Gosuke Katoh

Katoh opened eyes at the Area Code Games last summer, ripping a triple off the right-field wall at cavernous Blair Field. His stock continued to rise during a big senior year this spring, and he was batting .451 with 12 doubles and eight home runs, belying his reputation as a contact-oriented hitter. In the past, Katoh showed a tendency to hit everything to the opposite field, but he has sneaky strength in his wiry frame and could grow into fringe-average power. He's a tough out with a knack for putting the ball in play. When he hits the ball on the ground, his plus speed gives him a good chance to beat out infield singles. Katoh is the rare high school second baseman who's a legitimate pro prospect. His below-average arm is inadequate for shortstop but playable at second. His excellent athleticism is also an asset at second, where he has good range, smooth actions, sure hands and a quick release. Katoh is a good student who is committed to UCLA and regarded as a tough sign, so he was generating top-three-rounds buzz late in the spring, though the scouting consensus has him lower.