LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Larson Kindreich was off to a historic start to 2020 before COVID-19 disrupted the big plans for Biola Baseball. However, his hot start caught the eye of scouts around the country and now Kindreich's officially been tabbed a top-200 MLB Draft Prospect by Baseball America.
Earlier this week BA released it's full list of 2021 MLB Draft Rankings, with Kindreich landing inside this prestigious top-200 at number 195. He is the only non NCAA Division I player to be featured on the list.
"This is exciting for Larson. He has worked hard to earn the opportunity to be listed with the nation's elite prospects," said Head Coach Jeff Calhoon. "What makes Larson great is his work ethic, which with this honor has turned up to another level. Larson is a great reflection of what Biola Baseball is becoming and the work he has put in with our pitching coach Ben Cordy."
As part of its rankings Baseball America includes a brief analysis of each prospect. See their words about Larson below.
"Kindreich had no issues racking up strikeouts as soon as he set foot on campus at Biola (Calif.). In 52.2 innings mostly as a starter, Kindreich fanned 72 batters (12.3 K/9), but his control held him back (5.8 BB/9). The strikes improved massively in the shortened 2020 season, where Kindreich walked just five batters in 30 innings, while striking out 48 (14.4 K/9) and setting a program record with a 0.00 ERA. Kindreich's collegiate performance has been impressive and he also acquitted himself well last summer in the Northwoods League and during the fall. He has been up to 94 mph with his fastball from the left side and has a still-projectable 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame. Kindreich's arm talent is exciting and he seems to be fully capitalizing on it now. If he can put together a full season with the strike throwing ability he showed in 2020, he could fly up draft boards."
"I'm honored to be in the top-200. Without God, none of this would be possible," said Kindreich. "Honestly, I am excited for what this means for my team. Without the support and constant push to be the best I can be from my coaches and teammates I know that this would not have happened. I am excited about the ranking, but there is still a lot more work that needs to be done to accomplish anything."
Kindreich is about to enter his third season with the Eagles. He's racked up 82.2 innings on the bump for Biola and has held opposing batters to just a .195 clip over that time. He has 120 career strikeout to go with fewer than 40 career walks.
He earned three PacWest Pitcher of the Week awards during last year's shortened season, and he was the regional pitcher of the week on Feb. 20. All four of his outings last year were quality starts with 8+ strikeouts as he worked his way to a 3-1 record with that incredible 0.00 earned run average.
"We look forward to watching him compete this spring and continue where he left off in 2020," said Calhoon.
Kindreich and Biola Baseball are looking to complete some unfinished business following their 12-2 start to the 2020 season. The team was recently ranked No. 22 nationally in the Collegiate Baseball NCAA Division II Preseason Poll and was ranked as high as No. 8 in 2020. Season is set to begin in late-February for Calhoon and the Biola Boys. Catch all the games from Eagles Diamond for free on our Biola Athletics YouTube.
