The Diamondbacks just made a move that could seriously pay off, nabbing infielder Carson Kerce with the 53rd pick in the MLB Draft. This kid from Georgia Tech, age 21, isn't just another prospect; he finished his 2026 season with an insane .384/.473/.679 slash line, knocking out 11 homers and 29 doubles. That's good for the second-most doubles among Division I hitters!
Carson Kerce's Bat Is an Absolute Machine
Seriously, Kerce's offensive game exploded in college. He started the 2026 season as a total afterthought, hanging out at the back of Georgia Tech's lineup. But guess what? His consistent performance at the plate forced the team's hand, and he moved into the leadoff role by April. Talk about a come-up! This right-handed hitter pairs excellent pure contact skills with a super advanced, all-fields approach. He keeps his swing level and direct, driving hard line drives into both gaps. Plus, he's been steadily cutting his strikeout rate throughout his college career, finishing 2026 with a tiny 13.3% strikeout rate and a ridiculous 90% in-zone contact rate. The numbers just scream "hitter."
Don't Sleep On His Utility Vibe
At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Kerce is described as a hard-swinging shortstop who plays with all-out effort. While his over-the-fence power might be "fringe-average" with a wood bat, don't let that fool you. His compact stature and supreme twitch allow him to really let the ball travel deep before he unloads, shooting tons of hard, low-lying contact the other way. He rocked a 60% hard-hit rate in 2026, which is just incredible for how consistently he's flushing the ball. He moved from third base to shortstop in 2026, but his range and hands might be better suited for second, third, or even a multi-positional utility role that could include center field. He's an above-average runner, too, getting out of the box quickly. The D-backs definitely picked up a versatile athlete with a bat that plays, and it'll be fascinating to see where he ultimately settles defensively in pro ball.
The Diamondbacks just added a seriously intriguing piece to their future. It's going to be wild to watch how Kerce develops that bat and finds his defensive home in their system. This kid is one to keep an eye on, no doubt.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.