'Underrated' Roberts Looking For An Opportunity

Malakai Roberts 2B / RHP / LaBrae, OH / 2020

WARREN - Age and size are issues that could direct Malakai Roberts to junior college right out of high school.

The senior at LaBrae, who recently turned 17 years of age, has had interest from Lakeland, Cuyahoga and Sinclair on the JC level.

“I’m leaning toward the JUCO route,” Roberts said. “I feel like if I go D-II or D-III that I’m settling. I have always pushed myself for the best and JUCO could push me to Division I. That’s been my goal since I was young, to compete at the highest level possible. A lot of people tell me I can play there. Being 5-11 and 150 and my age are setbacks for me.”

The 154th-rated 2020 in Ohio - who has visited Marietta, Mount Union and Salem, a Division II school in West Virginia - is doing what he can to get bigger.

“I’ve really been hitting the weight room hard,” pointed out Roberts. “I’ve put on 12 to 15 pounds in the last six months. All my numbers have gone up the last six months to help get me where I need to go. I started out in the 143-146 range and I’m now 155-158.”

Roberts believes there is a lot he can bring to a college program.

“I’m a consistent top-of-the-order type of guy,” Roberts noted. “A 6.75 time in the 60 is my fastest, so I bring speed to the table and I don’t make a lot of errors. I feel I’m a good middle infielder and can compete in college as a freshman if I get the opportunity.”

Adding to his resume is the ability to pitch.

“It’s a potential,” Roberts said of being a two-way player at the next level. “I bring a decent fastball, but my control and offspeed are the biggest factors on the mound for me. I think once I get on a college weight program they can put more miles per hour on me.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, has good things to say about Roberts.