With the 2018 Draft fast approaching (June 4-6 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Name: Alec Bohm
Position: 3B
School: Wichita State
Rank on Draft Top 200: 7
DOB: 8/3/1996
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 35 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
54 G, 211 AB, .332/.433/.616, 15 HR, 52 RBIs, 8 SB
Scouting report
Coming into 2018, scouts were divided as to which of Wichita State's two potential first-round position players was better. Greyson Jenista has more all-around ability and won the Cape Cod League Most Valuable Player Award last summer, but Bohm posted better numbers there and does a better job of tapping into his considerable power potential. Bohm easily settled the argument with a superior junior season, thrusting himself into consideration as a top-five selection in this year's Draft.
Bohm manages the strike zone well and makes consistent hard contact from the right side of the plate. He doesn't strike out as much as Jenista, he has an edge in bat speed and his stroke is more geared to generate power at this point. Bohm understands that he doesn't have to sell out to hit home runs, so he doesn't, letting his power come naturally.
Bohm doesn't offer much when he's outside of the batter's box, however. Though he has worked diligently to improve at third base, he lacks quickness and range, and his hands and arm grade out as average. He'll probably wind up at first base, but has the offensive upside to provide value there.
MLB comp:Nicholas Castellanos
Fun fact: Bohm is a Yankees fan, and his Wichita State teammate Jenista -- ranked No. 43 on MLB Pipeline's Draft Prospects list -- is a fan of the rival Red Sox.
He said it: "The wood bat is not really a disadvantage to me. I've always made the transition from metal to wood pretty easily. It's been real simple. I'm seeing the ball and slowing the game down." -- Bohm to the Wichita Eagle during Cape Cod League play in 2017
They said it: "I've said all along he's going to be one of the premier hitters in college baseball. There's not many hitters you coach that have the vision to see the ball out of the pitcher's hand like he does. He sees the ball early and he's a big, powerful, physical player." -- Wichita State baseball coach Todd Butler to the Wichita Eagle