AB 2043
AVG .248
OBP .333
SLG .391
HR 44
  • Full name Kyler Brandon Burke
  • Born 04/20/1988 in Chattanooga, TN
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Ooltewah
  • Drafted in the C-A round (35th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2006 (signed for $950,000).
    View Draft Report
    After Burke became the first high school player in the state to hit 20 home runs since Jeremy Reed did it in 1998, most clubs were convinced his future was in the outfield. He has a sturdy, streamlined frame, and showed off his athletic ability when he won his school's slam dunk contest. He was also a linebacker for the football team. With above-average raw power, Burke can drive balls to all parts of the field, though his numbers were skewed because of a short right-field porch on his home field and substandard competition in southeast Tennessee. He has some feel for hitting, and showed a good eye during the spring, drawing 40 walks. He's an average runner, but better under way. He doesn't get great jumps in the outfield, but he has above-average arm strength and profiles at a corner, where he should be an adequate defender. He pitches at 89-91 mph, though his velocity often tails off to 86-88 in the middle innings. He spins a solid-average breaking ball. Burke pitches up in the zone too much. He signed with Vanderbilt, where he could be a potent two-way weapon. Similar to Twins prospect Kyle Waldrop, another high-profile Tennessee prep player who had committed to Vandy, Burke is expected to sign if he's taken in the top two rounds.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago Cubs in 2011
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago Cubs in 2010
  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Chicago Cubs in 2010
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago Cubs in 2009
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago Cubs in 2008

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