July 16, 2021 – Denver, CO –
Kenny Piper has become the second player ever to be drafted out of Columbia College; the first was Andrew Warner in 2018. The Tampa Bay Rays selected Piper in the 18th round of the 2021 draft. Standing at 5’10, Piper is one of the more exciting offensive prospects at the catcher position. Piper has always had plus power which leads to plenty of extra-base hits. In the three seasons that Baseball reference has recorded on Piper, he has an absurd .783 slugging percentage along with an even crazier 1.267 OPS.
Piper was a crucial part of the Columbia Cougars’ success. In just his freshman year with Columbia, he started in every game while slashing .338/.409/.428 according to the Columbia Cougars website. He was also solid defensively, posting a .932 fielding percentage leading to Second Team All-AMC selection.
Throughout his time with Columbia, Piper has proved to be an incredibly consistent offensive juggernaut. He ended his career with the Cougars hitting .462. He has a great approach at the plate, is not afraid to take walks, and usually does not chase far out the zone.
Arguably his best year was cut short due to COVID-19 in 2020, where Piper only played in 21 games. However, Piper was excellent in those games, hitting .425 with nine home runs and a .932 slugging percentage. Piper also had one of his best defensive years with a .982 fielding percentage.
According to Prep Baseball Report, Piper has a 2.02 pop time which would place him around league average. Already having a well-above-average arm, proven by his 64% throw-out percentage, if Piper were to work on his pop time, he could become a solid piece within the organization. Piper has a history of having a strong work ethic, so if he puts his mind to it, he can accomplish this.
With not a lot of depth at the catcher position, the Tampa Bay Rays would be more than happy with the skill set of Piper’s, assuming he properly develops. Having plenty of power and a will to work, Piper will have to prove he can still put up his outstanding power and contact numbers in the minors. It may take a while to be called up to the big leagues, but if Piper makes it, he will have all the tools necessary to carve out an excellent career when it is all said and done.
