HOMETOWN: Florence, MS HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Considering the size and physicality of Konnor Griffin, it's incredible to think he'll barely be 18 years old on draft day. Griffin reclassified out of the 2025 draft class after overmatching his peers. He has the frame scouts dream on, a long, levered body with projectable strength and present athleticism. The upside here is tremendous. Griffin plays shortstop and centerfield now, but most think he projects best in the grass where his plus speed and rangy routes will play best. He's got a strong throwing arm and the twitch necessary to make a good first step. He has every chance to stick on the dirt, but the hands are probably solid average and there's a high likelihood he'll grow off the position. He could probably be an above average defender at either spot. He's also comfortably a plus runner with a long stride and speed that should hold well as his body further matures. |
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HOMETOWN: Athens, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video King was a metric monster in 2023 posting gaudy exit velocity numbers on his way to a .411/.457/.699 slash with eleven homers. While there is slight concern inside the scouting community on high chase rates King posted during the wood-bat summer with Team USA and on the Cape, he did make up for his eager approach by making a ton of contact, and it was to all fields and extremely loud. He can get away with swinging at pitches outside the zone at times, and fights to get back to a point where he can kill a cookie mistake. King has posted ground ball rates a little higher than the industry generally likes to see over the past two seasons as well. Even still, it's plus raw power and he's tapping into a lot of it in games right now. |
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HOMETOWN: Scottsdale, AZ HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Caminiti reclassified from the 2025 class into 2024, and will still be just 17 years old on draft day. Models will love it. Some believe Cam Caminiti should play on the two-way game thanks to his significant raw power, but his pure ability on the mound will almost certainly trump what he's capable of with a bat. Caminiti was already touching 97 as a 16-year-old with a firm, low-80s slider that he commands well. He's now touching 98 and will likely grab triple digits in the next 18 months. He's usually more 94-96 over starts, importantly holding that velocity well into the later innings. The slider is a weapon with tremendous feel for shape despite lacking top-end spin metrics. The changeup is equally effective and can neutralize righties when he's on. He'll mix in a curveball that projects a future solid-average weapon. |
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HOMETOWN: Marietta, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-R Tibbs made his presence known with authority as a true freshman, starting 45 games and hitting the ball harder than just about anyone on the Seminoles roster. His batted-ball data was big, especially for a teenager. It's only gotten better since then. He's made tremendous strides in terms of identifying and hitting spin. Tibbs has always ranked among the best in the country in terms of turning around high-velocity fastballs. Couple those traits alongside contact rates and chase rates that continue to trend in the right direction and he appears to be turning into a reasonably complete player. The offensive game here is as polished as you'll find in the country. Some believe he has the potential to become a .290 hitter at the next level with 25 home run power. Tibbs is built sturdy and thick lacking straight line speed, but does possess an above average arm. He projects into left field, or potentially right field so long as he's not required to cover a lot of space. Tibbs has a chance to become a full-time regular at the next level and bat near the top of a lineup providing average, on-base and slug. Something to the tune of a Seth Smith profile at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Jonesboro, AR HEIGHT: 5-6 WEIGHT: 183 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ole Miss DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video While Caldwell may lack the tangible physicality from his frame that some of his peers have, what he lacks in size he more than makes up for with dynamic athleticism and explosiveness in every part of his game. Already a double-plus runner, Caldwell is a headache on the bases and can really go get it in the field. |
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HOMETOWN: Lake Worth, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 222 BAT/THROW: R-R There's a lot of tools here and he's extremely physical. Bat speed and game power is present and the bat-to-ball skills against advance competition is solid. Smith's bat will be the calling card as he develops. A solid runner for his size, Smith is a third baseman long-term where his athleticism and huge throwing arm, as well as his hands should serve him well. There's a good bit of aggression in Smith's approach at the plate, and he's been known to chase a bit, and that has led to some strikeout woes. A hand hitch in his load also has scouts paying close attention to how he performs in the ACC this spring. Smith can really fill up a scouting report and has a chance to be one of the premier college sluggers available in the 2024 class. His profile figures to climb higher and higher if he continues to perform at the torrid pace has has to this point. |
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HOMETOWN: Sacramento, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R Moore was one of the most celebrated recruits to get to school following the 2022 MLB Draft. A consensus Top-2 round prospect that year, Moore elected to head to Palo Alto and honor his Stanford committment as many Cardinal commits do. That appears to have been a good choice. Offensively, Moore grades out metrically quite well with high contact rates, low chase rates, a slow heartbeat at the plate and a long, proven track record of hitting the ball in the air. He's flashed above average raw power and scouts believe he could eventually tap into plus raw power at the next level as he continues to get stronger. His chops behind the plate continue to improve as well. Entering the season evaluators questioned the catch-and-throw and whether he could hold the running game. That's looked quite refined this spring with demonstrated improved arm strength and a quicker transfer. The receiving is still average at best, though most scouts now firmy believe he'll catch at the next level and offer at least a solid average bat to compliment a lineup. |
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HOMETOWN: Ankeny, IA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video If you were to build a Mount Rushmore for the best pure stuff college baseball has ever seen, there's a very real argument that Brecht would deserve to be on it. Most would agree Brecht has the most electric fastball in the 2024 class; at least at this early stage. He's been up to 101, sitting 97-99 in starts. It's a metric-monster and is only reinforced by the elite whiff rates he generates off the pitch. He'll mix in an absolutely disgusting slider with immense depth, inducing gaudy swing-and-miss numbers. He'll also throw a traditional curveball extremely hard in the mid-80s. Brecht has a chance to possess an elite fastball and two plus-or-better breaking balls. That said, the control and command right now are below average and walks may ultimately preclude him from pitching in a conventional starting pitcher role at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Baton Rouge, LA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Schmidt and the Catholic HS baseball team are awfully loaded. He is the dominant ace on the mound with a fastball that has reportedly tickled 98 with some late life. Scouts would like to see him get a bit more value out of the fastball and specifically miss a few more bats, but it's his second-best pitch anyways. He's got a high-spin 12-6 curveball that comfortably grabs plus projections from scouts. It's a two-plane banger that's been a knockout weapon featuring considerable depth and disgusting tunnel off his fastball, more depth than lateral tilt. Schmidt will also work in a changeup that lags a bit, the two-pitch combo doing the heavy lifting right now. He does have some effort at release and can overthrow his arsenal at times. He's a strike-thrower, though the quality in command of those pitches can be streaky. It's absolutely electric arm speed, loose and whippy with considerably more projection to come in his frame. From this chair, the addition of an upper-80s cutter would potentially give Schimdt the best arsenal in the high school class and the chance to be a frontline arm. He certainly looks the part with the high-waist frame and long arms to project more velocity on the way. He's one of the more gifted arms available in the 2024 class with the potential for two 60-grade pitches if the fastball continues it's upwards trajectory. |
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HOMETOWN: Elk City, OK HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State Mayfield is a long, lanky lefty with deceptive angle and an ease and fluidity about his operation. He makes pitching look like an art form. The body, delivery and pitching mechanics are super projectable. He's been up to 94, missing bats with his heater, hiding the ball well. The slider is his best secondary and it's taken a jump in recent months now brushing the low 80s and sitting 76-78. He's refined feel for the pitch and it now receives above average projection from scouts. Mayfield works in the occasional changeup to righties, though it's inconsistent and its shape will vary. He's been one of the strongest performers on the tournament and showcase circuit. A strike-thrower who misses a ton of bats, Mayfield has an arsenal that really performs despite not yet possessing some of the octane of his peers. Considering the frame, handedness and production, Mayfield is the highest level follow thanks to his athleticism and fluidity on the mound. He will be 19.5 on draft day so leverage will not be on his side. |
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HOMETOWN: Frisco, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M Sanford is still growing and has a considerable amount of projection left in his frame. Previously a slasher type, Sanford appears to have grown into a significant amount of bat speed this winter and has begun showing more thunder at the plate, though he doesn't profile to ever grow into a slugger. Sanford has a strong, wiry frame and athletic actions on the dirt, all of which point to a future staying up the middle of the field. This is one of the prettier left-handed swings in the class, and while performance and production has been streaky, he looks the part of a guy who could really hit with more reps. It's quick hands, loose wrists and a quiet upper-body through the point of impact. The aforementioned added strength could unlock production and consistency not yet seen, sending his draft stock on a rocket ship. Scouts want to see him clean up the approach against breaking balls in the future. Sanford has all the makings of a future Comp A pick. |
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HOMETOWN: Salisbury, NC HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Honeycutt has a chance to become a rare five-tool player at the next level. He's long and projectable with serious upwards trajectory in his game. Honeycutt possesses plus raw power and a swing path built to capitalize on all of it. The hit tool has made strides from his freshman year as he's cut down the swing and miss, subsequently shrinking his strikeout rates too. That said, his contact and chase rates are still sub-optimal and point to what could eventually be a 30-grade hit tool at the next level. Proponents of the profile think a 40-grade hitter is very possible, and added reps to get him to average. For now, it's fringy bat-to-ball skills with plus raw power and burgeoning use of it in-game. He'll have to prove he can fend off good pitches on the black as the draft approaches, as well as cut down his overall strikeout rate to capitalize on his Top-10 pick upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Austin, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas It's been quite a journey for Gillen who has seen his stock skyrocket this spring after finally getting healthy. His natural gifts and physicality blossomed this season after a rigorous winter that saw his frame cut into tremendous shape. Always a decorated hitter, Gillen was one of the more impressive bat-to-ball guys during the 2023 showcase/tournament circuit. He put the ball in play better than almost all of his peers, though scouts were waiting on the athleticism and natural strength to begin to show in games. It was a lot of soft contact last summer, but those days appear behind him. Gillen is now showcasing the same impressive hit tool he did in recent years, though he's added considerable bat speed and now looks like a far more violent version of himself at the plate. Proponents of the profile see an above average hit tool with above average power and possibly more on the horizon. His premium frame projects more impact on the way. Gillen's defensive ability last summer was muted by an injury to his throwing arm that all but eliminated his ability to play the left side of the infield. Now fully healthy, scouts still aren't sold on the shortstop or third baseman at the next level in large part due to mostly fringe-average arm strength, but he's posting plus run times and could be suited as a strong defender at second base. Some evaluators believe he has a chance to develop into an above average centerfielder or bat-first left fielder. In any case, the bat has taken such considerable steps forward this spring that he now appears poised to go on day one, if not inside the first round altogether. |
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HOMETOWN: Yukon, OK HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 184 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Benge is an accomplished two-way player with a lean, wiry frame and twitchy, explosive actions in every part of his game. There's a ton of bat speed with whip and strength in his hands and wrists. There's considerable projection remaining here, but the present impact exists with loud exit velocities at the plate, including over-the-fence juice to the opposite field. He's also far more polished than many of his peers having posted chase rates south of 20 percent and contact rates near 80 percent. He projects to hit. Scouts want to see Benge clean up what was an extraordinarily high ground ball rate in years prior to help showcase and leverage his bat speed. |
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HOMETOWN: Murrieta, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State Doughty was arguably the biggest winner at Area Code Games in 2023, flashing massive stuff en route to a dominant performance. He'll reach back for 96, holding 94-95 over multiple innings and settling in 91-94 after the fourth inning. Doughty produces above average spin rates on his fastball, though it's a bit of a dead-zone shape and can get hit a bit when not commanded on the black or top rail. The breaking ball here is the real headline grabber, a 3000 rpm hammer that's been up to 87, consistently 84-85 with bat-missing shape. It's comfortably a 60-grade curveball, and could track up into the double-plus range with polish and further refinement in shape and consistency. He's been working to fold in a changeup this spring. He sells the pitch. It's got solid average upside. Doughty isn't just a "stuff" guy either. He fills up the zone and loves varying his delivery using stutters, pauses and multiple leg lifts to throw off a batter's timing. It's quite advanced and effective considering his feel for pounding the strike zone. Doughty has a strong, workhorse frame with squared-off, broad shoulders and strength in his lower half. He's an animal of a pitching prospect and could figure into the equation on day one of the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Canton, MS HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R Ultra-physical right-handed bat. Does a phenomenal job keeping his hands inside and using his core strength to create unreal bat speed. Jordan uses the whole field really well and rarely sells out for pullside power. It's elite, 80-grade juice that comes awfully easy. It's a line-drive oriented swing, gap-to-gap with authority. More and more game power is on the horizon. There is enormous swing-and-miss in his game, though Jordan doesn't chase at extreme levels and there isn't one particular pitch that gives him warts more than others. He'll whiff inside the zone and outside of it. Some tinkering and player development could unlock a new gear here. If that happens, it's top-ten pick tools and star upside. Jordan is a plus runner with a plus arm from the outfield. He profiles an above average defender in a corner. |
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HOMETOWN: Honolulu, HI HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R Lomavita is an impressive hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills and a willingness to use all fields to attack the opposition. He's shown fringe-average power, though scouts believe he may grow into average game power with his present bat speed. Lomavita may be a bit positionless at the next level as he's a bit of a tweener in terms of catcher, first base and the outfield. Chances are the bat will have to carry his profile, but it's a good one and he's got scouts' attention very early. |
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HOMETOWN: St. Pete Beach, FL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 238 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video White burst onto the scene as a true freshman at NC State slugging homer after homer, igniting the nation, earning the moniker "Tommy Tanks" along the way. That nickname does ring true as perhaps nobody in the 2024 class hits the ball as hard and with as much consistency than does White. He's a slugger in every way. But he's also a promising pure hitter with contact rates that continue to improve. Scouts do want to see the swing rates, aggressiveness, and willingness to stay inside the strike zone move in a more polished direction in 2024. White is extremely reluctant to take walks despite often times never seeing a fastball in the strikezone. Even still, he posts gaudy contact rates on pitches outside of the strike zone, a testament to his elite bat-to-ball skills. It's top-of-the-class hand speed and elite barrel awareness. There's still development ahead in terms of becoming a more refined hitter if he's to reach his Pete Alonso comparisons at the next level, but all the building blocks are present, if not crude in current nature. This is what 80-grade raw power looks like. |
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HOMETOWN: Okemos, MI HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Bonemer is a muscled-up shortstop, but works with fluidity on the dirt showcasing strong footwork, a mature internal clock and the ability to make every throw from every angle. The glove is solid, though the body may ultimately push the profile to third base. He's got a shot to play the "6" so long as he doesn't grow off the position. Should he move to third base, it could be plus. |
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HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R Culpepper has been a staple in the Kansas State lineup providing thump and run production for two years now. He had a breakout 2023 campaign that earned him an invite to Team USA. He's gained good weight on campus and is now a twitchy, athletic, physical infielder with upside at both positions on the left side of the infield. There's budding impact at the plate too. Defensively, he'll get the opportunity to play shortstop at the next level after receiving the bulk of his play at Kansas State at the "6" in 2024. His plus throwing arm will be an asset at either shortstop or third base role. While Culpepper may not have a specific carrying tool, he does a lot of things average or a tick above and his athleticism points toward untapped upside across his game. He boasts solid average exit velocities and has a chance to hit for some power with a hit tool that feels unrefined and on the come up. Scouts would like to see his chase rates trend down, as well as show a greater ability to cover velocity at or above the letters as the draft approaches. Regardless whether that happens, someone is almost certainly going to buy high on the physical, athletic, and up-the-middle tools in a draft that dreadfully lacks that in round one. |
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HOMETOWN: Leominster, MA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Santucci is an impressive southpaw for the Blue Devils with a real shot to stick on to start at the next level. That said, he has struggled to stay healthy at times in his Duke career, something evaluators are monitoring closely as July approaches. Scouts love what they see from him on the mound. The fastball features good riding shape up to 97, sitting 93-95 later in outings. His slider shows good depth and can be tough for hitters to read off his fastball with late, deep break. It projects an above average weapon at the next level and should perform on any stage thanks to the effectiveness of his fastball. The changeup is also promising with fading action away from righty bats and good depth, though he's still ironing out consistent feel for the pitch. It generally lives in a firm upper-80s bucket. That said, Santucci has a conviction and willingness to throw the pitch whenever he wants. There's a fringier curveball in there too, but for now he's primarily a three-pitch lefty with more projection ahead of him and a track record of pitching big innings in the ACC. Santucci will need to shore up controlling the baseball as he's had a tendency to let walks extend innings at different points in his collegiate career, including in 2024. It's squarely below-average control at this stage, something that will need to improve quickly if he's to start at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Summerville, SC HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: South Carolina DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Morlando might be the most polished high school bat in the 2024 class with budding bat speed and high contact rates regardless of pitch type. Morlando has long had the bat speed to out-slug his peers, but it's his mature approach and willingness to take the walk that has scouts raising eyebrows. The raw power here is already huge and should comfortably sit in the plus category at the highest level. His bat-to-ball skills and discerning eye make the possibility of a future 6 hit/6 power bat feasible. He should hit for a reasonably high average at the next level and is likely to slug toward the middle of a lineup as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: High Point, NC HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 218 BAT/THROW: L-R An average defender with an above average arm, Cozart handles a pitching staff well and curbs the running game. His framing skills have been a work in progress and his actions can be exaggerated and "stabby" at times. The bat appears to have taken a big step forward in 2024 featuring more punch and a better approach too. He's shown flashes of solid average power. His long, projectable frame should continue to add more impact as he gets older. Cozart can get overwhelmed by spin at times, especially from right-handed pitchers, but his approach is strong and generally stays inside the zone at a healthy clip. The overall offensive profile has improved each year on campus, and now projects at least an average bat for his position at the next level, maybe more with added strength. |
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HOMETOWN: Elmhurst, IL HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Wake Forest Sloan, a Wake Forest commit, has a live arm. He'll work up to 98 and settle in 94-95 over longer outings. His fastball has a ton of arm-side run but is generally regarded as lacking true bat-missing shape. The pure velocity will always provide a floor, but he'll likely live off his secondaries as a pro. That said, he's shown a willingness to work inside to righties and has been known to create firewood. Sloan's sweeping low-80s slider tunnels perfectly off the heat, and it's been a whiff machine featuring solid depth and considerable lateral tilt. It projects a plus breaking ball and will be a major selling point in his draft stock. There's a mid-80s changeup here too, though he's only used it against LHH and he's been primarily a two-pitch artist. That said, he's shown feel for the pitch and scouts believe it'll be a usable offering at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Wauchula, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A two-sport star, Lindsey shines on the football field and could take to the gridiron for the Gators if he ends up getting to school. He is an elite 80-grade runner who's extremely quick out of the box and the speed really plays on the defensive side of the ball as well. Lindsey is lauded for his athleticism and fluidity on the field with strong actions on the dirt and a slow heartbeat in the outfield. He has a simple swing that lacks impact at this stage. There's not a lot of moving parts and he does a nice job going with pitches and not forcing anything to his pull-side. He's rather green in the box with variations in his triggers and he'll sometimes struggle to time up more premium pitchers, though the sample in that regard is limited as Lindsey didn't participate in most of the showcases or tournaments during the summer of 2023. Evaluators who have seen him applaud his pure bat-to-ball skills and believe he's beginning to understand how to backspin the baseball. His innate ability to find the barrel despite being in different positions throughout his swing stands out when projecting a future hit tool. The profile projects an impact defender and an extremely valuable baserunner with budding offensive tools that could blossom once fully committed to the diamond. He could comfortably play centerfield if he ends up there. Lindsey has received Trea Turner comps from those who have seen him, though he's a tick bigger and more projectable than Turner was. |
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HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, NY HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R Moore is a super-physical infielder with broad shoulders, a barrel-chest and physicality spread throughout his frame. Those physical traits really play offensively as Moore hits the ball with authority and features average to solid average power, plenty of juice to hit the ball out of the ballpark. The bat has been streaky, better on campus than in summer ball, but at his best Moore projects an average pure hitter with an aggressive approach and some swing and miss that he'll have to work around. Defensively, Moore features best at second base due to a limited throwing arm, albeit good lateral burst. |
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HOMETOWN: Oxford, AL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Alabama Johnson is a smooth, rhythmic infielder who can really, really hit. It's a sweet left-handed stroke that's designed to impact the gaps. Scouts project power on the horizon, but this spring he hasn't taken the physical steps some were expecting. The hit tool continues to stand out. He features loose hands, a consistent bat path and loads the barrel with conviction and repeatable triggers. It's easy to see the bat speed is strong despite an overall lack of twitch in his broader game. Johnson does a tremendous job of taking his hands and the barrel to the ball, staying inside and extending through the hitting zone. The offensive upside is clear. |
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HOMETOWN: Portland, TX HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R After being scouted hard by about a third of the league as a prepster, Janek really burst onto the scene in 2023 for Sam Houston playing a couple different roles defensively. He's a strong defensive catcher and a capable third baseman, though scouts are split on where his future home will be at the next level, though most seem to lean behind the plate. It's a good blend of pure hit-ability and glove work that should keep his floor quite high. He's a good athlete with a projectable body, so he could shift to a number of different roles between now and July. The bat features a short, compact stroke with power and bat-to-ball skills. Scouts are familiar and comfortable with the player and Janek's character. A lot of paths toward a productive big league career here. |
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HOMETOWN: Queens, NY HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 188 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sirota is a super-impressive all-around athlete with the ability to impact the game in a number of areas. The approach at the plate is second-to-none, producing elite-level chase rates. Few scouts can poke holes in his swing; a short, quiet, compact, explosive cut that stays through the zone for an extended period. He handles velocity better than almost all of his peers and projects to hit for average and a high on-base as a professional. Scouts would like to see his ability to handle spin a bit better as the draft approaches, but his struggles aren't to the level of red-flag worthy; it's just not a strength at this stage. There's above average raw power here too. Sirota could flirt with 20-homer seasons if his development stays linear. |
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HOMETOWN: Red Oak, TX HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: S-R Johnson really surged hard approaching the 2021 MLB Draft but went unselected due to signability concerns and a strong commitment to the pitching factory that is Dallas Baptist. The fastball has already been up 100 mph, but more commonly floats a tick below that. It's a bit of a dead-zone fastball, though at its best there's arm-side dart and some sinking action into the right-handed batters box. Johnson has struggled to induce whiffs with the fastball to this point, and that's a bit concerning considering the level of competition and velocity he possesses. Defining an approach with the pitch and commanding it away from the heart of the plate going forward will be a critical piece in squeezing out more value from his heater. Again, more often than not it's dead-zone shape, so while it's high-90s velocity, it might only be an average pitch. The sweeper is a sharp, late biting breaking ball that's been up to 90 and will rest in the mid-80s. It's produced huge whiff and chase rates, and some scouts believe it to be a plus offering already. His changeup has been seldom deployed but flashes strong shape with considerable depth and fading action. Growing more comfortable with that pitch to left-handed hitters will further elevate his floor to the starting pitcher profile he projects into. There's some refinement necessary in terms of tempo and timing on the mound, though he's a good athlete and has really taken major strides in his mechanics since arriving on campus. Johnson throws a ton of strikes and has the intrinsic traits necessary to start at the next level. Generating more value from the fastball and showing a willingness to throw the changeup in any count will be the keys toward him reaching his potential No. 3 starting pitcher ceiling. |
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HOMETOWN: Missouri City, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Houston Payne is a burner with double-plus speed and a whippy, gap-to-gap approach at the plate. He's started adding weight of late and has showcased some very real pull-side power too. He can get a little over-anxious in the box and has a tendency to work himself into pitcher's counts, but that should be ironed out over time. Scouts would like to see the repeatability of his swing become more consistent as we approach the draft -- his timing triggers can vary in different counts. His best tools are on the basepaths and in the field. Payne is a well put together athlete who should stay in centerfield long-term so long as the crispness of his routes continue to improve. In a class where there's so many question marks about guys staying up the middle of the field, Payne is as good a bet to stay in center as anyone on this board. There's considerable upside here, especially considering he'll be just 17 years old for the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Yukon, OK HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-L Tolle has been a massive performer for the better part of three years in college baseball; the kid can really fill it up for data analysts and pro scouts alike. After spending two years at Wichita State Tolle transferred to TCU and immediately became an anchor in the Horned Frogs rotation. He has been a super-effective pitcher with a wide, low launch arsenal including a fastball up to 96 mph that he hides from the opposition. He'll live 91-94 and pepper the top of the strike zone inducing whiffs aplenty from the opposition. It's a plus fastball and projects to hold that value as he adds velocity. Tolle throws a tight mid-80s slider with gyroscopic shape and tunnel. It's been largely average in terms of effectiveness, but scouts like the upside and adjustability in shape. His changeup is arguably his best secondary with considerable tail late and bat-missing production especially to right-handed hitters. Tolle was one of the better starting pitchers in college baseball this spring boasting big strikeout totals and he kept his walks in check. It's mostly just average control for the zone, but that could improve once he's finally dropped the two-way aspirations. A full-time pitcher going forward, Tolle possesses the workhorse frame and strikes scouts like and now firmly has the look of a hurler who likely goes on day one in July. |
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HOMETOWN: Charleston, IL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R A decorated starter for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman, Hess features a unique high-spin fastball with both impressive ride through the zone and arm-side bore. As a freshman he threw it close to 50 percent of the time, a metric that should tick back as he develops. Either way, it's a potential plus pitch as a pro, already brushing 98 in-game. Hess is comfortable throwing an average slider, though most believe it's his big, banger curveball that will ultimately be his true weapon. A big, slurvy bender, Hess throws the curve 83-85 mph with intent and snap. As he learns to command and pitch backwards with the pitch, it projects above average as a swing-and-miss offering. The changeup is probably his third-best pitch with significant fading action into righties. Hess may elect to ditch the slider as he develops, or work to craft it into a solid average fourth offering. This is an arm with the potential for three plus pitches if it all breaks right. |
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HOMETOWN: Hays, KS HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L Dreilling has been a lineup regular in left field since his true freshman campaign and has shown promise with the bat. He's a left-handed hitter with an all-fields approach and solid bat-to-ball skills. There's pull-side juice too. Dreilling is a solid average runner with an athletic gait and figures to stick in left field as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Huland, AL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R Cunningham was super impressive on the Cape in 2022 and parlayed that into a bullpen role for the Commodores in 2023. He's since moved into the rotation in 2024 where his stuff, ctonrol and command have all ticked up. He's been up to 97 and will sit 91-93, though scouts expect more on the way as Cunningham continues to leverage his big body at the next level. Cunningham's slider hasn't taken quite the leap evaluators expected, though it still projects a solid average breaker at the next level. The changeup is the real gem in this arsenal featuring late tunnel off the fastball resulting in enormous chase and whiff rates from the opposition. It's an above average pitch and could tick higher if the velocity of the fastball continues to improve in pro ball. The stuff is clearly there and scouts project average control and command at the next level. He's got a shot to start if his linear progression continues at this rate. Cunningham should hear his name called in the top 100 picks in July. |
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HOMETOWN: Sinking Spring, PA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R Holman has a good arm with a good fastball up to 95 mph and a high-release that lends well to generating swing-and-miss on his breaking ball. He lives high, glove-side and has been particularly difficult for right-handed hitters to handle. The heater possesses tremendous carry through the zone and has the potential to be a plus weapon at the next level it's he continues adding velocity. For the time being, he's mostly 91-93. It's a legit curve with huge depth and tumbling tilt, thrown firm in the upper-70s. When Holman gets that pitch down and spiked, it's been especially effective, though he does have a tendency to hang it at times. The slider has been a work-in-progress, but flashed big shape for Team USA this past summer. It works well off the fastball, especially elevated. There's also a changeup, though it lags a bit behind his heat and spin. Holman has starter traits and more strength coming in his 6-foot-4-inch frame. His one-two tunneling punch, plus his slider, should lend well to the modern game at the next level. Aesthetically, the ball jumps out of Holman's hand and everything comes loose and easy for the lanky righty. He's "what they look like". |
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HOMETOWN: Ankeny, IA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Iowa Oakie is a hometown Iowa commit with big, projection stuff and two-way potential. Most feel his future lays on the mound where his fastball really plays. He'll sit 94-96 in early innings, settling in 92-93 out of a low launch with tremendous spin and life at the top rail with bat-missing traits. |
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HOMETOWN: Murfreesboro, TN HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Beam is as prototype as they come. He's a big, tall, strong righty with a physical delivery and huge stuff. Beam has been up into the upper-90s, living 92-95 with late hop. Beam has a promising curveball with two-plane tilt, though it's shape wavers later in outings, something that should come with age. He's also got a solid average changeup that gets its value primarily off conviction and arm speed, presently lacking dynamic shape. The pitch has come a long ways in the last twelve months. He's got a shot to develop into a horse at the top of a rotation with added consistency. It's one of the highest floors in the class and he could conceivably be in the big leagues in 2025. |
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HOMETOWN: Irmo, SC HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R Taylor was a bluechip draft prospect in 2021, but as a two-sport guy, turned down a ton of money from MLB teams in the pursuit of time on the gridiron at Clemson. After a knee injury ended his freshman year, Taylor has come back and performed well in the ACC. A pure centerfielder, Taylor can really go get it, though he's slowed down a tick from the injury. Still an above-average runner. At the plate, the pound-for-pound bat speed is without question, but a bit of rust around his offensive game has slowed his production and consistency at times at Clemson. Having now given up football for good, the tools have begun really showing out. He's consistently putting the ball in the air with impact and loud exit velocity peaks. He's been one of the more consistent offensive forces in college baseball this season despite running into some unfortunate batted-ball luck along the way. Taylor was a scout-favorite on the Cape in 2023 where he showed off his full offensive potential. He's got the athletic tools to project a regular at the next level, but will need to refine parts of his game to maximize his abilities in-game. |
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HOMETOWN: Palo Alto, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Stanford Bates is a smooth operator on the dirt with loose hands, athletic actions and the ability to make every play in all directions. He projects a shortstop moving forward thanks to his fluidity, internal clock, and rhythm that can be tough to find. |
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HOMETOWN: Batesburg, SC HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R Amick came out roaring like a bat out of hell during the second half of the 2023 season and hasn't looked back. He primarily handled catcher and first base at Clemson and posted a .390/.471/.791 slash as a sophomore with 12 homers. Since arriving to Tennessee, Amick has received the bulk of his time at third base where a surprising amount of athleticism and usable arm strength has opened scouts' eyes. Amick's glove won't blow anyone away, and it's unlikely he'll ever be a Gold Glove winner, but it's probably at worst 45-grade leather and an above average arm. Amick has shown surprising mobility to his right and coming down the line on balls, capable of making difficult plays. He's almost certainly a better bet than recent fringy defenders like Jacob Berry, Tyler Locklear or Tommy White to play third base going forward. All that said, the reasons scouts are flocking to Knoxville is the bat. It's a good one featuring mammoth exit velocities. Amick will need to polish up the pure bat-to-ball and his ability to avoid chasing outside of the zone, but it sure looks as though this is one of the more impactful bats available in 2024, at least in the power department. |
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HOMETOWN: Somerset, NJ HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R Kuroda-Grauer has been a force for Rutgers in his two years with the program hitting for average, a bit of power, and displaying one of the most impressive eyes at the plate in college baseball. Kuroda-Grauer has almost a 1 to 1 walk-to-strikeout ratio for his career. He's performed well with the wood bat for Bourne in the Cape Cod League as well. "JKG" has positional versatility and has handled plenty of time in the outfield, as well as time at second base and shortstop. The narrative here is a polished pure hitter with fringy tools in terms of power and speed, but a reliable glove that can be deployed anywhere on the field. |
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HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas Sterling possesses a long-levered, lanky frame that projects to add significant strength in the coming years. We currently like him more on the mound, though some in the industry remain curious on the offensive upside. He's been up to 95 with a low launch, high-spin heater featuring bat-missing carry and arm-side life. He flashes a low-80s slider and feel for a splitter-like off-speed secondary. He's also begun to work in a mid-80s cutter that has shown teeth. The athleticism and uniqueness of what he can do on the bump really stand out. |
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HOMETOWN: Brentwood, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 236 BAT/THROW: L-L When it comes to power in the 2024 draft class, Burke may hold the crown. Mammoth juice and mammoth bat speed from the left side, Burke hits some of the longest homers you'll see in Knoxville. He's a reasonably good hitter though, though he's susceptible to offspeed pitches at times. Burke is definitely a first baseman moving forward, lacking the throwing arm to stick behind the plate at the next level. But this is an impact stick that could anchor lineups for years. |
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HOMETOWN: Fuquay Varina, NC HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-L Serrano is a bonafide hitter with massive projection in the bat speed department and a polished approach for a player of his age and size. Serrano has been mostly hit-over-power to this point, but his long 6-foot-5-inch frame points toward more game power on the horizon. It's a line drive swing that produces more ground balls than scouts prefer, but it's elite contact rates both inside and outside of the strikezone. Balls Serrano hits are stung and commonly sneak through for base hits flashing above average raw power. If he can add a bit more backspin to his resume, Serrano has first round tools and traits. He's a solid average athlete too with long levers and an athletic stride as he runs the bases. His reads in the outfield are a work in progress, and Serrano doesn't possess a great throwing arm, so he may be limited to left field as a pro, but some see a guy who could develop into a Michael Saunders type and a chance at occassional run in centerfield with added strength and experience working in the grass. |
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HOMETOWN: Frankfort, IL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kentucky Bell will be on the older side for this class turning 19 years old just a month before the draft, but he's been one of the more consistent bats and gloves across this class for a couple years now. He's a masher with an opposite field approach. The swing can get a bit long through the zone and there's steepness from the left side, a concern from scouts on how the overall hit tool will take to professional baseball. It's top of the class bat speed in showcase settings. Bell is also a patient hitter who draws his walks. It's above average power projection with at least 45-grade grade game power right now. Bell's physicality has really ticked up over the last calendar year with added strength and mass, particularly in his lower half. His profile is buoyed by strong defensive actions, above average arm strength and a mature IQ on the field that should help him on the dirt at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Fort Worth, TX HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 192 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M Farr has a startling amount of projection left in his frame with long levers and a high waist. His best baseball is certainly in front of him. Farr is hitter-ish now, though he's turned up the bat speed this spring and is flashing game power, but there's more on the way given his current frame. He's showcased considerable raw power in batting practice, and scouts think he could grow into solid average (north of twenty bombs) homer upside at the next level. There's more whip and stretch from the left side of the dish, more hitterish as a right-handed bat. He's got solid zone-coverage and fights off or puts in play strikes he pulls the trigger on. There's some chase in his game, but it's not at alarming levels by any means. Scouts love what they've seen on the dirt where he's a glider with quiet actions and a legitimate chance to stick at shortstop. |
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HOMETOWN: Lake Charles, LA HEIGHT: 5-9 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DeBarge burst onto the scene in 2023 in a big way anchoring a potent ULL lineup with thump, speed and a subliminal approach at the plate. DeBarge comes packed in an explosive, tightly-wound middle-infield profile. He's got extremely quick hands and shoots the ball to all fields making tons of contact. It's a super-balanced profile at the plate with potential impact at the next level, though he'll have to drastically lower his ground ball rate to take advantage of what he does well offensively. He's a solid average runner, maybe even a tick better than that with fantastic instincts on the basepaths. DeBarge may be forced to second or third base at the next level be a more premium defender, but for now he handles the position admirably. |
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HOMETOWN: Holmdel, NJ HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Wake Forest Lovanas is one of the more dynamic movers in the 2024 class with super-athletic actions on the bump. A Wake Forest commit, Levonas will grab 97 when he's hot, sitting 92-93 over multi-inning spots with some carry through the zone. The spin rates on his heater register far north of average. He's a guy that really understands pitch design too. There's a low-80s curveball here that stays on the heater tunnel late with sharp downer bite. It's a pitch that's registered north of 3100 rpm at times. Levonas keeps hitters off the barrel by mixing in an upper-80s cutter with short life. There's also a fringy changeup. Levonas has a tendency to see his velocity drop a bit after his first couple innings, and there's still a bit of effort at release, but it's an extremely quick arm with real feel for shaping the baseball. He's also only 175 pounds at this stage with plenty of projection in his frame. Despite the loud stuff, his performances in tournament and showcase settings have been scattered and inconsistent. There's very little doubt teams will see the frame, the athlete and the pitch mix and dream on what the future could look like. It'll come down to whether he can be paid away from his strong committment to Wake Forest. There's a little bit of Matt Brash here. |
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HOMETOWN: Yutan, NE HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas Lewis is a do-it-all prospect with a slick glove, a quick bat and the legs to be valuable in all other parts of his game. He's worked to put on considerable muscle over the last 12 months and has added close to 20 pounds of strength following the showcase circuit last summer. Offensively, he's shown an aptness to cover all four quadrants with a line-drive swing and some pull-side power. The swing can get flat on pitches above the belt, though he feasts in the lefty-loop zone low-and-inside. Lewis deploys a high, deep hand-set but is short through the zone, occasionally pulling off the ball with a pull-side emphasis. He's performed across multiple tournaments, showcases, and league play and has a good chance to hit at the next level. Lewis is light on his feet in the field and moves well to his right. He's got a solid average arm that plays well. He's got a reasonably good shot to stick at shortstop, though may be a better fit at second base or third base with more weight. Lewis projects a solid average runner who can steal some bases moving forward. He is an Arkansas commit. |
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HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 172 BAT/THROW: R-R O'Ferrall is a scrappy middle infielder with really impressive hands and the twitch to turn a quick doubleplay. He doesn't possess much juice, but he's a solid hitter and can be a menace on the basepaths with a high IQ and a willingness to take chances when given the opportunity. He's likely not more than a utility man at the next level with the versatility to handle left field or shortstop and second base and could represent a strong late-inning substitution. He's an average runner who probably won't add a ton of extra value on the bases. |
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HOMETOWN: Gettysburg, PA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 179 BAT/THROW: S-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee Kuhns has now-stuff with a fastball up to 95. He features a lean, slender build with plenty of room for muscle and budding velocity. His strong lower-half and drop-and-drive lower-half point toward a guy who could continue to add velocity as he matures further. Kuhns is a bit of a spin magician with a low-80s curveball occasionally exceeding 3000 rpm. He can also flip over an average changeup at times. The story here is projectable upside and feel for spin, and that's a great blueprint for future success. Kuhns will turn 19 years old a couple months before the draft, something model teams will weigh into their draft-day value equation here. |
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HOMETOWN: Tulane, LA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 245 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Massey is a big, physical imposing arm with a big fastball up to 97 and some carry through the zone. There's a ton of deception on all his pitches and batters have had a horribly difficult time put bat on ball against all of his stuff. The slider is a really nasty weapon. It's a mid-80s breaker that's been up to 87 with massive whiff rates on two-plane tilt. It's mostly a two-pitch mix right now, but there is a nascent changeup. Massey could start at the next level and has a high-leverage floor. He has the body and operation that can play in a rotation at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Wake Forest Marsten was formerly a Stanford commit but flipped to Wake Forest in the fall of 2023. Not that it makes him any more signable in the draft, but it's next to impossible to poach players away from Palo Alto. He's finally back on the mound having missed close to 18 months recovering from Tommy John surgery and some other minor injuries, but the stuff has really come back and then some. Marsten is working up into the mid-90s and has tickled 100 mph in side sessions. He'll sits 93-97 in one- and two-inning outings. There's a slider and a curveball that project going forward as well, the former comfortably grading out above average with sweeping shape especially as he works a lather and gets into the game. It can take him an inning or so to find bigger shape on the breaking ball. Marsten has one of the more put-together operations in the class and has a real chance to start and throw long outings at the next level. Teams will have to decide how they weigh the elbow injury and his overall durability in their evaluations. Marsten will be 19 on draft day, but the upside and present stuff here are unrivaled in a lot of ways in this class. It's a complicated draft profile, but arm talent that can be challenged by few. He's got a shot to be the first or second high school pitcher off the mound if he has a healthy spring leading up to July. |
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HOMETOWN: Edmond, OK HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Vanderbilt Hall, a Vanderbilt commit, is already one of the hardest throwers in the class with explosive athleticism that shows through on the mound. Hall's future will be pitching where his over-the-top delivery and hellish fastball figure to play immediately at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Naples, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami King is a super-projectable lefty that has yet to see his stuff really take flight, but scouts believe that day is soon to come. The lower-half has added considerable strength and the shoulders continue to broaden out. He generally rests in the 91-92 range with tail and sink, but has been a tick or two higher than that. He's worked to manipulate the shape of his fastball in recent months to better take advantage of his wider, low-slot release. There's an upper-70s banger 12-6 curveball and a swing-and-miss slider in here too; both of which feature above-average spin rates. King's has been working on playing a changeup off his fastball shape and it's come along over the last 9 months. It'll flash and projects to be a weapon at the next level as he continues to find feel. King will be one of the rare 17-year-old prospects available in the 2024 draft, and that always goes a long ways in model evaluations. |
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HOMETOWN: Forney, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R Bazzell did not compete after transferring to Texas Tech in 2022, but scouts love what they see in the 6-foot-1 backstop. He raked during summer ball in 2022. Bazzell offers a good amount of athleticism for the position and has thunder in his bat. How he handles a pitching staff and develops defensively will dictate his positioning in the 2024 draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Plant City, FL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida State Mobley is a really athletic righty with long, lean limbs, plenty of projection and *now* stuff. The fastball has been clocked up to 93, his athleticism easily holding 90 mph over outings of at least 60 pitches. The heat has late hop and Mobley has shown feel for keeping his stuff in the zone, pounding the top of the zone with his fastball. He's got a curveball that flashes above average characteristics, as well as a changeup with solid separation off the fastball. Mobley has the arm speed, frame and athleticism to suggest he could throw really hard one day, and his present strike-throwing ability and pedigree in tournaments bode well for his future. |
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HOMETOWN: Tallahassee, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R Stanfield was a standout prep and had plenty of draft interest but went unselected and ended up at Auburn in 2022. He'll be a draft-eligible true sophomore. Stanfield showed off his tools as a true freshman featuring some thump and speed on the basepaths, though he was mostly a singles hitter. There's twitchiness and a ton of hand speed at the plate. He does a nice job of hitting the baseball in the ari with ringing line drives all over the box scores. Scouts expect the power to come on a bit as he matures and the governor comes off. He's also an above average runner. Stanfield does a little bit of everything well and has the makings of a productive outfielder who can handle all three roles. |
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HOMETOWN: Fuquay-Varina, NC HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R Eagen, a three-year standout at Presbyterian, has seen his game steadily rise over the last few seasons culminating in the 2024 campaign where his stuff and feel for pitching have both spiked. Eagen is high-slot right-hander with a fastball that generates well-above average carry through the zone The ultra-high release point to some degree negates the fastball's extraordinary shape, though it's been an effective offering this season as Eagen has shown a good feel for landing that pitch on the black, high glove-side. Eagen is generally 93-94 and will grab 96 in early innings. It's an up-tempo delivery with some athleticism and reasonably low effort. The fastball is particularly effective paired with a hammer curveball. It's a low-80s breaker with 12-6 shape, thrown with conviction low-and-away to right-handed hitters. Eagen's has ironed the hump out of the pitch in 2024 and is now tunneing the weapon beautifully off the heater. It's a curveball that induces plenty of chase and plenty of whiffs from the opposition, some throwing double-plus grades on it going forward. It's a lead torpedo that would get big leaguers out today. Eagen has a seldom-used changeup that flashes tail and overall promising shape, but execution for that pitch is very clearly a work in progress. He'll need to refine that pitch at the next level if he's to be effective against left-handed bats in a starter role. Considering the frame, the operation, the pure stuff, and what appears to be a breakthrough in the control/command department, it's a clear up-arrow as we head toward July. |
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HOMETOWN: Cary, NC HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R Payton Green flashed real tools his freshman year at NC State. His hit tool was streaky, and the power was inconsistent, but at his best, Green was an impact bat with pull-side power. Green can handle shortstop or third base, but he's a leaner body who figures to add muscle and shift to third base permanently at the next level. He's finally begun to add strength since arriving at Georgia Tech and it's paying dividends. The game power seems to have taken a jump and Green is hitting the ball in the air more often in 2024 and with more consistency. There's more than enough arm here to handle the left side of the infield. Green will need to continue to develop the hit tool and the approach to dial down his swing-and-miss rates, but the tools are here to surge into day one with added experience and strength. Now at Georgia Tech, the change of scenery could unlock more impact and he's shown as much this spring. |
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HOMETOWN: Bradenton, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R Waldschmidt began his college career at Charleston Southern where he immediately made a name for himself, but transferred to Kentucky in 2023 where his game really took off. Waldschmidt is a strong runner who takes solid routes to the ball in the field and has at least an outside shot of sticking in centerfield at the next level, so long as a more premium defender doesn't shift him to left. At the plate, there's sneaky raw power here and Waldschmidt makes a lot of contact. He's a good blend of polish and punch at the dish. He's also a threat on the basepaths. This is a well-rounded player who could stick up the middle and be an asset while on base. He's got a shot at becoming a top-three round guy. Unfortunately, Waldschmidt got a little banged up on the Cape in 2023 and it'll force him to miss a good chunk of time in 2024. Still, the track record and the baseball card could push Waldschmidt up boards as a Top 100 pick, especially with a late surge when he's able to return for the Wildcats this spring. |
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HOMETOWN: Guyton, GA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-L Holton has been a metric-darling since high school and he's performed at just about every level. A smaller-framed southpaw, Holton has been up to 95 but lives in the low-90s with a hopping fastball that misses a lot of bats. He also uses deception well, hiding the ball late into his delivery. Holton features a power-curveball in the low-80s with tremendous depth, as well as a cutter and a changeup, though they lag behind the 1-2 punch. Holton isn't a big guy, so projection isn't on his side, but this is a big league arm. The role is yet to be determined. |
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HOMETOWN: Poughkeepsie, NY HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ole Miss Paino is a lean, strong, left-handed hitter with present juice and a smooth stroke with an up-the-middle approach. He tends to work to the pull-side a bit more in game, but it's a mature batting practice session, unwilling to sell out for power. His feel for the barrel has been inconsistent over the last twelve months, but he flashes and it's plainly clear to see what it "could" become with reps and maturation. |
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HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R Silva is a pure shortstop with quiet, fluid actions on the dirt and an absolute cannon across the diamond. He's a good hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills who works up the middle of the field. He'll continue growing into his pro body and will begin hitting the ball harder in due time. As for now, he's a good defensive prospect with a strong ability to hit. |
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HOMETOWN: Colorado Springs, CO HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 235 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia The state of Colorado has become a quiet hotbed for draft talent over recent years and Gregory-Alford may be the next best-kept secret out of the upper-Four Corners. "TGA" is an ultra-physical righty with a mid-90s fastball touching 98 that really bores in on righty knuckles. He's touched 101 mph in side sessions too. The fastball features arm-side run and a bit of carry, though he'll mix in multiple shapes on the heater depending on the batter and his level of fatigue. The inconsistencies in shape have reduced the effectiveness in games of the pure velocity as he's struggled to get whiffs at times on the pitch in showcase settings. "TGA" has the full assortment of pitches at his disposal including a mid-to-upper 80s slider with hard two-plane break, a curveball with downer action in the low-80s, and a fading changeup that features good shape, though he broadcasts it a bit due to decelerating arm-speed. There's some tempo and effort at release, but Gregory-Alford possesses good body control and looks like the type of frame that can withstand the rigors of long innings. Pitching as a whole has continued to look easier and easier for the Colorado product over the last 18 months. Continued improvement commanding the baseball and ironing out some of the inconsistencies in his tempo will push his stock higher. TGA has an up arrow next to his name in the draft. Gregory-Alford will turn 18 years old just weeks before the draft, a trait you cannot teach and one teams do seem to covet come draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, VA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-R DeMartini has a thunderous bat and middle-of-the-lineup juice. He's a strong infielder with versatility. DeMartini has some swing and miss in his game, though he doesn't expand the zone as much as the prototype thumper generally does. Developing his in-zone bat-to-ball skills will be important as he ages, but there's the makings of a power-corner infielder here. |
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HOMETOWN: Corona, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCLA Schiefelbein is your typical UCLA commit. He's got a whippy, projection arm with present stuff that should play immediately for the Bruins should he make it to campus. It's an incredibly polished, projectable profile with a buttery operation and strike-thrower mentality. Schiefelbein understands tempo and can play the ball to every quadrant. The southpaw has been clocked up to 94, though he's usually more 90-92. He's got two breaking balls, though they tend to melt together over longer outings. The harder slider is his better offering right now with two-plane tilt and some strong tunneling attributes off a deceptive fastball. He's been flirting with a low-80s changeup, but it's inconsistent, flashing fringy when executed. If there's on knock, he does have a tendency to audibly grunt on the fastball as he gets deeper into innings and outings. That effort generally doesn't show up in the form of lost command or a loss of velocity. He'll turn 18 years old just a couple months before the draft and has model traits teams tend to covet on day one. |
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HOMETOWN: King, NC HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-L Josh Hartle had a lot of money offered his way in the 2022 MLB Draft, but wanted the opportunity to grow and develop inside the Wake Forest Pitching Lab. That appears to have been a good idea. Hartle is a tall, lean, projectable lefty with a prospect pedigree and the ability to pound the zone. He's a five-pitch guy with a sinker-slider-changeup arsenal, working in a curveball and cutter that are usable. Hartle lives in the low-90s but projects to throw harder with added strength. His slider is a sweeper with huge depth and the changeup really fades back off the slider tunnel. Those two offerings have produced immense whiff rates in the ACC. Hartle has a good frame and can really mix it up. If his stuff ticks up, he has first round qualities. |
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HOMETOWN: Grapevine, TX HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 182 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Dallas Baptist Hill is an explosive mover with huge arm speed from the left side and the accompanying arsenal to get hitters out in a myriad of ways. It's a high waist and whip-like long levers generating a fastball that's been up to 97, consistently sitting 93-94 with a tight spinning slider and bigger curveball. Hill's entire repertoire is high spin. As he continues learning how to command the zone and pitch backwards, Hill's ceiling should continue to rise. His game on the mound has improved in both areas this spring, though it's still largely fringy command. There's some effort at release and some whack in his follow-through, so continuing an emphasis in getting stronger will be a priority if teams hope is for Hill to start as a pro. If Hill doesn't get drafted, he has the looks of an arm who could dominate the college ranks for the foreseeable future, though he's consistently mentioned by scouts and cross-checkers as an up-arrow guy this spring. |
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HOMETOWN: Waxahachie, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L Thomas has played mostly first base for the Longhorns and has built the reputation of a punisher of mistakes. He finished extremely strong over the last couple months of his true freshman campaign and put his name on the map. Thomas is a hitter first who doesn't strike out much and hits for some power, more in-game impact is on the way. His BP features emerging juice with natural loft and some flashes of big pull-side exit velos. He's been particularly effective in crushing breaking balls that are left in the strikezone. Scouts believe he's athletic enough to move to the outfield where his loose, rangy gait and average arm will play. Takes aggressive routes in i/o and brief game looks. He's an above average runner who's a high-IQ player and played centerfield in high school. That said, he receives above-average defensive grades at first base, and some consider his fielding an asset at the position. He's a run-saver. Thomas has been clocked in the 4.2 range home-to-first and could be deployed in a number of different roles as a pro, but the bat carries the load. |
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HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, PA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: B-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami Shields re-classified from the 2025 class into 2024. He's a strong, polished lefty with a low-90s fastball, a deceptive, two-plane slider in the upper-70s, and a changeup that usually sits a tick or two above that. Shields is an impressive athlete with a two-way background; a distinguished hitter with a sweet left-handed swing. Everything about Shields is rhythmic and balanced. He has a calm about his game that some of his peers lack. Especially impressive considering he'll be a whole year younger than most of his contemporaries in the draft. Shields won't turn 18 years old until October 2024. He's one of the youngest players, if not the youngest, available to teams this summer. He's committed to play ball at Miami. |
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HOMETOWN: Mobile, AL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Auburn Gatwood is built like a pro pitcher packed into a 6-foot-5 inch frame with good weight spread out through his lanky frame. Gatwood has a starter delivery with repeatable mechanics, though his arm-slot will change from time to time. Most often, Gatwood sits 94-96 with a sinking fastball that he's run up to 99 mph. His shorter slider has two-plane tilt and late bite, but it's extremely firm, usually 88-90 mph with variations in shape. There's also a changeup in here with solid fading action, though his command for the pitch can be sporadic. Gatwood has top-of-the-scale arm talent and has the making of a potential top 100 pick in 2024 if his feel for the strike zone continues to mature. It's a reasonably low-effort delivery with with a fast arm and projection remaining in his lower half. If he continues to flash the changeup to scouts as the draft approaches, Gatwood could lock himself into day one. |
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HOMETOWN: Bellevue, NE HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R A 14th round selection by the Dodgers in 2023, Jelkin elected to head to Houston and improve his stock. He is about as projectable a body as you'll find in this draft, and the stuff and athleticism really continues to trend upwards. He's always been an explosive mover, but everything is much more under control these days, and he's throwing more strikes because of it. He'll work up to 96 with late run and some carry, though too often it's a deadzone fastball. It's a deceptive pitch that really sneaks up on hitters due to the slot, but he'll want the shape to go in one direction or the other at the next level. His low-80s slider tunnels well and induces quite a bit of swing and miss featuring big depth and slight gyro sweep. There's a bigger curveball that he's struggled to command consistently, but he'll offer it to right-handed batters at times. Jelkin has better baseball ahead of him and is a good bet to get selected in this draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Doylestown, PA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Clemson Harlan turned heads during the summer in 2023 with thunderous bat speed and a compact stroke at the plate. It's easy plus power projection from an already-physical frame. Harlan has a chance to play third base at the next level, though some are already projecting him into the outfield where strong throwing arm and physical frame will be best utilized. He can be a bit stiff and mechanical on the dirt, but it works at this stage and he's effective and efficient in making outs. He's an average runner who projects fringy underway moving forward. A Clemson commit, there's huge offensive potential on this kid and he'll be a high follow leading up to the draft itself. There's something of a Josh Jung comp here. |
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HOMETOWN: Haughton, LA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-R Stovall arrived at Arkansas with huge acclaim as potentially the best freshman to make it to campus. He struggled early, but found his stride late in the season. At his best, Stovall has pull-side power and an all-fields approach at the plate with a patient eye. He's been a barrel magnet in 2024 despite getting a delayed start due to a foot injury. Where he gets in trouble is when he specifically tries to lift and pull the ball, though that's been less of an issue as a junior. Stovall's best position in second base where he projects a potential average hitter with average power and a fringy glove. He's gotten a substantial amount of time at first base this spring to get him off his feet a bit more, some evaluators opining the athlete may end up there or in left field as a pro. Stovall is an average runner. He returns in 2024 having suffered a torn labrum toward the end of the 2023 season, durability being a slight wart in his profile in Fayetteville. He appears back at full strength and represents one of the better college bats out there. |
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HOMETOWN: Pennington, NJ HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia Meccage is a projectable right-handed pitcher with a fantastic frame an explosive traits in his delivery. There's big arm speed here and it comes out of a reasonably clean and free delivery featuring a ton of scap load with a bit of inversion in the back. There's some effort out in front, but his athleticism and feel to repeat helps suggest that could iron itself out over time. He can at times be a tick late in his release on breaking balls, though it should polish up with added strength. Meccage has been up to 96, sitting 90-92 with high spin rates and varying shape. His slider projects well with well-above average spin rates and big depth. There's also a changeup and a curveball in there, though both lag behind his two primary weapons and he's hardly needed to throw them. Meccage has dominated his competition in showcase and tournament settings with enormous whiff and miss rates. He's a strike-thrower with bat-missing stuff. Meccage is committed to Virginia. He will be on the younger side for this draft turning 18 just a few months prior to the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, VA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: B-R Anderson is a tweener backstop-corner infielder who can really hit and, when he's on-time, can put a real charge into the baseball. Held back from catching for a majority of his Cavalier career, Anderson hasn't had the chance to truly showcase his skills behind the plate, but private workouts suggest a kid with a solid average throwing arm and solid athleticism considering his size. Scouting catchers is difficult, but we wouldn't give Anderson a non-zero chance to catch at the big league level. The hit tool immediately stands out here with a quiet load featuring a moderate leg kick, followed by an all-fields swing and a willingness to handle all four quadrants of the zone. His swing can get a little long on off-speed stuff, but he throws the barrel through the zone for a long time and gets the most out of his plane. Anderson has a chance to be a bat-first platoon catcher with a the versatility to slide around should a team want to leverage his athleticism. |
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HOMETOWN: Stony Brook, NY HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-L Schlesinger is a tall, tough lefty to square up operating under a super-low three-quarters slot. His fastball will rest in the low-90s with considerable sink and arm-side bore away from right-handed hitters. He'll mix in a sweeping slider in the upper-70s that has been hell on lefty bats. There's a changeup he'll show, though it doesn't project more than a fringy, usable offering to get hitters off his primary sinker-slider combo. Schlesinger has battled command issues at times during his Miami career, though his efficiency and performances this season have improved since moving into the rotation full-time. He's a unique look and there's projection remaning in his 6-foot-4-inch frame. He could eventually flirt with mid-90s velocity, and he'll have to if he's to carve out a starting role at the next level. If he doesn't see the stuff tick up, he's precisely the type of arm that profiles into a big league bullpen for several years. |
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HOMETOWN: Hudson, FL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 203 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida Whritenour is a name to watch as we approach the 2024 draft. He's got the metrically appealing fastball that possesses huge carry through the zone, and it misses bats like you'd expect. He's been up to 97 and will sit 93-94 over multiple innings. There's some command concerns here, but the innate feel to get above the barrel is rare. Most of Whritenour's secondaries lag behind the sheer upside of the fastball, but he can spin a slider close to 2800 rpm in the mid-80s. There's also a mid-80s changeup that he's often reluctant to throw. Whritenour is a fast mover with obvious athleticism. He'll be 18.6 years old for the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Rochester, NY HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 198 BAT/THROW: R-R Saucke burst onto the scene for the Cavaliers as a true freshman, and obtained first team freshman honors. From his time as a prep to his freshman year at Virginia, he has transformed his body and is well built through his entire frame. Recruited as an infielder, he primarily played right field for the Hoos, and figures to eventually transition to third base as the depth ahead of him graduates. Saucke's carrying tool is his bat, as his swing path is designed to elevate and do damage. This is reflective in his batted ball data and in-game performance as he drives the ball to all fields with regularity. Potential to be future plus power as he matures. |
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HOMETOWN: Dallas, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-L In terms of pure pitch shape, there are very few who can match the carry Prager induces on his four-seamer. He's still working to command the pitch, but the Aggies lefty is going to miss a lot of bats when he learns to spot it at the top of the zone. He'll routinely sit north of 22 inches of IVB on any given night with some cut, though that figure is sure to trend slightly down in pro ball with a different baseball. Still, he figures to rang among the elite in the game in terms of generating ride on the heater. As a southpaw no less. That in and of itself is unique. The benefits of his fastball shape are negated a touch by what is an ultra-high release, though he's still managed to get above average chase rates in the SEC. Prager will generally work a lather in the 90-92 range and will grab 94. He's flashed a solid average slider that has upside as he continues to learn pitch shaping and command for the pitch. For now, it's thrown all over the zone, the quality of the strikes waning as his outings progress. There's also a changeup in there with generous arm-side fade, though he's hardly deployed it to this point. Scouts also wonder whether his changeup shape will suffer at the next level as he presently owns close to 18 inches of horizontal separation between the fastball and offspeed in his arsenal. The operation features some effort at release, specifically a considerable amount of whack. Scouts are split on whether he projects to start at the next level. The arsenal would certainly support it, though the command and effort in the profile cause some pause. |
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HOMETOWN: Cypress, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arizona State You'd be hard-pressed to find many guys more physical in stature than Montgomery in the 2024 prep class. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he's an imposing figure in the box with the accompanying power you'd expect from a kid his size. He's shown off his game power in tournament and showcase settings. There's no doubting how his strength plays. He handles velocity better than almost all of his peer with large samples facing premium pitching and driving the ball to all fields with authority -- hardly ever swinging through low-90s stuff. Montgomery has shown the ability to handle the bottom of the strike zone with conviction, and catching up to velocity at the top of the zone has taken strides forward in the last calendar year. Power is the calling card here, though the hit tool is budding with more and more barrels and longer at-bats showing up of late. Montgomery has done a nice job of simplifying and shortening his swing since last summer, a major reason for his ascent on draft boards. Montgomery is a catcher for now, though he may ultimately outgrow the position and end up at first base or in the outfield. He's got more than enough arm strength to handle the outfield. Most scouts like him out in the grass. |
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HOMETOWN: Manhattan Beach, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R Hurd has the makings of a potential number one overall pick with a strong mixture of size, athleticism and pure stuff on the mound. He battled a back injury during his freshman campaign at UCLA, but a now-healthy Hurd has his sights set high on a big junior year at LSU. Still reasonably green on the mound, Hurd can rush it up to 96, sitting 92-94 over most extended innings. His best pitch is the slider, and it's a banger. Hurd can induce north of 3000 rpm on his breaking ball, featuring strong depth and some sweep as well. He's more than willing to throw it too, posting rates around 30% thus far. Hurd also throws a deeper curveball in the upper-70s with tremendous depth and a ton of sweep. It projects a true plus curveball. If Hurd can stay healthy and the velocity continues to tick up like many expect it will, it's top-of-the-rotation upside. He's battled command and control woes over the course of his collegiate career as well, so there's work to be done. But it's hard not to like the clay. |
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HOMETOWN: Mill Hall, PA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R Major has worked a number of roles across the Cape and for West Virginia, but most foresee a future in a multi-inning stretch capacity where he brings mid-90s just and a ton of strikes at the opposition. He's a starter in 2024 for the Mountaineers and has performed in the role despite what many would consider fringe-average control. Major has been up to 97 with significant carry through the top rail out of a high three-quarter slot. He generally lives 93-95, complimenting the heat with a mid 80s sweeping slider featuring high spin and two-plane tilt. Against lefties, Major will throw a upper-80s changeup with depth and strong tail. Scouts would like to see a bit more separation off the fastball, but the two pitch combo is effective as his offspeed can generate north of twelve inches of fading action off his fastball's tunnel. He'll regularly sit north of 20 inches of arm-side tail. The frame is already reasonably maxed out. What you see is likely what you'll get going forward from Major. If scouts deem Major has a shot to start at the next level, he's certainly got the arm talent to go on day one. Otherwise, he's likely going to be off the board early in the first couple rounds on day two, and he could move quickly. It's a quality three-pitch mix with outlier pitch chart plotting. |
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HOMETOWN: Blackfoot, ID HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oregon State Whitney is a tremendous mover with a high leg kick through his wind up, a clean hand break and ultra-repeatable operation considering his age. He's a long, tall righty with projection remaining in his upper-half and an already sturdy, well-built lower half. He's got broad, squared-off shoulders and a high waist; two signs of a guy who figures to continue to add velocity as he matures. He extends well down the bump and lands consistently out in front with above-average extension and lower-half drive. He uses his legs quite well and should jump into the mid-90s in due time. Whitney has special fastball. Not only is it deceptive, his over-the-top delivery produces considerable carry through the zone, aided by above-average spin rates, up to 94 mph. It's a menacing pitch on the top rail, and Whitney commands it well. His breaking ball is a deep, slurvy slider thrown in the upper-70s, grabbing some 8-handles here and there, also featuring above-average spin. There's also a changeup in the same velocity bucket, though it lags behind his two primary weapons both in execution and conviction for now. The operation is short, compact, and quick with loose actions working downhill with authority. Whitney was a primary shortstop early in his high school career and has grown into a legitimate pitching prospect. As he continues to grown and develop his craft, the stuff could really take off. He is an Oregon State commit. |
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HOMETOWN: Kearney, MO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee Snyder is a well-rounded player with offensive tools and the potential to stick up the middle on defense. At the plate, Snyder employs a rounded leg-kick that can get him in trouble with timing, but when he's locked in Snyder absolutely pummels the ball to all-fields, producing some truly impressive shots to his pull-side. He's a fantastic athlete and it shows in his load, swing and follow-through at the plate. On the dirt, Snyder again showcases big athleticism, getting low to the ground and receiving ground balls out in front. He's got exceptional hands with a quick transfer and an above average arm as well. Depending on where his physical development goes, Snyder could end up at second base or third base, but for now, the athlete and actions suggest a shortstop long-term. |
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HOMETOWN: Palo Alto, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R Darby's profile is buoyed by high contact rates against just about all pitches and well-above average chase rates. He's a polished hitter with a smooth left-handed stroke, and he's flashed above average power to all fields at his peaks, though most scouts do not believe he'll morph into a slugger. There's the potential here for an above average hit tool and budding impact at the plate, though Darby is mostly a fringy runner with an broadening frame that figures not to add excess value on the basepaths as a pro. He's played all over the dirt for the Gauchos, as well as for Corvallis in the WCL and Yarmouth-Dennis on the Cape. Most see a future at third base, though he's could be serviceable at second base and could ultimately end up at first if he continues to add strength and size. Darby has a strong internal clock, though his footwork needs polish on the dirt. He's got solid average arm strength, though it plays down at times due to technique. He may ultimately be able to tap into that arm strength with more reps and subsequent comfortability in his defensive game. Ultimately, this looks like a potential average bat at the next level with enough defensive value to keep him away from first base early in his career. It's day-two upside. |
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HOMETOWN: San Marcos, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R Forcucci is a premium body guy with a sound delivery and a bit of a longer arm action in the back. He's generally been a guy who pounds the zone. The selling point here is a unicorn-esque fastball that features close to 20 inches of carry, but also roughly nine inches of arm-side run. There are very few pitchers who can claim that amount of life in both directions on the heater. Forcucci has a budding slider with depth and a bit of sweep, as well as feel for executing the pitch. It mostly projects above average, though he does through it with velocity behind it so some continued refinement in shape could push the pitch toward plus over time. There's also a changeup here, and while Forcucci has shown feel for putting the pitch where it needs to be, he hardly throws it. It's a good changeup too with arm-side fading action and late separation off the fastball tunnel. This is a high-ceiling arm with starter traits. He'll likely be a priority guy on day two, though he missed considerable time during second half of the 2024 season that will be something teams dig into as the draft approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Aliso, CA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-L Gage Jump battled through nagging injuries as a true freshman in 2022, but showed flashes of real potential for the Bruins. Unfortunately, he missed 2023 after going through Tommy John. He's not a big guy, but the metrics behind his pitches are loud. The fastball really jumps over bats at the top of the zone and is complimented by a fantastic curveball with deep bite and significant spin. Jump is what you'd call a tunneling savant. There's also a cutter and a changeup in there, the latter showing promise in terms of shape and execution. He'll need to stay healthy and add strength as we move deeper into 2024, but he's a big time weapon and a data-darling and that will enthuse analysts and pro scouts alike. He has day one upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Lewisberry, PA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Duke Anderson has the look of a 5-star bluechip quarterback with a tall, lean, projectable frame, a high waist and long, athletic levers. He's one of the most purely talented catchers in the 2024 class with a 70-grade arm behind the plate and explosion out of the crouch. His blocking and framing fundamentals are still coming along, but he's talented enough to stay behind the plate at the next level, especially as the game moves away from the conventional traits of a catcher. Offensively, he's a big, strong, left-handed hitting power hitter with a sweet swing and tons of impact at the point of contact. French will get over-anxious at the plate at times, and will chase breaking balls in the dirt, but when he gets ahead in the count and leans on a pitch in the zone, he's produced some gaudy results. Given the value on defense, and the upside at the plate, French has a shot at going on day two as a premium power-power high school catcher. He is committed to Duke. |
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HOMETOWN: Alabaster, AL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Northwest Florida State College Terrell certainly looks the part packed into a long, 6-foot-3-inch frame with plenty of muscle in his upper-half. Terrell has a bit of projection left in his lower-half, but the frame is already stacked and doing damage in games. It's plus raw power with a hit tool that flashes thanks to fast hands and a short, cut-off finish through the zone. Terrell will use the whole field and has stung ringing line-drives into the opposite field gap in tournament play. Terrell has a resume of attacking the fastball, though scouts want to see a cleaner approach against breaking balls. That'll be an emphasis in evaluating the player as July approaches. There's athletic tools to like here including above-average to plus run times and a solid average throwing arm that projects into a corner. Terrell certainly looks the part and fills out a uniform in a way scouts like. He will be 18.5 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Rockwall, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R Neighbors is primarily a two-pitch guy; a fastball-slider combination that shows solid upside. The fastball can touch 95, though Neighbors is primarily 91-93 with tons of carry through the zone. He doesn't yet command the pitch well, a prerequisite he'll need to improve upon if the pitch is going to perform at the top of the zone like it could. Ironically, Neighbors commands his slider with precision low-and-away to righty bats. It's a pitch that's generated huge chase and whiff rates. It's a mid-80s breaking ball with far more depth than sweep. Neighbors has a quiet, sound mechanical operation that some believe could play in a multi-inning or even a rotation profile. If he can find a changeup or split-finger to get lefties off his fastball, the future role alters considerably. For now, he's a solid multi-inning relief projection with two solid offerings, including a breaking ball that may be plus. |
