Washington Nationals’ prospects - AFL Scouting Report: Carter Kieboom

Adam McInturff of 2080 Baseball is back with scouting reports on all of the Washington Nationals’ prospects who participated in the Arizona Fall League, starting with shortstop (and future second baseman?) Carter Kieboom...

Name: Carter Kieboom

Age (as of September 1, 2018): 21y, 0m

Position: SS/2B

Bats/Throws: R/R

Present Role: 45

Future Role: 60 (Top 10 at Position/All-Star)

ETA: 2019

2018 Level: Harrisburg (AA), Potomac (A+)

AFL STATISTICS (SALT RIVER RAFTERS):

SCOUTING CONTENT:

• Carter Kieboom Scouting Report- LINK

OVERALL SUMMARY:

Kieboom had a banner regular season in 2018, finishing the year in Double-A and holding his own as a 20-year-old against much older competition. He turned 21 days after the Fall League started, and the Nationals continued to challenge their young star prospect by sending him to AFL after his longest season as a pro. Kieboom looked tired at times this fall, hitting for less power than he’s capable and moving a bit worse defensively. Still, the pure swing, contact ability, and mature feel for the strike zone all showed through. He moved between SS and 2B, getting good reps at both positions.

THE FUTURE:

The Nationals have showed they aren’t afraid to rely on young players if they’re ready. Kieboom was out in AFL for a reason, as he has a chance to contribute to the big club in 2019 if he performs and has a good Spring Training. If Kieboom can stay at shortstop, there’s all-star potential given his offensive upside. He’s a safe bet to be at least a solid regular.

A native of Washington, D.C., Adam will be periodically contributing scouting pieces on Nationals prospects for Federal Baseball. Currently, he’s the Assistant Director of Professional Evaluation at 2080 Baseball. Previously, Adam worked in the Baseball Operations departments of the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers after serving as a Senior Prospect Writer for Baseball Prospectus. You can follow him on Twitter: @2080adam. Adam can be reached at amcinturff@2080baseball.com for all podcast and media requests.