Drafted in the 7th round (206th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2010 (signed for $125,000).
View Draft Report
Kevin Keyes is tied for the Texas team lead with 14 homers entering super-regional play, but he offers little beyond righthanded power and some arm strength. He has a long swing that most scouts don't believe will work with wood bats, and he's a well below-average defender in right field. He also has problems staying in shape (he carries more than his listed 225 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Keyes mashed 15 homers as a junior at Texas, where cavernous UFCU Disch-Falk Field isn't conducive to power, After signing for $125,000 as a seventh-round pick, he arrived at Vermont overweight, with a long swing and a big leg kick that the Nationals didn't like, and he struggled mightily. He got himself into better shape during the offseason, and he stayed in extended spring training at the start of 2011. His hard work paid dividends at low Class A, where he started to make use of his above-average power potential. Keyes gets in trouble when he gets pull-happy, though when he's locked in he can backspin balls out of the park to right-center. His approach and contact ability are improving, but he still projects as a below-average hitter. Keyes is a below-average runner who lacked the actions to play first base in college. He played right field last year due to Hagerstown's spacious left field, though he profiles as a left fielder with below-average range and fringy arm strength. Keyes' power bat will have to carry him through the minors, continuing with an assignment to high Class A in 2012.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone