Ryan
Cermak

2022 MLB Draft: Built like an outside linebacker at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, the center fielder also runs like one. With sixty yard times in the 6.4s, this Redbird can fly. It's game-usable speed that plays on the bases and in the outfield where he covers gap-to-gap with remarkable closing speed for plus range. A former infielder who moved full-time to the big field early last spring, Cermak projects to the next level with raw tools that include a plus arm and plus defense with plus range. With a season slash of .340/.441/.696 and 19 home runs the right-handed hitter lowered his strikeout rate this spring (19.2%), down from 25.1% in 2021, while increasing his power production (.268 to .356 ISO). He also shows some of the top bat speed in the country, producing high level exit velocities, including a top three of 108.9, 108.0 and 107.5. Along with the bat whistling, there's also some funk and stiffness to his swing, but his enormous strength overcomes this deficiency. Beginning the 2021 season as a late Day Two type of prospect, Cermak has elevated himself to a likely mid-Day One selection.

Built like an outside linebacker at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, the center fielder also runs like one. With sixty yard times in the 6.4s, this Redbird can fly. It is also game useful speed that plays on the bases (5-for-5 SBs) and in center where he covers gap-to-gap with remarkable closing speed for plus range. A former infielder who moved full-time to the big field early last spring, Cermak has also seen action on the bump for the 'Birds this season where he has been clocked up to 96 mph. However, the outfield is where he projects at the next level with raw tools that include a 70-grade arm, 55/60 defense and 60 range. With a current season slash of .356/.500/.695 the right-handed hitter is off to a remarkable start in his draft year. He also shows some of the top bat speed in the country that produces elite-level exit velocities. With an average EV of 92.0 mph (ML average is around 88 mph) and a maximum EV of 112.3 Cermak can do damage to the baseball. He’s in a similar category to The Bat Whistler Dylan Crews. At this point Cermak’s main vulnerability is his approach which affects his strikeout rate. Too often he will chase out of the zone, especially with with two strikes. There is also some funk and stiffness to his swing. Cermak’s season K rate of 22.4% is still not the desired rate, yet it is an improvement from past seasons (25.1% in 2021 and 35.2% in 48 at-bats as a freshman in 2020). He’s made progress since our look noted in the Fall College Crosscheck from this past October and if it all continues to come together for his swing decisions, Cermak will elevate his status to a level indicative of a five-tool, middle of the diamond impact talent. For now his No. 178 rank (7th-8th round) in our preseason Top 250 has elevated to third round territory.

Two-way talent Ryan Cermak is a well-known prospect. He has made even more waves with scouts this fall. The physical bodied center fielder floated to a hand-timed 6.38 sixty during scout day and has also been up to 96 mph from the mound this fall. He's a plus defender with plus range who makes it look easy patrolling the big field. He was the Defensive POY in the Valley last spring, committing just one error to go along with 11 assists from the outfield. Although the right-handed hitter struggled with offspeed during my recent look, he posted solid numbers last spring with 11 home runs and a .284 batting average. His plus raw power is also easy to spot, giving him a not so common toolset of four plus tools (run, throw, defend, raw power). It's a rare package that can have significant value in the draft.

Illinois State recruit, currently ranked No. 67 in Illinois’ 2019 class. 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander closed out the game for the Sparks pumping 89-90, striking out the side with all strikes. Works fast with lots of funk in the delivery - hip coil, short stride, a little hop at foot strike and leg-kick finish. Arm works fast and is quick out front. Tough look for hitters.

Verbally committed to Illinois State.

Six-foot-1, 175-pound, two-way prospect with a strong, athletic build. Advanced arm strength for his age. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, coiled at balance point, long, quick arm action, from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, works straight, up in the zone, life at times, sat 84-87 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, ranged between 63-67 mph. Changeup, slows arm, feel, 63-65 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, aggressive, violent swing, looks to drive the baseball with authority. Pull approach, strength in bat.

1.15.17 - 6-foot, 165-pound, athletically built infielder with present lean strength. Right-handed hitter, strength through contact and aggressive swinger; registered an 83 mph exit velocity. Open setup, leg-kick timing trigger, pull approach and fluid rhythm throughout. Defensively, short, quick, loose arm action. Throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. Also, 7.56 runner in the 60.

10.20.16 - 6-foot, 160-pound, athletically built right-handed pitcher with a live arm. Drop and drive, slow-paced delivery, stays on-line, lands square with effort throughout. Arm works long and quick out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed life, straight action, sat 79-81 mph, touched 83. Changeup is currently best secondary offering; advanced feel for the zone, pounded the bottom quadrant, fade and sink action at times, 64-67 mph. Curveball, varying, arm speed, depth and sharpness; when thrown aggressively flashed sharp spin and depth 11/5 shape, ranged between 59-66 mph.