Cape League prospect report

This is a feature I hope to be able to contribute weekly by highlighting one or more college players from the Cape Cod Baseball League. This week I’ll focus on Kolten Wong from the University of Hawai’i. Wong will be trying out for Team USA later this month but he has played for Orleans in the meantime before tryouts begin.

Wong hit .357/.436/.527 this spring as a sophomore but these numbers are even more impressive when adjusted for park and schedule (.438/.507/.647). So far this summer Wong has done nothing but rake. His .354 batting average is second in the league he has posted an OPS of 1.008. He is tied for first in the league with three home runs and third with nine stolen bases.

Wong is listed at 5’9 190 pounds but his compact frame generates surprising pop. He has plus bat speed and a short approach to the ball. He combines this with solid plate discipline making him a dangerous threat at the plate. Once on the base paths, Wong’s quickness allows him to be aggressive. He has the ability to steal 25-plus bases at the next level. When I saw him play last week he went 2-2 with a stolen base against Georgia Tech’s Mark Pope, who is among the top performing pitchers on the Cape thus far.

Wong has played all over the field in his career. On Hawaii’s roster he is listed as an infielder, outfielder, and catcher. He started as a center fielder his freshman year and played mostly second base this season. He profiles best at second because of his below average arm. He has pretty good hands and range but his footwork could stand some improvement.

He was drafted in the 16th round by the Minnesota Twins out of high school and nearly signed before opting for school. He will be draft eligible once again next spring and he should remain one of the better infield prospects in next year’s class.