| Player: Dee Kennedy | |||||||||||
| School: Kansas State | Position(s): SS | ||||||||||
| Height: 5′ 11″ | Weight: 180 lbs. | Bats: Right | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: Few players came out of the gate as hot as Dee Kennedy to open the 2026 collegiate season. Garnering National Player of the Week honors from multiple outlets, Kennedy showed promise on both sides of the ball as he makes the move from 3B to SS for the Wildcats. Offensively, Kennedy flashed all aspects of his game at the MLB Desert Invitational, showing power, run production, speed, and an improved hit tool. At the plate, Kennedy leverages his smaller frame to generate considerable power, launching three home runs (two grand slams) during opening weekend in Phoenix. Utilizing a simple approach, Kennedy gathers timing with a small toe tap and bat that stays through the zone for a long period of time. He generates considerable bat speed and demonstrates the ability to attack pitches in each quadrant of the zone. Kennedy’s athleticism has been on display early for the Wildcats showing range and a strong arm from multiple angles at short stop. Playing 3B, 2B and left field prior to 2026, Kennedy is versatile though may profile more as a 2nd basemen at the next level. The ability to steal bags is another tool in his belt. In 2025 he amassed a total of 12 stolen bases and should eclipse that mark early in 2026. A player with multiple plus tool potential and freakish athletic ability, Kennedy has turned heads early in 2026. Should he continue on this trajectory, he has a chance to see his stock rise as we approach the 2026 draft. | |||||||||||
Eric Dillinger is currently the Head Baseball Coach at Erie High School, entering his 4th season as the Head Coach and 9th season overall. Dillinger was the pitching coach at Erie prior to becoming head coach. At the club level, he has coached nationally for multiple organizations including the Colorado Yard Dawgs, the Colorado Rockies Scout program, and USA Prime. Dillinger is also currently the General Manager for D-BAT NW Denver. In addition to his duties as GM, he is also a senior pitching instructor. He is certified in Rapsodo Pitching and is also Driveline Certified (Pitch Design). Beyond coaching on the field, Dillinger enjoys helping athletes in the recruiting process. He has helped over 40 athletes find homes at the next level.
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