How did two Clemson commits fare at the MLB Draft Combine?
Ryan Wideman and Dax Kilby were two of the four Clemson Tigers that participated in Major League Baseball’s Draft Combine for the upcoming draft in July. With Cannarella expected to leave Clemson for the MLB, the Tigers hope they can hold onto their transfer outfielder Ryan Wideman and their incoming freshman, Dax Kilby. A strong combine for either of these prospects could mean a shot at being drafted, which could leave Clemson shorthanded going into next season. But the question is, how did the Clemson prospects fare over the last few days?
Dax Kilby: Strong Showing at the Draft Combine
The MLB’s 79th best prospect in the upcoming draft, according to MLB.com, had a terrific showing during the Draft Combine. Kilby, a native of Newnan, Georgia, showed off his skills in the field on Day 1 of the combine during infield drills. Kilby mostly played shortstop during his high school career, but can also play second and third base. Not only was Kilby sharp in the field, he swung the bat tremendously well. Kilby was one of Baseball America’s 11 Notable Prospects from Day One, as he showed off his elite exit velocity, consistently hitting the ball over 100 MPH, and topping out at 107.5 during his hitting session on Day 1. This performance from Clemson’s highly-ranked recruit shows why he was graded a perfect 10/10 by Perfect Game.
Although this performance from Kilby is great for his draft stock, it probably means that the freshman won’t reach campus next season. In their latest mock draft, ESPN has Kilby being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles 31st overall, but also mentioned that the MVP of the All-American Classic game could be nabbed by the San Diego Padres 25th overall. If Kilby does get drafted and decides to forgo his opportunity to play at Clemson, the Tigers still have their transfer from Appalachian State, Tyler Lichtenberg, who won the Sun Belt’s Freshman of the Year last season, to play shortstop.
Ryan Wideman: Will He Make it to Campus?
The MLB’s 155th best prospect in this year’s draft, according to MLB.com, was also solid during the Draft Combine. Wideman, a transfer from Western Kentucky, showed off his incredible arm talent in the outfield hitting 100 MPH. Wideman’s strength doesn’t stop there as his 20 doubles and 10 home runs this season show how powerful he can be with a bat in his hands. With how well Wideman played this season at Western Kentucky, slashing .398/.466/.652, and how sharp he looked at the MLB Draft Combine, Clemson could lose their new transfer before he even steps a foot on campus. Wideman’s strong combine can increase his draft stock higher than #155, where he is currently ranked by the MLB, and potentially make himself a late third round or early fourth round draft pick.
Per TigerNet, Baseball America’s Pete Flaherty said that Wideman making it past the draft without being selected would be “a miracle.” Flaherty also mentioned that he would be “floored” if Wideman made it to campus.
“He profiles as a top 3-5 or so round pick, but he’s a really impressive player, like elite, big league body plus runner, if not double, he’s turning double plus run times, can really go and get it in center field. He looks like a gazelle out there, like a tool shed fits that description to a T,” Flaherty added.
Flaherty also said that he doesn’t believe it will be a “huge pivot” for Clemson if Wideman decides to go to the MLB. “I mean internally, I don’t think that they’re even planning or thinking about him even making it to campus.”
Strong combine performances from Dax Kilby and Ryan Wideman have only increased speculation that neither player will step foot on campus next season. If both players do end up getting drafted it will be interesting to see where they get drafted and whether or not they decide to forgo their remaining collegiate eligibility. Clemson hopes to welcome both Kilby and Wideman to campus, but if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t put any money on those hopes.