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HOMETOWN: Mantua, NJ HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L Petrutz burst onto the scene as a true freshman flashing a ton of ability at the plate and budding potential in the field. A pure hitter with a pull-side approach, Petrutz has significant bat speed for his frame and projects an average power hitter moving forward. He has a discerning eye at the plate and is more than willing to take his walks, punishing mistakes left over the heart. Petrutz doesn't strikeout much either. His development in the field, likely left field, will be paramount in determining his draft stock. A fringy runner with a fringy arm, the bat will have to carry most of his helium. But it's a good one. |
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HOMETOWN: Enid, OK HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Shull is a bat-first, power-over-hit outfielder who can play a little second and third base in a pinch. He provides plenty of bat speed from the right side with a more hitterish attack angle from the left side of the plate. The hit tool continues to advance as he's aged, leading some to believe he's one of the more enticing offensive prospects in the class. Shull is a fringe average runner is likely destined for left field or third base as a professional. He's continued to add muscle over the last twelve months and is now one of the more physical looks on the prep side. He does have an above average arm. He will be 19 years old on draft day, so there will be added pressure to perform leading up to the event. |
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HOMETOWN: Auburn, AL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Turner is a table-setting outfielder with a quick first step out of the box and a slasher swing. He distributes the ball to all-fields brilliantly, though he does have a good bit of thump in his bat to the pull-side. He extends well and crushes mistakes. Turner makes fairly tight turns on the baseball, though when he's fooled his swing can get long and can expose him a bit on breaking balls. Turner makes plenty of contact and has projection left in his 6-foot-2 inch frame. When you look at the athlete, the trajectory of the player, and the athletic tools, there's a lot to like here. |
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HOMETOWN: Northville, MI HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Mississippi State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video It's not often you find an elite 80-grade runner who can also impact the baseball. Nori could be the fastest player in the class. At the plate, it's a quiet load and noise-less mechanics, stroking the ball gap-to-gap with some power coming too. Nori is still working on the routes in the field, but most project a centerfielder long-term with an average to above average arm as well. Nori has next to no projection left in his frame. He's already an incredibly strong, compact, physical player with lumberjack forearms and a barrel-chested, broad, powder-keg physique. One thing going against Nori is his age. He'll be 19 on draft day, and will actually turn 20 years old before the turn of the new year. Because of that, scouts will want to see more of a finished product than much of his peers. Still, the tools are evident and teams do like the unteachable traits. Nori will be an interesting case study in leverage in the draft. If he were to end up at Mississippi State, he'd be draft-eligible once again in 2026, but would turn 22 before the end of that season too. It places a great emphasis on his ability to carve out an immediate role in Starkville should he end up at school. He's one of the more fascinating profiles from a process and modeling standpoint in this class. |
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HOMETOWN: Jasper, IN HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Foley burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2023 for the Hoosiers shoving upper-90s heat and playing a key role down the stretch. As mentioned, Foley can grab 98 at his best, resting 91-94 with carry through the zone as he gets into the later of a start. The heater has performed extremely well at the collegiate level with elite whiff rates and chase rates that's grade out much better than most of his peer. It's a future plus pitch and then some. He works to live at the top of the zone, his fringy command limiting effectiveness at times. His best weapon is a low-80s slider and a mid-80s changeup, both of which flash solid average. Showing an improved ability to hold velocity later into starts, plus establishing a go-to secondary are boxes scouts are looking to check for Foley as the draft approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Greensboro, NC HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 216 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Jenkins-Cowart is a massively imposing lefty stick with significant raw power. There's some swing and miss in the whole package but, considering his age and size, it's to be expected at this stage. Jenkins-Cowart is a bit limited in the field and likely ends up at first base or DH at the next level, but it's one of the better 2024 bats on the east coast. |
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HOMETOWN: Gunnison, UT HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Keisel has one of the most unique fastballs in the class with an extremely low-launch and late hop at the top of the zone. It's rare you find metrics like that with velocity, but Keisel can bring it. Up to 97, Keisel usually site 92-94. All of those figures are difficult to emulate given his unique release traits. There's a seldom-used slider and curveball here too, the latter being the better offering with sweep and deception. Keisel will need to establish a true secondary weapon if he's to continue starting moving forward. There's something of a Paul Sewald type of profile here. |
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HOMETOWN: Dothan, AL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 213 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Allsup might have one of the best fastballs in the 2024 class. He'll reach up into the upper-90s, touching 100 and will sit 96+ at his best. He's got the potential for a few above average offerings in the slider and changeup as well, the former morphing into a curveball at times. Allsup has primarily worked out of the bullpen to this point, but took on an expanded role in 2024 where strikes and quality of the secondaries will by top-of-mind for scouts taking in his innings. It's day one upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Roland, OK HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wiggins, an Arkansas commit and brother of fellow Razorback pitchers Jaxon Wiggins, saw a meteoric jump in stuff in the summer of 2023, grabbing 98 and resting 94-96 over multiple innings. The arm strength is without question and the fastball value will carry his profile, but the breaking ball has taken steps forward of late as well. There's late tilt and some considerable bite when he gets around it. He's also an impressive basketball player for Roland. Wiggins will be one of the hardest throwing righties available in the 2024 class and has a shot to go earlier than his brother did in the 2023 Draft. Wiggins will be 19 years old on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale, FL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Marin is one of of the more accomplished defenders in the class with fluidity and rhythm to his game on the dirt. He has smooth actions both with his feet and hands, as well as an athletic throwing arm. He's as good a bet as you'll find to stick at the "6" in this class so long as he doesn't outgrow the position. Marin is an average runner but his instincts do allow his tools to play up a bit on both sides of the ball. For now, he's a line-to-line hitter who has shown some grown over the spring in terms of impact punch at the plate. The swing and frame projects to add a bit more with maturity. Marin has a swing that's quick to the ball and his approach at the plate appears to have improved as well. He's a player with an up arrow next to his name. |
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HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 240 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video There may not be a more imposing batter in the box that Ivan Brethowr in this entire class. Standing at 6-6, 245 pounds, the Overland Park product boasts mammoth raw power and he's shown it in spades in games this season. The approach still has some roughness around its edges, but when he gets ahead in the count and hunts his pitch, the impact here is truly significant. Brethowr projects a right fielder at the next level thanks to a strong throwing arm and burgeoning athleticism for his size. He's a strong runner who should have no issue staying in the field despite his intimidating size. He'll need to cut down the swing and miss, but if he can leading up to the draft, he's a potential early day-two thumper. His Head Coach Andrew Checketts has expressed "It's hard not to give him the Aaron Judge comparisons. He's fast. He's got bat speed. Everybody in the ballpark flinches when he swings. He can run... he's got a really big arm. He's a difference maker." |
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HOMETOWN: West Covina, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Curiel has solid bat-to-ball skills and works as good an at-bat as anyone in the class. It's polished and composed in the box, with a hit tool that has really flashed at times over the last two showcase and tournament cycles. 2023 was a bit of an underwhelming campaign for Curiel, and it took some of the shine off his prospect pedigree, but there are still handfuls of folks in the industry who believe he'll hit, and hit at a high level going forward. The immediate thing that stands out is the calm, balanced rhythm about his game. He's got a sweet left-handed swing and never looks anxious or tense at the plate. He's advanced beyond his years with the bat and the body projects to add a bit more impact as he matures. |
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HOMETOWN: Tijeras, NM HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video May is a fantastic athlete on the mound with a really quick arm and the stuff to support it. The fastball has been up into the high 90s and he throws a big, sweeping slider as his go-to secondary. There's a changeup in there too, though his feel for the pitch comes and goes. May is two years removed from Tommy John Surgery and just starting to get back all the velo he had in high school. He missed some time in 2024 with arm soreness, something teams will have to consider. He's got the makings of a high-leverage reliever with an upper-90s fastball and a firm, future upper-80s slider. He'll likely get drafted with a chance to start at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Eau Claire, WI HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Caron is a shining example in the player development system at the University of Nebraska. As a true freshman in 2022 he battled strikeout woes and inconsistencies in terms of contact quality. Fast-foward to 2024 and the Eau Claire, Wisconsin product is hitting the ball as hard as anyone in the country, as a primary catcher no less. Caron employs some waggle in his setup and has some moving parts in his load, but is able to stay on time thanks to fast, whippy hands. He works the middle of the field with considerable raw power into the opposite-field gap. Caron has a tendency to hit the ball on the ground a little more than scouts would like to see to his pull-side, but that can be cleaned up. He's best set for success when he lets the ball travel. Caron possesses fringy bat-to-ball skills with spin and off-speed offerings giving him fits at times. He's more adept toward handling velocity and that shows in his metrics. He's an aggressive hitter who will expand the zone as well. Caron's biggest tool on the offensive side of the ball is plus raw power that's flashing in games as is evidenced by his opposite-field homers. Behind the plate, Caron's receiving has improved to the point where scouts think he's got a chance to stick back there. There's still some stabbing motions from time to time, but he'll pull a fastball back into the zone for a strike from time to time. He struggles to frame spin at times. Caron has above average arm strength with throws that will tail into the target. His arm accuracy will require continued reps, but there's upside in terms of his ability to hold the running game. He's a strong blocker and will smother balls in the dirt with active feet and some twitch out of the stance. Caron does a lot of things well and has the chance to develop into a Role 4 backup catcher at the next level who raw power as the selling tool. |
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HOMETOWN: Justice, IL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Antonacci is a scout-favorite in the JUCO community thanks to what has been described as a gritty playstyle and a max-effort approach to the game. Now at Coastal Carolina, he's a defensive standout with solid average arm strength and good lateral mobility to both his left and right. He's got a shot to stick at shortstop at the next level, if only profiling as a league average defender, though most like his chances to rover around the entire infield. There's some bat speed here, but the bat-to-ball skills and approach are reasonably elite. Don't let the unsuspecting frame fool you, Antonacci can crush mistake cookies and has the game that looks to comfortably transition into the professional game. |
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HOMETOWN: Camarillo, CA HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 240 BAT/THROW: R-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Another massive pitching prospect, Bateman has now stuff and the buttery operation to suggest more is to come. There are times when he loses his release point with the fastball, but that should iron itself out over time. Bateman touches 96 now, sitting in the low 90s with a big, banger breaking ball that comes off the heater late featuring depth. Bateman gets plenty of whiffs on curveballs in the dirt. Bateman will need to throw more strikes as he works into the next level of baseball, and getting more production from his fastball will be important too. Still, it's a workhorse body with a good secondary and that can be awfully hard to find from the left side. He'll need to watch his physique as he matures, but the stuff right now is loud. He's a bulldog on the bump with an imposing attitude and an innings-eater demeanor. |
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HOMETOWN: Highlands Ranch, CO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: San Francisco DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Shepardson has seen a jump in his draft stock after adding considerable velocity this spring. He's touched 98 and can live 93-95 over three-inning outings. There's a big sweeping slider thrown in the low-to-mid 80s that projects, as well as a deeper curveball in the upper-70s. His firm changeup isn't used as much, but there's some deception and late tail thrown in the mid-80s. It'll be a usable piece to his arsenal at the next level. Grant's operation is free and easy and doesn't look strenous. His command for the fastball can scatter and his walk rates have been an issue at times throughout his prep career. Scouts are paying close attention to how his feel for the mound advances as July approaches, but it's top-five round stuff if he clicks into gear this spring. Shepardson's brother, Blake, is also draft-eligible as a right-hander out of San Francisco. Grant is also committed to SFU. He will be 18.8 years old for the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, VA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A strong hitter who posts tiny strikeout rates and makes a ton of contact. He's an aggressive offensive player who chases plenty of pitches outside of the strikezone and prefers not to walk, but battles off just about everything on the fringes. He possesses average raw power but doesn't aim to launch the ball, instead insisting on punching line drives up the middle of the box. It's an approach cut from the cloth of yesteryear. Trimble played centerfield for JMU in 2023 and played it at an average level. He's particularly steady taking good routes to the ball and consistently in position to make the play on tough knucklers hit his way. He's an average hitter and an average athlete who likely best profiles into left field as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Pembroke Pines, FL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: S-B DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Extreme athlete that's a switch-hitter at the plate and a both-handed pitcher on the mound. Up to the mid-90s w/ a hammer curveball from the right, upper-80s from the left side Cijntje has seen his stuff continually tick up on campus and has now bumped 97 on radar guns. The heat, coupled with the body and budding breaking ball has evaluators drooling on the trajectory and upside. He's one of the more unique athletes available in the 2024 class, most believing his future is that of a right-handed pitcher. |
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HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mathisen has bludgeoned the Big 10 since arriving in 2022. He hit 19 homers as a freshman and immediately became one of the more feared sluggers in the midwest seemingly overnight. There's some swing and miss in his game, but it's not alarmingly detrimental. Most of his warts come outside of the strike zone. He doesn't expand the zone to extreme levels, but the swing is grooved in a way that makes it difficult to battle premium stuff off the black. Mathisen is a fringy pure hitter who can get pull-happy when he slumps. In the field, he's a physical, above average runner who has strong feel for centerfield. He takes good routes to the baseball and shows a slow heartbeat. He controls his neighbors in left and right field as well. He can handle centerfield at at least an average level, probably a tick better. He can handle any of the three outfield spots. |
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HOMETOWN: Winter Garden, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 192 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: NC State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Head is a wiry, athletic outfielder with a smooth lefty stroke at the plate and a quick first step. Head has fast hands and quick wrists, turning on heat on the inner third for impact consistently. Head is an above average runner who may ultimately grow into average power. His continued emphasis on adding strength and bat speed going forward will define his ceiling, but the approach and pure bat-to-ball skills are quite strong at present. He's still polishing up his footwork and technique in the field, but the bat has taken major strides forward in the last calendar year and has seen his stock jump because of it. The hit tool here is quite refined. Last summer, Head posted some of the healthiest chase and whiff rates of anybody in the country. In terms of models, that'll go a long way in pushing his profile up boards. Head is on the older side beings he'll be 19 at the draft, so he'll be expected to produce consistently, as well as impact the ball more than his peers as we approach July. There's a good bit of projection remaining in Head's lean, long-levered 6-foot-3-inch profile. |
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HOMETOWN: Bradenton, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 204 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: TCU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Franco re-classified from the 2025 class into the 2024 class. He'll be young for the class, but his physicality is already as imposing as most of his peers. |
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HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A Miami product and a Miami commit, Collera is a high-profile righty with a big, long, physical frame and tons of velocity projection coming. Collera is already up to 97 with life through the zone, living 92-94 on most night. Collera pitches exclusively out of the stretch with a simple leg-lift and an over-the-top motion. There's some effort at release, but he repeats well and has held his velocity through multiple innings in past performances. Collera's best weapon is a big breaking ball with significant depth in the mid-80s, as well as a bigger curveball that has flashed but has largely been reluctant to this point in his amateur career. He maintains his arm speed beautifully on all three pitches and can be tough to pick up out of the hand. |
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HOMETOWN: Helotes, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Flores is a tall, high-waisted, long-levered infielder with present bat speed and all-fields juice. There's some noise in the loading phase of his swing, but he's often on-time to drive the ball with authority into the gaps. His over the fence power has begun to show itself at times since arriving to Texas as well. Scouts are confident in his ability to impact the basball at the next level if the hit tool will allow that part of his game to play. He's scratching the surface of what his final offensive form may be, evidenced by one of the lowest groundball rates in college baseball in 2023. There's work to be done on the approach as Flores has posted some fairly high chase rates in his collegiate career. In terms of the projection and the profile, Flores really hit a growth spurt upon arriving to Austin as well, some suggesting he's destined for third base. He's bucked those whispers with fluid, gliding actions at shortstop with solid hands and plenty of arm strength. He's a shortstop. If he can polish the offensive side of his game up he has day one upside, but as it stands he appears to be a middle-of-day-two infielder with tools and some undiscovered ceiling. |
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HOMETOWN: Cumming, GA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 196 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hernandez has considerable upside offensively as he's shown feel to hit and already possesses easy plus raw power. It's a long, physical frame that should continue to add strength and polish, especially if he eventually gives up training reps on the mound (will get to that). He's smooth and consistent at third base as well. He's got plenty of suitors in the scouting community and it will likely come down to whether a team will fit his signing bonus ask. A complete prospect, Hernandez is an is decorated on the mound too. He throws four pitches, all of which are controlled into the zone and commanded well to both left-handed and right-handed hitters. His fastball rests 92-93 but will grab 94 at its peak. There's some darting action to his heat, dotted both glove-side and arm-side. The slider, changeup and curveball are all extremely effective offerings against his prep peers as Hernandez mixes it up and pitches backwards better than most arms in the class. He's a bulldog on the mound who works quickly and repeats very well. The starter traits are reasonably obvious here. It looks like the makings of an innings-eater who should be effective, a la Brady Singer. Hernandez is a Georgia Tech commit who will turn 19 shortly after the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Chesapeake, Virginia HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Harrison Didawick is an imposing left-handed outfielder who gets down into his lower have and leverages his swing beautifully. Didawick does a good job of sitting into his hips and makes tight turns on the baseball producing lots of torque. He uses the whole field well and has shown big pull-side power. Didawick is a good athlete in the field too, likely a left fielder moving forward, where he has a good first step, takes strong routes to the ball and has some highlight reel grabs on his resume. The power projection here is pretty loud, and the hit tool is coming along nicely. |
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HOMETOWN: Tomball, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Arrambide has huge physical tools and the trajectory of a guy who could surge into the first round. Behind the plate, he's an explosive mover with considerable lateral mobility, though consistency with blocking the ball and keeping everything in front of him remains a point of emphasis in his development. He's got a plus throwing arm and shows good burst out of the crouch posting gaudy showcase pop times. There's some polish necessary to stay behind the plate at the next level, but the arm strength is so impressive it'll almost certainly work at the next level, especially if robo-umps eventually command the game. Offensively, Arrambide has a lofty swing that's built for damage, and he's been one of the most prodigious sluggers on the high school side during this cycle. He's got plenty of bat speed, and has showcased over-the-fence power in games across the country. There's a good bit of chase in his game, so refining the approach will be critical in seeing his offensive tools translate. Arrambide has the archetype of a strong-arm backstop with big power at the plate so long as the hit tool allows him to get to it in games at the next level. Arrambide has some similarities to Jared Jones, the second-year slugger at LSU. They're both big-bodied backstops who may ultimately move out from behind the plate, but it's prodigious raw power. When everything is said and done, Arrambide turning into a Hunter Renfroe esque right fielder may certainly be in the cards. Or potentially a Mike Napoli bat-first catcher. Time will tell. |
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HOMETOWN: South Riding, VA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: West Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Burkholder is a physical specimen with loud tools in every area of the game. A double-plus runner with a remarkably quick first step out of the box, he figures to be a headache on the bases for years to come. Burkholder has loose, rhythmic hands at the dish with a simple path to the baseball, delivering a heavy load. It's a really quick stroke with a repeatable operation and tight bat speed. It's an above average arm that should stick in centerfield, though his tools fit in any outfield spot. Burkholder has a strong lower half with twitchy hips and creates plenty of ground force offensively. A West Virginia commit, Burkholder figures to be a popular name as we approach July though he missed time this spring and held scouts out of the area for a while. |
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HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: TCU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Brassfield went through a recent growth spurt and a massive jump in applicable athleticism. At the plate, Brassfield has big bat speed and a smooth, fluid swing. His operation and triggers can very from pitch to pitch, but he's still awfully young and growing into his strength. He's more power-over-hit right now, but both tools have obvious upside. Most scouts prefer his profile on the mound where the athleticism really shows with serious intent downhill and projectable arm speed with whippy action. As is the case at the plate, Brassfield is still smoothing out his mechanics on the mound. He'll fall off the mound toward third as he gets deeper into outings, again, something that should iron itself out with added strength, training and reps. He's been up to 94 with strong fastball metrics, though even his spin rates and pitch shapes seem to vary from outing to outing. At his best, the curveball plays off the fastball, though it sometimes melts into a slurve, losing its teeth and effectiveness. When Brassfield is one, it's a one-two punch that has more bat-missing potential than most arms in this class. Strike-throwing will also continue to be a point of emphasis as it's been streaky from event to event. The clay here is impressive and with another big developmental leap he could take off in prospect circles. |
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HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kiel II has been seen a lot in 2022 and 2023 by evaluators. The twitchy middle infielder checks a lot of the boxes for a modern day leadoff hitter. He possesses plenty of bat speed with good attack angles from both sides of the plate, and is a plus runner that can terrorize defenses on the basepaths. Kiel has shown a grand willingness to expand the zone at times, posting chase rates north of his peers. Finding more polish and patience at the plate will be key as he begins to step into the box against more formidable arsenals. That said, he does a nice job of battling and fouling off pitches outside of the zone, so the pure bat-to-ball and athleticism in the box makes up for some over-anxious tendencies. The level of strength Kiel can add to his lean frame will determine whether or not he can stick at shortstop, but the bloodlines (son of former NFL cornerback Terrence Kiel) and offensive tools he's displayed at showcase events are big eye catchers. |
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HOMETOWN: Macedon, NY HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ziehl is a fastball-slider guy whose stuff has been ticking up since arriving on campus. The fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s, touching 96 with big hop and some armside run. Ziehl mixes in a hellish slider in the mid 80s with massive spin rates and ton of tilt. He'll mix in a changeup, though it lags behind his two primary weapons. Ziehl is a big, barrel-chested hurler whose future role is to-be-determined, but the arm talent is undeniable. |
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HOMETOWN: Castle Rock, WA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oregon State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Swanson is a projectable righty who's already flashing mid-90s heat with a dynamic breaking ball. Swanson will generally sit 90-93 over starts, but has touched 95 flashing a big curveball with late, diving bite and sharp break. He spins the ball well with rpm rates well-above average for his fastball, and a few ticks above average on his breaking ball as well. There's also a fringier changeup here that'll sit in the mid-80s, though Swanson struggles to kill spin, generally sitting in the 2100 range for his off-speed weapon. Swanson has the potential for two weapons in the FB-CB combo, but will need to continue honing in his control and command as he ages. An Oregon State commit, scouts like the frame and the upside here. He's got a shot to go in the top-three rounds in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Norcross, GA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Mississippi State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Cason is pure projection with explosive actions both on the mound and in the field. He's touched 99 on the mound and triple digits may come soon with his lean frame and arm speed. He doesn't spin the ball particularly well, but Cason can rip through a mid-80s slider with shorter, cutter shape. He's also at times shown feel for a firm changeup. Scouts have suggested Cason doesn't present himself as a player that necessarily wants to pitch at the next level which could be a hang up as teams work to calculate his value as a pitching prospect. As a position prospect, Cason has the chops to stick at shortstop with good lateral mobility and a cannon for an arm. He's a solid average runner and can get to most plays in either direction. Cason has seen his skills at the plate improve over time, but finding consistent success with the bat will be a key development for him moving forward. It's a bit of a stiff operation in the box. Cason will be just 17 years old on draft day and will be heavily favored by model teams, especially if he commits to the mound. |
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HOMETOWN: Vienna, VA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Robinson has a live arm up to 95 as a freshman, sitting 91-93 during most outings. His best pitch is a low-80s sliders that misses a ton of bats. He'll mix in a seldom changeup of which, when deployed, has been tough on hitters too. Robinson won't yet be 21 years old during the 2024 draft and considering his size and stature, could be throwing very hard by the time his name is called. |
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HOMETOWN: Montgomery, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video There may not be another arm in the 2024 class with better breaking ball upside than Navarre. The slider and curveball combo is truly dynamic with spin rates in excess of 3200 rpm at times. His slider is a true sweeper featuring north of 20" of sweep at peak. He throws that pitch in the 77-80. The curveball comes in at 74-75 with significant depth and horizontal action as well. Both pitches project plus, the slider could jump into the double-plus category if he learns to throw it a bit more firm. Navarre's fastball is fringy for the time being, resting 88-90 on most nights grabbing 92, though he's shown solid average command of the pitch and it does play up as he hides the ball exceptionally well. He naturally cuts his fastball, and generates moderate amounts of carry on the pitch as well. It's a unique pitch and has a shot to get into the above average category in time. Navarre has a tendency to rush down the mound at times when throwing the heater, something scouts expect should clean up over time. There's also low-80s changeup, though it comes in at 2100 rpm and doesn't currently possess consistent shape or execution. Navarre does things you cannot teach, and does so as a southpaw. If a team believes he'll eventually sit in the 93-94 bucket, he's got a good shot at becoming a Top 100 pick. |
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HOMETOWN: Haxtun, CO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: B-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ryan "Woody" Hadeen has been one of the best pure hitters in college baseball this season posting reasonably elite contact rates with chase rates that can be next to impossible to match. There's length in his frame and some loft in his swing when he wants it. Some scouts still believe he'll get to 40-grade power, but it hasn't been a big part of his collegiate profile. A switch-hitter, Hadeen is much more advanced and physical from the left side of the plate. He's a rangy shortstop who could profile at the spot with soft actions and lateral mobility. He's got a shot to go toward the middle of day two and still has projection inside his profile. |
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HOMETOWN: Lakeway, TX HEIGHT: 6-7 WEIGHT: 242 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video George, a draft-eligible sophomore, is a big, tall, hard-throwing righty with a gnarly fastball and an imposing disposition on the mound. George has been up to 100 with significant carry on his heater, and he'll rest 94-95 over bullpen outings. He barely threw for the Longhorns in 2023, but is expected to take on a bigger role at Alabama in 2024 out of the bullpen or potentially out of the rotation if his secondary offerings take a step. George has huge upside and most expect he'll take a significant step forward and some point in his collegiate career. |
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HOMETOWN: Peachtree City, GA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Auburn DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Fralick is an ultra-powerful left-handed hitter with juice to all fields and proven impact in tournament and game settings. He's got a strong approach and works the barrel in different ways through the zone, handling pitches even when he's beat. It's quick hands and adjustability in his swing. Fralick gets the barrel out in front and extends well on fastballs. He takes hard turns through the zone and generates bat speed many of his peers cannot. The offensive tools here are strong. Defensively, scouts are split on whether his physical frame and athleticism will stick behind the plate. Fralick has a strong arm and can deliver a seed, but needs to work on his explosion out of the crouch to get his pop times consistently lower. Fralick could be destined for third base or first base going forward, but there are plenty of folks in the industry who are all-in on the player due to the bat anyways. He's got a good shot of going on day two if the number is right. |
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HOMETOWN: Pleasanton, CA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video At 6-foot-5, Ager has tons of projection remaining in his 210-pound frame. He's already showing big stuff on the mound too. Up to 96 with high spin, carry and arm-side run, Ager should throw pretty hard in due time. His low-to-mid-80s sweeper really projects well with solid depth and sweeping action. There's also a more average curveball that's usable, even if it's not a weapon. Ager has great command of the pitch and can generally land it low glove-side consistently. It's been a pitch that has given righty bats fits. He possesses some of the best "starter traits" of the class. |
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HOMETOWN: Suwanee, GA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 194 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video This is exactly what they look like. Broad, squared off shoulders, barrel chest, long levers and strength in the lower half. Parker is, as they say, "how you draw 'em up." He can pick it in the field and possesses tremendous arm strength with throws that carry well through the bag. He's got fantastic hands and all the actions you would ever require for a shortstop. Offensively, there's some moving parts and triggers that'll need to be ironed out to become a consistent force against advanced stuff. That said, Parker has plenty of bat speed and the athleticism is readily apparent at the plate. It's above average raw power and Parker has shown more of it this spring in games than in previous seasons. He's making tighter turns and showing more usable strength at the plate. As one scout put it, "Parker is swinging the bat these days and not letting the bat swing him." He's a solid average runner with long strides. He'll likely continue adding impact as he adds weight and strength to his super-projectable frame. |
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HOMETOWN: Chantilly, VA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Cooke can certainly hit with scouts throwing plus grades on the hit tool. There's not much impact projection and power won't likely be in the cards although it's been in his college resume. He's a left fielder or second baseman going forward who posts fringy run times and fringy arm strength. It's a high-floor profile who would potentially handle a full-time role at the next level as a Role 4 type player. Cooke has fans in the scouting industry and could go toward the beginning of day two. |
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HOMETOWN: Aldie, VA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Nunnallee is a spark plug table-setter with above average speed who could grow into another half gear on the run scale with more strength. He's still growing into his frame, but the athleticism and twitch is present. Nunnallee has a flatter bath path and is more of a gap-slasher for the time being. He creates chaos on the base paths and scouts have said he plays with his hair on fire. There are definitive lead-off tools here and Nunnallee is the type of guy who can set a culture in a clubhouse. He's primarily played the outfield to this point, and he should be able to cover enough ground in centerfield to handle the "8". There's been seldom work at second base too. |
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HOMETOWN: Phoenix, AZ HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Avitia is a bit of a unicorn in that he has an extremely low launch and still induces a good bit of hop on his fastball. It's still considered in the dead-zone category, but the carry he can create out of a 56" launch is reasonably difficult to find in the game. Avitia lives in the upper 80s and low 90s, but misses a ton of bats and forces a lot of poor swings due to his metrics. He's got tremendous control and walks hardly anyone, making him a high-floor, metric darling. He'll work in an above average changeup and a promising slider. It's mostly fringe-average spin right now, though shape for the pitch does flash upside. Avitia is mostly a two-pitch guy for the time being, though scouts are paying close attention to the breaking ball this spring. There's something of a Noe Ramirez comparison here. |
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HOMETOWN: Chesnee, SC HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A massive get for Clemson in 2022, Smith was one of the top lefties in a loaded 2022 prep class. A strong 6-foot-2, 200 pound frame, Smith fits the profile of a future power pitcher with a rather effortless, crossbody delivery with plenty of deception. Smith's fastball has been clocked as high as 96 mph, usually sitting in the 90-94 MPH range. It's an explosive pitch that comes out of a tough angle with high spin rates. His primary secondary is a sweepy slider that has primarily sat in the high-70's that he commands well. Much like the fastball, his breaking ball has huge spin rates, reaching as high as 3000 RPM. He rounds out his arsenal with a change-up in the low-80's that he has good feel for. Smith has struggled with fastball command at times during his prep and college career, a developmental pillar moving forward. |
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HOMETOWN: Litha, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Shelton has a quiet swing from the left side with very little moving parts and a line-drive approach. He's a bigger-bodied infielder with bat speed in the tank, but he generally saves it for BP and takes a more hitterish approach in game. He's one of the best hitters in the country in terms of creating backspin on the baseball as is evidenced by his gaudy 21 percent groundball rate in 2023. Scouts want to see Shelton close what appears to be a hole in his swing in terms of velocity at the top of the strikezone to gain confidence he'll be able to hit at the next level. An average runner with an average arm, Shelton's range may force him to second base or third base at the next level, though like most prospects, his value will be dictated by how much he hits. |
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HOMETOWN: Weatherford, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: TCU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Strosnider is a gamer who has talent at the plate and on the mound. He's grown into pull-side power of late and gets to it from a swing that creates big stretch and extension out in front of the plate. He's a twitchy athlete with strong hands and quick hips offensively; the bat really projects among his peers. Strosnider is short to the ball too, and can adjust to pitches high and low. His profile has really blossomed of late and now represents one of the more intriguing outfield prospects in the class. Defensively, his average speed and average speed will likely place him in a corner at the next level, but the arm has ticked up the last twelve months and could have a place in right field. |
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HOMETOWN: Phoenix, AZ HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arizona State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video McGary's hit tool catches the headlines, and it's a pretty good one. He'll spray the ball all over the yard with budding impact and pull-side pop. McGary is a plus runner with a long, wild gait and projects to hold his speed deep into his career. He's a twitchy, bouncy, jackrabbit type of player who can ignite the lineup with his hair-on-fire playstyle and table-setter mentality. He's played all over the field and represents a potential future utility player if he doesn't settle in at second base full-time. He's a tremendous athlete. McGary is committed to play ball at Arizona State. |
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HOMETOWN: Jacksonville, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Carns is one of the more impressive high school catchers coming out of the state of Florida in 2024 thanks to a well-rounded game and some projection with the bat. The hit tool is solid here. It's a short, compact stroke with a line-drive focus and an awfully quiet load. There's a real feel for the barrel. Carns has enormous bat speed with considerable stretch in his load and should hit for big power as he continues to develop. He's presently a plus runner, a rare trait for a catcher at any level. It's an athletic frame too, and should hold some twitch as he matures. He's a strong blocker behind the plate and has showcased soft hands and above average arm projection at showcase tournaments throughout the last calendar year. Carns is an aggressive hitter with a well-balanced game and athletic traits on every tool. He's a high-follow approaching the draft, though he'll turn 19 a few months before the event, so models may knock his profile down a peg. A Florida State commit. |
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HOMETOWN: Hamilton, GA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mathis was a wrecking ball for the College of Charleston in 2023 posting huge exit velo figures and walking four more times than he struck out. Some of that can be attributed to a near-elite contact-rate on swings outside of the strikezone. He battles at the plate and is generally paid off when the pitcher lets go a mistake. Mathis got a cup of coffee with Cotuit on the Cape in 2023 as well posting a decent showing against more premier competition. He was just 19 years old though facing not only better competition, but older competition as well. The bat is intriguing, but scouts will have to sift through his ability to handle more premium stuff at the next level due to an exaggerated barrel lag and late hitch. Mathis is destined for first base at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Henderson, NV HEIGHT: 5-8 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Southisene is a smaller-framed infielder with all the twitch and explosion you could ask for from a guy of his package. Fantastic hands at the plate and on the dirt are the story here. Southisene has tremendous feel for manipulating the barrel and driving the ball to every gap, occasionally spraying a backspinner over the fence to his pull-side. He's got a great first step in either direction and could develop into a plus defender at second base. While he's twitchy with a ton of burst, he's not necessarily a straight line sprinter, likely just an above average runner at best at his peak. Despite his smaller stature, Southisene gets bang for his buck at the plate and can do a lot of things well in all areas of the game. He's what folks in the industry call a "dirt bag" of the game, and that's a good thing. |
