2016 MLB Draft: Carter Kieboom, 3B, Marietta, Georgia

The 2016 MLB Draft is rapidly approaching, beginning this evening at 7 PM eastern time. We will have some preview thoughts later this afternoon as well as a rumor exchange thread, but in the meantime here are some additional draft profiles, continuing with Georgia high school infielder Carter Kieboom.

An infielder at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, Carter comes from a baseball family: his older brothers are both fine players in their own right, Spencer a catcher in the Washington Nationals system and Trevor a third baseman at the University of Georgia. Carter himself is committed to Clemson but if drafted where his talent warrants, he may not get to school.

Listed at 6-2, 185, Kieboom is a right-handed hitter who stands out for his bat. His strike zone judgment and feel for hitting are considered excellent for his age. Although not a massive masher, his bat speed is sufficient to provide average to above-average power, 50-55 grade; combine that with his ability to get on base and you have a hitter.

Defensively he projects well as a third baseman although he is mainly a shortstop right now. He certainly has the athleticism, quickness, and arm strength for third base and while stretched at short, he is playable there at present.Third is likely the long-term destination however, but he should provide enough offense to be a viable corner bat, hitting for average, OBP, and with at least moderate power.

Kieboom was viewed as something like a third round pick six months ago but has shown enough this spring to move at least a round higher, with some rumors that he could get into the first round.

Video from Baseball Factory