Kobe Kato

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #247 prospect in 2021 draft
  A walk-on from the state of Hawaii who redshirted in his first season (2018) at Arizona and played sparingly in the next two years, Kato turned himself into a quality regular for the Wildcats during their successful 2021 season and postseason run. Kato’s value comes from his ability to get on base and a keen understanding of the game, the latter attribute due in part to being the son of a high school coach. What stands out is his exceptional walk to strikeout rate, as he drew 41 bases on balls during the regular season against 29 strikeouts. Kato’s regular season batting line (.344/.469/.453 with one home run) is indicative of the kind of hitter he is. He draws some plus grades for his hit tool, an undersized slash hitter with a good knowledge of the strike zone. Kato has lightning quick hands with very good hand speed through contact. An average runner, Kato will steal the occasional base and his speed plays up on the bases because of his instincts. Most observers grade his second base defense as below-average, but he looked solid during Arizona’s postseason run. There’s a bit of a split camp on his long-term value, but enough teams like him that he’ll likely be drafted in the top-10 rounds.