Chicago Cubs: 2019 MLB Draft Profile and Interview with Kody Hoese

The Chicago Cubs brass really likes hitting prospects who can hit well in wood bat leagues. Tulane’s third basemen Kody Hoese fits that mold.

The Chicago Cubs could elect to keep stockpiling their hitting prospects by taking Tulane’s Kody Hoese with the 27th overall pick. Hoese plays third base for the Green Wave and was actually drafted in the 35th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to come back to school.

In his first two years on campus, he batted 0.265 with five home-runs and 44 runs-batted-in. He felt that he could do better and did he ever. This past season, Hoese slashed 0.406/0.498/0.831 to go along with 23 home-runs and 60 runs-batted-in. It was also the first time in his collegiate career that he took more walks than strikeouts, 35 to 23, respectively.

"“That (home run-to-strikeout ratio) is a big number right there,” said Sean Laird, a former South Alabama baseball player who coached Hoese for two summers with the Indiana Bulls travel team. “That’s showing he can see the ball in the zone. He’s not getting himself out and when he gets his pitch, he’s crushing the ball.” – via nola.com"

Hoese has terrific size and quick bat speed for a third basemen standing at 6′-4″ and 205 pounds. The Cubs really like hitting prospects who can hit in college as well as wood bat leagues. Hoese played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League last season and batted 0.283 with seven home-runs and 25 runs-batted-in in just 38 games.

Scouts aren’t sold on his defense at third base and they’d like to see a better track record than his 2018-2019 season:

"Teams will be plenty skeptical of Hoese on draft day considering his track record prior to this season and the fact that he’s a fringe-average defender at third base. – via BaseballAmerica"

We covered those topics and more during a recent Q&A with Hoese.

Q&A with Kody Hoese

Q: After hitting just five home-runs between your freshman and sophomore season, you hit 23 of them this season. What adjustments did you make that created the power surge?

A: I really got stronger and worked on my body over the offseason. Really matured as a hitter. Defined my approach and started recognizing how pitchers are trying to pitch me.

Q: It was also the first year in your collegiate career that you took more walks than strikeouts. What can you attribute to this?

A: I can attribute this to my preparation. Again, knowing the strike zone and recognizing what’s my pitch to hit.

Q: Can you speak on how you ended up at Tulane?

A: I chose Tulane because the coaching staff that recruited me was awesome. I also wanted to play in the south and it really has helped my game.

Q: Besides the obvious, what is the hardest transition between playing in college baseball vs wood bat leagues like the New England Collegiate Baseball League?

A: There’s really no major adjustments. I think that you need to stick to your approach and prepare well.

Q: You were drafted in the 35th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2018. What made you ultimately decide to return to school and try your luck at the draft again?

A: I chose to come back because I knew in my preparation and hard work that I was going to become a better player. I trusted my abilities. I knew with the hard work that I could potentially become a top pick.

Q: I’ve seen your name slowly climbing up draft boards. What would it mean for you to be taken 27th overall in the first round by the Chicago Cubs?

A: It would obviously feel great but I would be happy with any team that takes me. The Cubs are a great organization.

Q: What areas of your game do you feel that you need to improve? Do you see yourself as a major league third baseman?

A: I believe that you need to get better everyday with the little things involved in the game. Yes, I believe that I will be a 3rd basemen in the majors.