Uncommitted Spotlight: 2021 OF Branden Kanick (Indiana Area)

May 4, 2021
Joe Walentin
Operations / Scouting

Scouting Report

Diamonds in the Rough: Week 4

1/15/21

The Spin: Another burner who puts a vast amount of pressure on defenses, Kanick took the PA State Games by storm in July where he showed off the plus footspeed with a 6.62 60-yard dash only to turn in a 4.08 in-game home-to-first time on an infield single to the second baseman. The frame (5-foot-10, 155 pounds) is lean at the moment and will only keep getting stronger, further increasing an already adequate 91 mph bat-exit velocity. Some of the twitchier hands we’ve seen at an event all year, the right-handed hitter posted a 28.2 mph hand speed per Blast Motion while generating an other-worldly 30.1 G’s of rotational acceleration at his size. Consider the fact that he also notched an 86% on-plane efficiency evidencing bat to ball skills present and you’re looking at a good blend of contact/power at the plate. The outfielder handled routes extremely well in either direction with impressive first step quickness and the ability to get downhill in a hurry. The only question defensively was the arm strength (76 mph) which could limit him to a left field position if not improved, however we don’t foresee it being too big of an issue as Kanick should eventually be able to slot comfortably into a CF position at the next level.

6/15/20

Physical: 5-foot-10, 155 pounds; lean, athletic build. 6.62 runner in the 60.
Offensively: RHH. Feet even in a wide balanced base with hands starting up in front of the back shoulder; lift and replace stride while hands get back and down. Strong effort with balance in the lower half with uphill swing path staying on plane long through the zone; 21 degree bat angle into the zone via Blast Motion. Kanick is able to produce 22.3 G’s of force with an on-plane efficiency of 86%. Solid line drive contact through the middle and right side; average Trackman exit velocity of 79.26 MPH; peak exit velo was 91 MPH.
Defensively: Static during pre pitch; athletic actions playing through the ball. fields on his glove side with a seamless transfer; moderate take away to a 3/4 slot. OF - 75 MPH.

2/22/20

Showcased a lean and twitchy 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame with present athleticism in his actions and room to fill out as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins with a wide, even stance utilizing a simple and repeatable lift-and-replace stride with a low-hands load to initiate his swing. Displayed a line drive approach with raw twitch in his hands allowing for some barrel whip through the zone. Showed feel for the barrel while being on time consistently at contact point yielding an 85 mph bat-exit velocity during batting practice. Ran the top 60-time of the event at 6.62, demonstrating the athleticism he possesses. The primary outfielder featured active feet that took advantageous routes to the ball creating momentum towards the target. A quick first step and next-level speed should keep him in center field, but a 76 mph arm-strength should improve with improved depth on his takeaway through a high ¾ arm-slot.

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