One of the standout prospects in the 2024 MLB draft, Walker Janek, has officially begun his professional career after being selected by the Houston Astros. Janek, who honed his skills at Sam Houston State, where he primarily played catcher in 147 games, has shown versatility by also taking the field at second and third base on occasion, demonstrating his agility and speed.
During his collegiate career, Janek was a force at the plate for Sam Houston State. The 21-year-old right-hander from Portland, TX, wrapped up his final season with impressive statistics, boasting a .364 batting average and a 1.185 OPS across 271 plate appearances. In 58 games, he accumulated 80 hits, 58 RBIs, and launched 17 home runs, while also showcasing his speed with 13 stolen bases. Despite drawing 40 walks, Janek faced 45 strikeouts throughout the season.
What experts are saying about Janek
Walker Janek entered the 2024 MLB Draft as a highly regarded prospect, ranked 24th overall by MLB.com. Despite initially receiving little attention from professional teams or major college programs during his Texas high school days, Janek’s talent blossomed during his three years at Sam Houston State, where he emerged as one of the draft’s top catching prospects.
According to MLB.com, Janek’s draft stock soared after standout performances, such as his impressive showing at the 2023 Karbach Classic, where he showcased his skills both at bat and defensively. His prowess continued to grow during his time in the Cape Cod League, solidifying his status as a potential first-round pick. He was also honored with the Buster Posey Award for being college baseball’s top catcher.
Described as possessing impressive bat speed and power, Janek’s hitting ability translates well to game situations, particularly pulling the ball for home runs. While he tends to be aggressive at the plate, he has shown improvement in plate discipline and utilizing the entire field. Despite being considered slower than average, he surprises opponents with his ability to steal bases when given the opportunity.
Defensively, Janek was recognized as the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year in Conference USA, demonstrating agility and strong framing skills behind the plate. Though his receiving skills have room for improvement, his arm strength and quick release effectively control the running game.
Overall, Janek’s development from an overlooked high school player to a top MLB draft prospect underscores his potential impact both offensively and defensively at the professional level.
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