Drafted in the 17th round (519th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2023 (signed for $150,000).
View Draft Report
School: Ohio State Source: 4YR
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted Age At Draft: 21.8 Kern has put together a strong 135-game career at Ohio State with a career average of .302, with 36 doubles, 17 home runs and 101 RBIs. This spring the physical, 6-foot, 200-pound outfielder hit .283/.402/.470 with six home runs, 11 doubles and walked at a 15.1% rate compared to a 19.1% strikeout rate. Those walk and strikeout rates are notable, as Kern significantly improved his approach and swing decisions this spring compared to his first two seasons, more than doubling his walk rate from 2022, with a strong in-zone contact rate of 86% to go with it. Kern does not have much of a load and uses a small toe tap in the box, and he lets his natural strength and quick hands do the work. He takes a direct path to the baseball and has power to all fields, with plus power especially to the pull side. Kern’s running ability allows him to succeed in center field, but given the lack of arm strength he might fit better in left field in pro ball.
Top Rankings
Draft Prospects
School: Ohio State Source: 4YR
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted Age At Draft: 21.8 Kern has put together a strong 135-game career at Ohio State with a career average of .302, with 36 doubles, 17 home runs and 101 RBIs. This spring the physical, 6-foot, 200-pound outfielder hit .283/.402/.470 with six home runs, 11 doubles and walked at a 15.1% rate compared to a 19.1% strikeout rate. Those walk and strikeout rates are notable, as Kern significantly improved his approach and swing decisions this spring compared to his first two seasons, more than doubling his walk rate from 2022, with a strong in-zone contact rate of 86% to go with it. Kern does not have much of a load and uses a small toe tap in the box, and he lets his natural strength and quick hands do the work. He takes a direct path to the baseball and has power to all fields, with plus power especially to the pull side. Kern’s running ability allows him to succeed in center field, but given the lack of arm strength he might fit better in left field in pro ball.
Career Transactions
CF Kade Kern assigned to Atlanta Braves.
CF Kade Kern assigned to Rome Emperors from Augusta GreenJackets.
OF Kade Kern assigned to Augusta GreenJackets from Rome Emperors.
OF Kade Kern assigned to Rome Emperors from Augusta GreenJackets.
OF Kade Kern assigned to Augusta GreenJackets from FCL Braves.
OF Kade Kern assigned to Augusta GreenJackets from FCL Braves.
OF Kade Kern assigned to FCL Braves.
Atlanta Braves signed OF Kade Kern.
OF Kade Kern assigned to Ohio State Buckeyes.
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