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HOMETOWN: Disputanta, VA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An athletic, explosive mover on the mound, Eaton has tremendous arm talent, up to 97 from the left side. The slider has taken strides since arriving to campus too, now touching 85 with considerable depth and proven performance metrics including gaudy chase and whiff rates. He'll flash a changeup with late teeth and strong tunneling characteristics off the fastball. That said, Eaton struggles to command the baseball at times and will need to rein that in to elevate his profile moving toward the 2024 draft. It's Top-100 pick traits with a patina from unrefined execution holding back the upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Saint Charles, MO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Missouri DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Cissell is a tooled-up utility player who saw his stock rise this spring with strength gains and general maturation. Cissell is a switch-hitter with twitchy coil and explosive markers in his swing. Only 180 pounds, Cissell still has plenty of growing in front of him from a strength perspective. His left-handed swing is generally considered the more potent stroke from scouts who have seen him. Cissell is an above average runner with an athletic stride. The profile should play well in centerfield or left field. While Cissell's tournament and showcase performances from last summer have been more streaky, he'll have plenty of eyes on him as July approaches if the bat proves more polished and impactful than a year prior. Cissell will be just 18.2 years old for the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Kennesaw, GA HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 165 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Abernathy, a Tennessee commit, is a real spark plug and a terror for the opposition once on the bases. He's got a smaller frame, and likely won't hit for too much power moving forward, but this is the type of player you throw at the top of the lineup and watch things happen. He's smooth as hell on the dirt with twitch and flash at shortstop, a highlight reel defender. His above average throwing arm gives him a shot to stay at the position too. Abernathy has top-two round potential and has a bit of a Dee Gordon archetype about him, though admittedly there's a decent bit more bat speed here. |
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HOMETOWN: Zionsville, IN HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Dohm burst onto the scene in 2023 for the Bulldogs chucking upper-90s heat and mixing in a mid-to-upper 80s slider with serious tilt. He's primarily worked in relief, but some see a potential future in a rotation at the next level. The pure arm talent here is substantial, and if his sequencing and secondaries continue to polish up, he could go early in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Berkeley, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video The physical tools Green Jr. possesses are inarguable. Aesthetically, he looks the part of a premium prospect. He hits left-handed and plays a fantastic centerfield. Those point being made, he checks a lot of boxes. It's above average raw power, solid average-or-better speed and impressive instincts and route running in the field. Green will need to improve upon his swing-and-miss rates in the coming year if he's to reach his full potential, but it's hard not to like the ceiling here. |
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HOMETOWN: Canton, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: S-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mullinax is a tool shed with a power/speed combination that is certainly tough to come by. The bat speed here is impressive with notable pull-side power as a left-handed hitter, but more hitterish from the right with budding raw power there too. Both swings present an arm bar that can on occasion lead to consistency of contact woes, but he's performed well in tournament and showcase settings. Mullinax has above-average to plus speed and projects to stay in centerfield. He features an average throwing arm that can play in any spot. A patient hitter that lacks much swing-and-miss in his game, scouts like the approach and his willingness to get on-base and use his wheels to create run-scoring opportunities. Mullinax really sinks into his hips and tends to drift into some swings, but it's a firm front side with twitchy hips and budding bat speed. Another five-tool potential guy. |
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HOMETOWN: Denville, NJ HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Dickerson really made his presence known over the last twelve months of showcase and tournament baseball posting roasted run times and performing in games in ways most of his peers did not. Dickerson features a compact right-handed swing with organic loft and a demonstrated all-fields approach. He's hit some of the better arms in the country over the last handful of months. Most of his over-the-fence power is to the pull-side, but he's produced some opposite field pokes that suggest solid average raw power could eventually be in the cards with added development. Dickerson is a gritty player who could end up at second base, although he's proven to be a fairly capable average defender at shortstop. His speed could eventually push him to the outfield as well. It's comfortably double-plus speed. |
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HOMETOWN: Iowa City, IA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Obermueller is smaller in stature, but his athleticism on the bump is incredible. The ease of which he operates has scouts awfully interested. There's definitive starter traits here with a buttery delivery and the ability to throw three pitches for strikes. The fastball sits in the low 90s, though he's been able to work a bit higher than that in shorter side sessions, reportedly up to 97 on the Cape. The slider is a haymaker, routinely registering spin rates north of 3000, even topping 3200 on its best nights. Obermueller also offers a changeup that's a work in progress. It's a low, three-quarters delivery with some hop in the zone, a trait pro teams will likely covet. |
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HOMETOWN: Lewisburg, PA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Keys has an incredible eye at the plate with extremely low chase rates and a picky approach. He's run low strikeout totals and moderately high walk rates during his collegiate career too. Keys has a violent left-handed swing and a physical frame. The latter may ultimately have to move over to first base at the pro level, but scouts really like the bat here. Keys has Top-100 pick upside, and could creep a good bit higher than that if he proves he can handle third base long-term. He's got a lot of strength in his lower-half, and it limits his foot speed and agility at the hot corner. He's got an average arm as well. Keys has a little bit of former Louisville 1B/3B Alex Binelas in him. He'll need to get a little lighter on his feet if he's to avoid the move across the diamond. |
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HOMETOWN: Melbourne, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video You won't find much more electricity in the 2024 class than what Dylan Jordan brings to the mound. He's a fantastic athlete with projection. It's his release traits that have organizations intrigued. Jordan's release height hovers around 56 inches; an outlandishly low slot for a guy who can maintain some vertical shape on his fastball. Already grabbing 96 here and there, Jordan will sit 92-94 with immense arm-side run and some sink, but can occassionally get over and supinate through the baseball to create some carry; usually around 16-18 inches of IVB when dialed in. He'll tunnel that with a sweeping slider in the mid-80s that comfortably projects plus. It might be the best two-pitch combination available in the 2024 prep class. There's also an upper-70s changeup in there with some fade and solid velocity separation. Jordan has a longer arm action and will have to prove he can throw strikes consistently if teams are to buy the prospect of starting at the next level, but this is one of the most unique and electric arms you can find in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Summerville, SC HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: South Carolina DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Messina might have the best present arm talent in the 2024 class with a fastball up to 98, sitting 92-93 over multiple innings with life out of the hand. There's some effort in the delivery and Messina will continue to need to rein in his command and control of his stuff, but it's top-shelf stuff at present. Messina also throws a hard curveball with intent that comes off the fastball late at its best when buried in the dirt. |
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HOMETOWN: Midlothian, VA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Harris certainly looks the part of the bluechip quarterback, 5-star third base prospect. A massive, physically imposing presence on both sides of the ball, Harris has punished his peers for years now. The bat is the calling card with loud barrels to all-fields and comfortably double-plus raw power putting on jaw-dropping displays of bat speed in showcase settings. Harris is still learning how to lift the baseball with authority consistently, but if it all clicks as he gets older and more athletic, he could be an offensive force. The power will undoubtedly play, now comes determining just how the hit tool will come along. There was quite a bit of swing and miss in tournament settings in 2023, but when it was clicking, Harris was easily the loudest bat on the field. Some in the industry are rather bullish. Defensively, Harris has a slow heartbeat and gets low to the ground with soft hands and deliberate actions. He has enough arm strength to handle third base, though his throws can get inconsistent as his release can vary depending on the momentum of his frame. One final feather in Harris' cap? He'll be just 17.9 years old on the day of the draft and will finish his first full season in professional baseball (should he go that direction) as an 18 year old. Draft models will absolutely love him. There's something of a Tommy White trajectory here if he ends up at school. The bat could really explode with further seasoning. |
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HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Following along the long line of Blue Valley SW arms to come through the draft the last few years, Siebert may be the best of the bunch. He's already up to 99 in side sessions, living 92-94 with a firm, mid-80s slider. A massive, imposing figure on the mound, Siebert works downhill with authority. The ease of his operation really stands out, and his ability to control all the moving parts of his frame at such a young age is fairly rare. As he continues to develop and puts together a reliable third pitch, Seibert could realize his mid-rotation upside, maybe more if the breaking ball takes a significant step forward in professional development. |
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HOMETOWN: Murrells Inlet, SC HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Bender burst onto the scene in 2023 as an immediate spark plug for the Chanticleers handling time behind the plate and at first base. He's a bat-first slugger who hit 18 homers as a sophomore and struckouts less than 15 percent of the time. He makes his money punishing breaking balls left in the strikezone. Bender is largely fringy behind the plate, and his future may ultimately be at first base or in left field, but it's the bat that has scouts talking. There's a lot of swing and miss currently in Bender's game, but if he can temper the trigger-happy feet and become a bit more selective, there's reason to buy into the offensive profile. There's something of a Mike Napoli quality to Bender's game. |
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HOMETOWN: Iowa City, IA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Marcus Morgan has some of the most obscene traits you can find in a college pitcher. He features an extremely low launch arm slot and still maintains vertical shape on his fastball. That flat approach angle is certainly en vogue right now in baseball. Morgan can rush it up to 97, but more commonly sits 92-94, but that plays up with the deception and shape. He's got two high-spin breaking balls and both move a metric mile. The slider possesses huge sweep. The curveball has significant depth and similar sweep to the slider. He'll offer a fringier changeup too. Morgan has been working to clean up the mechanics of his operation and let his athleticism take over. Throwing strikes consistently has been an issue for him and it will certainly limit his upside and ability to start if he can't smooth things out. If he does, however, the argument can be made it's the best pure stuff in the class. An extremely model-friendly arm. |
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HOMETOWN: Arlington, VA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Friend has been a barrel magnet in his looks at Davidson; an athletic left-handed hitting catcher/outfielder with impressive bat speed for his size. Friend has a tantalizing frame in the eyes of scouts. There's plenty of projection ahead, and it's a physique that could continue to grow into the catcher position if a team wants to continue trying his hand behind the plate. Ultimately, wherever he lines up on defense likely won't be what gets him drafted. Friend has an elite eye at the plate with prolific chase rates, especially for a player with his game power. He's certainly pull-happy in the box, but Friend has found success extended and lifting the ball to right field. He boasts some of the best pure barrel rates in the 2024 class, and has mid-day-two pick upside if he continues his torrid ways through the end of the season. There's certainly some swing and miss in this profile, and that'll need to be cleaned up as he moves up the ladder toward more daunting competition. When considering the swing, the frame, the raw power and the eye at the plate, there's a lot of clay here that teams will grade out kindly -- now comes time for polish. Friend is also an average runner. Maybe a budget version of Dalton Varsho. |
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HOMETOWN: Phoenixville, PA HEIGHT: 6-7 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Oschell was a dynamic long-reliever for the Blue Devils in 2023, pitching several multi-inning outings and dominating the opposition with a fastball that missed a ton of bats, peaking at north of 98 mph. Oschell will sits 94-96 in shorter outings and the fastball has a ton of life at the of the zone. His secondaries are still a work in progress, but this is a pro body and a good athlete. It's without question an impact arm at the next level. Determining the role will be the key. |
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HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video You'd be hard-pressed to find a more physical third baseman in the 2024 class than that of Fountain. At 6-foot-5, 225-pounds the potential for future impact here is plainly evident. Fountain has a ton of bat speed and does a great job leveraging his back hip and turning hard on his backheel. It's a swing built to do serious damage, and his record-breaking home run track record in Nebraska is evidence of such. Fountain's feet work well on the dirt and he's got serious arm strength. If he doesn't outgrow the position, he's got the tools necessary to stick at the hot corner. He's also an average runner. Fountain will represent one of the most imposing high school bats in this class and has easy first round upside. An LSU commit, Fountain is considered one of the more premium players in the country. |
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HOMETOWN: Hendersonville, TN HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sinnard is a monster of a man measuring in at 6-foot-8-inches. He's an imposing righty with an extremely high arm slot. The result is a fastball with considerable hop in the zone, though the benefits of that shape are a bit diluted since the vertical approach angle steepens the path of the ball. Sinnard will grab 95 on occasion, though he's more commonly 91-92. The slider gets good results, though its shape would be characterized as fairly generic at the next level. Sinnard's best weapon is a low-80s curveball that possesses significant depth, a pitch that plays well off his heater, especially when buried in the dirt. Sinnard checks a lot of interesting metric boxes. With his three-pitch arsenal and pitch-mirroring characteristics, he's got a chance to start at the next level. Sinnard will miss the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing elbow surgery in August of 2023. |
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HOMETOWN: Whitefish Bay, WI HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: S-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Alabama DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wisconsin has produced some truly impressive infielders over the past half-decade, but Dix may be the best of the bunch. A switch-hitter with real ability from both sides, Dix features more loft and bat speed from the left side. From the right, it's a bit more hitterish with an opposite field gap approach with ringing doubles bat-speed. He has a real chance to switch-hit moving forward. Performing on the showcase and tournament circuit has been streaky, but those who have seen him at his best swear by the offensive tools. On the dirt, he uses his wiry frame well with a whippy arm and solid range to his left and enough arm to make most plays into the hole. Dix may end up at second base or third base as a pro. This is a high-level athlete with a ton of twitch and torque in how he plays with plenty of projection on the tools ahead of him. |
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HOMETOWN: Ball Ground, GA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Shouse is a two-way player with upside on both sides of the ball, and scouts are split on what side of the ball his future lays. That said, of late, it seems the growing sentiment is favoring the Georgia Tech bluechip on the mound. Shouse is an extremely impressive athlete on the mound with sublime body control coming out of a longer arm action, attacking hitters. The fastball works up to 98 and is commanded well. There's real deception here. The ball jumps on hitters with late carry. While it's not presently exceptional command, Shouse has shown flashes of dominance in the zone and there are plenty of scouts who like the upside as a starter. He's worked to develop more depth on a low-80s slider, and that's seen real progress over the last year. There's also a changeup that he'll offer to left-handed hitters. Offensively, it's twitchy raw power with a double-plus throwing arm on the dirt and athletic, gliding actions all over the infield. He's got the chops to stay on the left side of the field. Scouts will need to see more refinement on the pure hit tool, but everything about the player flashes upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Indian Trail, NC HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Vartanian transferred into Campbell for the 2024 season after two years at Gason College. It's all gas all the time on this one featuring a fastball with carry through the zone up to 98 mph. He'll pair two different breaking balls including a high-80s. slider and an upper-70s curveball into the arsenal. Vartanian needs to miss more bats with his arsenal, though he's a strike-thrower and looks the type of profile who can work in any number of roles. He's one of the better bets to start at the next level when being compared to his peers in this class. For that reason, he's likely go by off the board at or before the middle of day two. Unfortunately an arm injury slowed his 2024 campaign before it really ever got going, muting what was expected to be a coming out party of sorts. |
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HOMETOWN: Bartow, FL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Vastine has long been revered for his hit tool going back to his high school days. The only reason he ended up at Vanderbilt was his signing bonus demands in the draft. There were plenty of teams interested in buying the talented infielder in the second round, but he bet on himself. Blessed with an elite approach and a willingness to take his walks, Vastine is always going to sport high on-base numbers and should put the ball in play better than most. There's not a ton of power in the stick, but he could grow into double-digit power as a pro. Vastine is a bit of a tweener profile for scouts as most expect he fits best at second base at the next level, though he can handle shortstop (where he's played at Vanderbilt) in a pinch. His bat doesn't fit the prototype of a third baseman, but he's certainly got the hands to play there too. |
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HOMETOWN: Metter, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Vanderbilt DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Rigdon has long been a premium prospect in the 2024 class with a strong combination of hit tool, approach and IQ at second base. Rigdon doesn't project to hit for a ton of power moving forward, but he's the perfect table-setter and a guy who the defense can really rally around up the middle of the diamond. It's one of the stronger defensive middle infielders in the class. |
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HOMETOWN: Parker, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Baylor DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A mid-framed, broad-shoulder righty, Bergman has considerable arm talent with a fastball that'll flirt with 98 mph consistently in short-inning stints. He'll rest 92-94 with some effort out in front at release. He throws a lot of mid-80s changeup with depth off the fastball tunnel, and will mix in a mid-to-upper 70s curveball with get-me-over traits, spiking it in front of the plate for whiffs. Bergman throws enough strikes and projects a back-end of the rotation type of arm if his command improves. He could end up a dynamic reliever who flirts with triple digits if his starter traits don't advance. |
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HOMETOWN: Queen Creek, AZ HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: B-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arizona DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Russell, an Arizona commit, is one of the more impressive metrics arms in the 2024 class. He features a big riding fastball up to 94 with big spin rates. He's generally sat lower than that in game settings; often 90-91. Scouts want to see a velocity jump before July. Breaking ball has really come on in the last calendar year with late bite and more solid spin rates. There's also a changeup that flashes upside and feel, but is nascent in development. He's an impressive mover with a quick arm. Has a shot to go high in the draft if he continues to throw strikes and add velocity. There aren't many high school arms in the 2024 class that showcase the starting pitcher upside that Russell does. |
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HOMETOWN: Olathe, KS HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Diggs has been a fixture for the Razorbacks going back to his freshman year and can handle a number of roles with his versatility. A contact hitter by trade, Diggs has proven he's got juice in the bat, though contact quality has come and gone, especially against premium competition. That should improve with age. Scouts think his barrel-chested frame could grow into solid average power, maybe more. Diggs is an average runner and a tick better athlete, though his routes in the field and on the dirt have left something to be desired at times when projecting him into a full-time role defensively at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: New Tripoli, PA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: B-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A three-year starter at Lehigh as a two-way player, Perich saw his offensive game explode in 2024 with added power and an approach that looked pro-ready. Perich has an old-school setup with low hands and a bit of a crouch over the plate. He loads the barrel deep behind his shoulder and lags the barrel creating whip and considerable bat speed. It's almost an identical swing from both sides and scouts believe he's got a shot to switch-hit because of it. Perich is a polished hitter who has walked more than he's struck out in 2024. He boasts high walk rates and low strikeout rates, supported by contact and chase rates that dwarf most of the rest of the country. The raw power is real with exit velos measuring north of 114 mph at times. It is an obscure swing, but it's worked and there's very few moving parts. He is a below average runner with long strides and generally slow foot speed. Defensively, Perich has a strong internal clock and generally showcases fundamental footwork and technique at the hot corner. He moves well around the dirt and has at becoming an solid average defensive third baseman. One critique scouts have had on his play is he tends to double-pump his throws across the diamond, likely a bad habit formed over time. The throwing arm is double-plus with huge carry when he reaches back for it, though sometimes he'll over-throw when not necessary. It's something of an Alec Bohm look at the position. The tools are certainly present. Perich and his unconventional offensive approach and budding defensive tools has a chance to go reasonably early on day two and could sneak into the 3-5 round range. |
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HOMETOWN: Northville, MI HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Pittsburgh DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Broughton is a twitchy, stretchy southpaw with big athletic traits and physical upside coming. He's got a strong core and sturdy strength in his legs. It's a frame that looks ready for long innings. He generates tremendous hip-shoulder separation, and could add more velocity as he develops in a more professional setting. Already up to 94 with huge carry through the zone, Broughton has pitch metrics that teams seek in the draft. It's a high-spin arsenal with slurvy curveball featuring huge depth when it's right; generally 78-80. He'll use it to steal strikes and/or bury at the back foot of right-handed hitters to put them away. The changeup has made strides over the last nine months and now features considerable arm-side fading action when he gets around on it. Continued emphasis on commanding that pitch in games and selling the arm speed on it are continued points of his development. Broughton can do things many other arms simply cannot, and from the left side no less. Skeptics of the profile point to an arm action that can be a touch late at times, though he's shown no cause for durability concern. He's an interesting metric day-two sleeper who could surge up into the first few rounds of the draft if his velocity and control improve as July approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Molina is a bulldog on the mound, a barrel-chested southpaw with a fantastic three-pitch mix and a attacker mindset. The fastball only tickles the low-90s right now, but gets enormous hop late, jumping over barrels with authority. The changeup shows fantastic shape, though Molina continues to refine his feel for the pitch. It flashes above average at times. Molina flashes two separate breaking balls, the curveball being the better offering featuring tunnel off the fastball with significant depth and conviction. Molina has the chance to be a solid back-end of the rotation starter with four pitches, maybe more if his stuff ticks up. |
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HOMETOWN: Glen Mills, PA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Healy is an arm and a frame to really dream on. It's a long, lanky body with long levers and whippy projection on the mound. Healy has a fairly optimized fastball with 11:15 spin direction that works well at the top of the zone. The fastball has touched 93, though he more comfortably sits in the 89-91 bucket most nights. Healy's changeup has good shape and he's shown plenty of feel for the pitch. It'll flash plus and generates a ton of whiffs against left-handed hitters. He's still developing a breaking ball, though there's innate feel for spin here and with time and development, projects to offer a breaking ball that can be a weapon. |
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HOMETOWN: Temecula, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCLA DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Fien figures to be an awfully tough sign away from his commitment to UCLA, but there's so much to like about his profile and it all begins with the bat. A switch-hitter with juice from both sides of the plate, Fien has a chance to continue switch-hitting at the next level. Behind the plate, Fien is loose and possesses good quickness for his 6-foot-3-inch frame. He's a technician and stays inside his lower body, using his strength to his advantage. If all goes well, Fien has a chance to develop into a player a bit like Cal Raleigh; a switch-hitting power-first catcher with a strong arm and the durability to handle the workload required behind the dish. The size and athlete could eventually force him to third base or the outfield, but scouts like the bat. |
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HOMETOWN: Thousand Oaks, CA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: USC DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Volantis is an interesting prospect in that when he's not throwing hammers on the mound, he represents Westlake as a stalwart waterpolo goalie. He's a big, tall southpaw with high, squared-off shoulders, thickness in his lower half and considerable projection. He looks the part of a future innings-eater. The operation supports that notion too. Volantis exhibits good balance and smoothness in his mechanics featuring a high leg-kick and an over-the-top delivery. He's primarily a two-pitch guy right now, the fastball grabbing 94 and settling in 90-91 as he carves into the middle innings. Volantis has one of better curveballs on the West Coast. While it's only thrown in the mid-70s, it's got big, sharp downer action and has a track record of missing bats. There's a fledgling changeup that he struggles to control and execute consistently but scouts believe his pitchability and arm slot will cater toward further development in that area going forward. He's also reportedly flirted with a cutter-esque slider with shorter shape that he rarely brings out. Scouts project a future average fastball, a plus breaking ball while dreaming on a potential average changeup. That combination of pitches has drawn comparisons to the early career version of James Paxton. Volantis has cut through Southern California talent all spring to this point and has a considerable up arrow next to his name as the summer approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Hernando, MS HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Tygart, put quite simply, has some of the most insane stuff the 2024 class has to offer. Blessed with an absolute hammer slider with immense sweep and a mid-90s heater that bores in on righties, Tygart is a huge weapon out of the bullpen. There's considerable effort in his delivery and just about everyone is convinced he's destined for high-leverage roles at the next level. That said, the pure stuff here is unmatched and Tygart represents the type of talent that could force his way onto a competing big league bullpen in September 2024 after he's selected. |
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HOMETOWN: Lebanon, MO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Stewart has raw power that few can match in his class. The pull-side juice is enormous, though getting to it in-game against advanced competition will be the barometer for Stewart's future in the game. He can get a little over-anxious at the plate, but he's awfully young and that comes with time. Stewart is a big, barrel-chested outfielder, though he's had some run at third base where he's shown so-so actions on the dirt. He does have a strong throwing arm, but his footwork and technique at third base will have to improve. That said, the power-over-everything profile probably fits best in right field or first base. |
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HOMETOWN: Wylie, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video In a year lacking top-end right-handed prep arms, Flores really stands out for his present velocity, operation and three-pitch arsenal. He'll grab 96, sitting 92-93 over multi-inning shows with carry and some arm-side run. To this date, he hasn't missed a ton of bats with the heater as its shape might be a bit dead-zone in nature. Still, it's hard to argue with the velocity and projection for more on the way. Flores can really snap over an upper-70s, high-spin curveball with 11-5 shape and big depth. He sells the pitch with big arm speed and conviction. There's also a naiscent changeup that he's struggled to command. Flores is an explosive athlete with fantastic coil and drive down the bump with more strength on the way. His broad shoulders, durable frame and ability to hold velocity point to a future starter at the next level. He turns 18 years old just a few months before the draft and has the youthfulness card in his back pocket for model teams. He's got day one upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Aledo, TX HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Burns is a big, tall, well-built righty with a physical build. It's a big, fast side-step release with a higher leg kick. His motion has caused issues with strike-throwing ability, but his polish and stuff have both taken considerable steps forward over the last 9 months. Burns is a real good mover with a loose arm and an athletic delivery. He rides the mound well and creates big extension out front. He's a natural supinator with a fastball that will get up into the mid-90s with natural cut. He also spins the hell out of it. He can get in trouble when he tries to over-throw his heater, but further maturity and pitchability will come. Burns has a put-away slider with sharp sweeping action as well as a bigger curveball that provides some depth to his arsenal. Burns moves well, has a physical frame and has real feel for spin. If he throws more strikes leading up to July, it's Top-100 pick tools. |
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HOMETOWN: Summerville, SC HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Highly regarded leader of men. Messina is incredibly well-regarded in the clubhouse and by his teammates for his competitive fire and relentless motor. He's a good hitter with a reliable glove and significant raw power. Body is just about topped out in regards to projectability and there are some questions as to whether or not the skillset can stick behind the plate at the next level. The raw power and intangibles carry his value, while the hit tool has by ticking up since arriving to campus. He'll be coaching in a dugout immediately upon hanging up the cleats. |
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HOMETOWN: Snohomish, WA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oregon State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Haight is an impressive two-way player out of the Evergreen State who boasts some loud tools on both sides of the ball. Most seem to like his upside on the mound where his fastball is already touching 94 mph with huge carry through the zone when he gets through it. Haight is more routinely 90-91 and will generate some arm-side run as he tires. It's a heater with well-above average spin rates and projects nicely going forward. Haight throws an upper-70s slider with depth and horizontal tilt, but it's his mid-80s changeup that most believe to be his best secondary. It features firmness and depth with a bit of fading action. Haight has shown a willingness to throw it to both righty and lefty bats. Offensively, Haight shows twitch and budding bat speed. He's got rhythmic waggle in his setup and is consistently on-time for the fastball. He'll shorten up with two strikes and eliminate the moving parts, instead electing to go with virtually no stride and a greater emphasis to use the opposite field. There's some spine tilt in his address that has some scouts questioning whether he'll be able to consistently get to velocity up in the zone, but to this point he's shown no warts in that regard. It's fast hands and quick triggers that have scouts believing he could grow into some real impact offensively over time. Ultimately, it's a simple swing with consistent mechanics and Haight stays connected creating separation in the box. He's shown real ability with the barrel. |
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HOMETOWN: Spokane, WA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hainline has been an offensive force in college since arriving to Pullman in 2021, doing a little bit of everything, and doing most of it well. Now in Corvallis with the Beavs, he can handle every infield role the team throws at him, but is best suited at second base or third base at the next level. Offensively, Hainline has showcased a fringy hit tool with a reasonably good eye at the plate, refusing to chase on most pitches out of the zone. He struggles a bit with better breaking balls, but has a strong track record against velocity and has posted some pretty gaudy peak exit velocity figures during his time in Pullman and Corvallis. It's above average power and the bat speed is electric. As Hainline continues to mature and add strength, he projects a utility type of player at the next level with a smattering of average offensive tools and a high-production performer that should translate well into professional ball. There's some similarities in the draft profile to 2023 draftee John Peck out of Pepperdine. He could end up something to the tune of a Dylan Moore type of player as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Pittsburg, CA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Diaz was a highly-recruited prospect with a good hit tool and the athleticism to play anywhere on the field. Scouts would like to see him level of comfort and apptitude improve at second base, otherwise he's likely destined for left field where his fringy arm, passivity on the dirt and inconsistent hands won't be tested so much. Diaz will likely always be a hit-over-power guy with enough power to sneak a handful out to his pull-side, but his average-or-better tools in the run game elevate his offensive profile. He's the type of guy who plays a decade at the next level in a utility or role 4 left field capacity. |
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HOMETOWN: Oak Ridge, NC HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Liberty DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Black got considerably more physical thing spring and ran into a bit of a growth spurt that accelerated his profile in draft circles. A big, strong, athletic lefty with strength developing in his lower half, Black has a quiet left-handed swing built to lift the ball to the pull-side and produce damage to all fields. He starts out of an open stance and does a nice job creating space and stretch in his swing. The raw power projects. Black is an athletic runner with above average speed that he may ultimately grow out of. He's can be a bit slow out of the box due to a longer finish through his swing, but can really jet underway with long strides, light on his feet. Black shows a much quicker first step in the field where his routes to the ball and time-to-full speed is considerably shorter. He'll be just 18.3 years old for the draft and should hear his name called on day two of the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Mesa, AZ HEIGHT: 5-9 WEIGHT: 184 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Campos has been a productive offensive force for the Sun Devils since arriving on campus, his defensive chops improving along the way. Campos makes a lot of contact and always seems to post mature at-bats with a sound process and discerning eye. He hardly ever strikes out and does draw a fair amount of walks. Campos isn't necessarily a power hitter, and is unlikely to develop into much more given his smaller frame, but he has a bat path geared toward lifting the baseball in that low-and-inside "go zone". He'll pummel mistakes from righties and has a shot at developing into an above average hitter at the next level with a smattering of fringe-average to average tools across his profile. |
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HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Southern Miss DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video The first thing that immediately stands out when taking in a Lucas Elissalt outing is just how incredibly easy he makes the art of pitching look. It's an elite operation -- fluid, easy, buttery, effortless, choose your adjective. Elissalt throws a five-pitch mix. It's fastball-dominant, thrown nearly 60 percent of the time. Elissalt can touch 92, but ordinarily sits in the 89-91 bucket over multiple innings. He'll fold in a cutter in the mid-80s, up to 87. It's average command of both pitches, preferring to work arm-side. The fastball shape is fairly generic and won't induce a whole lot of whiffs, but it does serve its role setting up the rest of his arsenal. The cutter is mostly a fringy pitch and works to keep htiters off the fastball. The curveball will flash above average and works best spiked in front of the plate. It's an upper-70s breaker with considerable depth and sharpness when Elissalt gets through the pitch. Elissalt's slider is mostly short with some lateral tilt. It's a nice piece to throw off the fastball and cutter, though at the next level it's largely fringe-average projection unless the entire arsenal ticks up in velocity. The pitch acts too similarly to the cutter as presently constructed. The changeup is usually scattered all over the place but he's shown a willingness to throw it to left-handed bats and it features effective shape. Potential for a solid average offspeed pitch here. The book on Elissalt is the projection in the frame and operation. His feel for pitching with a full menu stands out and he could end up with a couple above average offerings with tertiary average pitches as well. Elissalt is JUCO draft-eligible as a guy who will be 19 years old on draft day, turning 20 a week later. He is committed to Southern Miss for the 2025 season if he doesn't go pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Marietta, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video It can be difficult to find legitimate catching prospects in any class, but Clark has some of the tools necessary to stay behind the plate long-term. It's a strong arm and explosiveness out of a low crouch. That checks a lot of boxes for scouts. Offensively, it's a quiet setup with a hit-tool approach and there should be some power coming down the line. Clark will barely be 18 years old on draft day and teams may be willing to take a chance on the projection backstop on day two. |
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HOMETOWN: Lawrence Park, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Lawson is one of the more premium Canadian prospects to become available in recent draft classes. He's an extremely dangerous hitter with a smooth, controlled, violent left-handed swing featuring exceptional torque and ground force. Lawson presents organic loft in his swing and is already showcasing over-the-fence power. He's got a premium, long, athletic bluechip frame that may cost him the ability to ultimately move off the shortstop position, but the bat is the carrying tool here as-is. If Lawson moves over to third base, his average speed and average arm will play just fine. Scouts do think he could slow down a tick as he adds more size, but that may also come with a slight uptick in his arm strength. |
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HOMETOWN: Nashville, TN HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Devin Obee is a promising table-setter with double-plus speed and some sneaky pop. Game power has steadily begun to creep up this season as Obee registered a ball hit north of 111 mph. Easily a career-high. His bat-to-ball skills have been streaky and some scouts see a grooved swing and general inability to fend off pitches he chases off the black. He's not an aggressive hitter by any means, but when he does expand the zone he'll too often come up empty. His value comes in centerfield and on the bases where he can make things happen. If teams buy into the budding game power, Obee could be an attractive selection early on day two. |
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HOMETOWN: Birmingham, AL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A primary left fielder, Sullivan employs a wide base at the plate with a sturdy, open base. He's aims to get out in front and do damage to the pull-side with many of his outs being scalded ground balls into the right side. That said, Sullivan performs and has shown the ability to cover most quadrants in the zone, especially pitches middle-in and low-and-away. He's got reasonably elite chase rates, though Sullivan is yet to see truly top-shelf pitching at this stage in his career. His above average raw power has been well-documented by scouts, though getting to it consistently in games will be a big part in his future development. Sullivan got plenty of run in the MLB Draft League in 2023 where he shown much of the same approach and impact offensively. Ultimately, this looks something akin to Kole Calhoun and could be a sneaky early day two name in 2024. Sullivan is an average glove in left field with a fringy arm, and his average speed can play a bit on the base paths given the right opportunity. |
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HOMETOWN: Henderson, NV HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oregon DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mabeus is an impressive switch-hitting catcher with big catch-and-throw skills and considerable strength and bat speed from both sides of the plate. A 6-foot-4 mountain of a prospect, Mabeus has shown big game power from both sides of the plate, though there's more present loft from the left-side and a bit more blistering line drive doubles juice from the right. Either way, scouts like the hit-ability from both sides and think he's got a shot to hit and hit for power as both a left- and right-handed hitter. The arm strength and pop out of the crouch really stand out for Mabeus as well. His transfers are lightning quick. There's some technical work in terms of directional efficiency behind the plate, but most believe he's got a solid chance to stick back there at the next level; pretty impressive considering his size and physicality. A fringy runner now, Mabeus will draw most of his value out of the bat and up-the-middle role. Mabeus is lauded for his leadership qualities in the dugout and in handling his arms. He's assertive, confident, and drives the bus for his team. |
