Nikolos
Kavadas

2021 MLB Draft: Kavadas is a power-hitting first baseman with 46 career home runs, including 22 2021. Kavadas is a threat to go up top every at-bat. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, the left-handed hitter resembles another Hooiser state hitter in Kyle Schwarber. Kavadas also relies on man strength to blister baseballs. Currently batting .302 this year, his first time over .300 in a college season. This is largely due to a much-improved approach at the plate and swing adjustments. With an ultra quiet pre-pitch set-up, Kavadas is tall and upright. He uses his legs well in his swing and is long through the hitting zone, a big reason he has walked (26) more than he has struck out (22) for the first time in his collegiate career. He has also cut his strikeout rate from over 22 percent during the full season of 2019 to 19 percent in 2021. Possessing above average arm strength and good hands, he has logged some time at third base in past seasons and the outfield as a prep. However, his body type, limited lower-half agility and marginal range pushes his profile to future first base or DH, placing extra emphasis on his offensive production. The one-dimensional profile likely points to a mid-Day Two fit at present, though productive collegiate power bats have a way of moving up boards quickly.

Ranked No. 2 in our recent D1 Analytics, Kavadas is a power-hitting first baseman with 37 career home runs and counting, including 13 for far in 2021. Although his home run pace the last nine games has slowed with just one total, Kavadas remains a threat to go up top every at-bat. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, the left-handed hitting Kavadas resembles another Hooiser state hitter and current Major League Kyle Schwarber. And like the ex-Cub, Kavadas relies on man strength to blister baseballs. Currently batting .329, it is his first time over .300 in a college season. This is largely due to a much improved approach at the plate and swing adjustments. With an ultra quiet pre-pitch Kavadas sets up tall and upright. He uses his legs well in his swing and is long through the hitting zone, a big reason he has walked (26) more than he has struck out (22) for the first time in his collegiate career. He has also cut his strikeout rate from over 22% during the full season of 2019 to 19% in 2021. Possessing above average arm strength and good hands, he has logged some time at third base in past seasons and the outfield as a prep. However, his body type, limited lower-half agility and marginal range pushes his profile to future 1B/DH, placing extra emphasis on offensive production. The one-dimensional profile likely points to a mid-Day Two fit at present, though productive collegiate power bats have a way of moving up boards quickly.

Kavadas’s calling card is his big raw power, which helped him rack up 12 home runs and a .243 ISO through his sophomore spring in South Bend. That power carried over to the Cape, where the Irish corner infielder launched nine home runs (tied for the league lead with Kentucky’s TJ Collett) in 40 games and 154 plate appearances while running an overall slash line of .252/.344/.519. The left-hitting slugger hits from an open stance while utilizing a minimalist load and sizeable leg lift to get things started. His angled launch adds some length to the barrel path and creates some holes in his coverage, though Kavadas is strong enough to drive the ball pole to pole even without barreling the ball cleanly. The big power comes with a sizeable strikeout rate that is unlikely to drop significantly without an overhaul to the swing and barrel path, but few sticks on the Cape can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Irish slugger when it comes to potential impact power. While he has logged time at third and first base, body type and limited lower-half agility push the profile to future 1B/DH, placing extra emphasis on the offensive production. The one-dimensional profile likely points to a Day 2 fit at present, though productive collegiate power bats have a way of moving up boards quickly. (Faleris)

6-foot 205 pound LHH CF recorded a hit and 2RBI on the evening making several catches in the OF covering some ground. The number 28 player in the 2017 Indiana class has good balance and an athletic setup at the plate. Quiet rhythm with minimal load and stride. Average bat speed and good extension. Good approach with pull side power.  

3/30/16 Game Notes: The uncommitted Junior had a good start to the season, belting two doubles with an RBI.  The left-handed hitter appeared to be physically stronger than last year.  He hits from an athletic, crouch type setup, using a short stride. The load was smooth and displayed bat speed with the ability to get to extension.  During warmup's, the center-fielder showed a strong arm from the field with some life on his throws. He's currently ranked as a Top 30 player in Indiana's 2017 Rankings. 

6/25/15: Kavadas is a 6-foot 205 pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a good approach at the plate. He hits from an athletic setup, using a slight leg kick.  His load is smooth and displays quick hands through the zone with a level path.  He gets to extension, consistently barreling up the baseball with some pop. Has shown the ability to drive the gaps. Defensively, possesses solid actions with fluid footwork and a quick, clean exchange.  Throws from the outfield topped out at 89 with carry at the Top Prospect Games in June. 

2/22/15:  6-foot, 205 pound sophomore possesses a strong, muscular frame.  Defensively showcased average hands with a quick, loose arm.  Up to 87 from the outfield some carry and accuracy.  At the plate the LHH starts open and loads back.  Tendency to over rotate the lower half.  Shows good balance throughout his swing.  Possesses some bat speed and barrels up the baseball with some pop.  Recorded a high exit velo of 80 mph and ran a 7.68-60.  

PITCHING: 6-foot, 205 pounds pitches from a long, loose, ¾ arm action with average arm speed.  Regular effort in the delivery, uphill shoulders at launch.  Good line to the plate, lands square. Fastball was mostly straight, occasional run, at 80-81, up to 82.  11/5 breaking ball with late action at 64-65, spinner type pitch.  Slows his arm down when throwing the breaking ball.  

7/29/14:  6 foot, 195 pounds, 7.53/60,  Confident RHP that throws strikes from a quick ¾ arm delivery, fastball is 80-82 mph and touches 83 mph, slider is 61-63 with early gradual movement. He displays sound baseball instincts. He is an aggressive hitter with a fast bat, uses the whole field.

6/18/14: 6’0/195, 7.54/60 Strong and athletic body with room to fill out and get stronger. Has a plus arm from the outfield (86 mph) with carry. Gets in good position to throw and is a reliable fielder. His bat will carry, he hits from an athletic stance, with a short, smooth stride and load. He generates bats speed from a quick lower body, line drive type hitter. Very projectable player