Grant Koch - C
DOB - 2/5/1997
Height/Weight - 6'0" 195 lbs.
Bats/Throws - R/R
Hit
Raw Power
Game Power
Run
Fielding
Throw
30/40
55/60
50/55
30/30
60/70
55/60
Future Value: 50
Grant Koch is a Junior C with a 6’0″ 195 lb. frame from the University of Arkansas.
Hitting with an open stance and showing a relaxed approach pre-swing, I can’t help but compare him to a young Wilson Ramos. Even though Ramos is elite when it comes to making contact in the zone (Z-Contact), Koch does a good job of limiting strikeouts (17% K rate) and getting on base (12% BB rate). He has great plate discipline prowess and really took a leap forward this year in improving his pitch recognition skills.
Koch is an athletic player who has a balanced approach at the plate. He’s able to use his strong wrists and hands to consistently drive the ball into the gaps. His in game power is evident by his 13 HR/.234 ISO, and is someone who’s still filling out and has some projection left on his body. Even though Koch’s swing won’t show up as being the fastest, he has a quick swing that keeps the bat head in the zone for a long time due to his minimal load and quick hands.
Even though he will need to fill out at the next level, it is imperative for him not to get too big as it could hurt his athletic tendencies at the plate. Defensively, the Arkansas coaching staff raves about his ability to handle the pitching staff and is gifted defensively considering he only committed one error and assisted on 50 plays. Unfortunately, I could not find video on his pitch framing, blocking, and arm strength but all received very high marks from his coaching staff.
Boasting tremendous skills both offensively and defensively, and paired with off the charts makeup and leadership skills, Grant Koch is one of the top Catcher prospects for 2018. He’s a balanced player that should be an average hitter and who should grade out above average via defensive metrics (DRS and UZR). Koch is a high character guy playing a prime position with skills that should translate to the next level, draft him and develop him.
baseballprospectssite.wordpress.com 