TX Spring Break: Impact Underclassmen
March 7, 2024
Each year, Texas’ three week run of “Spring Break Tournaments” across the state provides a pristine scouting ground for an initial spring evaluation. Whether mega matchups or inter-city rivalries, no state matches the jam-packed action of six games in three days for three straight weeks as coaches and programs look to evaluate talent while planning for district play and the road to State.
This year, On the Hunt found its way to Houston where some of the most intriguing MLB Draft talent resides, and a blossoming set of underclass superstars was apparent.
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Bryce Krenek LHP / 1B / Katy Taylor, TX / 2026Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 3
Krenek was sensational in opening district play for his Katy Taylor squad on the road against a strong Cinco Ranch lineup in a buzzy atmosphere that held some hostility. However, at 6-foot-2, 215-pounds with the mound presence of bulldog and toughness of a Texan workhorse arm, the uncommitted southpaw was masterful going 6.1 innings while striking out 12 against just two walks and three hits (1 ER).
Fluid with the tempo of a smooth delivery, there was a semi-rip out of the glove igniting a quick arm that showed loose in the back before releasing out of a ¾ slot with fastballs pumping in at 86-88+. He countered, early on, with an effective slider at 77-78 that took shorter sweep, and played up a grade because of his ability to change shape and location before burying late in counts. Later innings provided an intriguing look at an apparent confidence pitch that looked to be a split-finger changeup thrown to both left and right-handed hitters at 74-76. There is likely even more velocity on the way, and given his ability to throw three pitches for strikes, college coaches are sure to envision a future weekend starter in the making. Should the slider continue to develop (and it appears like it will), then Krenek might only be getting started. |