2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: nos. 15-11
Bordering on the top 10 of the 2014 MLB draft prospects rankings. Have an oddity here in that this will be the first quintet that doesn’t include a prep player. All collegians here. Three solid arms, a backstop that possesses a quality bat and an athlete that should excel as a pro.
15. Max Pentecost, Kennesaw State, C, 6′ 2″, 190 lbs.
In the 2011 draft, the Texas Rangers selected Pentecost in the 7th round. Darn near signed him, too, but he elected to attend Kennesaw State in what now appears to be a brilliant move.
This season, all Pentecost has done is rake to the tune of a .423/.477/.634 slashline. Toss is 9 homers and 55 RBI. He walked and struck out the same number of times, 24. Within the Atlantic Sun conference, the slashline was even more impressive: .460/.500/.735. Yes, the bat will grab your attention.
All of this after being named the MVP of the Cape Cod League last season. Pentecost hits well because his approach is a professional one. In one at-bat, he’ll work the count. In the next, he’ll turn on the aggression. Sounds a bit like Michael Conforto except Pentecost should take some of his average to the pros. He’s more of a line drive hitter and can hit to all fields.
The defense is solid and his defensive skill set should see him stay behind the plate for some time. That alone makes Pentecost appealing.
Here’s some action form his time in the Cape Cod League.