Top Prospects #21: Keaton Hayenga

#21 Keaton Hayenga


Age: 21
Pos: RHP
HT/WT: 6-4/190
Drafted: 31st Round, Pick #936 of 2007 Rule IV Draft
High School: Eastlake High School (WA)
ETA: 2014

Hayenga missed his senior season in high school due to a torn labrum. However, the Royals took a chance on the young hurler offering him a $300,000 bonus as a 31st round pick, knowing that he wouldn't be able to pitch in 2008. Because of his injuries Hayenga has been put on a conservative developmental track and has only logged 66.1 pro innings since being drafted.

Hayenga possesses a fastball in the 91-94 mph range, a curveball that has plus potential and an average change up. I like Hayenga and he would be an excellent story if he can continue to develop and turn himself into a big league pitcher, but his injury history scares me and I'm not a fan of his low strikeout rate. Like several other pitchers I have mentioned, I think Hayenga will be held back in extended spring training and then join the Burlington Bees crowded rotation sometime in May.