Uncommitted Spotlight: '20 SS AJ Kostic
April 27, 2020
We continue our coverage of uncommitted players, spotlighting them to help maximize their exposure and assist them in the recruiting process. Today, we look at 2020 SS AJ Kostic (Northwest Christian).
Kostic is ranked No. 68 in AZ; No. 17 among shortstops in the 2020 class. He last came to a PBR event back in June of 2019 where he put up a decent showing. He also stood out through some of our fall tournament coverage. Kostic has a large body with long limbs, some strength to frame. We could see a possible move to third base or would be an above average defensive first basemen in the future. His bat stands out with some pop, showing body control. He may also be able to get on the mound and eat some innings with some natural arm strength. Read below for his scouting report and video from the event:
Scouting Report
6’2 170-pound frame. Starts with a slightly open stance, using knee to knee lift to get square on contact. Good rhythm in hands pre-pitch. Small hitch in hands before they start forward, causes disconnection getting into slot. Works into zone early. 89 MPH exit velo. Good pace with feet leading into ground balls. Keeps ball middle to his left, using momentum to throw across the infield at 81 MPH.
10/10/18 - Wiry 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame with a very high waist. Only 2020 prospect at the event. Two-way prospect showed significantly better on the mound. Still has significant room to mature physically with more velocity likely on the way. Really works downhill with quick rock step and high leg-lift into athletic delivery. Long, fluid arm action and high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-82, T83 with significant plane. Forward move and arm work significantly slower on offspeed pitches, creating a hump in his 61-63 mph curveball and tipping the -75 mph mph changeup. Both were thrown for strikes. Intriguing follow as RHP. Also worked out as an infielder and does show some tools to hit with long levers, but barrel tends to work underneath the baseball. 3B defensive profile with workable hands and arm as best tool. Plays high at times. 7.89 60-yard dash.