A pitcher with high risk with potential for a very high reward.
One of the most polarizing names in the MLB draft this season has been big prep left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound 18-year-old has captured the attention of many teams and scouts because of his massive frame and impressive athletic ability. Schoolcraft has demonstrated a unique athletic profile that extends beyond his size, thanks to his impressive ability to control his long limbs on the mound and at the plate.
Coming out of Oregon as a two-way player, Schoolcraft was originally slated to be in the 2026 draft class, but reclassified into the 2025 class just before his junior season. This allows him to enter the draft a year sooner in an attempt to remain healthy before the draft. With the draft right around the corner, there is a lot of buzz about Schoolcraft and where he could wind up, as well as what teams will look to do with him at the pro level.
In high school so far, Schoolcraft has dominated on both sides of the ball, and some view him as a legitimate two-way prospect. A power arm on the mound paired with a smooth delivery raises a lot of intrigue on the mound, and his big frame and power at the plate have caught some eyes as a potential first baseman as well. But most scouts think it would be in Kruz’s best interest to put the bat down in the pros and develop his electric arm.
Schoolcraft was even honored with the Gatorade Player of the Year award
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding a connection between the Royals and Schoolcraft. Less than a week ago, Jim Callis from MLB Pipeline had Kansas City selecting him with their first pick at 23. Carlos Collazo at Baseball America has the same projection, and Keith Law at The Athletic mentioned him as a potential option as well.
Starting on the mound, Schoolcraft is a dominating presence who stands tall, looking down on hitters from the mound. His primary pitch is a power four-seam fastball that sits in the upper 90s, but has an awkward shape and sometimes will register as a sinker. His slider is his best pitch, with great spin and has late bite across the zone, making it very difficult to pick up. Despite his youth and massive size, Schoolcraft has an impressive feel for his changeup that will give him a chance to stick in a rotation.
There are some concerns with his future on the mound because of his fastball’s lack of life through the zone. He will need to find some more carry on the pitch or make a full shift into a sinker that he can command low in the zone. There are some concerns with his command at times, but he has a good feel for all of his pitches, especially for someone of his size.
Statistically, Schoolcraft totaled 54 innings on the mound and only allowed 3 total runs. He showed an incredible ability to get strikeouts, with 96 on the year compared to 16 walks. Hitters simply could not keep up with the bigger, more physically dominating left-hander, and he helped lead his team to a state championship. He even pitched a full game in the semi-final game, showing his ability to go deep and be a starter long-term.
At the plate, he was also impressive this year and posted an unbelievable stat line of .482/.637/.906, showing why he may be the best high school baseball player in the nation. Despite his big frame, he only struck out four times with 37 walks and had 10 home runs, an incredible display of discipline and power at the plate.
With a lot of buzz around Schoolcraft and the Royals, it felt important to cover him and his potential fit with the team. Schoolcraft currently sits as my 18th overall pitcher and 7th overall prep arm, which is a bit lower than the MLB consensus. I love the upside he provides on the mound, and there is clear superstar potential, but also a lot of risk.
The Royals may very well be able to develop Schoolcraft into the superstar that many analysts think he could become. But the Royals are at a position where they can win right now, and need players who can provide organizational value immediately. Schoolcraft may take some time before he starts to move through the organization, and there are a few other players I think will provide more immediate value to the team.
MLB Pipeline: 19
Kiley McDaniel: 33
Baseball America ($): 21
Keith Law ($): 46
At the end of the day, Schoolcraft is a very high-quality prospect, who I think grades out with one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft. If the Royals wind up with him in their system, with their incredible knack for developing young pitchers, there is no telling the heights he may reach.