The fifth annual MLB Draft Combine, held at Chase Field for the third consecutive year, showcased 322 draft-eligible prospects (180 collegiate, 142 high school) to all 30 MLB teams, serving as a critical evaluation platform before the July 13-14 draft in Atlanta. The event, co-designed by Matt Krause and the Professional Baseball Strength Coaches Society PBSCCS/MLB committee in 2021, featured on-field workouts, strength and conditioning assessments, medical evaluations, and interviews, leveraging advanced technology to provide teams with comprehensive data. Also on hand for the Phoenix event was Dr. Ted Lambrinides who has a long list of accolades and experience at Ohio State Football Strength & Conditioning and The University of Kentucky Basketball & Football Assistant Strength Coach. Today he does extensive NFL advisory work and as well as league committee roles. He recently was a keynote speaker at the CSCCa National Convention in Indianapolis.
Key Highlights:
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Participation and Impact: The combine featured 174 prospects from MLB Pipeline’s Top 200, including 41 in the top 50. In 2024, 73.4% of participants were drafted, with 55 former attendees reaching the majors, underscoring its influence.
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On-Field Standouts:
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Day 1: Arizona State’s Brandon Compton dominated batting practice, posting the top three exit velocities in combine history (116.9, 116.6, 116.4 mph) and a 460-ft home run. Quentin Young (Oaks Christian HS) hit 11 balls over 100 mph (max 115.4 mph), and Tate Southisene (Basic HS) had 12 over 100 mph with three over 400 ft. Reid Worley (Cherokee HS) threw a curveball with 3201 rpm, showcasing elite spin.
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Day 2: Eric Bitonti, Cole Carrigg, and Jake Cunningham impressed with power and arm strength. Carrigg threw 100-102 mph across infield/outfield drills. Snead’s 99.2 mph fastball led pitchers, while Flores’ mid-80s slider stood out.
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Strength and Conditioning Assessments: Conducted on Thursday and Friday, these tests—aligned with PBSCCS standards—evaluated foot speed, grip strength, agility, and vision. While specific results weren’t publicized, they provided biomechanical data crucial for assessing durability and athletic potential, reflecting Krause’s influence in designing performance metrics.
Coach Matt Krause has been featured many times on the ASAP~Athletic Strength and Power website.
Matt Krause is a highly accomplished strength and conditioning coach with over 25 years of experience in professional baseball. His career highlights include:
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New York Yankees (2014–2019): Served as Director of Strength and Conditioning, working with players like Derek Jeter. He was praised for his detail-oriented approach and communication skills by Yankees GM Brian Cashman.
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Cincinnati Reds (2003–2013): Spent 11 seasons with the Reds, including nine as Major League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator (2005–2013). Under his tenure, the Reds were among the least injured teams, using only five starting pitchers in the first 120 games of one season, setting a modern franchise record.
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Other Roles: Worked as a minor league strength coach and coordinator with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2000–2002) and interned with the Chicago Cubs (1999). He also served as an assistant strength coach at the University of Central Florida (1997–2000), where he earned his master’s degree in physical education.
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Awards and Recognition:
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2018 NSCA Professional Strength Coach of the Year.
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2013 Nolan Ryan Award for MLB Strength Coach of the Year.
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American League Strength Coach for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.
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Part of the Reds’ 2012 MLB Medical Staff of the Year Award.
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Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society (PBSCCS): Named Administrative Director in 2020 and previously served as President for two years. He has been a key figure in advancing strength training for baseball, contributing to initiatives like the MLB Draft Combine in 2021.
Certifications: Holds CSCSD (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction) and RSCCE (Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus) from the NSCA, and is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) with the National Athletic Trainers Association.
Current Role: Serves as Health & Human Performance Director. F1RST: Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics, applying his expertise to law enforcement training.
Background: A U.S. Marine Corps Reserves veteran (1992–2000), Krause earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from East Carolina University (1997). He resides in Tampa, Florida, with his family.