Wes Kath

Kath got plenty of eyeballs on him as soon as MLB allowed amateur scouts to get back on the field last summer, with the lefthanded-hitting infielder playing in quite a few tournaments leading into his final high school season at Desert Mountain (Ariz.) High. The Arizona State commit was up to the challenge as he steadily started climbing draft boards, putting an exclamation point on his high school career when he slammed a long home run over the right-field bullpen at Tempe Diablo Stadium in the Wolves’ successful Arizona 5-A state championship game. Kath looks the part of an old-school ballplayer, not using batting gloves at the plate and having a consistency to his game. He shows plus raw power with an at least average hit tool, using a nice, easy flat swing and having a plan at the plate. It’s more gap-to-gap doubles power now with the ability to make adjustments and use all fields, but he’s expected to grow into more over-the-fence pop with age and experience. Most scouts believe Kath will have to move off shortstop to a corner infield spot, as he lacks twitchiness and good footwork coupled with his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. Observers who think he has a chance to stay at shortstop point out the good instincts and ability to finish plays. He has a plus arm with good carry on his throws. Kath is a below-average runner but better underway. The consensus opinion is that he’s a second-round talent, but there is speculation that with enough teams on him he could go before the end of the first round.