that can get out to any field. He’s still learning how to get to it in-game, and as the swing decisions continue to improve it will produce 25-30 home runs per year during his peak. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 50 | Has some sneaky athleticism, with above-average foot speed currently. Will settle into an average runner with maturity, not a base stealer but will not be a liability on the base paths. |
| Glove | 50 | Showed improvement over the course of the year as he continued to get reps in right field. Not a flashy defender and has just average range but shows solid instincts and takes efficient routes. Will work his way into becoming a major league average outfielder. |
| Arm | 60 | Strong arm, and shows good carry. More than enough to handle right field. |
| Overall |
| A classic corner outfielder with a power bat and strong arm. It was easy to forget he was one of the youngest players in the league this year, he shows a patient, mature approach usually seen in those with more experience. There’s room for growth in the bat that will come as he continues to get reps against advanced pitchers. When it does the power is going to blossom in-game giving Caissie a profile of a future middle-of-the-order run producer. |
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