At Prep Baseball Dakotas, our goal is to provide an in-depth analysis of pitching arsenals and what makes certain pitchers successful. By utilizing TrackMan Baseball, we aim to go beyond just velocity and spin rate, diving into all the data points that reveal how a pitcher manipulates the baseball to generate outs. These insights can be strong indicators of success—not only at the prep level but also in college and beyond.

Today, we take a look at Kyler Kudrna, the No. 1 ranked player in the Class of 2026 from Dickinson, North Dakota. The Uncommitted Junior lit up the North Dakota Preseason ID with plus stuff and command.

---

Kyler Kudrna: North Dakota Preseason ID 3/8/2025

Type	Velo	Spin	IVB	HB	RH	VAA
4SFB	87.4	2,157	13.3	11.1	5.3	-5.5
SNK	86.2	2,047	10.5	14.5	5.3	-6.3
SL	75.7	2,146	7.7	-4.5	5.2	-8.0
CH	79.4	1870	5.4	16.1	5.1	-6.1

*Outlier Metrics Bolded*

---

The Fastballs

Kudrna showcased two different types of fastballs in March. His Four seam fastball showed an average movement profile with the IVB and HB being very close to each other. Having a higher average velocity, along with above average spin rate, it could develop into a plus pitch.

The Junior showed off a sinker as well during his bullpen in West Fargo. The two metrics that stands out is Induced Vertical Break (IVB) and Vertical Approach Angle (VAA). This pitch doesn't have a ton of depth compared to high level sinkers (MLB average 6-9 in of IVB), but Kundra's VAA on the pitch averaged out at -6.3 inches, making it appear that the ball is dropping more, because the pitch is entering the zone at a higher angle. Keeping the sinker lower in the zone will allow it to play up, regardless of how much movement is on the pitch. 

Having different movement profiles on each adds another layer of deception a hitter has see, making these effective now and in the future.

4Seam And SNK Overlayed

---

Secondary Stuff

Metrically, Kudrna's most devistating pitch in his arsenal is his Change-Up. The average IVB on this pitch is 5.4 inches, along with 16.1 inches of arm side run, this pitch has the most total movement of his entire pitch mix. Also throwing the pitch at 79.4 MPH, it is hard enough to get swings and misses at the prep level, but also get takes when thrown in the zone. 

Kudrna's slider showed signes of being a plus pitch as well. The pitch maxed out at 77.6 MPH, with a horizontal break of -4.5 inches on average. This pitch was landed in the zone for strikes and can also be tunnled off of his other offerings, to make it play up. Added velocity could make this a lethal pitch in the future.

---

Interested In Attending A Prep Baseball Dakotas Event? Click Here
Interested In Subscribing to Prep Baseball? Click Here

Follow our:
X: @PBDakotas | Instagram: @PBDakotas | Facebook: Prep Baseball Dakotas