Projectable Arn Has Bright Future On The Mound

BELLEFONTAINE - While Kaden Arn has changed as a player, his personality off the field remains the same.

“I’ve got a good attitude and don’t bring the team down,” related the Ben Logan incoming senior. “I’m the first one out of the dugout when a teammate scores.”

There is more to describe the 17-year-old from southwest Ohio.

“I’ve been working with kids in my neighborhood trying to get them better for future high school teams,” Arn said.

The 26th-rated 2022 right-handed pitcher in the state has been a big help for whatever squad he has played on of late, most recently throwing a no-hitter for Bo Jackson Elite in the championship game of a tournament in Alabama against the Mississippi Rangers.

“That was my second no-hitter I’ve ever thrown,” pointed out Arn. “I threw one my freshman year of high school.”

This past season, Arn earned first-team All-State honors in leading Ben Logan to number one in the final PBR Division III rankings, finishing 7-1 with one save and a 0.40 ERA, fanning 73 in 51.2 innings.

“I lost 30 pounds since last fall and that’s helped me get more mobility on the mound,” explained the 6-3 190-pounder, who also batted .386 with 23 RBIs and 19 runs scored for the Raiders. “I’m stronger with more lean muscle.”

It has colleges taking an interest in the former 220-pounder, who hit 87 with his fastball at the Ohio Top Prospect Games last month.

“I’ve been talking with a few schools that watched me at Grand Park and at the Top Prospect Games,” Arn noted. “I made a few contacts there, some D-I schools in the MAC.”

The 14th-ranked uncommitted 2022 RHP in Ohio brings a lot to the table.

“They like my size and that I’ve got a whippy arm, so I’m pretty projectable,” Arn explained. “They also like my pitchability. I can control all three pitches.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Scouting Director, sees a bright future for the 85th-rated player in Ohio’s 2022 class.

“He’s a guy that’s on college coaches radar because he has several physical indicators of a guy who has another jump left in there,” Chiero said. “Combine the potential for more velocity and his present pitchability/6-foot-3 frame, and there’s a ton to like.” 

Playing at a prestigious event like the Top Prospect Games, as well as on a team like Bo Jackson, has been a blessing according to Arn.

“It’s been a great experience,” Arn related. “You’re always seeing great competition so you really have to learn how to pitch. I’ve also been able to learn by looking at what others are doing and how they prepare themselves and I try to copy that.”

Plenty of help has come along the baseball journey for Arn, who credits his father, Brad, along with Brian Garman, Scott Wilson and coaches (Tom) Shaffer, (Connor) Crotty and (Stephen) Hernon with being instrumental in his development. “Mark Brunswick, Billy Fultz, Casey Rausch, Kevin Price and John LaCort are coaches that early in my career really got things started,” added Arn.

“I’ve wanted to play college baseball since I was playing 9U,” reflected Arn, who also excels at Ben Logan in the sport of basketball. “I’ve always loved baseball. When I was 14 I grew a lot and became a better pitcher and college started becoming realistic.”

Arn is confident about having the ability to benefit a program at the next level.

“I get outs,” Arn said. “I'm a pretty efficient pitcher. My mindset is to throw strikes and if I get strikeouts I get them. Just spot up and let them hit it.”

More velocity is necessary according to Arn.

“I really need about three more miles per hour,” Arn admitted. “I also need more break on all my pitches and to get stronger.”

While working toward those goals, Arn hopes to commit by the end of fall.

“I’m going to finish summer ball, play fall ball and attend prospect camps at schools I like,” concluded Arn, a 3.19 student planning to major in business economics. “I’m looking for good academics, nice facilities, good coaching and a good atmosphere. Pitch development and how they’re going to make a pitcher better is also important.”