2014 MLB Draft Profile- Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Waiakea HS (HI)

Most successful Hawaiian players have made it to the big leagues with contact hitting ability and defense. Kodi Medeiros might be the best arm ever to come out of the 50th state.

By Spencer Morris May 29, 2014, 3:30pm CDT

Summary

Kodi Medeiros burst onto the scene as an undersized left handed pitcher at Perfect Game national this year, somewhat reminiscent of Robert Kaminsky in 2013. At 6'0", 185 lbs., Medeiros does not have traditional starting pitcher size, and his very low 3/4 arm slot has caused many to typecast him as a reliever. However, Medeiros's stuff is absolutely dazzling. His fastball, which can touch 95-96, is a plus to plus-plus pitch with perhaps the best life I have ever seen. His arm slot and wrist action give the pitch frisbee-like spin that leads to massive arm side run and an almost boomerang action and some sink. He also throws a slider and a curve, and has Dallas Keuchel-esque quality of having all of his offerings start on a similar plane.

Mechanically, Medeiros relies on arm speed and trunk rotation to generate his velocity. His arm action puts some stress on his elbow but he has some loose athleticism. I have concerns about his future command given his delivery, as he loses a lot of pitches to the glove side and seems to have trouble working up and down the zone. He shows a feel for pitching and will throw any of his offerings late in counts, but his breaking stuff has less than consistent shape.

It's hard not to be enamored with Medeiros's upside. His fastball might be the third best in the high school class after Tyler Kolek and Grant Holmes, but the concerns about his command and ability to stick as a starter are real, in my opinion. His stuff is dynamite, though, and he'll be an exciting player to follow up the ladder wherever he goes.

MLB Projection

#2 starter upside, could be a dominant reliever as well. Has the moxie to close.

Projected Draft Round

I expect Kodi to be a sandwich pick and could easily see him being one of the top choices on the board at pick 1.37 for the Astros.

College Commitment

Pepperdine

Will He Sign?

Indications seem to suggest that he will.

Video

2014 MLB Draft Profile- Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Waiakea HS (HI)

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