Kyle
Krause

UVA Commit. 6-foot-1, 170 pounds. This was a late addition to our deep Peach State talent pool, but we gladly welcome him with open arms. Let’s not pretend that Krause makes himself hard to like as a pitcher, he steps in immediately for us as one of the best pitchability arms in the class. There is a reason he got locked up by such a prestigious college program before even reaching HS, and you can see the traits after only watching him face 1-2 hitters. He repeats a slight crossfire delivery at a very high level. With good footwork & efficiency thru up+down+out phases leading to consistent direction, I love the gradual build of pace in the delivery. It’s a big part of what makes Kyle’s delivery so effortless, and it creates plenty of explosiveness without the risk of the inconsistencies that come with a delivery that's fast paced out of the gate. Although he will occasionally cut the FB, it’s very unique how he’s able to get consistent running life on the pitch despite landing in a crossfire position. That's due to 3 things - 1. Tall, upright posture in the upper half. 2. A slight arch/lean during stride phase. 3. His near OH arm slot. Just the combo of the crossfire and the steep trajectory his FB comes in on is confusing to hitters, but once you add running action to the equation many hitters just freeze as he peppers the bottom of the zone to get ahead. Then we get to his sweeping 69-71 CB, which is easily one of the most consistent in the class. Each one he threw on this day had gradual sweep, an identical 11-5 shape, and late and late bite. This is a pitch he can throw in any count and what a weapon to have as a FR in HS. We look forward to seeing the CH, and tracking his progression in the strength category of things.

Physical: Lean, athletic 6-foot, 155lb build with projection. 7.91 runner in the 60-yard dash.

Offensively: RHH - Wider, upright stance as the hands operated in-rhythm, bouncing off the shoulder. Utilized a directional lift and replace stride outside shoulder-width and initiated the swing through a grounded, flat path with lift after impact. Drove the ball over the middle of the field, from gap to gap, posting a T84 mph bat-exit velocity in a lofty approach (55% fly ball rate via Trackman, 307 foot distance). Hit behind the ball well with some authority into a stiff front-side (proper weight shift) creating good connection in the box. 

Defensively: The third baseman featured a lower base with twitchy, quick first step actions in either direction. Ranged well to his glove side, extending long arms outside the frame with accuracy to the ball. Clean footwork and could round off routes, holding momentum to the glove from H ¾ slot (76 mph arm). 

Pitching: RHP - Set up off the center of the rubber with moderate pace in the delivery. Showed off a slight hitch at the top of the stack, angling downhill from release at a H ¾ slot with ability to get over the front-side well with leverage. The FB ranged from 79-81, T82 mph with occasional carry to the bottom of the zone, mixing a well-spun, two-plane 63-65 mph breaker with tight 11/5 shape. One-two punch that found the zone for strikes early.

Physical: 5-foot-11, 150 pounds; Athletic, lean build. 7.95 runner in the 60.

Offensively: RHH. Even setup, with feet wide spread; upright bat position. Loads straight back with an up and down stride for timing. Drifts into contact while showing an average effort from the legs. Showed a sweeping swing path. with a two handed finish.  More flyballs than line drives and groundballs with a peak exit velocity of 83 MPH via Trackman.

Defensively: Starts with a balanced setup; uses prep step while plays low to the ground. Hands are out in front while funneling to the hip before transfer. Moderate arm circle  from a standard 3/4 arm slot.   INF - 72 MPH. 

Pitching: Krause uses a center rubber setup while using an angled drop step. Belt high leg drive with shoulders above the hips. Has a moderate stride landing inline with the plate. Moderate arm swing while showing some scap load, while working through a high 3/4 slot. Upright with finish. FB: Peak velo of 79 MPH, while sitting 77-79 MPH; arm side run. CB: 63-65 MPH; 12-6 shape.