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HOMETOWN: Northridge, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Diaw is a well-rounded offensive performer who may ultimately lack a carrying tool, but the sum of his parts is quite productive. Diaw has taken considerable strides behind the plate in the last 12 months, specifically in the receiving department and now stands a chance to catch at the next level. But ultimately the selling traits here are with the bat. It's solid average power with best bolts that suggest above average raw power in the tank. He posts solid average whiff rates and should be able to hold his own against arms in pro ball. While the sheer bat-to-ball skills are good, Diaw is an anxious hitter and tends to expand the zone more than scouts would like to see. That part of his game has improved over the last calendar year, but it's still an area that needs work. Diaw is an above average runner now with an extremely quick first step out of the box. It's a choppy gait that figures to regress down to just average foot speed a few years down the line. Diaw has a chance to jump into the middle of day two if the bat continues to shine as the draft approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Chula Vista, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Camarillo is a twitchy, gamer infielder with a loose glove and loose, athletic actions on the dirt. He has the range to stick at shortstop full-time long-term, but he can handle a number of positions on the dirt in a pinch, especially with his solid average arm. Camarillo doesn't possess a ton of punch at the plate, but he's a line-drive gap hitter who puts the game in motion. His low ground ball rates lead scouts and analysts to believe his game will translate to the next level, even if he lacks middle of the order impact. In the past there'd been a good bit of chase in his over-aggressive approach, but scouts believe that can be toned down a bit over time and it's improved considerably in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Fort Worth, TX HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video White is a decorated defensive backstop with a strong arm and a reputation for handling a staff. He's got solid bat-to-ball skills and is willing to take his walks as well. There's some raw power here, likely no more than fringe average, and enough speed to be of some value on the basepaths as a pro. White will need to continue adding impact at the plate should he hope to exceed his platoon ceiling. |
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HOMETOWN: Madison, MS HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hines has big, big power, though he lacks the defensive value for some scouts to consider him a future third baseman at the next level. Still, you're talking about plus, maybe even plus-plus power here and a track record of parking the ball in the seats. So long as the hit tool keeps up with the power and teams can rely on him to put the ball in play at the next level, Hines should be a popular name with teams seeking big carrying tools. Scouts want to see Hines close what appears to be a hole in his swing in terms of velocity at the top of the strikezone to gain confidence he'll be able to hit at the next level. He projects a reasonably average first base defender moving forward. |
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HOMETOWN: Luling, LA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ryan is one of the more decorated defenders in the 2024 class with extremely smooth actions and footwork well beyond his years. He can make every throw from every angle and possesses above average arm strength. He's a very good bet to play shortstop at the next level if he doesn't eventually grow off of the position. Offensively, there's some swing-and-miss in Ryan's game, but he's got impact bat speed and plays gap-to-gap with ferocious intent. It's above average raw power from a tight, compact turn and lightning hands. Ryan can get pull-happy against lesser competition, but has shown well in showcase and tournament settings against more advanced arms. This is a high level player with upper-tier tools and a real shot to stick at one of the most demanding positions on the field. He's got Top-2 round upside. Ryan is committed to play baseball at LSU. |
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HOMETOWN: San Juan Capistrano, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A transfer from Arizona, Randall is a low-slot righty with a fastball up to 97, generally 92-94 with some arm-side tail. Mid-80s slider will touch 87 and settle in 82-84 in later innings. Will mix in the occassional upper-80s changeup. |
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HOMETOWN: Verona, WI HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Xavier DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video DeTienne was a bit of a pop-up name in the scouting community toward the tail-end of last summer impressing at a couple different events, shining at Area Code Games. He's got an extremely quick arm with a loose, over-the-top delivery featuring a full arm-swing and longer action. It's an over-hand power delivery, free and easy with good downhill plane. DeTienne can be scattered in his control and command at times as he'll pull his head off the target through release, but he's been up to 96 with carry, and will rest 92-94 over multiple innings, his command seemingly improving as he works a lather. His low-80s breaker has promise with big, late vertical bite, tunneling well off the heater, though commanding the pitch is still a work in progress. This is a power arm with high-octane upside who could eventually flirt with triple digits. He's a name to watch as he adds strength and polish to his operation. There's something of a Jordan Romano comparison here. |
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HOMETOWN: Beckville, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An ultra-physical outfielder with tons of strength well distributed about his frame, Dragoo has blossomed into a very good ballplayer in his three years on campus. He arrived to Presbyterian a third baseman but has since transitioned to the outifeld where his athleticism has spiked and a future in centerfield isn't entirely out of the question, though most see a corner guy. Dragoo gets high marks for his offensive game where high contact rates and low chase rates compliment what has shown to be above average raw power. Dragoo has shown solid feel for the barrel and does a nice job creating backspin on the baseball. His swing and load can be a bit noisy, and there's at least some minor skepticism on whether his production at the plate can continue at this torrid rate against more premium stuff. That said, his performance at Presbyterian this season has teams flirting with his profile on day two and he could be a sleeper in what is ultimately a down year for up-the-middle profiles. |
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HOMETOWN: Tustin, CA HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: S-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video The youngest of the McLain brothers (Matt, Sean), Nick is much of the same of what his brothers provide. He's a hit-over-power middle-of-the-diamond profile with a slasher approach, gap-to-gap. McLain has played a good bit of outfield at Arizona State. |
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HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Gourson is a mature hitter with a keen eye at the plate and an unwillingness to expand the zone against even the best pitching. He's still developing the pure bat-to-ball many expect he'll feature as a fully-mature prospect, but proponents of his profile see a future above average hitter with gap power. Gourson doesn't sting the ball terribly hard yet at this stage in his career, but he has a good frame and could add impact as he approaches July. There's too many ground balls in his profile as currently constructed, something he'll need to iron out of his game at the pro level. He currently lacks the stride and arm strength to play shortstop, though evaluators like Gourson's chances of staying on the dirt at second base long-term. It's a good swing from the left side and a potential Josh Rojas type of utility profile. |
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HOMETOWN: Palm Beach Gardens, FL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Meola's bat speed and ability to handle the hot corner have never been in question. He's been an accomplished third baseman going back to his high school days. He's leaned out a little bit since arriving to Stillwater, further emphasizing his lateral mobility and burst. At the plate, continuing his development with pitch recognition remain a priority. He's shown extra-base power and the ability to work gap-to-gap, but fighting off the breaking ball and getting back into fastball counts has been a point of growth in 2023. Meola is still rather green having hardly played in 2022, and he'll be young for the 2023 class. |
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HOMETOWN: Gettysburg, PA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 245 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A JUCO Transfer into Coastal for the 2024 campaign, Meckley looks the part of a front-line starter with a bulldog, durable frame. He'll grab 97 and sit 93-95 with a bully mentality, relentlessly coming after hitters. A hard curveball is his go-to out-pitch and it'll flash above average when Meckley gets all the way through the pitch. There's a two-seam fastball that'll he'll pull some off of to get changeup shape, though it's not a consistent pitch to this point. Meckley will need to develop a tertiary weapon if he's to realize his big league starter ceiling. At worst it's likely a mid-leverage reliever with a power arm. Everything is firm. Definitive up arrow next to the name. |
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HOMETOWN: Snellville, GA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 193 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Barberi has so many components to his game and profile that teams will like in the draft, it's hard to envision he doesn't get money thrown his way. It's an extremely projectable frame with broad shoulders and a high waist with good weight in his lower half. The fastball has been up to 95 with some arm-side run and carry. Slider has late sweeping action and some late depth and it performs exceptionally well. Barberi does have a tendency to lower his arm-slot on the breaking ball at times, something he'll need to iron out at the next level. He also has a changeup that has performed well when it's on, though he's been more reluctant to throw that pitch in tournaments. There's a bit of effort at release, but it's not prohibitive or so egregious that injury risk comes to mind. In fact, as he ages it may polish out naturally. Barberi will be just 17 years old on draft day and will scream up boards run by models. He's expected to be a tough sign away from Florida. |
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HOMETOWN: Xavier, MN HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Loer is a really tough look on hitters with a super-wide delivery from the left side presenting lots of angles for the opposition. He'll live in the low-90s, but it's his low-80s slider that gets most of the outs. He has starter potential, but most foresee a dynamic lefty reliever moving forward. |
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HOMETOWN: Mason, OH HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Indiana DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hanley came into the summer of 2023 a pitching prospect, but as more and more got their eyes on him at the plate, that narrative camp is more split these days. Offensively, Hanley delivers a heavy barrel with big exit velocity readings and the potential for plus power and impact in the middle of a lineup. Left-handed, no less. That power plays to all fields, and he's hit good arms. On the mound, he's been up to 95 with a high-spin heater, snapping over mid-80s breaking balls and flashing a changeup. The arm action is as loose and easy as some of his peers and reliever risk is present. Hanley has a premium frame with a ton of strength well distributed about his physique. He's likely a two-way player in college (Indiana), but should he go pro, for our money, his future is at the plate. |
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HOMETOWN: Battle Ground, WA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Washington DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hotchkiss is a physically imposing right-handed outfielder out of the Pacific Northwest who's seen his stock surge over the past 12 months. The raw power here really stands out, comfortably plus with more potentially on the way. He's flashed big exit velocities both to the pull side and ringing rockets into right-center field. He'll let it eat in batting practice with a full-stride, but will often eliminate the stride entirely in games to catch up with velocity and manipulate the barrel for spin. There's potential here for one of the more impactful bats from this class at the next level. Hotchkiss isn't a one-trick pony either. He's an above average runner with twitch and burst out of the box. He'll take the extra base. Hotchkiss takes decent routes in the outfield, and does have enough arm to handle left field, though scouts like his soft hands at first base and his work around the bag. If a team believes he can handle the outfield, he could go in the first few rounds of the draft. The bat is that good. If he's ultimately a first baseman, he likely fits somewhere in the middle of day two if he can be signed away from his commitment to the University of Washington. |
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HOMETOWN: Montgomery, TX HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: B-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video There may not be a faster player in the country than Spikerman. A true centerfielder, Spikerman can really burn down the line and get to just about anything in center. It's double-plus speed even with the added muscle and strength in his lower half created this past winter. A dynamic top-of-the-order slasher, Spikerman won't strike out too much, but he also won't slug for much power. He's upped his raw power a bit this year and could now flirt with double-digit homers at the next level. He's a threat on the bases and certainly can be dangerous on balls in the alley. The arm strength is fringy here, so there's a shot he ends up in left field at the next level, but there's a fourth-outfielder/utility floor here with the chance at becoming more. |
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HOMETOWN: Tallahassee, FL HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A tremendously intimidating athlete in the box, Bailey might possess more raw power than anyone in the 2024 prep class. It's exceptional bat speed from the left side with a bat path built to do damage to all fields; his pull-side power being mammoth. There's some natural loft built into his attack angle, but Bailey lets the ball travel and can blister baseballs into the left-center field gap with authority. He's shown a considerable amount of swing and miss in tournament play in his younger years, but as the bat speed has elevated and the swing has shortened up, Bailey has shown more consistency against premium arms and scouts now believe he's got a real chance to hit too. He'll have to continue to refine his ability against spin, specifically spin in the zone, but it's ticking up. The 6-foot-4-inch Bailey can play a little bit of third base but scouts like the profile at first base long term. Bailey is a below-average runner and most of his value will come by of the bat. |
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HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, NV HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Cortez has sensational arm talent with a fastball touching 99 mph and a slider that, when right, can miss bats, though it lacks spin. Cortez has been working to improve the shape of his fastball and stay consistent in the zone, leaning more toward showcasing a slider shape and getting a lot of soft contact. There's some reliever risk here if the breaking ball never clicks, but his arm talent alone should get him selected on day two in July. |
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HOMETOWN: Jerome, OH HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Krenzel is an intriguing righty to follow through this draft as he's got one of the looser, fuller operations on the mound that presents natural deception and funk to hitters. It's a longer arm action, though he is on time in most cases and throws strikes. The fastball generally sits in the low-90s with arm-side run and heavy sink, up to 95. He'll mix in an upper-70s slider with sweeping action, as well as a much fringier changeup that falls hard to the plate when he gets around it. There's some polish to be had here, but the end product could be awfully unique. |
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HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 203 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video While Holiday doesn't possess the prototypical projection and size of some of his peers, he towers over many of them in terms of competitive fire, polish and pitchability. He's a very good athlete with a high leg kick and throws a ton of strikes. Holiday throws a low-90s fastball featuring arm-side run and some bore into right-handers. He'll alter the grip and throw a conventional four-seam fastball at the top of the zone as well featuring a bit more carry. The former is a ground ball inducing pitch that he'll work to all four quadrants. It's solid average command for the heater and he's been up to 95 in the past. It likely won't ever grade out as anything more than an average pitch at the next level, but it serves its purpose. He'll throw a low-80s slider nearly a third of the time and it's been effective in producing chase and whiffs. Holiday's slider tunnels well and features late, sharp break and depth. His command for the slider is average, though his willingness to throw it, as well as the tendency to miss glove-side makes it an effective offering. Unless Holiday can add some firmness to the pitch, it too likely projects just average, maybe above average going forward. He'll throw a bigger curveball in the low-to-mid 70s featuring late depth, though he's working to iron a hump out of the pitch. It's such a big bender that it's been a productive offering both as a get-me-over option and a lock-them-up pitch late in counts. Again, this is probably an average pitch, but flashes above average shape and efficiency when commanded well. Holiday will show a changeup to left-handed hitters and he commands this pitch quite well, though it's fringy shape and doesn't come off his fastball line much. He's also folding in a cutter to get under left-handers hands that's shown real promise. As a whole Holiday is a five-pitch guy with solid average command and a willingness to pitch backwards. He doesn't have tremendous stuff, and his frame lacks projectable upside, but there's an athlete here and an artist-like approach to pitching. He could sneak into the 5th-8th round range if a team buy the athlete and what can be done in tinkering once player development gets their hands on him. He projects a No. 5 starter at the next level with the shot and eating innings as a big leaguer. |
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HOMETOWN: Jacksonville, FL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 213 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Johnson is an extremely physical right-handed reliever with the huge stuff and upside to fit the prototype. The fastball can get up to 98, sitting 94-96 over one-inning outs with significant ride through the zone. Because of his outlandishly high release, scouts like the upside of his two-seam fastball situationally as he presents the steepest vertical approach angle of any arm available in the draft. It could be a real weapon. Johnson's splitter made enormous strides in 2024 in a more starting role and with that ultra-steep approach angle, it's borderline impossible to hit just under the zone. Johnson throws a hard slider in the upper-80s, touching 90. He's got the makings of a high-octane late-inning reliever if he can improve his strike-throwing ability and polish up the breaking ball, including upping its usage. The improvement from the splitter also shouldn't rule out his chances of starting at the next level either. The arm talent is undeniable. Johnson is eligible for the second time. |
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HOMETOWN: Ripon, CA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Clemson DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wentworth is a fantastic two-way prospect with a potential future on the mound of with the bat depending on which direction his development goes. On the mound, his 6-foot-5-inch left-handed frame has been up to 88 with deception and athleticism. He's got a slider and a curveball, both of which flash upside as he hides the ball well. In the field, Wentworth is a fringy runner and may ultimately end up at first base, but it's his sweet left-handed swing that scouts love. He doesn't possess massive bat speed despite his size, but his hitterish tendencies and all-fields approach are mature beyond his years. Scouts think he'll really hit moving forward. Given his size, the bat speed and raw power may come soon. He's got a shot to play outfield if the frontline speed ticks up. Wentworth is an extremely decorated quarterback in the 2024 class and may need to be bought away from the gridiron. |
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HOMETOWN: Massapequa, NY HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Donofrio transferred into North Carolina from Quinnipiac where he was overlooked. He's a plus runner with a plus arm, perfectly suited for centerfield where his reads and rouets point to a solid average glove at the next level. Donofrio is tooled up and twitchy with above raw power and present bat speed. He may only be a 40-grade hitter, but the rest of the tools provide a role and floor at the next level. Donofrio will be 24 years old for the draft and could be a priority add for teams on day two trying to save money, or an early selection on day three if teams buy the upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Pearland, TX HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Rice DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Blaine Brown was reasonably unknown until this spring when he began flashing big stuff. He's got the frame scouts looks for in a projectable high school pitcher featuring a lean, lanky frame with a ton of weight to come. His sloping shoulders and narrow core suggests he'll always be a leaner cut, but there's 15 good pounds still to come in his lower half. The lanky lefty is up to 95 and will sit 90-92 over starts with sinking action. The control and command of the fastball have improved this year. There's an upper-70s slider with two planes, more depth than sweep. It's not yet an out pitch, but it projects. There's a lot of components here to like, including his two-way ability showcasing some athleticism with the bat and in the outfield. Brown will turn 18 just a few months before the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Williamsport, IN HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A product of Williamsport, Indiana, Stephen spent his first two collegiate campaigns at Purdue where walks and sequencing stymied his ability to pitch deep into games. A physical bulldog frame on the mound, Stephen has an imposing presence about the way he pitches. It's a big strong workhorse frame with an over-the-top delivery and some steepness. Stephen has quieted his delivery in Starkville and is pounding the strikezone better than ever. Up to 95, Stephen has shown the ability to hold 92-93 into the 6th and 7th innings. If the control for the zone can hold into professional ball, it's starter components. Stephen's fastball has some bat-missing shape and he's shown some ability to command it to the top rail as well as glove-side. The slider is mostly average with some hump at times, usually thrown in the 82-84 range. There's a usable changeup in the mid-80s as well that projects fringy to average at the next level. For now, it's a very good fastball and budding secondaries with the floor of an innings-eating Quad-A starting pitcher. Stephen should have plenty of suitors toward the second-half of day two at worst. |
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HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Knipp epitomizes "raw power". At the plate, he boasts some of the loudest exit velocity data you can find in the Big South with a bat-to-ball hole at top of the zone. It may only be a 30-grade hit, but the power really plays. That said, his future could be on the mound. Already touching 98 with a developing slider, scouts like the arm talent and projection as a future leverage arm in an MLB bullpen. He'll be 22.7 for the draft, so leverage won't be on his side, but his stuff has certainly jumped the last calendar year and scouts have taken notice. |
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HOMETOWN: Beaverton, OR HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 208 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video The top-ranked recruit from the state of Oregon in 2021, Guerra had a big bonus ask in the draft and was more than willing to prove himself at Oregon State if no team met his demands. The Beavers lucked out. It's a prototype frame built for the left side of the infield with considerable raw power present and the ability to really drive the ball with tremendous juice to the pull-side. That approach to the pull-side has gotten Guerra in trouble in the past, and that can get him out of whack against pitchers with good secondaries, but that'll be a point of development in Corvallis and the next level. It's a rhythmic setup with some moving parts and oddities in terms of triggers, but when Guerra is on time there are few in the country that can match the raw power he produces. Guerra has a huge arm and should find a transition over to third base as a pro feasible after spending much of his time at first base for the Beavers due to roster construction. Guerra has big raw offensive tools and the pedigree that'll interest pro organizations. |
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HOMETOWN: Killen, AL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Auburn DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Chatterton is a physical-frame righty with a quick arm who projects to throw very hard in due time. Already grabbing 98 with life on the top rail, Chatterton dazzled at times during the summer showcase circuit and tournament circuit. Chatterton is a big scap load guy who really rocks and rotates in the back, exploding through release. He loves to throw a budding changeup that lives off his fastball, though he has a tendency to broadcast and tell the pitch at times. Still, finding prep arms with feel for separation and killing spin can be rare. Chatterton has a slider and curveball, though both lack feel and firmness at present, however there is distinct shape on the former. The effort and operation point toward a reliever at the next level, but it's very real *now* stuff and radar guns don't lie. |
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HOMETOWN: Roaring Springs, PA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 203 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kling, a huge get for LSU in 2022, is a pure outfielder with a barrel-chest and the ability to handle any outfield spot. He's got a history of hitting, making loud contact by way of his heavy rotational swing. That swing has scouts thinking more power is coming. He's a plus runner, though some believe he's slowing down a tick as he's added muscle on campus, and the arm strength really stands out too. Supreme physical tools across the board. |
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HOMETOWN: Peachtree City, GA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Walker grew into considerable strength this spring with sacrificing some of the athleticism that makes his profile so intriguing to scouts. It's a pro frame with long legs and a high waist, projection in his upper-half and squared off shoulders. Walker creates space and stretch in the box with a wide setup and longer stride, engaging his core and lower half through the baseball. There's loft in his swing, an offensive approach built to do damage. Walker creates above average bat speed and should grow into plus raw power as he adds weight and strength going forward. He's also a plus runner with long, athletic strides that can handle any of the three outfield spots. Walker's solid average throwing arm is also an asset in the outfield. Walker crushed fastballs during the summer circuit in 2023 but found a bit more inconsistency in his performances against pitching with more advanced breaking balls. He's been more effective this spring against spin and has raised his profile because of it. Walker is as tooled up and projectable as some of the top guys in this class with some polish and refinement in his offensive game on the horizon at the next level. He's an exciting prospect. |
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HOMETOWN: Sunrise, FL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: South Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Quigley is certainly one of the more physically imposing players in the box. It's a long, strong frame with serious bat speed. Staying consistent with his timing triggers has been a battle for Quigley over the last 12 months, though some of that can be attributed to the mammoth growth spurt he's seen of late. Quigley is short to the ball and presents organic loft through the zone. Some scouts see the potential for plus game power as he matures into the game. Quigley has tinkered with his swing, varying between a more upright, athletic stance and a more leveraged back-heel focus, the former generally like the more comfortable setup. The latter has led to better results in the approach and swing-decision department. Quigley is a right field prospect with a solid average arm and fringy speed. He features long strides, though he's unlikely to be a threat stealing bases. The short-form here is scouts really like the bat and the physically imposing frame. The offensive upside is tantalizing. |
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HOMETOWN: Marietta, GA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in the 2024 class with as much bat speed as Jones possesses. Going back to his HS days, Jones was always a prodigious home run hitter. Packed into an ultra-physical frame, he's almost certainly destined for first base as a pro. Jones is a below average runner, though he does have an above average throwing arm. Should he end up in the outfield, work will need to be done to get the footwork in place to allow the other tools to play. Still, you're almost exclusively buying the bat here. Jones hits the ball in the air and with authority better than just about anyone in the 2024 class. It's potentially a fringe-average hit tool with 70-grade raw power at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Wind Lake, WI HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kent State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Rynders is a well-rounded infielder with a smattering of average tools and a bit of projection left in his offensive game. He's got a terrific frame and there's some present hit-ability and natural feel for leverage that point toward some future game power coming. He utilizes a wide base and anchors hard into his back hip to create loft. It's a reasonably quiet load, and Rynders has shown good feel for the barrel and a willingness to battle deep into counts, and he's growing into more impactful bat speed. That's something scouts will want to see more of in the coming months. On the dirt, he's an average runner underway with average range at shortstop. Rynders has standout soft hands and he should be able to stick on the infield, however his overall athleticism is likely to move him to second or third base at the next level. It's average arm strength, though his throws do possess good carry, more than capable enough to handle third base at a high level. He can really pick it and will be a reliable defender at the next level. Rynders is a mature player overall with more polish than most of his peers. He limits strikeouts and draws a healthy helping of walks. While he doesn't possess one single carrying tool, the bat does have an upward trajectory and a reasonably high floor. |
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HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ehrhard has been a force ever since stepping foot on campus in 2021, providing on-base skills and defensive value for the Cowboys. He's a burner with the ability to steal bases whenever necessary, and that speed translates into centerfield as well. Ehrhard doesn't possess much power, though he can run into one every now and then, but it's currently below average power. He may grow into more. He projects a top of the lineup sparkplug who should profile into left field or centerfield. At his peak, with regular at-bats Ehrhard has a outside shot at reaching double-digit dingers. |
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HOMETOWN: San Clemente, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Schrier was a big ticket item in 2021 as a prep, but went unselected amid high signing bonus demands. That said, he had plenty of suitors calling for his services. Schrier is a bit of a do-it-all infielder. He's posts healthy contact rates, healthy exit velocities and covers every pitch type all whilst refusing to expand the zone. He handles breaking balls particularly well compared to his peers. Scouts want to see Schrier close what appears to be a hole in his swing in terms of velocity at the top of the strikezone to gain confidence he'll be able to hit at the next level. Schrier likely figures to be a second or third baseman at the next level where his bigger body, average speed and average throwing arm will play best. If he continues on his current path, Schrier could be an above average, maybe even a plus hitter with solid average power at the next level. It's not easy to find second basemen who can mash 18-20 home runs a year, and that's what Schrier could bring to the table. |
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HOMETOWN: Seville, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Neely has been a steady force for the Gators over his brief collegiate career. He's got a strong frame and projects to see his stuff tick up as he ages. Neely lives in the low 90s, but features a big, sweeping curveball and a deceptive changeup that really plays well off the heater. He'll have every chance to start for the Gators for three years before he's draft eligible, and could live in the mid-90s by the time his name is called in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Saddle River, NJ HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kirk's entire arsenal really sneaks up on hitters with strong deception, hiding the ball well. He's got long levers and projects to add more strength as he matures. Kirk will work up to 92, more commonly settling in 88-90 with arm-side run. His low-to-mid 70s changeup flashes above average at times, throwing on the breaks and separating considerably off the fastball. An upper-70s curveball is a viable weapon right now, flashing solid average with real feel for commanding the pitch to both sides of the plate, utilizing it as a get-me-over strike-stealer or spiked for chase. Kirk has fantastic pitchability and is one of the more polished arms in the class. |
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HOMETOWN: Ankeny, IA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Peterson is an explosive offensive outfielder geared to do damage and lift the baseball with authority. Peterson has been streaky in terms of the overall hit tool and bat-to-ball skills in general, but when he finds the barrel it's been loud. It's largely average raw power, but he's tapped into most of it in games already. Petersen is a reasonably mature hitter who keeps his chase rates in check. An above average runner who can handle all three outfield positions, Petersen is likely best-suited for center or left field where his average arm strength won't be quite so tested. He's an explosive player who has the chance to post a few 15-15 seasons at the next level if provided the opportunity. He best profiles as a strong fourth outfielder with a bit more upside than that if the hit tool continues to progress. |
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HOMETOWN: Cherryville, NC HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A big, strong, barrel-chested southpaw, Pence has been a steady force for the Tar Heels since arriving in 2021. An injury slowed him as a true freshman, but he's been building and building since. Pence has been up to 94, sitting 91-92 over extended outings. His best secondary is a turn-em-over changeup that might lack separation off the fastball, but does feature late, diving action to miss bats. Pence will need to develop a better secondary weapon as he continues to mature. |
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HOMETOWN: Duxbury, MA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 240 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Smith impressed in 2022 before missing the 2023 season recovering from TJ. He's back in 2024 with a fastball pushing triple digits, up to 98 in games. His go-to secondary is a big curveball with considerable depth thrown in the low-80s. It's a pretty good one-two punch. Smith has the big, broad, workhorse frame that scouts like. If he proves durable and he performs as July approaches, he looks like a day two arm with a bright future. |
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HOMETOWN: Caledon, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Romeo is an interesting prospect in that he's from Canada and has a complicated eligibility status. He's eligible for the 2024 MLB Draft, but college-eligible in 2025. It's as buttery an operation as you'll find in the high school class with low effort, a short, quick, electric arm action and a fastball already up to 96. He's loose, the arm works easy, and it's all supplemented by premium confidence and pitch-ability on the bump. Romeo pounds the strike zone with 2-seam fastball, though he'll mix in a more traditional four-seamer that he likes to exclusively deploy at the top rail. Both pitches live in the 91-93 bucket over longer outings, holding velocity well. Romeo bullies hitters, comfortably working inside, sawing off bats. He's a power arm, though not in the traditional strikeout sense. His best secondary is a deeper low-80s slider with solid average spin rates and considerable sweep out of the zone. It features strong tunneling attributes off the fastball, especially when commanded off the outer rail when Romeo is landing his 2-seamer on the inside corner to righties. Commanding the breaking ball has been an emphasis over the last twelve months, and it's shown considerable signs of improvement. He'll mix in the occasional spiked changeup against lefty bats, but is primarily a two-pitch artist for the time being. Everything about Romeo is clean on the bump. He projects to work into the mid-90s as he matures, and has obvious starter traits. Romeo will be 18.5 years old on draft day and represents one of the safer bets to start at the next level in this class. |
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HOMETOWN: Blue Springs, Missouri HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Gibler possesses some of the sneakiest athleticism in the class. He wasn't a popular name in draft circles until this spring after a considerable velocity jump, but in regional scouting circles he's always be lauded for how he moves. It's fluid, electric athleticism featuring an up-tempo delivery and easy operation. Gibler pitches with moxy and competes as hard as anyone in the class. There's some crossfire at release, landing closed to the target and stepping toward the first base dugout. His operation provides a bit of natural deception with a tight elbow spiral and shorter action allowing the fastball to play up. He's already touching 97 in side showcase settings and has reportedly been up to 96 in games and will live 91-93 in the third and fourth innings. Gibler sells a really good changeup that dies at the plate in the 88-89 mph bucket. Creating a bit more separation off the fastball could take the pitch into plus territory, but for now his feel and conviction on the pitch project nicely. There's a low-to-mid 80s gyro slider that'll flash above average but lacks consistency in execution and sell. Gibler will be 18.7 at the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Lakeland, FL HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video After a bombshell two years at the Air Force Academy, Hawks transferred to face stiffer competition for his draft eligible 2024-campaign. Hawks utilizes a low-90s fastball that's been up to 96 in side sessions. He delivers from a deceptive over-the-top slot with a lot of hinge and the balls come out of his ear late. There's some natural carry to his heater, but below average spin rates cap what could be a truly dynamic fastball moving forward. Still, it's been an awfully effective heater at the college level. The curveball is his go-to weapon, and it's a good one as Hawks tunnels the pitch off his fastball well. It's been an effective pitch as Hawks' natural deception and pitch mirroring makes the breaker almost impossible to pitch up out of the hand. While he only throws the pitch in the mid-70s bucket, it's still extremely useful and plays up in the same way Clayton Kershaw has allowed his mid-70s breaking ball to get by hitters, albeit without the extraordinary movement. Hawks will work in a mid-80s changeup, though his feel for the pitch and its separation off the fastball don't yet make it flash much more than a fringy offering. Hawks is an interesting arm with the athleticism to start at the next level, although there is some effort through delivery and he's battled through mild control and command issues throughout his collegiate career. |
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HOMETOWN: Ridgeland, MI HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Chance's profile has come a long ways over the course of the past 18 months. In 2023 he was a positionless second baseman who was destined for a DH role at the next level. He's since put together good work on the dirt and can flip between second base and shortstop in a pinch. He's still only likely an average defender at second or third base as a pro, but the strides are noteworthy. Chance puts together elite contact rates and has a good approach at the plate. His exit velocities have fallen since 2023 as he sacrifices power to keep the conga line moving. He's a high floor prospect who should hit for average and get on base at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Upper Saddle River, NJ, FL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Modugno is a big, physical third baseman with a ton of bat speed and very present over-the-fence power to all-fields. He's more physically advanced than just about all of his peers, punishing underdeveloped arms with authority over the past few seasons on the tournament circuit. Modugno has a strong throwing arm too, and the hands to suggest a future at third base could be possible. Already reasonably maxed in terms of strength, Modugno will need to continue to stay athletic and explosive on the field if his baseball tools are to keep up with the competition. Some scouts prefer the profile on the mound where he's been up to 97 with a power breaking ball and fringy command. Still, it's some of the most imposing sheer power you can find in the 2024 class on both sides of the ball. |
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HOMETOWN: Santa Ana, CA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Extremely quick hands, easy firing mechanism and a total freak athlete. Double plus speed and pull-side juice is present. Super tooled up kid. |
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HOMETOWN: Monroe, LA HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ole Miss DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Federico is a switch-hitter who puts the game in motion and plays the game line-to-line, his power mostly going gap-to-gap. He has a lot of versatility and has shown the aptness to handle all three infield positions. Scouts really like the bat-to-ball skills here and believe Federico has a real chance to hit. He's a sum-of-his-parts who has a number of avenues to a big league profile with a smattering of average tools. It's one of the more polished hit tools in the class, albeit lacking prototypical impact from the hot corner. He could end up at second base where his size and conventional batted-ball profile would profile nicely. |
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HOMETOWN: Louisville, CO HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Carter saw his fastball velocity explode entering the 2022 season. Carter has been up to 101 mph, though it is an effortful delivery and almost certainly projects into a bullpen role at the next level if he doesn't dial back the violence. Carter's best secondary is a curveball into the low-80s with big depth and swing-and-miss traits. For now, he's really only a two-pitch guy. Carter's control of the strikezone also has a ways to go as he's struggled with walks in his collegiate career. The upside of Carter is fairly obvious if he can iron some things out between now and draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Camarillo, CA HEIGHT: 5-9 WEIGHT: 181 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video All Galloway has done since arriving to USC is hit, hit and hit some more. His contact rates on velocity and pitches inside the zone in as a true freshman were truly elite and he's carried much of that success over to the 2024 season. He'll be a draft-eligible sophomore; a young 21 years old on draft day. While he's not having quite the gaudy metric performance he had as a true freshman, the slash line remains the same and the power has ticked up. It's still below average raw power, but Galloway has a leaner frame that projects to get stronger in pro ball. Scouts like the chances for his profile to stay behind the plate as a pro due to the twitch and mobility he's shown back there in games. The fundamentals aren't perfect, but his technique points toward a player who is teachable going forward. Ultimately, Galloway could end up an above average hit tool guy with 30-grade power and average skills behind the plate. It's a role 45 type of player at the next level; a guy who could platoon or work in a backup role for a championship-level organization. |
