2024 MLB Draft: John Spikerman
Draft Profile: John Spikerman (Oklahoma)
Height: 6'0
Weight: 185
Bats/Throws: Both/Right
John Spikerman, one of the holdovers from Oklahoma’s 2022 College World Series Finalist Team, is looking to prove himself again in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season. Spikerman had a great freshman year and is looking to replicate that season (as is Oklahoma).
The first thing to distinguish in Spikerman’s arsenal is his speed. He can run. He has 70-grade level speed that is discernable both on the basepaths and in the field of play. He can patrol all three outfield positions as a result with plus range, and his defense plays even with average arm strength.
Speed is a large part of Spikerman’s game. He relies on it a lot, and it helps him with a lot of the fundamental components.
As a LHH, he hit over .300 against fastballs with a hard-hit rate of around 40 percent. As a RHH, however, he hit below .100 against them, with a substantial whiff rate increase, and a decrease in quality of contact.
As a LHH, Spikerman was able to produce against some glove-side movement and breaking balls.
Against sliders, in particular, Spikerman hit .270 from the left side with sub-30 percent chase and whiff rates.
Generally though, against the glove-side movement, Spikerman was not promising from either side, though he did far better against it as a LHH.
In addition, though it is more arm-side movement, he has struggled to generate quality contact with changeups.
Conclusion
Spikerman had a tough 2023 campaign relative to 2022 but has a chance to showcase himself in 2024 again.
There are certainly elements of his game to like. His speed gives him an element that can impact games on basepaths and makes him a tough out when he makes decent contact. In addition, his speed makes him a plus defensive outfielder. He can handle all three outfield spots with appropriate range, even in centerfield.
While his offensive profile is not as appealing, I think there is a place out for him as a platoon outfielder with plus defense and impactful speed. I do think long-term that his offensive profile would make some strides if he committed to hitting from the left side.
There is a long way for Spikerman to go, but there are traits to his game that are conducive to winning baseball.
