- Full name Kel Johnson
- Born 07/08/1995 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Mercer
Top Rankings
Draft Prospects
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Johnson has long been known among the amateur scouting community for his righthanded power bat, but there were major concerns on his bat coming out of high school. He struggled on the showcase circuit and played meager competition in the spring, playing in a league for home school students. Johnson was the No. 268 prospect in the 2014 BA 500, and now he's back in the rankings as a draft-eligible sophomore. He hit the ground running at Georgia Tech, batting near .300 and swatting 10 home runs as a freshman. His production improved this spring too, leading to less concern over the utility of his power. Johnson still has a swing built for both power and swing-and-miss, but some scouts believe there's enough thunder in his bat to produce 25-30 home runs, even if his ability to hit for average plays as a below-average tool. Johnson has played the outfield and been a DH for the Yellow Jackets, and will have to prove himself as an outfielder at every step up the ladder. He lacks ideal foot speed and range for the position and does not have plus arm strength. -
Johnson was a known entity as an underclassman, breaking the East Cobb home run record as a junior. He was the runner-up to Jacob Gatewood in the Junior Select home run derby at Citi Field during the 2013 All-Star Game. A team buying Johnson out of his Georgia Tech commitment is betting on his righthanded power. The 6-foot-3, 196-pounder has a physique built for power, with a muscular build and long arms. He has an easy swing with natural leverage from an uphill bat path, but he has struggled to consistently make contact on the showcase circuit and tap into his raw power, leaving scouts to question his hitting instincts. Johnson played in a home-school league this spring and has faced little in the way of quality competition. He plays the outfield and first base, which is likely his long-term destination. He is a well below-average runner with a below-average arm and limited range. Johnson, who is mature for a high school player, is intelligent and considered to be a tough sign away from Georgia Tech.