Christian Knapczyk 2023 MLB Draft Profile
Prospect: Christian Knapczyk
Position: Shortstop/Middle Infielder
School: Louisville
Year: True Junior
Bat/Throws: L/R
Height, Weight: 5-9, 165
Background
Born Dec. 16, 2001 (age 21) to parents Tasha and Thomas Knapczyk. A native of Plainfield, Ill., he lettered four years in baseball and three years in basketball at Joliet Catholic Academy. Knapczyk was the No. 347 prospect in the Class of 2020 and No. 5 shortstop in the state of Illinois by Perfect Game, but was not drafted out of high school.
Knapczyk wasted little time becoming a regular contributor for Louisville. Playing in 44 of Louisville's 50 games with 43 starts as a true freshman in 2021. he posted a .297/.374/.385 slash line with 19 RBI, nine doubles, two triples, 14 walks and seven stolen bases. Both his batting average and on-base percentage were good for fourth on the team.
The next season as a sophomore, Knapczyk took a large step forward, and was one of the most reliable and consistent leadoff batters in the ACC. In 54 games and 53 starts, he batted .346/.480/.465 with two home runs, 27 RBI, 12 doubles, four triples, 41 walks, 17 stolen bases and 75 total runs scored. His batting average was second on the team, his on-base percentage was fourth in the ACC, while his 1.33 runs per game was good for fourth nationally.
His overall production took a bit of a step back in 2023 as a junior, but this is mostly because of a combination of missing 10 games due to injury and a Louisville team that failed to make the NCAA Tournament. He still hit .331/.455/.408 with one homer, 24 RBI, eight doubles, a triple, 21 walks and a team-high 19 stolen bases in 45 games and 44 starts. His stolen base mark was good for fifth in the ACC, while his 19 hit-by-pitches came in second in the league and 29th nationally.
Scouting Report
Top 500 Prospect Rankings:
MLB.com: No. 157
Baseball America: No. 101
Strengths
- He has some of the best bat-to-ball skills in all of college baseball. He struck out on just 9.9 percent of his plate appearances as a sophomore, and 8.9 percent of his PAs as a junior. Possesses a relatively quick - albeit slightly flat - swing that sprays to all areas of the field and produces a lot of groundball contact.
- He is the prototypical lead-off man. On top of his contact prowess, he exercises patience (drew walks in 15.0 percent of PAs as a sophomore and 9.9 percent of PAs as a junior), and his stance that crowds the plate produces a lot of hit-by-pitches (40 in three years).
- Moves very well on the base paths and has plus speed. Collected 43 stolen bases in three years at Louisville (including double digit as his last two years), and has a good feel for when to tag up.
- Can flash the leather from time-to-time at either shortstop or second base. Produces the occasional web gem, and has good chemistry with his middle infield teammate when it comes to flips for double plays.
Weaknesses
- Has almost no over-the-fence power to his name. Hit only three home runs during his collegiate career (produced a home run on average of every 178 at-bats), and most of his doubles and triples can be attributed to his base running ability. His slight frame also means he is unlikely to develop more power at the next level.
- While his glove is a solid defensive asset, his arm can be a bit of a liability at times. He has committed 30 errors during his time at Louisville for a career fielding percentage of .936. He likely projects as a second baseman unless he can cut down on the amount of throwing errors.
- There is a little bit of an injury concern. He missed 10 games as a junior because of a shoulder injury, and 10 more games as a sophomore because of an ankle injury.
Draft Film
(Photo of Christian Knapczyk: Jared Anderson - Louisville Report)
You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
Facebook - @LouisvilleReport
Twitter - @UofLReport
Instagram - @louisville_report
You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter