Austin
Kutz

Kutz is a unique player in his own right, as he currently stands at 6-foot-6, 200-pounds with long, lanky limbs that ooze upside. He’s pretty good under center as well, owning a formidable reputation as a signal caller for the Orioles that’s starting to get some Division I buzz on the gridiron. Kutz reached back for an 88 mph high on his fastball, sitting in the 84-88 mph range with above-average spin rates to pair (2,460 RPM average). Kutz averaged nearly 18 inches of horizontal action on his slider - a pitch that played in the low-70s and can be a true swing-and-miss offering should an uptick in velocity take place. Few possess the upside on the mound that he does, so we’re eager to see Kutz build off this momentum into the spring and summer. 

Kutz has made some slight alterations to his arm action and delivery, which has helped him sync up his extra-long levers with a little more regularity, resulting in increased velocity. The 6-foot-6, 190-pound righty was up to 86 mph on Sunday with his fastball that features big spin, especially for his age, measured at 2,335 rpm on average. The pitch carries and runs at above-average rates, too, making it capable of becoming an out-pitch on its own long-term. The offspeed feel is raw, but he’s able to spin the breaking ball, and as a good athlete for his huge frame, Kutz seems capable of making the adjustments he’ll need to enhance his arsenal over time.

Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-6, 190-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame. Long levers to pair.
Hit: RHH. Present balance in the lower half, hands move back slightly at load, toe-tap timing trigger into a short stride.  Simple uphill swing, high two-hand finish through contact. Line drive approach in the box.
Power: 94.73 max exit velocity, averaged 87.02 mph. 309’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C -  mph. INF - 79 mph. OF -  mph. Compact arm stroke, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Patient to the baseball, hands work under center of body with a slight glove pack to release.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60.

Delivery: Hands rock over head to start operation. High leg kick to an upright posture at balance point, tall/fall type delivery, lead leg swings to footstrike. Works in line to target, upright finish through release. Throws with some effort.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, works from a slightly elevated 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 83-85 mph. Showed vertical carry and run; averaged 18.1 inches of vertical break and 14.6 inches of horizontal movement, per TrackMan. Present run created from arm slot, advanced spin profile.  T2402, 2335 average rpm.
CB: 70-73 mph. Showed both 10/4 and 11/5 shape and spin. Still developing control, did show ability to spin.  T2263, 2149 average rpm.
CH: 75-78 mph. Decelerates body operation when throwing, maintains fastball slot. Straight action, some run.  T2065, 1944 average rpm.

Positional Profile: RHP/1B A high upside member of Wisconsin's 2023 class.
Body: 6-5, 175-pounds. Very long levers, high waist, thin. Premium projection.
Delivery: Upright start from the left of the rubber; side step to high knee balance point, slight hip turn. Drops and drives with level, on-line shoulders; lead foot lands on target, toe pointed square to home. Low effort, athletic finish, maintains control and balance throughout. Repeats especially well for long levers.
Arm Action: RH. Compact, quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Some slight/natural arm-side tail; flashed carry through the zone. Premium spin rates, topped 2,435 rpm while averaging an event-best 2,315. Projects as an out-pitch on its own.
CB: 68-69 mph. 12/6 shape, thrown with confidence and feel; flashed late action under the zone.

Positional Profile: RHP/C A multi-sport standout who emerged as a follow freshman arm in the state.
Body: 6-foot-5, 175-pounds. Long, lanky levers with a high waist. Premium athleticism and projection.
Delivery: Tall start from the center of the rubber; side steps to high knee, square/level shoulders, works on line. Drops and drives to square landing with extension, finishes in control and in an athletic position. Low effort involved throughout.
Arm Action: RH.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Slight arm-side run from steep angle, downhill tilt; jump, carry through the zone with finish.
CB: 69-70 mph. 12/6 shape, tight spin, short wrinkle.
CH: 72-74 mph. Thrown at arm speed with fade, tough angle. Feel to locate.