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HOMETOWN: Belleair, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wright has been a consistent performer in the ACC and continued to impress scouts on the Cape with rangy, twitchy actions at the shortstop position and the ability to work a mature at-bat. Wright projects a solid average to potentially an above average hitter with average, maybe a tick more, power. He's grown into a good bit more juice in 2024. He's an average defensive shortstop now, though many expect he'll shift to second or third base as he adds weight and slows down a tick. He's got an average arm and can handle any of the three infield roles. He's likely do be a priority day two pick and could be a money-mover for teams looking to under-slot a player in the middle rounds. |
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HOMETOWN: Fayetteville, GA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hill is a big, imposing, projectable lefty with budding velocity and a four-pitch mix. He'll run the fastball into the low-90s with some carry, though his shape has been inconsistent early in his career. Hill features a slider, curve and changeup, the latter being the most effective weapon right now. As Hill continues to add strength and polish, he could feature as a future backend of the rotation type of prospect. |
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HOMETOWN: Gresham, OR HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A two year starter at Linn Benton, Dumitru took his big stick to New Mexico State for the 2024 season where he immediately became a middle-of-the-order impact bat for the Aggies. Dumitru is an imposing force at the dish with a calm, intimidating demeanor. He works from a slightly-open upright stance and employs a moderate leg kick to generate coil and torque. While Dumitru's swing can get a little long at times, he does possess considerable bat speed with plus raw power. His willingness to let the ball travel and work the right-center field gap is noteworthy. He extends well into balls on the inner third and can create ringing exit velocities to his pull-side. He's a lumbering runner with below average, possibly fringe-average speed that figures to get taxed as he matures. He's a fringy defender with a solid average arm. It's possible he handles right field at the next level, the position he's manned for much of the season for NMSU, but there is some development in that regard should he hope to continue playing up there at the highest level. Dumitru is a prospect who will likely be carried as far as his bat will take him. He's a potential late day-two profile with a day three floor and could be the type of player the transfers into a bigger conference to dispell any red flags teams may have about him playing at elevation in this his age-21 campaign. |
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HOMETOWN: Houston, TX HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Smith has been 92-94, up to 96 mph with considerable carry through the zone. He works in a solid slider with two plane tilt and a firm changeup with arm-side fading action. |
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HOMETOWN: Waukee, IA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wentworth has been a rather prominent figure in scouting going back to his days at Waukee HS in 2021. He's a four-pitch guy that's lit up radar guns for quite some time. Command and control have begun polishing up in 2024 and scouts see a future big league reliever with starter traits that could pop in the right organization. Wentworth has been up to 94 with a rather generic fastball that doesn't miss a lot of bats, but instead sets up his secondaries efficiently. The curveball is his primary out-pitch with huge whiff rates and dynamic shape featuring late tilt. The slider is also effective with similar production in college baseball, though scouts project the bigger breaking ball as his better offering. There's also a cutter and a changeup, both of which Wentworth throws for strikes. It's a five-pitch mix with budding command. He'll likely need to get a bit more value out of the fastball if he's to garner a back-end of the rotation role at the next level, but Wentworth appears to have the floor of a potential sixth- or seventh-inning bulk guy who can mix it up and get through a couple innings at the big league level. |
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HOMETOWN: Roseville, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sloan has a great pitcher's frame with long levers and the ability to repeat. It's a whippy, cross-body delivery from a lower three-quarter arm slot that presents some natural deception. Sloan sits in the upper-80s with his fastball, brushing 92, though he makes his money with heavy arm-side run. He has a slower, loopy curveball, but it is his devestating changeup that'll catch the headlines. Sloan has diced through lineups at times throwing heavy-changeup outings. It possesses massive two-plane tilt with parachute and late, darting tail. Some believe it is comfortably a plus pitch. Sloan has starter traits so long as he continues to command his offerings. He will be a draft-eligible sophomore, barely 21 years old. |
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HOMETOWN: Gardiner, NY HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A well-respected arm out of the state of New York, DeGroat has been a dynamic pitcher for Wallkill the last three years posting an ERA south of 1.00. He's a reasonably efficient worker and a strike-thrower, though streakiness with the fastball can drive up his pitch counts on nights he doesn't have it. DeGroat fastball shape is unique coming out of a low slot with plenty of carry and arm-side life. When he's off, it's missing into the right-handed batters box. He's been up to 94 with average spin rates, though his whiff rates in league play speak to how strong the fastball metrics are. A low-80s slider has two plane tilt and DeGroat has successfully worked to take the hump out of the pitch this past winter. While he can still lose feel for the zone with the breaking ball at times, scouts still feel it comfortably projects a solid average breaking ball moving forward. There's a nascent mid-80s changeup that he's still working to polish up, as well as an upper-70s curveball that'll melt into his slider at times. DeGroat has a loose arm and extends down the mound with ease. He sinks into his hips and and has good hip drive. DeGroat's release traits are something you cannot teach and that alone with have teams interested. |
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HOMETOWN: Lee's Summit, MO HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Missouri DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Dickerson is an imposing high school infielder with a long, athletic frame, broad shoulder and tons of projection. He moves well on the dirt, though most scouts see a move to third base or the outfield as his body continues to fill out. Already an average runner, Dickerson could get stronger and maintain that speed. His throwing arm is largely average as well. That said, the potential and upside for damage offensively certainly exists. Dickerson works to the pull-side, but he peppers balls into the RCF gap in BP. There's considerable bat speed here, and the raw power is fairly obvious. There's a bit of an arm-bar out in front for Dickerson, so cleaning that up and extending through the ball could really unlock what his frame is capable of. |
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HOMETOWN: Alvin, TX HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Williams is a long-levered, lean southpaw who produces massive extension down the mound with a loose, longer arm action in the back, but he still fills up the zone. Williams really knows how to pitch. He has feel for spin and commanding the baseball to both sides of the plate. He'll mix it up with three pitches, all of which he's comfortable throwing to both lefties and righties. The fastball is a 2-seamer with some arm-side run and the occasional sink when he gets through the pitch. It'll sit 90-94, but the frame screams more velocity on the way. Williams' secondaries get the headlines with scouts. His mid-80s changeup features fantastic tunneling off the heat, with late dart away from righty bats. He really turns the pitch over and induces tumble late. A low-80s slider features below average spin rates, but his feel for the pitch and shaping his arsenal more than make up for it. It's a two-plane sweeper that he'll front door or back door to both sides of the plate. It's been a chase pitch for Williams, and projects a potential above average weapon with further refinement. Presently, Williams has a fringy fastball, an above average changeup and a solid average breaking ball. His long, lean frame is something to dream on, and more "stuff" could be on the way. |
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HOMETOWN: Richmond, KY HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A part-time player for the Cardinal for much of his collegiate career, Anderson hopped into more of a full-time role in 2024 manning the hot corner. The bat really exploded early in the season with tremendous contact rates with exit velocity figures pointing toward average raw power. The chase rates are a bit high and potentially unsustainable, but Anderson's ability to battle off pitches off the plate helps regulate his strikeout rates. It's a quiet operation at the plate with a slow heartbeat and an easy swing. He lacks top-end back speed and his ability on the basepaths won't add extra value, but proponents of the profile see an above average hitter. Anderson is a below average runner and won't add a ton of value laterally at third base, but he does have a solid internal clock and hardly ever rushes anything to first base. His throws possess carry when he reaches back for it, though arm accuracy has been streaky, some suggesting the lack of consistent reps over the years at school are the primary culprit. Anderson projects at least a fringe-average defender, up to solid average with continued starts in a full-time role. |
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HOMETOWN: Fargo, ND HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A massively imposing righty, and rare find out of the great state of North Dakota, Rerick is a talented, burly righty with a big fastball and budding secondaries. Already up to 97, Rerick is a primary fastball guy who folds in the occasional low-80s 12-6 bender with some depth. It lacks bite and sharpness, but flashes upside with spin and feel. There's a sharper, shorter slider that he'll show at times as well. Rerick's best secondary going forward might be a fading changeup in the mid-80s that features late life and tail. He has some inconsistencies in his delivery and a plunge in his lower half that can cause the fastball command to waver, but early in outings Rerick has shown the ability to spot pitches to both sides of the plate. He'll be young for the draft, barely 18 years old, and considering his frame and physical upside, will have suitors in the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Midlothian, VA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 201 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video 3 above average pitches, new to pitching, up to 97... arm is late, fastball can tail off line... high K, low bb... Split-changeup grip provides his offspeed pitch a high-spin with huge arm-side run. |
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HOMETOWN: Bartlesville, OK HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hall has been an impressively steady performer for Oral Roberts. He's a control-over-stuff guy who generates a good bit of swing-and-miss on his slider, but he induces a ton of soft contact and hardly ever walks a batter. Hall will run it up to 94, but more commonly sits in the 90-91 range. |
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HOMETOWN: Wayzata, MN HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Perry's underlying numbers in 2023 were far more impressive than the back of his baseball card. He's a big, long third baseman who is athletic enough to handle right field as well. He's got a solid arm and projects to remain at a position that tests his arm strength. Perry makes tons of hard contact and puts the ball in play, though he's had poor BABIP luck in his Big 12 career. He's a sleeper for now, but if metrics regress to the mean, he could eventually become a Top 100 prospect in the 2024 draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Davie, FL HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: S-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Tejeda possesses a lanky frame with tons of projection remaining. Tejeda has always been a good athlete with two-way potential, but most believe his future is on the mound. Up to 97, Tejeda has a ton of extension and the ball jumps out of his hand. His best secondary is the changeup with solid conviction with some fade and a bit of tumble. Tejeda's curveball has taken massive strides at Florida, flashing average to solid average at time with solid depth. The slider has been a work in progress, thrown in the 83-86 bucket with two plane tilt, if not inconsistent in shape and execution. Tejeda's upside is limitless considering the athlete, size and lack of experience on the bump. |
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HOMETOWN: Amherst, VA HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 171 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Martin absolutely kills breaking balls in the zone and has a ton of versatility in the field. He can handle second, short, or the outfield. He's also an above average runner. There's not much impact in his bat right now, but his mature approach has the eyes of scouts. |
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HOMETOWN: Palm Beach, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ole Miss DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Miller, a re-class out of 2025, is a plus runner with a quick first step out of the box with a frame that suggests he should hold that athleticism into professional ball. He features a sturdy built frame with present strength evenly distributed throughout. It's a bit of a bulldog, powderkeg body that doesn't possess too much more physical upside, though Miller is already impacting the baseball when he chooses to sell out for slug. He boasts average exit velocity figures for his age and could get to solid average raw power thanks to his dense, athletic frame. Miller tends to emphasize the bat-to-ball in his swing rather than tap into his natural raw power more often than not, especially against more premium pitching. Miller has active hands, rhythm, and some unconventional wiggle in his load, all of which act as timing triggers for his swing. It's a shorter swing that finishes cut-off out in front in an attempt to extend and lift the ball, stroking line drives usually to the opposite field gap. While Miller has yet to hit for much power on the showcase and tournament circuit, he's been one of the better bat-to-ball hitters in the prep ranks and does a nice job staying inside the zone. His 93% in-zone contact rate in 2022 and 2023 is indicative of the type of "put the game in motion" type of hitter than Miller currently is. Ultimately, he's still rather green in terms of seeing high-level pitching, but the tools are there for a potentially strong contact hitter who could develop into some power as he ages. Miller could become an above average hit tool, average game-power guy if it all clicks. It's an above average throwing arm that should be an asset in either center or right field. Technically, his footwork is more advanced than most of his peers and he's got a shot to stick in centerfield if his routes and instincts are up to par. |
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HOMETOWN: Santa Cruz, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hipwell was a steady offensive force for Santa Clara in 2023 blasting 14 homers and leading the charge down the stretch. He had a 17-RBI performance in a one-week span against Pacific, Cal Poly and BYU that really caught scouts' attention. Hipwell is revered for his barrel consistency -- a guy who always seems to sting the ball when he gets wood (or metal) on it. He does a nice job of narrowing the strike zone, spitting on pitchers' pitches and pulls the trigger on offerings he likes. There's still some swing and miss in the game, but there might be a strong enough approach here to warrant a future 45 hit tool grade. Defensively, Hipwell is destined for first or third base. At third base, he has a strong arm and a good internal clock, though his hands are a work in progress as he's been susceptible to the occasional ball off the heel of the palm. There's upside here for an average hot corner defender. |
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HOMETOWN: Walton, KY HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Smith was a heavily recruited arm in 2021 and was highly regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in the country as a prep. He was sidelined for the 2022 season recovering from surgery, but pitched during the summer and his stuff was right back where scouts remembered it. Smith touched 96 with a sweeping curveball in the mid 70s. His command of the zone is streaky but he's looked more physical and athletic than he had in high school. If he can stay healthy and the stuff continues to tick up, Smith has early upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Ann Arbor, MI HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Winnay was mostly a part-time player for the Demon Deacons in 2023 as a true freshman, but carved out a more permanent role in 2024, especially after an injury to Nick Kurtz allowed some space for his bat in the every day lineup. Winnay has a rhythmic setup with some waggle and loose hands. He's got above average raw power and can get into it to the pull-side. Winnay can chase spin off the outer-black and has shown some swing-and-miss on spin inside the strike zone, but as a true sophomore who's just growing into permanent playing time, this could improve over time. Winnay has a thicker lower half and a longer, physical frame. His body still points toward projection in the upper half and he could end up closer to 225 pounds at the next level. He's an average outfielder with an average arm, best suited for left field going forward. He's been provided some run at third base and extensive time at first base as well, the latter may ultimately become his home if he's grows into that sort of frame. |
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HOMETOWN: Coto de Caza, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCLA DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video de Groot is a long, physical right-handed outfielder with a high waist and projection remaining in his lower half and levers. He features a strong frame with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. de Groot has a short, compact path through the zone with a short, low, two-handed finish. For now, de Groot seems to sell-out for bat-to-ball rather than flex his physical frame and bat speed in games. He utilizes an opposite-field approach against more premium competition, but shows easy plus raw power in batting practice to the pull-side. Presently, he has a tendency to hit the ball on the ground with more frequency than in the air, but scouts believe as he gets more comfortable with top-shelf pitching, he'll be able to let his offensive tools rip a bit more and the results will bore out a bit louder in games. de Groot has clocked 4.2 home-to-first; a plus runner underway, as well as in 60-yard dash testing. It's also an above average arm in the field. de Groot is a tool shed with a ton of upside in every aspect of his game. In-game production against premium arms should continue to tick up as he grows more and more comfortable in those situations. |
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HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Woolfolk is a former two-sport star with a potential future on the football field if baseball doesn't work out. But the arm talent and athleticism is pretty impressive. Woolfolk can work up in to the upper-90s, sitting 92-93 in multi-inning outings. The fastball features heavy arm-side sink. He throws a hard, short slider that can be a dynamic weapon if he can throw enough strikes to get to it. Woolfolk is your prototype power arm with control and command concerns and starter upside once he commits to baseball. |
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HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kansas State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Evasco is an extremely long, broad first base and/or outfield prospect with tools generally reserved for players smaller in stature. A solid average runner with an impressive first step on the bases and in the field, scouts give Evasco a shot to play left field at the next level so long as he keeps his athleticism. It's fringy arm strength. Evasco gets high marks for his athletic traits, but if teams buy, it'll be for the bat. Evasco makes tight, compact turns on the baseball, a trait that is seldom seen from players his size. He hasn't yet fully realized his raw power, and is mostly an average in the game power department presently. Evasco does a nice job battling at the plate and keeps his strikeouts low, though he's in no hurry to draw many walks either. He leverages his backside well, inducing impact and backspin into the baseball. He'll likely have to take more advantage of his size and levers and create a big more stretch in his load if he's to develop into what some believe could eventually become plus game power. Evasco checks a lot of boxes and is a bit of a unicorn when it comes to tools, size and projection. He's well ahead of most players that show up on the showcase and tournament scene of his size and stature. A very, very interesting player. |
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HOMETOWN: Lucas, TX HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Scouts loved Branch in the 2022 Draft, but he was 19.5 years old and projects as a second baseman. For that reason, nobody was willing to throw enough money at him to sway his talent away from Baylor. That may have been a mistake. Branch was a hellion for the Bears making a loud, immediate impact upon arriving as a true freshman. He transferred to Georgia for the 2024 season. He possesses an average bat, but he's extremely patient at the plate and stays inside the zone consistently. There's solid average raw power here, and he'll undoubtedly grow into using it more in games, but baseballs jump off his barrel a bit different than his peers. Scouts want to see the bat continue to progressively tick upwards as we approach the 2024 draft, as well as keeping the athleticism he's grown into moving in the right direction. He's got a shot a being a Top 100 pick as a true sophomore. |
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HOMETOWN: Franklinton, NC HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Burnett is your prototypical table-setter with high on-base percentages and strong bat-to-ball skills. He showed a good bit of power and speed in 2023 posting double digit homeruns and double digit stolen base figures leading to an invitation to play for Yarmouth-Dennis on the Cape for the second year in a row. There's some positional versatility here as well with significant playing time at second base and in the outfield in his collegiate career. |
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HOMETOWN: Lewisburg, TN HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Few bats in the country can even come close to the hellish raw power Tears can juice into a baseball. It's elite bat speed from the left side with light tower game power that's he's shown off against lesser competition. Tears has a good bit of swing and miss in his game, an aspect of his scouting report he'll need to clean up if he hopes to reach his Top 100 overall draft pick upside. He's got a resume of pummeling fastballs, though breaking balls have given him truoble throughout his collegiate career. Tears is a fringy runner who has played all three outfield positions, though most scouts like him in left field as a left-handed thrower who lacks the arm strength to handle right field at a high level. The report here is mostly bat with 80-grade raw power. If he hits, he could go high. |
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HOMETOWN: Seal Beach, CA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 240 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Doktorczyk has been a productive starter with the University of Nevada and impressed during his stint on the cape with Yarmouth-Dennis. The fastball will grab 95 with carry and occassional cut. He'll mix shapes and bore the ball in on righties at times as well. He works at the top of the zone and routinely ties up hitters on the knuckles, though he's not necessarily a prototypical punchout guy. Doktorczyk's sweeper is a good one, a low-80s banger with depth and considerable lateral tilt. He's shown a very good changeup with shape and tunnel. There's also a bigger curveball that'll he'll play off the sweeper to give a different look. Doktorzyck is a strike-thrower who doesn't possess overpowering stuff, but he knows hos to pitch. It's not a prototype deliver, more deception and angle than looseness and stride. He may ultimately end up in a relief role as a guy who throws a ton of sweepers. That said, the strikes are there and so is the menu of pitches. He projects a potential second-half of day two profile if a team believes in the starter upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Peachland, NC HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: North Carolina DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A double-plus runner with plus tools all over the diamond, Hargett should have no issue whatsoever finding a defensive home. He's a decorated athlete with a propensity to put on a show in games. Offensively there's some swing and miss concerns and oddities in the swing, but Hargett has impact in the barrel that he's shown live in competition. The pure tools are here for a day one selection in 2024, he'll just need to polish up the approach, footwork and little areas of his game to see his profile jump into that next tier. |
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HOMETOWN: West Seneca, NY HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Strong has been an offensive force for Canisius over the last two seasons boasting an average north of .350 in both campaigns. He's a multi-dimensional threat with speed to burn on the base paths and enough raw power to be dangerous. A left-handed hitter, Strong has some elasticity in his swing and can separate his hips and shoulders to create torque nicely. He's got quick hands and has shown the ability to reach every quadrant. Strong struggles at times to square up the slider and changeup, though he's been rather adept at covering the fastball over the last two seasons. It's fringy bat-to-ball skills, though he's shown an advanced eye and generally won't expand the zone. Strong's batted-ball data is largely average with his peak exit velocities coming in more fringe-average. The feel for the barrel currently does most of the heavy lifting in terms of lighting up data tables -- his average exit velocities looking more favorable than his peaks. Strong is a plus runner with a broad frame and could slow down more toward above average by the time he debuts. He's a better runner on the dirt than he is tracking fly balls in the field. It's mostly average defensive instincts and routes and Strong figures to play a corner at the next level with average arm strength. |
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HOMETOWN: Bowie, MD HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Bulger was a big time power hitting catcher as a prep and took that thump to Nashville where he immediately became an offensive force, cycling between catcher and designated hitter for the Commodores as a 19-year-old. His production has slowed a bit since then, but he remains a valuable piece of the Vanderbilt puzzle. Bulger is solid across the board. He stays in the zone, makes a ton of contact, hits the ball as hard as anyone and works patient at-bats. The only question remaining is where he fits on the field. He's a really thick, boxy build with a big arm behind the plate. It's fringy athleticism, but he's a heady player behind the plate who does a pretty good job holding the runners. If Bulger proves athletic enough to stick behind the plate, it's a potential day two talent. If he's forced to move to first base or permanent DH, there will be far more pressure on the bat. |
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HOMETOWN: Centreville, MI HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Spencer is an intimidating lefty with a fastball up to 98 mph and mid-80s slider that has wreaked havoc on the opposition. This is a high-octane arm with a dynamic two-pitch mix not seen from the left side too often. Spencer can lose his control and command at times, and walks can get streaky, but you won't find many other arms in the country capable of boasting the arm talent Spencer possesses. |
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HOMETOWN: Arlington, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hogg is a toolsy player with steady leather on the dirt and fundamental actions in all his game. He's an above average runner with burgeoning bat speed, growing past his gap-to-gap profile of his younger years. Hogg is more of a gap-hitter at the plate with a quick, flat attacking plane, using the gaps to his advantage. When he wants to get into ambush mode, he can get a bit more aggressive with his launch angles and bat speed, though Hogg tends to focus on putting together a mature at-bat and not selling out. He's got a long, decorated history of handling velocity, and handling it well, so transitioning to the pro game should be rather smooth, at least in terms of seeing arms that throw hard on a regular basis. Hogg is a shortstop for now, though his speed and actions could force him into the outfield. In any case, his steadfast approach toward the game will serve him well anywhere on the diamond. Hogg is 19 at the time of the 2024 draft, so he'll be eligible again in 2026 if he makes it to LSU. |
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HOMETOWN: Portland, OR HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Stuhr is a well-traveled right-hander with a very good arm and a fiery disposition on the mound. An extremely competitive fighter, Stuhr brings an edge and attitude to the bump each time he toes the rubber. He began his career at Oregon State in 2022 but did not pitch for the Beavers as a true freshman. He packed his bags for Portland, though he did not pitch as a sophomore in 2023. Stuhr earned a rotation role as a junior this spring and has impressed for much of the season. The fastball has been up to 98 and will rest 93-95 into the middle innings of his starts. It's not the most dynamic shape for a fastball, and it's performed as such failing to miss bats at a high clip. It's his mid-80s short slider that feasts off the heater with late tunnel, commanded well to the glove-side. It has the potential to grow into a plus slider, especially if Stuhr takes on a relief role as a pro. There's also a more seldom-used changeup that flashes, though Stuhr seems more comfortable burying this slider under the hands of left-handed hitters instead of working away from them. It's punchout stuff with below-to-fringy control and command. Walks have improved as the spring has gone on, but most scouts question whether he'll have the chops to start at the next level. Considering his revved up personality and peak velocity markers, Stuhr could profile as a seventh or eighth inning guy at the next level who thrives in big spots. It's not out of the question he flirts with triple digit radar gun readings as a professional. Stuhr is a late day-two prospect if someone believes in his ability to start; a day three guy if he's deemed a reliever by his eventual suitor. |
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HOMETOWN: Maryville, IL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Missouri DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Bagwell, a physical cold weather righty out of the state of Illinois, saw a considerable velocity jump this spring touching 97 mph and holding 92-94 into the fourth inning of outings. Impressive indeed considering his peak fastball velocity in 2023 was just 94 mph. Bagwell operates out of a three-quarter slot with a whippy, longer arm action. He's a fast mover with a quick arm. There's a ton of strength in Bagwell's lower half and it's not out of the question he adds a couple more tickets to the velocity column as a professional. He supplements the fastball with a low-80s slider featuring two-plane tilt; more depth than sweep. He sells the pitch with conviction, though according to scouts that have seen him controlling the pitch has been up and down. Bagwell's entire prep career on the mound has come with quite a few walks, a developmental hurdle he'll need to overcome if he hopes to start at the next level. Still, his ability to hold velocity deeper into outings, combined with a three-pitch mix (his changeup has taken strikes this spring) points toward a guy who could eventually reach that ceiling. |
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HOMETOWN: Mableton, GA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Braswell has all the tools a team might look for in a middle infielder, albeit without one carrying trait. Braswell has solid hands and the versatility to handle any of the three infield roles. It's strong arm strength and good lateral fluidity too despite lacking standout hands. Braswell is a fringy runner who presently lacks top-end quickness and instincts on the basepaths, but it's something he may grow into. There's some bat speed here too, though it's yet to show fruitful in-game. The swing mechanics have also led to a lot of groundballs, but he puts the ball in play better than most in the SEC. He certainly has Top-100 upside if the raw tools begin to show at the plate, but more likely fits in the middle of day two. |
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HOMETOWN: McHenry, IL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video 93-96 with high spin stuff, albeit fringy command and below average strikes at times. Curveball is firm with depth and flashes solid average in the low-80s bucket. Missed 2023 due to injury but back in 2024 and the arm strength looks fully back. He's a power arm and still shaking off the rust of the missed time. He's a helium guy who could go early on day two as a power arm. |
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HOMETOWN: Topeka, KS HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Mississippi State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mannell started his collegiate career at Kansas State but elected to transfer to Cloud County CC for more opportunities in 2024. That was a wise choice as Mannell's profile exploded this spring and his draft stock has continued to rise. Mannell has a super-deceptive delivery out of a short-arm low-three quarter launch. The arm action borders on side-arm classification. Mannell will live 90-93 and he's grabbed 95 at his peak. It's enormous arm-side run and Mannell has been known to ring some right-hander's knuckles now and again. When Mannell elevates his fastball he achieves an extremely flat vertical approach angle and he's able to sneak over barrels consistently despite a lack of vertical carry on his fastball. Mannell's slider tunnels nicely off the fastball and it's firm enough to project an above average weapon going forward. It's a high-spin breaker in the 2700 range, usually 83-85 with shorter two-plane tilt. Mannell also throws a mid-80s changeup that perfectly tunnels off this fastball with identical shape and late, sharp depth. It's an above average pitch and should be effective at the next level. Couple his three-pitch arsenal with above average control and above average command and there are starter traits to like here. It's an unorthodox arm action for a starting pitcher in pro ball, and his mix might be best-served in an 8th inning role going forward, but Mannell has pro stuff and should be coveted on day of the draft. He is 21 years old and committed to pitch for Mississippi State in 2025 if he makes it to campus. |
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HOMETOWN: Odenton, MD HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Maryland DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Yeager is a strapping right-handed pitcher with broad, sloping shoulder, a high waist and long levers. It's a fastball that's already grabbing 96 mph. The breaking ball projects well with high spin and slurving shape, tight break with late bite when it's right. Changeup lags, but has flashed potential at different stops, but more commonly in side sessions. This is a big scap-load guy who projects to throw very hard as he ages into professional ball. For now, his arm can be late at times causing some command woes, and there's some violence in his delivery that'll need to be calmed if he hopes to throw enough strikes to start. Yeager is a tremendous athlete with two-way upside include plus raw power, but just about everyone sees his future on the bump. |
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HOMETOWN: Suwanee, GA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 223 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video There were rumors Collins and a big league organization had a deal during the 2020 draft, but those claims went unsubstantiated, and that's a good thing for Collins and the Georgia Bulldogs. After a big freshman year, Collins struggled as a sophomore dimming his shine. But that was short-lived as he's been one of the more prominent sluggers in the SEC the last two seasons.There's bat speed and power at the the plate with zone coverage that has improved the last two years. It's still probably a fringy hitter as a whole, but the plus raw power is showing up in games and can impact a lineup. Collins is unlikely to lock down a full-time catching role at the next level, but could suffice as a servicable fill-in behind the dish and should have a role as a bat-first designated hitter or first baseman going forward. He is 22 years old for the draft and will turn 23 before baseball's calendar year ends. He doesn't have a ton of leverage in the draft, but should get day two consideration. |
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HOMETOWN: Morris, IL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 193 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hayse, a Tennessee commit, has a super-quick arm and is a fantastic athlete on the bump with projection in his game and explosiveness in his operation. The arm works really well, and while he has a tendency to overthrow his arsenal at times, he generally settles in over longer outings and works into a more rhythmic lather. Hayse will touch 94, but more commonly ends up 89-90 after the first couple innings with big time arm-side run and occasional carry. The changeup is his best pitch, and it's a doozy. There's close to 10 mph of separation off the fastball with heavy parachute and withering action at the tail-end. It's a pitch with plenty of conviction and arm speed behind it. Hayse's slider has taken huge strides over the last 9 months, adding 8 mph of velocity and considerably more depth. It's a 2900 gyro-frisbee. While Hayse does tend to over-throw the pitch and fall off glove-side, it's a pitch whose shape should perform at the next level. Repeating his delivery will be a point of emphasis as July approaches, but the athletic tools and feel for pitching are quite obvious here. Hayse will be 18.5 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Longwood, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video One of the better catchers in the 2022 class, Heyman landing in Gainesville was a big win for the Gators. Big power potential thanks to a strong feel for optimizing lift and getting to the ball out in front. Really gets into his legs well at the plate. Body may force him out from behind the plate, but that bat will carry the profile. Significant power. |
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HOMETOWN: Allentown, PA HEIGHT: 5-9 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A balanced player who has a tendency to squeeze the most out of his tools, Barthol jumped onto the scene in 2024 in a full-time role with the Chanticleers at second and third base. It's fringy bat-to-ball skills, with a reasonably polished approach. Barthol pummels pitches on the inner third but can struggle a bit with pitches on the outer black. He's shown an all-fields approach and finds a lot of barrels despite lacking prototypical size. It's fringy raw power at best, maybe below average even, but his feel for the fat part of the bat does lend well toward getting all he can out of his physical tools. Barthol does a lot of things well including laying down bunts in big spots. He's an average runner and doesn't present excess value on the base paths. He's a sure-handed infielder who throws from a unique lower slot. It's fringe-average arm strength though his actions and comfortability on the dirt stand out. Barthol is a sum of his parts type of gritty ballplayer who could go on day three and has the attitude to grind his way up the ladder. |
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HOMETOWN: Saint Cloud, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ferrer split time between catcher and in the outfield as a freshman, though most scouts like his upside in the outfield at the next level. Ferrer is a barrel-chested physically matured prospect with significant bat speed and very real *now* power. Despite his size, Ferrer remains an average runner with a strong first step and could happen onto double-digit stolen bases at the next level if provided the opportunity. He best profiles into right field where his above average arm and speed will play best. Ferrer is your prototypical power-over-hit slugging corner outfielder, though optimists see a potential solid average hit tool if he can keep his ground ball rates at a healthy level. |
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HOMETOWN: Indianapolis, IN HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Notre Dame DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sullivan saw a monumental jump in stuff this spring. He's flashed 97 in showcase settings, up from the upper-80s fastball he showed in 2023. His low-80s slider of yesteryear is now an upper-80s slider with sharp, short tilt. While command for the breaker is still reportedly fringy, scouts like how the pitch projects. There's also an upper-80s changeup that is firm and lacks depth. The fastball has a chance to be a plus pitch thanks to it's carry and Sullivan's average feel for commanding it. He's shown good tempo on the mound featuring a higher leg kick and a loose arm. The ball comes out of Sullivan's hand free and easy with fluidity. There's some recoil through release, but it's moslty redundant in his strike-throwing ability. |
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HOMETOWN: Albuquerque, NM HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kmatz is a full-menu guy with a track record of performing in the Pac-12. Scouts are still waiting for the velocity to really bump up, mostly sitting 88-91 though he did grab 94 this season with a low-80s slider. The heater possesses considerable carry through the zone, and Kmatz has established impressive command for that pitch up-and-in to right-handed hitters, regularly locking them up with bad swings. He'll flash an upper-80s cutter and work it away to the glove-side with gyro tilt. The slider is a bit tigher with short break and below-average command. Kmatz has more regularly gone to the curveball in 2024; a low-80s hammer with significant dpeth and sweeping action. His feel for the bottom of the zone with that pitch stands out. There's also a rarely-deployed changeup thrown to lefties, but it's often non-competitive. Kmatz has a fantastic frame and an athletic delivery with most expecting a velocity jump at some point in the near future. |
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HOMETOWN: Santa Clara, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Halbach is a utility type of player who rovers around the outfield and first base, getting the occasional start at third base during his collegiate career. He was named a Cape Cod League All-Star in a utility role in 2023. He's a mature hitter who doesn't strike out much and draws a ton of walks. That said, for a player of his archetype, Halbach doesn't possess too much game power or value on the base paths. It's average raw power and fringy speed. Scouts would like to see him lean into his physical frame a bit more and find more over-the-fence power going into the next level. For now, he looks like a late day-two pick if he can show enough value at third base to convince scouts he can stick at the hot corner, or a day three lottery ticket with some interesting traits in the polish department if he's a first baseman. |
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HOMETOWN: Lockport, IL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Valincius is a barrel-chested lefty with a bulldog frame and thick maturity in his core and lower half. It's a body that's pro-ready. He's got an athletic operation with a quick arm and more coming as he works into a player development system at the next level. For now, he works in the low-90s with a deceptive fastball launched out of a lower three-quarter slot. He hides the ball well, touching 94 at peak and will live above the barrel. Valincius throws a deep slider in the low-80s and will back-foot that pitch to righties at will. there's a low-to-mid 80s changeup with some late tail and depth that tunnels his arsenal nicely. Valincius is a strike-thrower who misses bats. He's a solid pro prospect who lacks top-of-the-draft projection mostly due to his lack of present velocity. He's got a good chance of getting selected in July on day two, though if he doesn't he's as strong a candidate as any to see his stock explode at the University of Virginia for the 2027 draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Oviedo, FL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Clemson DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Bell is a very real two-way prospect with hitterish tendencies in the box and pitchability on the bump. He'll live 91-93 and will mix in a changeup, a curveball and a tough cutter/slider. Bell is lauded for his ability to pound the zone, mix things up and keep hitters off their feet. Likely an outfielder with the bat, Bell has a big arm with athleticism to handle balls in the gaps. He's a fringy runner, but has the frame and athleticism to suggest he could grow into a bit more straight-line speed. In the box, it's a sweet, smooth stroke that plays to all-fields, blistering line drives into gaps. |
