Josh Kuroda-Grauer doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a highly-touted MLB draft prospect.
He hit just 16 home runs in three years of college baseball.
Wasn’t drafted out of high school.
Played three spectacular seasons at Rutgers — not exactly an SEC powerhouse.
But as he readies for the 2024 MLB Draft, which starts Sunday in Arlington, Texas, Kuroda-Grauer wouldn’t change anything.
Instead of entering the transfer portal — as others his caliber did — the shortstop remained close to his native Somerset, N.J.
“It was kind of a no-brainer to stay at Rutgers for three years,” Kuroda-Grauer told The Post. “I wasn’t that highly recruited coming out of high school, and I feel like Coach [Steve] Owens and the coaching staff took a chance on me. I didn’t even think twice about going somewhere else.”
Spending his entire career with the Scarlet Knights, Kuroda-Grauer hit for at least a .298 average in every season.
His impact was felt immediately, making the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and leading Rutgers to a program-record 44 wins.
Despite breaking his finger in his first 2023 Cape Cod League at-bat, Kuroda-Grauer returned for the postseason and won playoff MVP honors, vaulting his Bourne Braves to a title.
Owens, Rutgers’ head coach, wasn’t surprised to see Kuroda-Grauer step up on the brightest stage.
“He plays aggressive baseball, yet he’s a very laid-back, collected individual,” Owens said. “There’s a calmness to him. That, I think, is the biggest difference in elite players. He’s got that naturally.”
been by his side through every step. Ariel Fox/Rutgers Athletics.
Kuroda-Grauer ranked second nationally in 2024 with a .428 batting average and become a First Team All-American — Rutgers’ first since Todd Frazier in 2007.
Despite filling up a trophy case many would dream of, Kuroda-Grauer — who started playing baseball when he was 4 — said he prioritized team achievements.
“It wasn’t something that I wanted to accomplish,” Kuroda-Grauer said about his honors. “I feel like if you have that team-first mentality, then all your accolades and your personal stats and everything individualized, it’s going to work out for yourself.”
Now, he could play for the same franchise. Kuroda-Grauer family.
While some prospects are MLB legacies, the 21-year-old Kuroda-Grauer was raised by his two mothers, who he says attended every home game played just 14 miles from home.
“To be able to have two parents in this day and age is a blessing in itself,” Kuroda-Grauer said. “Whenever I ask anybody about their mother, they say how much they love them. I’m like, ‘Lucky for me, I got two.’ ”
Being from New Jersey is fundamental to Kuroda-Grauer, who grew up attending Somerset Patriots games.
A natural by-product of his location and position: idolizing Derek Jeter, even applying lessons to his game from “The Captain” documentary.
“I think he’s one of the best, if not the best, shortstop ever,” Kuroda-Grauer said. “Just the consistency in doing it for such a long period of time. I think that’s the standard of excellence, especially doing it in New York.”
Frazier — another New Jersey kid turned premier Rutgers shortstop — became impressed with Kuroda-Grauer during visits back to Piscataway.
The two-time All-Star said he thinks the younger Somerset shortstop is a better defender, although Frazier had more power coming out of school. Still, he sees overlap.
“We’re all on the same page with our minds,” Frazier added. “We don’t let an 0-fer get to us. We always try to help teammates out, and that’s the true sign of a leader.”
As Kuroda-Grauer tweaked his stance to generate more exit velocity before 2024, his mental fortitude also stuck out to Owens.
“All good players, you do something one way, and you feel comfortable. You don’t necessarily want to change,” Owens said. “But Josh was open to making some small changes.”
Having received feedback during the MLB draft combine in June, Kuroda-Grauer feels his discipline bodes well, but that he could swing more at the next level.
“Having that controlled aggression,” Kuroda-Grauer said. “Get pitches more in the middle of the zone that I can drive out of the ballpark, into the gaps.”
Frazier also touted Kuroda-Grauer’s hit tool, suggesting additional power could follow.
“I think the best part about him is his hands,” the former Yankee and Met said. “When he swings the bat, his hands are always in the right position — this level swing. He attacks the ball with a purpose.”
MLB.com’s No. 90 prospect, Kuroda-Grauer could become just the third Scarlet Knight drafted in the top 100 since 2005, joining Frazier (No. 34, 2007) and former teammate Ryan Lasko (No. 41, 2023).
Yet the program’s first Big Ten Player of the Year has higher aspirations than the third round.
“I definitely expect to be called the first day,” Kuroda-Grauer said.
If the Yankees — who have selected a middle infielder early in four of their last five drafts — pick Kuroda-Grauer, it would fulfill a lifelong dream.
“Even when it was Independent League, I was like, ‘Man, I wish I could play here one day,’ ” Kuroda-Grauer said of TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Patriots. “It would definitely be special to get drafted by them.”
Whenever Kuroda-Grauer does hear his name called, it will mark another milestone — and another pro Scarlet Knight whom Frazier can support.
“Whoever takes him, they’re going to get a guy who balls out,” Frazier said, “who’s going to be a team leader, who’s going to work his butt off. Eventually, when he does make it to the major leagues, I can’t wait to watch because this dude’s going to be playing for a long time.”
Wherever he lands, Kuroda-Grauer is eager to turn his Jersey pride, distinct upbringing and maturity into a fruitful MLB career.
“Anything I do, I’m giving it 100 percent,” Kuroda-Grauer said. “You’re getting a consistent player who loves baseball more than anything in the world. I’m just going to continue to work every day to get better, and just have fun while I’m doing it.”