On the Hunt: Valuable 2018 Uncommitted Players
May 11, 2017
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
With the Major League Baseball Draft less than a month away, the class of 2018 is less than 30 days from being “on the clock” for next year’s draft. While many of the 2018 players are committed to schools, there are still some valuable pieces to recruiting classes left uncommitted, and searching for the right situation and school. Of the six players featured this week in, On the Hunt, four list themselves as two-way players with one each being a pitcher-only and an infielder. Prominently featured are three players from Minnesota, including two from the same, stacked school. Also featured are players from Missouri, Virginia, and Connecticut. Each showcases the ability to make an impact at the next level, and given the right situation could thrive.
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Collin Denk RHP / OF / Lakeville North, MN / 2018Rankings State Rank:33 POS:11
Denk’s long, athletic frame stood out at PBR Minnesota’s Preseason All-State showcase, and his projectable quick arm will give him a chance to be a starter at the next level. Standing 6-foot-3, 166-pounds, Denk should be able to pack on a significant amount of weight/muscle in the near future. On the mound, the right-hander calmly pounded the zone with three average-to-above pitches including a fastball that sat 83-84 with heavy arm side life, at times. Easily repeating his motion, Denk delivers out of a high ¾ slot while stepping across his body. He manipulated his changeup by turning it over, and it faded in the zone at 74-76. Denk’s curveball took 11/5 shape at 72-74, and has a chance to be a swing and miss pitch sooner rather than later. A gifted athlete, I was told that Denk had finished his basketball season just days prior to performing at the event which only made it more impressive. Denk also exhibited a smooth stroke from the left side while coming through on a level plane albeit his hands were a bit slower given the rust that basketball season had put on them. I had speculated in early March that Denk’s velocity would likely rise very soon, and this week he was up to 88 mph with his fastball while his breaking ball was up to 75-76. With his athleticism, and the way his short arm stroke allows the ball to get on hitters in a hurry, Denk should be closely followed as he continues to mature, and will ultimately have a chance to contribute at a high level.
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