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HOMETOWN: Bloomington, IN HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Hayden has tremendous arm talent with a fastball that's been up to 98 and a breaking ball that can cripple opposing hitters. He's run into issues commanding the baseball, as is evidenced by his 43 walks in 51 innings entering 2024. Despite the arm talent, Hayden doesn't inherently have punch out stuff, punching out just 46 hitters entering this season. There's obvious upside in the slider as it possesses plus velocity, but getting production out of it is yet to come. The pure stuff is there, and the velocity is present, so polishing the edges is his next developmental landmark. |
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HOMETOWN: Flower Mound, TX HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas A&M DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Erickson was one of the big winners on the showcase circuit in 2023, posting gaudy run times and impressive exit velocities across several events in front of scouts. A primary outfielder, Erickson projects a plus runner with a corner profile, likely left field thanks to an average throwing arm. Erickson packs a punch at that plate with extra base-hit juice and plenty of power to his pull-side. He's demonstrated opposite-field ringing gap power as well. Erickson operates from an open stance with high hands and whippy barrel speed through the zone. His bat path can vary from event to event, so finding consistent triggers and hand work will be an emphasis moving forward. Erickson is one of the better performers in the class and has the physical tools to get drafted relatively high. |
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HOMETOWN: St. Augustine, FL HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sandford certainly looks the part of a future ace for the Florida Gators. The 6-foot-6-inch righty comes action-packed with a 96 mph fastball, immense extension down the mound and elite fastball shape featuring tons of carry through the zone. His best secondary is a sweeping slider with above average spin in the low-80s, though it plays up at this stage thanks to Sandford's feel for commanding the pitch away from righties. There's also a project-changeup in his arsenal, though it's a ways away from being at the level of his top-two offerings. There's a great deal of effort and head whack in Sandford's delivery at the time of publish, something he'll need to iron out if scouts are to trust he can hold up and survive the rigors of pitching in a rotation. |
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HOMETOWN: Marietta, GA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Clemson DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A polished righty with a starter's delivery, Moehler isn't the hardest thrower in the class though he projects to add more velocity soon. He's been up to 93 with real feel for the strike zone. He'll land a huge curveball in the mid-to-upper 70s featuring top-tier depth. There's also a changeup that has been commanded well in extended innings. It's a good frame and a polished profile lacking top-end pure stuff. If a team buys what could be on the way, Moehler could be a priority add on day two of the draft. That will, of course, depend on his signability. |
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HOMETOWN: Arlington, VA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Knowles carved through the opposition as a sophomore posting 72 strikeouts in just 66.2 innings. He parlayed that into an impressive summer playing for Vermont in the NECL. Now a draft-eligible junior, Knowles is on draft radars. The fastball will grab 94 at peak, but he generates above-average cut and carry through the zone and has a feel for the top rail. Knowles' fastball can veer into the deadzone category as he works into fatigue later in outings. The cutter is impressive; an upper-80s tunneling machine with high gyro spin rates and considerable depth off his fastball. Knowles has a huge sweeping curveball with tremendous two-plane tilt, launched in the upper-70s velocity bucket. His command for the pitch can go streaky, but when sequenced and landed, it's a real weapon. There's also a more tertiary changeup with arm-side fading action, though his feel for that pitch is a work in progress. Knowles isn't the more physically imposing player in any dugout, but his feel for three pitches and overall stuff point toward a potential day-two arm with a multitude of future role potentials. |
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HOMETOWN: Loudon, TN HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 182 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Walker is a slasher at the plate, but that works with his top-of-the-scale speed and burner mentality down the line. There's bat speed present, though his bat path isn't conducive of over-the-fence power. Walker's speed projects well in centerfield, though some believe he could grow off the role and shift to his right into left field. |
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HOMETOWN: New Hartford, NY HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Roman Kimball is another guy who benefits greatly from big data and interesting metrics that can play at the next level right away. Kimball features an unusually low release and a riding fastball. It's a pitch that's been meta in Major League Baseball for a while now. Kimball sits in the low-90s, working up to 95 at his best with a big, banger breaking ball. Changeup shape really flashes, though feel for the pitch comes and goes. He's also worked to fold in an average cutter that keeps hitters' barrel off the fastball. He's not too dissimilar from a guy like Devereaux Harrison from the 2023 class. Kimball will need to throw more strikes if he's got a chance at starting at the next level, but he's a unique talent with a future role. He missed almost all of the 2023 season recovering from Tommy John, but is back fully healthy. |
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HOMETOWN: Gilbertville, PA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video After spending two seasons at Kirkwood CC, Frost transferred into South Dakota State for the 2024 season where his bat caught immediately boasted some of the most impressive metrics nationwide. Frost flashes plus raw power from the left side and gets into it to the pull-side featuring exit velocity figures exceeding 113 mph. He's been a barrel magnet too with 90th percentile exit velocity figures approaching 110 mph in the early going this spring. Frost leverages the ground hard and produces enormous torque in his left-handed swing. That heavy pull-side emphasis can cause his hips to flip open early, bailing on the opposite field causing contact-quality concerns on soft stuff on the outer-third. He does however do a nice job of keeping his hands back and finds a way to yank pitches on the outside corner to the pull-side with authority. It's impossible not to take notice of what Frost is capable of to right field. The bat speed and raw power will undoubtedly transfer to the wooden bat at the next level, though there may be an adjustment period as he's introduced to more premium secondaries in the pro game. Frost should have no issue pummeling velocity on the inner third, especially at the bottom of the zone. It's squarely a power-over-hit profile right now, though the latter is buoyed by BABIP on high-quality BIP. To date he's posted largely average contact rates against right-handed pitching with fringier results against lefties. He's been particularly susceptible to spin against southpaws, as well as elevated velocity from right-handers. Frost is a below average runner on the base paths with a short, stiff, upright gait, but does look more comfortable and fluid in the outfield. He's at least an average defender in a corner with a below average throwing arm likely destined for left field at the next level. This is a profile carried by the impact in the bat, the handedness at the plate and some projection remaining both in training age and frame. He's a potential day two pick with the ceiling of a fifth round pick, but more likely a player selected in the 7-10 round range. |
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HOMETOWN: Ellerbe, NC HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 172 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Campbell DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video As predictable as they come, Seagraves is a long, lanky, lean right-hander with a fastball already brushing 95 and a mid-80s slider that's shown teeth at its best with inconsistent shape in tournament settings. A low-80s changeup is probably presently his best secondary with some late tail and depth, thrown with confidence. Seagraves is a good athlete on the mound with a repeatable, deliberate operation and explosive arm speed. He's a guy who could live in the mid-90s at peak. Seagraves features a longer elbow spiral and is a bit long in the back. The result has been streaky control of the baseball in game and tournament settings. To date, he's mostly been deployed as a reliever, sometimes in a multi-inning role. Hardly anybody has actually hit his arsenal, and there's true wipeout stuff here if he can learn to consistently get inside the black box over the plate. Seagraves has considerable arm talent and there's a lot more coming. Now comes time to focus on the polish. |
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HOMETOWN: Dayton, OH HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 222 BAT/THROW: R-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Gongora is eligible for the second year in a row, but transferred to Louisville from Wright State for the 2024 season. Gongora is a prototype southpaw with a high waist, long levers and a delivery that should lend well to stay in a rotation at the next level. He pounds the strikezone with a 92-94 mph heater featuring carry and some late tail. He'll touch 97 at peak. Gongora throws a bullet slider in the mid-80s that's been effective in creating whiffs and chase, though his feel for commanding the pitch is still fringy. There's a shorter, firm curveball in the low-80s as well. Gongora previously threw a tumbling changeup that tunneled well off the heat at Wright State, but he seems to have lost the depth on that pitch and it's now squarely a below average offering, hardly ever deployed. Still, it's clearly upwards trajectory coming out of a premium-bodied lefty. Big up arrow here if a team believes they can help polish up his secondary offerings. |
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HOMETOWN: Castle Rock, CO HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Carey was a highly-revered prep in the 2022 class, but went unselected partially due to his inability to play in front of better competition beings from Castle Rock, Colorado. That's not to say he didn't perform when the lights shined brightest against top-tier arms, but those opportunities were few and far between. Couple that with age and scouts just wanted to see what it looked like two years later. Fast-forward to 2024 and Carey is eligible once again. He's shown the defensive prowess and athleticism folks liked in high school in the Big 10, and the bat has come on strong on campus too. Carey hits the ball hard and can play gap to gap. There's definitely some swing and miss in the profile, especially against spin, but Carey more than makes up for those warts by punishing mistakes. He projects to stay on the dirt and if the bat can continue to blossom, has a shot at becoming a regular at the next level. He played some solid shortstop for the Cornhuskers this spring and scouts are more and more convinced he's a big league infielder at the pro level. Answering questions on the overall hit tool and impact at on the offensive end should iron themselves out as the draft approaches. Definitive up arrow guy. |
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HOMETOWN: Diana, TX HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: B-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Green was a prolific run producer for the Red Raiders in 2023 featuring sky-high numbers on his baseball card, buoyed by top-of-the-class contact rates and an all-fields approach. Much of that has transferred over to 2024. Green is squarely average when it comes to impacting the baseball, instead creating production by whaling balls into the gap and letting his speed flex its muscle a bit. A switch-hitter, Green has a shot to hit from both sides at the next level. He's also athletic enough to stick at second base or function as a utility man at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, PA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sprague-Lott does a lot of little things quite well on the field, first of which is making a ton of contact, staying in the zone at an elite level, putting the game in motion. There's some sneaky raw power in the profile too, though he struggles to get to it in games. Sprague-Lott plays shortstop now, though he's likely destined for left field or second base at the next level to allow a player with a little more range to play the 6 at the pro level. This kid is a gritty ballplayer with versatility and a good bat. For that reason, he certainly has a place at the next level. He's draft-eligible for the second year. |
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HOMETOWN: North Attleboro, MA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Colleran is back to throwing cheddar at Northeastern. The talented righty is already up to 99, sitting 94-96 over multi-inning outings. The breaking ball, a low-80s bender, has sharpened up this past winter and now projects a potential above average weapon, or so it's flashed that promise of late. Colleran possessed a fantastic changeup in high school, and while it's been streaky at the college level, the pedigree for the pitch remains. He's a riser for the 2024 class, and has a chance to join his fellow Northeastern teammate Mike Sirota as a potential Top 100 pick this summer. |
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HOMETOWN: Parrish, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida Gulf Coast DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Guthrie is a bit of a pop-up prospect in the state of Florida this spring largely due to overwhelming performances against reasonably talented competition. Guthrie is a big, physical right-handed arm with thickness and strength in his lower half, rounded shoulders and long arms. He features a fast, whip-like arm action and hides the ball well creating deception. Guthrie generally lives 89-90, but has touched 93 with average carry and some tail on his fastball. It's a low-launch arsenal combined with natural deception allowing his heater to play up past its velocity. The curveball is his best secondary featuring hammer shape when spiked onto the plate. It's thrown in the upper-70s and will flirt with the low-80s bucket at times. There's a more firm slider with more sweep than depth and a low-80s changeup that's he's working to polish. Guthrie is a strike-thrower who at time of publish had just nine walks in 31 innings pitched, paired with 57 punchouts. He'll need to see the velocity tick up in professional ball if he hopes to reach his starting pitcher ceiling. The deception, uniqueness and in-zone performances of his pitches have his name circled by scouts this spring and he could find himself a day two selection if the money is right. |
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HOMETOWN: Margate, FL HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: B-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: NC State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Despite his unassuming size, Fitz-Gerald is one of the more complete hitters in the country with tools scattered about the diamond. There's impact to the pull-side and an average run tool with high-level instincts here that allow the NC State commit to take the extra base when afforded the opportunity. Fitz-Gerald has some swing and miss in his game, and that'll need to be cleaned up as he moves into the next level of his baseball career, but there's a chance for some power, some speed, and a solid glove here. He projects at both second base or shortstop moving forward. |
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HOMETOWN: Palmyra, PA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A reasonably unheralded prep in the 2021 draft, Miller elected to go to Bishop State CC where he led the team in a multitude of offensive categorites. Miller transferred to Alabama for the 2024 season and immediately became a fixture in the middle of the Crimson Tide lineup. While his offensive game doesn't have a carrying tool, he finds a way to get on base. It's a pull-side emphasis and all of his average raw power is to left field. Miller has a compact swing with tight coil and quickness in his hands. There's some similarities to the way Henry Davis used to swing the bat at Louisville. Miller has shown some feel for the barrel and generally posts healthy exit velocities in games, though his peaks don't point toward a slugger at the next level. He's done a nice job hitting the baseball in the air and covers the outside corner extremely well. There are currently some holes on the inner-half of his swing, though with continued looks against SEC pitching and his short swing, those should clean up over time. To this point Miller has shown what evaluators would consider a fringe-average hit tool with fringe-average to average raw power. Defensively, Miller has largely handled third base this season, though his fringe-average arm strength may force his profile to second base as a pro. It's a bat-over-glove profile with some underlying metrics teams will like, especially if he can flash a bit more raw/game power as the spring progresses. |
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HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 182 BAT/THROW: B-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Biemiller added physicality and muscle this winter and the stuff ticked up alongside it. He's up to 94 this spring with an over-the-top delivery that creates carry through the zone. The entire arsenal features above average spin rates. A slurvy breaking ball in the low-80s is his best secondary, followed by a mid-80s changeup. Biemiller has a fast arm and budding stuff. Considering the trajectory of the frame and the stuff, plus the handedness, an early day-two selection isn't out of the question. Though he's expected to be a tough sign away from the University of Florida. |
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HOMETOWN: Corona, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oregon DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Springer is a natural hitter with a quiet, compact swing featuring heavy hands and huge rotational torque. He covers every quadrant in the zone, and has the maneuverability to battle off tough pitches. For now, it's mostly fringe-average power, but this is a good frame and scouts think he could change his approach a tick and lean into potentially solid power at the next level, maybe more. He possesses the hand and barrel speed necessary to get there. He's a much twitchier athlete than his exit velocity figures suggest, so as he ages and matures into his game process, Springer should see his output jump considerably. Springer is a strong athlete who's willing to dive onto balls in the dirt and sacrifice the body. He's a fringy catch-and-throw guy who relies on anticipation out of the crouch to post pop times. His arm strength will need to improve, though he'll barely be 18 years old on draft day. A real model darling. Teams will want to see whether he is capable of handling third base or the outfield as we approach the draft. If anyone is convinced of his athleticism on the infield, he's got a shot at going in the Top 3 rounds. |
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HOMETOWN: Chesterfield, MO HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Byrne, a 2019 draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals, has finally seen his game come together at TCU. While he may never be a standout offensive player, the defensive tools do buoy his game. He's an above average defender with a solid average arm and more than enough athleticism laterally to block spiked pitches. Byrne is a fringy runner and the in-game power has never really come on. That said, he's got a shot at becoming a platoon option and a backstop that can hold runners in place. |
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HOMETOWN: Beaumont, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kash has provided the thump and the mash for Texas, and this year for Texas Tech, a college slugger for a couple years now. Kash has a keen eye at the plate and does a ton of damage to the pullside. He's hits the ball hard, takes his walks and pummels velocity. He's really got a forward trajectory heading into his draft year and is one of the most decorated hitters in college baseball right now. He is destined for first base at the next level, so pressure will continue to be applied to the bat up through July. |
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HOMETOWN: Irvine, CA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kendle is a sum of his parts type of outfielder who doesn't necessarily have a carrying tool, but draws high marks for grinding his game out and getting the most of his qualities. There's obvious strength in the frame, and Kendle has really begun tapping into the raw power in the tank, but what make Kendle special is his willingness to play gap-to-gap and put the game in motion. He's an average runner with average tools in the field, though his fringy arm likely fits best in left field. He is a late day two prospect after posting a very loud 2024 campaign. |
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HOMETOWN: Myrtle Beach, SC HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Gordon is built exactly how scouts like 'em. He's tall, lean and long on the mound with an athletic presence and the ability to manipulate the baseball to both sides of the plate. Gordon is fastball-heavy with high spin rates and carry through the zone, sitting in the low-90s, touching 95. He's still developing more shape on his slider, but he's shown feel for commanding it and it projects at least an average offering down the line. |
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HOMETOWN: Repentigny, Canada HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 165 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A proud product of Repentigny, Canada, Pitre has come down to the states and been every bit the spark plug the Wildcats were hoping he'd be when he arrived. The diminutive Pitre is a slasher at the plate who hardly ever strikes out and runs ultra-high walk rates. He's an above average runner who's more than willing to steal a bag. He's split time between second base and shortstop on campus, but most like his skillset at second base at the next level. Pitre doesn't hit the ball very hard and will likely never be a power hitter, but his elite contact rates and tiny chase rates point to a role player at the next level who can handle a utility assignment at the highest level. |
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HOMETOWN: Sydney, Australia HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video In a year seemingly decorated with draft-eligible Australian prospects, Iredale represents some of the best raw power of the bunch. A 6-foot-2-inch infielder, Iredale gets his marks from scouts on his raw power and bat speed. It's a swing built with loft and intent to do damage. After blasting 17 homers in 55 games in 2023 as a freshman, Iredale matched that mark in just 33 games in 2024. Iredale does have some swing and miss in his game, but the present impact more than makes up for what holes do presently exist. Iredale is an average runner who is reasonably light on his feet. He's played all over the infield at NMJC though scouts think he'll likely end up at third base where his average throwing arm and lateral mobility most comfortably project. If scouts buy the hit tool and athleticism in July, Iredale has a chance to go on day two of the draft. He's committed to Arkansas and will end up in Fayetteville for the 2025 season if he goes unselected. |
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HOMETOWN: New Albany, OH HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Tibbetts is well-liked in the clubhouse and is revered for his ability to call a good game. The strength in his game is at the plate, however. He possesses an average hit tool with solid average raw power and a patient approach to the game. He'll use the whole field, though almost all of his power is to the pull-side. Tibbitts is well-known in scouting circles going back to his high school days and that pedigree should do him well in the evaluation process leading up to the 2024 draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Wakefield, MA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Penney is a special do-it-all player with a promising hit tool and athletic tools smattered about his profile that point toward a future big leaguer. Penney can run, he can field, and he's starting to run into some power as well. It's a well-balanced left-handed hit-first swing that drags the barrel through the zone a long time. He has a willingness to use all-fields and can really manipulate his swing to get to spin. He's posted ground ball rates that muzzle his power output, something scouts want to see cleaned up going forward. Penney doesn't expand the zone and is willing to work deep counts. Just a mature player. He profiles well at second base or third base moving forward, but as far as prototypes go, he's likely better suited for second base as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Wimington, DE HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video After spending three seasons at George Washington, Micheletti transferred to Virginia Tech for the 2024 campaign. He's played a multitude of positions throughout his career including catcher, first base and the outfield, but most foresee a future at first base as the most comfortable home. Micheletti is a distinguished bat-to-ball hitter with low strikeout rates, aiming to put the ball in play and make things happen. It's only average raw power, and he's not quite getting to all of it in games yet. Micheletti was a standout performer for Orleans last summer with a wood bat, growing confidence with front office executives that his game will translate to the next level. Ultimately, this is likely a solid-average or better hitter who posts strong walk rates with below-to-fringy game power and a first base profile. |
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HOMETOWN: Orange County, CA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Washburn is a hitterish infielder with some power coming. The son of Jarrod Washburn, Owen uses the whole field and has a willingness to draw his walks. The swing can get lofty, and that's where most of his power comes from right now. Washburn has some swing and miss in his game that will need to be ironed out over time, but given the bloodlines and the track record of development in Lubbock, he's in good hands. |
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HOMETOWN: Houston, TX HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Luna simply looks the part of a future big leaguer. He's got good size, broad shoulders and has athleticism melted about his entire profile. He's got quick feet on the dirt, is a long-strider and moves well laterally rounding through the baseball. He features a higher slot across the diamond and his throws possess good carry, above average arm strength as a whole. Luna has one of the sweeter swings from the right side in the 2024 class. He's direct to the ball with a consistent attack angle, generating backspin on ringing extra-base hits peppered into both gaps. He's shown over-the-fence power with firm hands and strong wrists through the hitting zone. Luna is quick into the zone and long through it, a good trait in projecting future polished hitters. He is an average runner that could gain half a tick in the foot speed department with proper training and physical development. He's got 10 to 15 good pounds ahead of him and represents one of the more enticing middle infield prospects coming out of the south in 2024. There's something of a Marcus Semien comp here. |
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HOMETOWN: Olive Branch, MO HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Richardson is among the most physical pound-for-pound athletes in the class features premium bat speed and real impact at the plate. He's an above average-to-plus runner with a strong arm at either third base or in the outfield. Most scouts believe his future is in the latter thanks to longer strides and strong route running ability. Richardson will need to continue refining his hit tool should he hope to see his stock take off before July. Too often would he expand the zone against better arms, and his contact rates suffered because of it. Still, the pure tools are among the best in the whole high school crop and if more polish comes at the plate, Richardson possesses some of the best star upside found in this prep class. Richardson is on the older side of the sliding scale. He'll turn 19 years old one month after the draft, so scouts want to see more polish as the draft approaches. |
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HOMETOWN: Medford, OR HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 198 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video After rotating through a multitude of positions during his first two years with the Ducks, Thompson firmly cemented the starting catcher role toward the latter stages of the 2023 season. He's lauded for his offensive approach with low chase rates, lower whiff rates and in-zone swing metrics that point to a guy who should post strong slash lines at the next level. It's a potential above average hit tool, maybe more if he adds strength. Raw power isn't a calling card for Thompson. It's below average power, though his feel for the barrel is efficient leading to extra-base hits. He's mostly a pull-side hitter who likes to ambush pitches elevated in the zone. The only hole in his swing, if you can call it that, appears to be spin located low and away. Thompson gets strong reports from scouts, and grades out well metrically in terms of his ability to frame the baseball behind the plate. He's largely middle of the pack in terms of blocking balls in the dirt and avoiding wild pitches, though his lack of reps entering the 2024 season can be largely to blame. This area of his game should improve. He's also middle of the pack in terms of holding runners at first base, though added reps could improve his catch-and-throw ability as he's demonstrated arm strength in the past. Thompson is a sum of his parts type of player who keeps the game in motion offensively and delivers mature plate appearances for his team. He's unlikely to ever develop into an impact stick, but his chops for catching, physical tools and polish could lead to a long, productive career at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Elk Grove, CA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Tennessee DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Abraham saw a big growth spurt during his high school career and now features a long, projectable frame. Long levers and a strong lower half highlight an intriguing profile. Abraham hides the ball well. He uses a short, tight arm action with some natural deception. The whole thing seems to speed hitters up. He's been up to 93 with tail, but it's his low-80s changeup that catches the headlines. Abraham kills spin nicely and fades the pitch off the fastball tunnel with conviction. There's also a shorter low-80s slider with gyro tilt. It's two average pitches with the chance for an above average changeup at the next level. Abraham is a strike-thrower with a good frame. He's expected to be a difficult sign away from Tennessee. |
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HOMETOWN: Melbourne, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Ross is a twitchy, lean outfielder who posts healthy contact rates and does a nice job putting the game in motion at the bottom of the lineup. He's a reasonably aggressive hitter who will chase out of the zone, but there's bat speed here and that's evidenced by his average peak exit velocity readings. Ross can play centerfield or left field at the next level, but scouts would like to see the hit tool tick up as the 2024 draft approaches, especially against left-handed pitching where he's struggled to consistently put bat-on-ball. |
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HOMETOWN: Beekman, NY HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A two-year star at Tallahassee CC, Dinges transferred into Florida State this year and has served as the teams primary DH for much of the season. It's power-over-hit with legitimate bat speed to all fields. Dinges has considerable strength in his hands and forearms and can muscle pitches off the plate into base hits. He's susceptible to the slider off the plate from a right-handed pitcher, though at this stage he's done a reasonable nice job fouling those pitches off and staying alive deeper into counts. The whole operation isn't too dissimilar from how Tyler O'Neill looks in the box, though admittedly considerably less refined. Dinges has the ceiling of a future fringe-average hitter with plus power that plays to all fields. Finding a defensive home will be a priority going forward. Dinges hasn't been able to secure many innings in the field, and he was labeled a below average defender in right field at TCC. He's done some catching in his collegiate career as well, and while he has a slow heartbeat behind the plate and isn't a jumpy receiver, his blocking and framing leaves something to be desired. Dinges does have an above average throwing arm. |
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HOMETOWN: Hampton, GA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A decorated two-sport star, Clavon is a firecracker on the diamond with wicked hands and a really strong throwing arm. He's a plus runner who has snagged double-plus run times underway. Defensively, scouts are split on whether his actions will ultimately keep him at shortstop, or whether the entire package fits better in centerfield or at third base. |
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HOMETOWN: Lake Oswego, OR HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Clayton, eligible for the second year in a row, will still be 21 years old for the 2024 draft. He historically hasn't hit the ball too hard, but after training at Driveline this past summer the exit velocities are ticking up. That new impact, to go along with his track record of solid contact, is a nice combination. He's a lean-bodied infielder with good balance and rhythm to his game. He's got enough athleticism to handle any infield spot, including the shortstop position as he matures into the next level. If teams believe they can unlock a bit more thump in Clayton's game, he's got a shot to go in the middle of day two of the draft, maybe a tick earlier. |
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HOMETOWN: Auburn, IN HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Jordan became a force as an early enrollee at Campbell in 2022, joining the team in the spring and immediately earning a prominent spot. Now at Georgia, se's shown power and passable ability to play both corners, as well as serving as the team's emergency catcher, though most foresee a future at first base for the slugger. Jordan makes his money by demolishing breaking balls left in the zone and is athletic and mature enough offensively to battle off pitches just off the black. He's mostly a bat-over-everything prospect, though the stick is fairly refined and promising. |
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HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Peralta is an polished player with burgeoning bat speed and can really motor down the line. Peralta has a frame scouts dream on with the athletic actions to suggest he can stick in centerfield. Long strides, a gliding nature and the innate ability to track the ball in the air all point to a future above average defender. Peralta has the physical tools necessary to project some power going forward despite not presently possessing big bat speed. Polishing up his swing decisions and consistency in his approach at the plate will be the next frontier in his development to really maximize what he's capable of. It's a gorgeous left-handed swing. |
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HOMETOWN: Ada, MI HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 194 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video After four decorated seasons at Ball State, Tellier moved to Wake Forest as a grad transfer and provided immediate impact to the Demon Deacons lineup. He's got a long, broad frame with plenty of athleticism for his size. That athleticism really shines at the plate where his fast hands and strong wrists create heavy barrels and big exit velocities. Tellier added weight in Winston-Salem and now looks the part of a slugger with solid average raw power and is beginning to tap into some of it in games. He's an aggressive hitter who will chase out of the zone, but Tellier does a nice job of staying alive and working long at-bats. Defensively he shines as well with a rangy glove at third base and a strong arm that will comfortably stay on the dirt. Tellier will be 23 years old for the draft and has next to no leverage. He's likely a day three player or a priority sign as an undrafted free agent. If he finishes the season strong it could be enough to convince a team to take him on day two for something like $50,000 to move some money around after over-spending on an expensive high schooler. |
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HOMETOWN: Houston, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Evans has starter traits with a smooth operation and the ability to hold velocity over multiple innings that has scouts excited. The fastball can tickle the low-90s, though he's primarily been a tick below that in extended outings. His best secondary is a curveball with consistent shape that projects to be an above average weapon as he matures. |
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HOMETOWN: Folsom, CA HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Stafford, a freshman All-American in 2022 as a true freshman, possesses elite bat-to-ball skills and some pull-side power. His body doesn't project to add much more thump as he develops and moves up the ladder, but the present offensive tools are noteworthy, especially in terms of never sacrificing an at-bat. He's also an average runner and can provide some value running around the pillows. Stafford is an accomplished defender strong blocking abilities on balls in the dirt. He has an average throwing arm, but gets out of the crouch well. He threw out 35% of would-be base-stealers as a freshman. |
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HOMETOWN: Brookline, MA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Wake Forest DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An incredibly physical high school catcher, Conte is revered for his defensive polish and arm strength. He's got a good shot to catch at the next level thanks to a high-level IQ, advanced understanding of the position and training over the years. It's among the best catch-and-throw traits in the class. Offensively, there's raw power and he's shown it in games, though he can get a little trigger-happy at times expanding the zone. A Wake Forest commit, most expect he'll be a tough sign away from school. Conte will be 19.5 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Fuquay Varina, NC HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Fritton is an impressive lefty with a low-90s fastball that he commands very well in the strikezone, inducing plenty of chase on the pitch at the top of the zone. Fritton isn't an overpowering guy, brushing just 93 at his best, but the life on his fastball has caught scouts' eyes. There's a curveball here too that he'll shove up there in the mid-70s, but it's largely an average offering right now and lags well behind the upside of his heater. |
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HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 178 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Torres is a massively talented two-way player with elite skills on both sides of the ball. A lefty on the bump, Torres works up to 91 with a biting slider and good strike throwing ability. Most believe his future is on the offensive end where he has impressive bat speed, especially for his size, as well as extremely twitchy, athletic actions. There's some actions to clean up in his overall game, including a hand hitch and barrel tipping in his load, but Torres is largely on-time against velocity and takes a fairly direct path to the ball. Torres is mostly a gap-to-gap hitter right now with a line drive approach. He uses his speed and quick step out of the box to his advantage. Most expect he'll grow into some in-game power. A re-class from the 2025 class, Torres will be reasonably young for this draft, just 18.5 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Olney, IL HEIGHT: 6-10 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An absolutely massive right-handed pitcher with an intimidating aura on the mound, Duenas transferred into Western Kentucky for the 2023 season and showed the stuff scouts lit up about at Olney CC. Duenas is up to 95 with a low-90s fastball that he carries and cuts into the strikezone. He's a natural supinator with a fast, whippy arm. Duenas gets absolutely massive extension down the mound, but sinks into his trunk and releases his fastball from a reasonably standard height, losing the angle intrigue a guy of his size would generally benefit from. Duenas throws a firm slider in the mid-80s up to 87 mph with depth and some sweep. It benefits from the fastball tunnel and performs better than the heater. It projects an above average pitch if the command for the pitch stabalizes. There's also a big curveball that could end up an equally impressive breaker, though feel for that pitch lags behind the slider. Duenas' entire arenal is reasonably fringy in terms of command. Some of that is due to the arm swing and long levers. Pretty typical for a player his size. All that said, considering his size and length, it's a pretty remarkable athlete. Duenas will almost certainly possess the most extension of anyone in this entire class. The whole arsenal will sneak up on hitters with its perceived velocity. He's likely a reliever at the next level, but if the projection keeps ticking up and Duenas starts shoving into the upper-90s, he's going to be an absolute nightmare for hitters. |
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HOMETOWN: Florence, AL HEIGHT: 6-7 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Holcombe has ordinarily sat in the lower-90s with his velo, but he has been able to reach back for 96-97 this spring at his best. He's got a long, angular frame with untapped velocity. His two breaking balls lag a bit behind the pure arm talent fastball, but he'll be young for this draft and should have plenty of bidders working to pry him away from Mississippi State. |
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HOMETOWN: Bear, DE HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Carrier is a physical freak of nature with a prototype frame and the tools to go along with it. He's a surefire right fielder with a plus throwing arm to compliment the assignment. Carrier has plus raw power, but he's still working to get to it in-game. He projects an average hitter with some swing-and-miss. Added reps in 2023 will go a long ways toward determining how high his ceiling is, but for now, the clay is awfully tantalizing. |
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HOMETOWN: Greenwood, IN HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Cerny impressed as a true freshman in 2023 posting double-digit homers as a teenager and running a .276/.348/.489 slash, earning all-Big Ten freshman honors. He's a solid average defensive shortstop with with an average arm, though he's had moments in his collegiate career of making the highlight-level play. At the plate, Cerny doesn't have a carrying tool outside of what some believe to be average raw power. He's touched into it in games, as noted. Cerny largely posts fringy contact rates and has shown bloated chase rates at times, but those metrics have improved during his sophomore campaign. He's draft-eligible as a 20 year old. |
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HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Miami DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video de los Santos re-classified from the 2025 class into 2024 and will be more age-appropriate for his draft because of it. de los Santos turn 18 just a month prior to the draft. A big, barrel-chested, physical specimen, de los Santos possesses physical tools most of his peers do not. The selling traits here are unquestionably at the plate. It's comfortably 70-grade raw power with huge barrel speed. de los Santos leverages his backside very well in the box and possesses the innate ability to backspin the baseball. There's a good bit of chase in de los Santos' game at present, and his swing can get a little long and loopy on pitches outside of the black. Take a more consistent approach and operation into the box will be an important checkpoint in his developing. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to find many players in this class with the natural talent he has. An average runner who is quicker underway than he is out of the box, de los Santos figures to be able to cover the ground necessary in the field to avoid becoming a DH. He's primarily handled right field in tournament settings, though his average arm strength may ultimately profile best in left field. There's something of a Marcell Ozuna comparison here. |
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HOMETOWN: San Jose, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video It's been a winding road for Heard who began his collegiate career at Sacramento State before ending up in Eugene for the 2024 season. A big, physical left-handed hitting outfielder, Heard gets high marks for his solid average hit tool and budding bat speed from the left side. It's largely average raw power, but he's finally began tapping into his frame this spring and is hitting the ball with more conviction than ever before. Heard might not ever be a masher, but should buoy as a steady hitter who posts reliable slash lines across the board and could eventually tap into 20-homer upside if he earns a full-time role as a professional. Heard moves well in right-field with above average speed and above average athleticism. He has a strong arm that can handle the expectations of right field as well. If there's one critique on his defensive game it's that Heard can get a bit overanxious at times in the field and take routes that are too aggressive or dive for balls he doesn't have a chance to make a play on ultimating surrendering an extra base or two. Still, the high-motor and steady athlete in a corner provides more value than the alternative. Heard will need to continue flexing his muscles at the plate if he's to reach his top-five round ceiling in the draft, though he's a reasonable bet to hear his name called on day two. |
