Kala’i Rosario

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #14 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: If you draft a high school position player from Hawaii, you’ll need to have some patience. Even if they played in summer showcases, most prep hitters from the islands usually have to catch up to the level of competition in pro ball. Shane Sasaki, a 2019 Rays pick, blossomed in 2022 in his third pro season. A similar timetable played out for Rosario, as the 2020 draftee became the Midwest League MVP in 2023.
  
  Scouting Report: Rosario has always had two exceptional tools: he has plus-plus raw power and a plus arm that makes him a prototypical right fielder. After hitting 21 home runs for Cedar Rapids, he tied for the Arizona Fall League lead with seven home runs, but he also struck out 33% of the time. Rosario got to his power much more consistently in 2023, thanks in part to a shortened stride that helped his timing, as well as better pitch recognition. He remains a hitter with clear holes in his swing with little adjustability. If a pitcher tries to challenge Rosario on the inner third or at the top of the zone, Rosario will feast--he’s adept at hitting elevated fastballs. But a pitcher who can work down and away to Rosario doesn’t have much to worry about. He’s an average defender and fringe-average runner with that cannon of an arm.
  
  The Future: Rosario has made big strides already, but he needs to continue to make big improvements to get to a future MLB regular role. His power is legitimate, but as he heads to Double-A Wichita, he’ll need to make more contact.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #27 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Rosario was the top draft prospect out of Hawaii in 2020, separating himself by posting massive exit velocities at showcases like the Area Code Games and showing a good ability to use the entire field. The Twins signed Rosario for $270,000 in the fifth round and he was solid in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League (109 wRC+).
  
  Scouting Report: Rosario is an impressive, physical athlete with a strong frame and raw power that gets both 70 and 80 future grades. His exit velocities stack up with the better sluggers in the system, though that translated into just five home runs in 51 games this summer. He has the power to tally many more as he learns to drive the ball more consistently in games and cut down a below-average swing-and-miss rate. Rosario struck out at a 31.7% rate, though his swing decisions themselves are solid and he doesn’t chase out of the zone at an exorbitant rate. Rosario spent time in left field (78 innings) and right field (229 innings) this summer and is definitely a corner outfielder whose arm strength fits best for left field.
  
  The Future: Rosario has huge power upside and should get a chance at full-season ball for the first time in 2022 during his age-20 season. He’s praised for a strong work ethic.
  

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #88 prospect in 2020 draft
  Hawaii’s top 2020 draft prospect, Rosario separated himself last summer when he tied for the second-highest exit velocity at PG National and won the home run derby at the Area Code Games, sending one shot 440 feet. A strong, physical righthanded hitter, Rosario already posts exit velocities upward of 100 mph and elevates the ball to get the most from his brute strength. He draws consistent plus-plus power grades from evaluators and even an occasional 80. More than just a slugger, Rosario is a mature hitter who makes adjustments, can shoot the ball the other way and limits his strikeouts, although he is prone to swinging and missing at times. He is a good athlete for his size who currently plays center field but projects to move to a corner, likely left field unless his arm improves. Rosario has the bat to profile at any position and the strong makeup components to get the most from his talent. Many scouts consider him Hawaii's best high school draft prospect since 2014 first-rounder Kodi Medeiros. He is committed to California Baptist.

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 40/High
  
  Track Record: Rosario was the top draft prospect out of Hawaii in 2020, separating himself by posting massive exit velocities at showcases like the Area Code Games and showing a good ability to use the entire field. The Twins signed Rosario for $270,000 in the fifth round and he was solid in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League (109 wRC+).
  
  Scouting Report: Rosario is an impressive, physical athlete with a strong frame and raw power that gets both 70 and 80 future grades. His exit velocities stack up with the better sluggers in the system, though that translated into just five home runs in 51 games this summer. He has the power to tally many more as he learns to drive the ball more consistently in games and cut down a below-average swing-and-miss rate. Rosario struck out at a 31.7% rate, though his swing decisions themselves are solid and he doesn&#39t chase out of the zone at an exorbitant rate. Rosario spent time in left field (78 innings) and right field (229 innings) this summer and is definitely a corner outfielder whose arm strength fits best for left field.
  
  The Future: Rosario has huge power upside and should get a chance at full-season ball for the first time in 2022 during his age-20 season. He&#39s praised for a strong work ethic.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Rosario was the top draft prospect out of Hawaii in 2020, separating himself by posting massive exit velocities at showcases like the Area Code Games and showing a good ability to use the entire field. The Twins signed Rosario for $270,000 in the fifth round and he was solid in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League (109 wRC+).
  
  Scouting Report: Rosario is an impressive, physical athlete with a strong frame and raw power that gets both 70 and 80 future grades. His exit velocities stack up with the better sluggers in the system, though that translated into just five home runs in 51 games this summer. He has the power to tally many more as he learns to drive the ball more consistently in games and cut down a below-average swing-and-miss rate. Rosario struck out at a 31.7% rate, though his swing decisions themselves are solid and he doesn’t chase out of the zone at an exorbitant rate. Rosario spent time in left field (78 innings) and right field (229 innings) this summer and is definitely a corner outfielder whose arm strength fits best for left field.
  
  The Future: Rosario has huge power upside and should get a chance at full-season ball for the first time in 2022 during his age-20 season. He’s praised for a strong work ethic.