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HOMETOWN: New Bedford, NY HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: St. John's DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Renz is a projection play with a strong, sturdy, prototype pitcher's frame and his best baseball ahead of him. He's been up to 93 in showcase settings, but sits a few ticks lower than that in game showings. He hides the ball well, and his fastball does possesses unique shape that allows it to play up, but scouts will want to see flashes of velocity as July approaches. Renz throws a tighter curveball with shorter break on both planes. He's reluctant to mix in a low-80s changeup, but he'll show it to left-handed hitters now and again. Renz is a model play as a guy who will not turn 18 until November. |
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HOMETOWN: Canton, GA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video While control and command have held Aita's production back during his collegiate career, nobody can argue with the overall stuff. He'll grab 94 and will sit 89-91 with an extremely high-spin fastball featuring some carry and arm-side run. It's an average fastball that could tick up into above average territory with a flash more velocity. The slider is a true plus pitch featuring spin rates north of 3000 rpm. Thrown in the low-80s, Aita's sweeper features enormous horitzontal break. It's been quite effective inducing whiffs. There's also a mid-80s cutter to keep hitters off the barrel. Aita projects a reliever at the next level with 8th inning upside if he can squeeze a bit more velocity and/or value out of his fastball. He'll be awfully young for the class, just 21.1 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Verona, NJ HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A mammoth 6-foot-8-inch southpaw, Coppola has immense upside on the mound with a long, lanky frame and an extremely tough angle for opposing hitters to square up. He's really coming downhill hard on guys in the box and it's tough to pick up out of the hand. An imposing lefty, Coppola has touched upper-90s heat, more comfortably resting in the 93-94 range over multiple innings. He's got a dynamic, sweeping breaking ball that has a ton of bat-missing potential, as well as a changeup he can flip over and fade away from righty bats. The best is yet to come with Coppola as he fully recovers from injury and potentially positions himself as one of the premier arms in the SEC. Coppola has a lot to prove with constant injuries sidelining his career, but the ceiling is just so high. |
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HOMETOWN: Fiskdale, MA HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 235 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Rizy is a huge right-handed pitcher with an intimidating frame and stuff that has continued to tick up year or year dating back to his sophomore campaign at Worcester. For now, he sits 90-93, touching 94 with an upper-70s breaking ball featuring two-plane tilt. Rizy has a smooth operation and impressive body control considering his size and levers. If the stuff continues to surge leading up to draft day, he's got a shot to go in the first couple rounds of the draft. That said, he'll be roughly 19.5 years old on draft day and will turn 20 before opening day 2025. It's something model teams will weigh into the equation of draft-day value. |
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HOMETOWN: Carlsbad, CA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 203 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UC Santa Barbara DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Haferkamp is an ultra-physical outfielder with broad shoulders, a high waist and considerable strength projection ahead of an already strong frame. He's a bit raw in the field, but offensively there's tons of impact potential. Haferkamp presents big, crude bat speed and uses it to all-fields. His swing plane is repeatable, though he's working through eliminating a nagging arm bar in his swing that can sap some of his game power. This is fairly typical with young, lanky players. He's committed to UC Santa Barbara. |
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HOMETOWN: Southlake, TX HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Herring is primarily a two-pitch southpaw with two versions of a fastball and a slider that has taken major strides in the last 12 months. The heat will get up to 96 with some carry and arm-side run. It's been an effective pitch both in creating whiffs and chase from the opposition, aided by some natural deception in Herring's delivery. The two-seamer melts into the four-seamer a bit as it lacks distinct shape and differentiation from the four-seamer. It's also been a less effective offering to this point. Herring's slider is a dynamic weapon that's been up to 88 mph and will generally bucket in the 83-85 range. There's significant depth on the pitch and his chase and whiff rates on the pitch are exceptional. It's a gyro bullet slider and it plays beautifully off his four-seam fastball. While there is a changeup that's a work in progress, to this point it's hardly been deployed. Herring won't have too many opportunities in a loaded LSU stable to show he can pitch extended innings, instead coming out of the bullpen on most occasions. There's some herk and jerk in his delivery, specifically out of the stretch, but he's a fluid mover in the windup and scouts believe there's at least a chance he could start at the next level. There's some Andrew Abbott to this profile and Herring has a chance to go early on day two with impressive looks down the stretch. |
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HOMETOWN: Hampstead, NH HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Day, a rare New Hampshire product, is an elite bat-to-ball prospect. He doesn't possess a ton of raw power, but routinely posts contact percentage figures and chase rate figures at Kansas State that rivaled next to nobody in college baseball. He's an extremely passive hitter who has a tendency to leave the bat on his shoulder too long at times, but when he pulls the trigger it's generally on pitches he can hit. As one might imagine, Day draws a ton of walks and hardly ever strikes out. He's not much of a base-running threat, squarely an average runner with just an average first step. He projects into a second base or utility role at the next level unless he can unlock a bit more power in his game. Still, it's hard to ignore just how gaudy the bat to ball skills are here. Day was a 12th round selection by the Braves in 2023, but elected to return to school. He is draft-eligible for the second time. |
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HOMETOWN: Fresno, CA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Big strikeout numbers, up to 96 with legitimate hop. Control issues limit his role upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Lake Charles, LA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A huge prospect in his high school days, Guidry employs a wide base and really gets into his legs at the plate. He's shown a good feel for hit with some natural loft. Carries the baseball really well. Twitchy hips allow Guidry to really turn on the baseball and get the head out in front. Long story short, scouts really like the tools here, even if it's a pretty unrefined product right now. The hit tool is still a work in progress, but the potential for thunder in bat is obviously there. Comfortably an above runner right now with long levers and a projectable baseball frame. He could end up slowing down as he adds muscle. Likely destined for second or third base as he matures. All that said, most scouts seem to prefer Guidry on the mound these days where he's been a late-inning menace for the Tigers the last two seasons. The fastball has been up to 95 with absolutely enormous carry through the zone. Elite level hop. Guidry possesses an extremely high release point which diminishes the luxury of his fastball shape a bit, but it's still generated reasonably healthy whiff and chase rates to this point. It could become an above average weapon in time. The banger here however is the slider. Guidry throws his slider more than half the time and it's a hammer. Generally 82-84, Guidry's breaking ball has deception, depth, and a bit of sweep as well. It generated a 40 percent whiff rate in 2023. It's a pitch where that high release benefits it's tunnel. There's a bigger curveball here too, though it lags behind the slider quite a bit in terms of execution. Guidry is super-athletic on the mound and has a loose, whippy arm. There's some effort through release, and his ability to start at the next level is in doubt. But the upside here is a leverable reliever with a plus breaking ball and not a lot of tread on the tires. |
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HOMETOWN: Lilburn, GA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Brown is a long, large infielder with a broad, mature frame and a high waist. He projects to add plenty more strength in good ways as he matures. Brown gets a good deal of raw power out of a wide base and stretch out in front. He's got athletic hips and really projects to hit for quite a bit of power at the next level. There's some moving pieces in Brown's load that scouts will be conscious to track approaching draft day, specifically as they pertain to his ability to purely hit, but the tools on the offensive side of the ball here are pretty loud. The moving pieces have certainly contributed to what has been well-above average chase rates to this point, though Brown does battle and foul off pitches frequently. Defensively he looks like a third baseman long-term where his strong lower half, his low squat and gait, as well as his longer arm action will most comfortably play. |
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HOMETOWN: Absecon, NJ HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An aggressive hitter with an all fields, line drive stroke, Santa Maria packs a surprising punch in his undersized frame. He's added 20 pounds over the last two years recovering from a shoulder injury, but looks considerably stronger in 2024 and has shown flashes of the impact he's capable of going back to 2022. He covers the strike zone extremely well and rarely swings and misses on pitches over the plate. He's a reliable defender with very good range and infield actions. He has experience at third and shortstop but his arm may limit him to second at the next level, potentially third base as a pro. |
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HOMETOWN: Indian River, FL HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Adams has a lean, long-levered frame with immense projection ahead of him. And he's already begun to realize it. A fantastic athlete, he's already touching 101 in exhibitions, living 95-98 with enormous sink and arm-side bore. His best secondary is a parachute changeup he throws in reverse in front of the plate, 88-90 with tremendous tunnel. He's also throwing a mid-80s slider with tight shape that tunnels well off the fastball too, a gyro spinner with some lateral tilt. Adams was a considerable prospect in the 2023 Draft, the Nationals selecting him in the 11th round. He went unsigned and is draft-eligible for the second time, still just 21 years old. Teams convinced he can start at the next level may value him on day one in the draft. That said, he missed pretty much the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery in March. It's more likely he tries to battle back and improve his stock for the 2025 Draft in midseason next year. |
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HOMETOWN: Gage, OK HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Girton flashes really big stuff, up to 98 with some arm-side run and hop. He also features a sinker that's been effective in inducing ground balls and soft-contact. Girton's best offering is an upper-80s slider with sharp tilt when he gets around it. Shape is inconsistent though. Girton will be an appealing relief profile on day two of the draft with upper-90s upside and a potential plus slider. He's draft eligible for the second time after transferring to Norman from Texas Tech. |
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HOMETOWN: Paso Robles, CA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Wright is an undersized southpaw with one of the better sweepers in the 2024 class. He took on an expanded role for Cal Poly this spring as a the Saturday guy and has more than held his own. He throws a gyroscopic sinker featuring some heaviness and very little arm-side run. Command for that pitch is fringy, maybe average at this stage, up to 94 mph. The sweeper is his best weapon featuring considerable lateral tilt and depth, thrown firm in the mid-80s, commanded beautifully to the glove-side sweeping away from lefties. Spin rates for the breaking ball routinely sit north of 2800 rpm and will flirt with 3100 at peak. That combination of velocity and sweep is unicorn stuff. Ultimately, this may end up a 70-grade breaking ball. Wright will also show a mid-80s changeup with some tail and decent depth off his fastball shape. It's mostly a fringe-average pitch when offered to right-handed bats. Wright has a quiet, easy delivery and throws enough strikes to potentially warrant consideration as a starter at the next level. He'll need to get more value out of his fastball and tertiary off-speed pitch if he's to work in such a role. The floor of a mid-leverage reliever is present and Wright could potentially move quickly up the ladder in that role. |
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HOMETOWN: Spring, TX HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Scott is a very, very strong kid with strength throughout his entire frame and lumberjack hands. He's short and compact through the baseball and still delivers a load at the plate. It's plus raw power and he's got the strength in his upper body to deploy it to all fields. Scott is an above average runner with an average-to-solid average arm best set for right field. He's also got a flair for the dramatic, seemingly delivering big hits at every stop he's played. Some Jermaine Dye comparisons here. |
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HOMETOWN: Pembroke Pines, FL HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Futrell's fastball is his best pitch with late hop and bat-missing qualities up to 94, though he's not considered a strikeout artist by any means. Futrell mostly pitches to contact as is evidenced by his well-below average walk rates. There's not a lot of velocity or spin here, so commanding the baseball has been paramount to his success, and he's done just that for the most part on campus. The low-80s changeup and slurvier breaking ball are folded in to keep hitters off balance, but Futrell figures to be an arm that must pitch to contact and work backwards to find success at the next level. That said, the stuff could obviously tick up in the coming years. Futrell offers backend rotation upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Tuscola, IL HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 197 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video It's been a long, winding road for Tabeling in college baseball highlighted mostly by early years where controlling the baseball didn't come easy. He spent his first two seasons at Wright State and then his third year with Illinois where walked 28 hitters across 31.1 innings in those three seasons. The struggles were compounded by underdeveloped stuff that resulted in 42 hits allowed as well. It was a 9.19 ERA over three years entering 2024, though things seem to have clicked a bit this spring. He'll be 93-95 touching 96 with cut and carry through the zone; a bat-missing heater. He throws a firm mid-80s slider that may be his best-commanded offering, as well as a bigger upper-70s curveball. It's still largely below average command, especially as he works into later innings, but things are trending in the right direction. Tabeling has good stuff, there is no doubt about that. If he lands with an organization that can polish up the rough edges, he has a shot to be used in a leverage role at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Blue Island, IL HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 235 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Jones is an ultra-physical force who plays the game hard and presents impact on both sides of the ball. His tools stand out on offense where he shows above average bat speed and a willingness to play to all fields. He's got explosive actions and should hit for more power as he matures into a more well-rounded hitter. Jones is a fringy runner with a bit of a stiff gait, not uncommon for catchers at this age. Jones has a strong arm, though his arm action has some scouts questioning if he'll ultimately end up at first base to allow the bat to move quickly. Teams will be buying the power here first and foremost. |
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HOMETOWN: Cabot, AR HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Carmack has seen a meteoric rise in pure stuff since his high school days and now represents one of the hardest throwing college arms in the 2024 class, and he's got the secondaries to go along with it. Just 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Carmack isn't the most imposing physical presence, but his arm speed and explosive athleticism on the mound really stands out. He'll throw the four-seamer about half the time and while it's a reasonably low-spin offering, he does generate a bit of carry on the pitch. It's an effective offering at the college level, but as presently shaped it likely projects a solid average heater at the next level. He has grabbed 96, but he's mostly 91-94. He does tend to overthrow the pitch, so repeating his delivery and trusting his stuff will be a priority in his development. His changeup is the go-to weapon with huge fade and enormous depth into righties, diving away from lefty bats. It's mostly 82-85 and represents a potential plus pitch moving forward. He'll throw it at-will to righties too, and they've whiffed on the pitch on more than half of their swings. Righties and lefties both chase the pitch at a highly effective mark. There's a slider and a curveball here too, though command is presently an issue. He does possess strong spin rates on both pitches, and there's a good deal of sweep on both as well, but he'll need to rein it in if they're to be put-away options moving forward. Still, this is a full repertoire of pitches and a track record of innings. He's got Top 100 pick upside. |
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HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 175 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Oklahoma State DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Thompson is a rhythmic hitter with loose hands and a simple swing that works. Turns hard on the baseball with some projection to the pull-side. Won't force anything to that side and has used the left-center gap. Thompson creates a lot of whip through the zone, short and company in his first move, long and athletic through release. There's been some swing and miss in his game in tournament settings, something he'll want to polish up in the months leading up to the draft to instill the utmost confidence in the hit tool going forward. Thompson is an above average runner once underway. His profile likely moves to second base at the next level where his defensive tools fit best. |
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HOMETOWN: Minooka, IL HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Eastern Illinois DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video George is a powder-keg built outfielder with tons of strength in his lower half and physicality in his upper-body and arms. He sinks into his legs and anchors his back-side at the plate in an effort to use ground force to create power. While he can at times drift into his front-side a bit early, overall there's very little wasted movement in his swings with hands that stay tight to the body and short through the ball especially on pitches down the middle or on the middle third. He can get a bit more disconnected on pitchers on the outer black, but has shown a nice ability to battle into longer counts. Continuing to improve his timing and triggers in the box should unlock a more consistent hit tool as he climbs the ladder and sees more advanced pitching. There's a little Evan Gattis in the operation, albeit in a much different athletic form factor. George is a tremendous athlete who posts plus to sometimes double-plus run times and tends to show off the burners in the field. His exceptionally strong frame creates an aggressive, violent running style that could force the run tool into a more comfortably graded above average to plus tool at the next level. While his route running and reads have steadily improved year over year, scouts consider the glove mostly average right now with a chance to trend up as time and reps increase. He's extremely young for the class; just 18.1 on draft day. |
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HOMETOWN: Ooltewah, TN HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Vanderbilt DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video There are few players in the 2024 class who play with the physicality and aggression that Johnston brings to the table. Offensively, it's massive bat speed and over-the-fence projection. Game power is already quite present. The frame and athleticism here point to a truly impactful bat at the next level. He's worked to iron down a small hitch in his hands in the loading mechanism, but it's hardly affected his ability to handle top-tier pitching over the last 18 months. Defensively, Johnston is a shortstop now, but may ultimately shift to third base where his massive arm strength and broad body is most efficient. Johnston is presently an average runner with an intentful gait. |
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HOMETOWN: Elkhorn, NE HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Christo has been a premium prospect going back to his high school days. He's been up to 96 with an average slider and streaky command of both pitches. He can handle a multitude of roles at the next level, though he has a workhorse frame and a long track record of maintaining velocity through multiple innings. |
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HOMETOWN: Hartsville, SC HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 180 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Prior to arriving at the College of Charleston, Pendergrass was a menace at Spartansburg Methodist where he ran a .403/.489/.546 clip over two seasons, walking 55 times and collecting just 27 strikeouts. He stole 75 bags in those two seasons as well. Pendergrass is a burner -- a wiry, twitchy, sparkplug table-setter with plus speed and a quick first step out of the box. There's some subtle pull-side juice, and he could ultimately turn into a guy that flirts with double-digit homers at the next level if he gets the at-bats to do it. He can really go get it in the outfield, though his routes and reads are still developing at this stage. There's the upside here of an above average defender with plus speed and menacing traits in the box. |
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HOMETOWN: Holly Springs, NC HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Arendt is a standout defender behind the plate with a big throwing arm and a long track record of gunning down would-be base-stealers. Over the last two summers on the Cape, Arendt has thrown out 21 of the 37 runners who have tried to steal on him, good for a 36 percent caught-stealing rate. Offensively, it's largely fringy tools, though Arendt shows a strong, patient approach. He doesn't strikeout much, but he can get pull-happy and doesn't yet showcase much in-game power. There's some defensive value here, and tools at the plate are burgeoning. Still, he'll likely be drafted for his arm and maturity rather than what future impact he projects to add moving forward offensively. |
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HOMETOWN: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 170 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video What Rienguette lacks in physical stature he more than makes up for in unique traits and outlier metrics. Rienguette will touch 93 at his peak, but it's his double-plus spin rates on the fastball that has teams interested. He's been north of 2750 on the heater, a figure that next to nobody can emulate. The slider is just a devious; an upper-70s sweeper that lives north of 3300 rpm. There's also a curveball in the 3100 range and a screwball-esque changeup that he's worked to develop more consistency on. There's some similarities between Rienguette and Matt Brash, another fellow Canadian who saw his stuff skyrocket stateside at Niagara College. Developing more velocity and more consistent shape on the fastball should be developmental focuses for Rienguette, but he's got a shot at going on day two if the arsenal ticks up approaching July. |
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HOMETOWN: Westminster, CA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Fraser is a sum-of-his-parts, gritty infielder who has performed at every stop across his high school career. He's shown feel for the barrel at the plate, and has a frame to dream on more impact going forward. Defensively, he stands out at second base where scouts think he could be a plus defender with a solid average arm and stellar work around the bag. |
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HOMETOWN: Johnston, IA HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Swansen earned a full-time gig with the Cornhuskers in 2023 and swatted 17 HR as a thank you for the opportunity. He's a low-ball hitter who makes plenty of contact, and plenty of extremely loud contact at that. He limits his chase and usually reserves those bad swings for changeups under the zone. Scouts want to see Swansen close what appears to be a hole in his swing in terms of velocity at the top of the strikezone to gain confidence he'll be able to hit at the next level. Swansen gets high marks for every exit velocity category, and also boasts favorable launch angles, though he's hit the ball on the ground at a much higher clip than usual in 2024. Swansen is a primary left fielder who isn't particularly graceful in his routes or body control out there, but he can handle the position and makes all the routine plays. It's a fringy arm and fringy routes, with left field being his best role moving forward. Regardless, you're buying this for the bat. |
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HOMETOWN: Emmaus, PA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Henseler was a reasonably unknown prospect entering college, but took the nation by storm as a true sophomore in 2022 at Penn, and parlayed that into another big year as a junior in 2023 where he mashed 18 homers. Set to be an Aggie in 2025 as a grad transfer, Henseler is carried by a big bat and an eager approach at the plate. He's an average third baseman with a big arm, though he's not a burner and won't produce excess value with his quickness. If he continues to mash in the SEC as he did in the Ivy League, there's without question as a money-mover senior day-two type of draft pick here. There's no garauntee he'll get to Texas Station however. He's draft-eligible for the second time in 2024. |
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HOMETOWN: Indian Trail, NC HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Texas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Schwartz is a big, physical catcher with an imposing, sturdy frame and loud tools scattered throughout his scouting report. It's comfortably above average raw power and most scouts think he'll eventually live in the "plus" raw power bucket. He's getting to a lot of it in games already as is evidenced by his .819 slugging percentage during the summer of 2023. Behind the plate, his pop times are strong. They're buoyed by an above average throwing arm with his footwork and technique requiring some polish into the next level. Scouts are split on whether he's a catcher long-term, primarily due to his overall size, but his other tools should help take the pressure off his ability to catch. Schwartz is an explosive, violent athlete who posts average run times and features a very strong first step out of the box. He has a plus throwing arm in the outfield and some in the eval industry would like to see him take more reps at third base. Offensively, Schwartz has a high hand setup with jittery, anxious hands a la Jose Altuve. He's mostly open and upright pre-load, sinking into his hips as the ball approaches. Those dramatic changes in plate may have an adverse effect on his ability to time his triggers consistently, as well as cover velocity at the top of the zone or spin under his knees. Adjustability is a concern in the box. When he's on-time, the pull-side power and back-side leverage can be jaw-dropping. There's been a fair amount of strikeouts in his game on the tournament circuit, so quieting things down and letting his physical tools do more of the talking in his swing will be a developmental emphasis at the next level, wherever that might be. Schwartz will be 19.5 on draft day, so models will knock him down a peg, though if he makes it to Texas, he's precisely the type of player who turns himself into a first rounder in 2026. |
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HOMETOWN: Aliso Viejo, CA HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Draft-eligible for the second time, Fitzer bested his already impressive career marks at Cal State - Northridge this season featuring more power, a better approach and more speed. Fitzer wears a uniform well. He's a long-framed outfielder with very obvious strength distributed throughout his core. There's still some projection ahead in his lower half, but he's already flashing plus raw power with an affinity for the barrel. Fitzer employs a huge leg kick that will undoubtedly challenge his ability to carry his bat-to-ball skills and overall hit tool to the next level, but should he iron that out of his operation his quick hands and overall approach should allow the bat to continue to produce at the next level. Fitzer has shown the ability to cover every quadrant of the strike zone and has a willingness to let the ball travel, using right-center field with regularity. Fitzer can get beat with elevated velocity, though he stays on spin well. He's a primary left fielder with solid average speed and a fringy throwing arm. Already 22 years old, he doesn't possess much leverage in the draft and may be a money mover at the end of day two for a team that goes heavy on high school talent on day one. Because of his age and unconventional swing, plus the struggles with fastball velocity, Fitzer projects a day three selection, but a priority add at that. It's never easy to find this combination of projectable size, speed and power in a player. |
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HOMETOWN: Rochelle, GA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Stephens is a young JUCO arm who has seen his stuff take off in collegiate play in 2024. The fastball will grab 97 and settles in 92-93 over multiple innings. The heater is a torpedo with considerable depth and arm-side bore. He'll flash a low-80s slider with tunnel forcing uncomfortable late swings from the opposition. There's also a changeup that has promise, but is largely inconsistent at this early stage. Stephens currently has below average control and command of the baseball and has been streaky with his walks this spring. He does possess punch out stuff but he'll need to work on throwing better strikes if he's to capitalize on arm talent. Stephens has a longer arm action with impressive scap load and quickness through his release. He projects to throw even harder. Just 19 years old, Stephens has projection and upside ahead of his profile. He's committed to the University of Georgia. He's the quintessential draft-and-follow type of candidate for teams on day three. |
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HOMETOWN: Jonesboro, AK HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Davis is a large and imposing force on the mound with an athletic frame, rounded shoulders and a strong lower half. He'll work the fastball up to 93 with arm-side run to both sides of the plate. His slider is a real weapon, a gyroscopic bowling ball with considerable depth and swing-and-miss characteristics. Davis likes to throw a budding changeup to lefties too, and it's been effective in tournament settings as well. It's a good operation. He's consistently on time both with his hand break and getting the arm up. Davis has starter traits and should continue to improve his overall arsenal as he gains reps and matures. |
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HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Boser barely missed the age cutoff for the 2023 draft, but in returning to South Florida provides some thunder and speed back to a vaunted USF lineup. There's certainly a good bit of swing-and-miss in Boser's game, but he's proven to be a menace on the basepaths, and he'll poke one over the fence here and there. It's average raw power and solid average speed, though it plays up due to Boser's instincts. He'll need to cut down on the strikeouts if he's to vault into the Top 100 range that is his ceiling, but there's some tools here for scouts to be excited about. |
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HOMETOWN: Mission Viejo, CA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 200 BAT/THROW: L-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Kasper had to patiently wait his turn in Corvallis while the upperclassmen had their fun, but he burst onto the scene in 2023 showcasing loud left-handed power and a keen ability to handle any of the three outfield roles. Kasper now projects a fringy defender in a corner with below average speed. Most believe he's destined for right field. The bat is what teams are split on. The raw power is definitely in there, and proponents of Kasper believe it's 25-homer upside at the next level. He posts close to elite-level chase rates and clearly has a mature approach at the plate. But his fringe-average bat-to-ball skills lead some to believe he'll have a difficult time getting to his power at the next level as he sees more advanced pitching. Kasper is draft-eligible for the second time in 2024 as a 22 year old and is regarded as one of the more intriguing upperclass options in the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Mokena, IL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Louisville DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Mowry has been a steady performer on the tournament scene providing power and impact to whichever lineup he's in. A primary catcher, Mowry will shift between first base and DH in an attempt to get his bat in the lineup at whatever cost. He's maxed out physically with a ton of strength in his broad, powerful upper-half. Mowry produces a ton of bat speed with a steep, uphill attack angle and a slugging intent. He consistently takes big swings, generating over-the-fence power and huge rotational force of which has been proven and on display at a number of stops. There are certainly some swing and miss concerns here, but they generally don't rear their head until he falls behind in the count and starts to anxiously protect. Still, it's an impactful bat with at least an outside shot to catch as a platoon option at the next level. There's some Dominic Keegan in the overall package here, however Mowry is committed to Louisville. |
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HOMETOWN: Carmel, IN HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 230 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Moore has had a long, winding road to the 2024 campaign with the Ducks. He spent a year at Danville CC in 2021 before spending two more at Menlo College in 2022 and 2023. As Moore added strength and his body matured, the velocity really began to spike resulting in interest from Oregon and landing him in Eugene this past spring. Moore has been up to 101 mph and will rest at 99 in his single-inning outings. The arsenal is launched out of a slot barely above five-feet making it extremely difficult to hit at-or-above the letters. Moore folds in a low-80s slider that features enormous sweeping action though feel for commanding that pitch has been a challenge for Moore at this stage. It's a max effort delivery coming out of a long, athletic frame. Moore projects a mid-leverage reliever at the next level who could be capable of handling the eighth inning if his sweeping takes a step forward. He's likely a day three pick or a day two selection with considerable under-slot value. |
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HOMETOWN: Waynesville, GA HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Georgia Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Royer is a long, lanky, projectable right-hander with a really fast arm. Considering his size, Royer controls his body well and showcases impressive core strength and torque working down the mound through an aggressive finish. It's reasonably controlled aggression with some effort at release and some whack, but nothing looks terribly difficult or over-done. Royer's fastball has been up to 95 with carry through the zone and some natural cut, though he'll vary the shape of the pitch depending on the heater. He'll generally rest 91-93 over multi-inning appearances. Royer features a tilted slider with depth in the upper-70s, occasionally tickling the low-80s bucket. His delivery and tempo provide some natural deception, the fastball being especially difficult for hitters to pick up. Scouts would like to see the effort continue to tick down as he adds weight and strength approaching the draft, but there are few pitchers in the class that can match the projection, athleticism and present stuff that Royer possesses. There's certainly some reliever risk here, but the upside could be significant. |
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HOMETOWN: Altamonte, FL HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCF DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Missed much of 2022 and some of 2023, but is back. Demetree has a plus throwing arm at the hot corner and considerable power at the plate. He's got a well-developed lower half and he uses ground force well to impact the baseball and produce bat speed. Demetree has a promising bat and is an average runner. He projects to stay at third base. He'll be 19.7 years old for the draft. |
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HOMETOWN: Jonesboro, AR HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 218 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kentucky DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Belcher is a big, tall, physical catcher with tools. The bat has projection with above average raw power, some of which he's showcasing in games at this early stage in his career. The 6-foot-4-inch backstop is an eager hitter with a reluctance to draw free passes, though impacting the baseball is one of his greatest tools. Belcher's frame has improved over the course of the last 12 months and scouts now think he's got a shot to catch at the next level. He's got above average arm strength and more athleticism than one might expect from a frame of his size. |
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HOMETOWN: Youngsville, NC HEIGHT: 6-7 WEIGHT: 228 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Virginia Tech DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Honse is a low three-quarter slot righty who hides the baseball well. Considering his size, Honse's near 5-foot release height really stand out. He's able to generate vertical shape with the fastball, upwards of 20 inches of induced vertical break at times with a flatter approach. His 6-foot-7-inch frame generates huge extension down the mound adding to the deception and tough looks for hitters. Honse doesn't yet have feel for spinning the baseball, though the changeup will flash above average and can be quite difficult for lefties to pick up out of the hand. He's been up to 92 and will rest 89-90 on most nights with strike-throwing being streaky at best. It may ultimately be a relief profile at the next level, but his uniqueness and frame will catch the eyes of scouts. |
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HOMETOWN: Novelty, OH HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video It's been a winding road for Huge who spent time at the College of Central Florida before spending the last two seasons at Winthrop. His 2023 was a roller coaster posting 38 strikeouts in 34 innings walking 21 batters and surrendering a 6.62 ERA. Tweaks were made in 2024 and he's found a bit more success in a starting role. Huge made history punching out 20 batters in a March contest against Maine. That effort was the most strikeouts by a D1 pitcher since 2017 when JP Sears and David Peterson accomplished the feat. Huge isn't overpowering. He'll throw a fastball that's been up to 91 and will ordinarily sit in the upper-80s with some carry. His low-80s slider is spotted consistently on the black and Huge has shown a willingness to pitch backdoor and front door to hitters. He'll also flip in a low-80s slider that's been effective in producing whiffs and chase. Huge is a pitchability lefty who relies on command over stuff. He's on the older side and will be 22 years old for the draft. He's likely a late day two or day three add with a shot to start at the next level. |
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HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, VA HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Smith is a twitchy, explosive player at the plate with plus bat speed and plus raw power. He's not the most imposing player in terms of height and weight, but he creates a ton of whip in his swing and has flashed big exit velocity figures up the middle and to the pull-side. He's particularly dangerous when he can extend his hands and get to pitches on the outer-third, though his swing can get locked up on velocity on the inner third. Smith projects a below average hitter with plus raw power a la Samad Taylor. He's an above average runner who makes the routine play look easy in centerfield. Smith is still working on his feel for centerfield and taking proper routes on each play, but he profiles as a centerfielder going forward. It's also solid average arm strength that largely keeps runners station to station on most balls hit his way. He projects a day three pick or UDFA. |
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HOMETOWN: Quebec, Canada HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Langevin is a big, physical righty with an explosive fastball and secondaries that have performed. A transfer from Wabash College, Langevin received draft interest during the 2023 draft, but elected to go to Louisiana in the hopes of upping his draft stock. Just 20 years old for this draft, he'll have models on his side as well. The fastball has been up to 96 with considerable carry and arm-side run. The pitch explodes out of his hand, and really lives and feasts on the top rail. It's technically a dead-zone fastball, but the movement profile is so extreme in both directions the pitch performs incredibly well. A mid-80s slider has been effective, if not inconsistent, against righties. A mid-80s changeup is his best weapon, a cambio that pulls the e-brake and slams away from left-handed hitters late, riding the fastball tunnel hard. Langevin has a reliever operation on the mound, and likely profiles best in a leverage situation toward the back-end of a bullpen. The stuff is unique and real. He has a shot at going on day two, but will be a priority add if he lasts into day three. However, considering his age, Langevin could elect to go back to school and still be 21 years old for the 2025 Draft. He's an interesting prospect with one of the most productive fastballs in the 2024 class. |
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HOMETOWN: Burke, VA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 237 BAT/THROW: R-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video A graduate student in his second season with Austin Peay, Miller-Green was one of the most distinguished sluggers in college baseball in 2024 with huge exit velocity numbers and consistently among the most homers in the country. Miller-Green is a fringy pure hitter with below average bat-to-ball skills, but he doesn't expand the zone and is selective in his swings. He covers everything in the zone, but when he does choose to chase he struggles to make contact. Miller-Green is a passable right fielder who may swing to left field or first base as a pro. He's an average runner with good instincts for the game. Miller-Green is on the older side and will turn 24 this summer. He's a day two money mover or a day three money mover, likely to get drafted for his flexibility when it comes to finding bonus pool dollars if a team over-slots a prep early. |
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HOMETOWN: Gulfport, MS HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 BAT/THROW: R-R COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ole Miss DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Surowiec is an excellent two-way prospect with chops on the dirt, in the box, and on the mound. It's big strength and physicality with considerable rotational force at the plate. His power really plays. On the dirt he shows athleticism and a strong arm, capable of handling the throws and demands of the hot corner. He's also an average runner with a strong first step. On the mound, he gets into his legs and generates a low-release. His fastball is a low-to-mid 90s weapon with carry through the zone and an emphasis on the top rail. He's flashed an upper-70s curveball that's produced whiffs as well. Defining his future role will be the job for scouts, but he could go in either direction. He'll likely be used both ways if he ends up at Ole Miss. |
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HOMETOWN: Kernersville, NC HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 BAT/THROW: L-L DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Horn is a hard-throwing lefty who has been heavy, heavy, heavy on the four-seamer during his early collegiate career. He sits 93-95 but can rush it up there to 97 with a little late hop. He features above average spin rates on the heater and can miss bats aplenty with it. He's got a nasty slider with significant depth, though he's struggled to command it at times. Horn's upside is immense. So long as he stays in the zone and develops a tertiary offering, he's got the stuff to perform at the next level. Unfortunately he missed a lot of time in 2024 with an elbow injury. |
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HOMETOWN: Snohomish, WA HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 BAT/THROW: L-L COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Gonzaga DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video Sweum is a long lefty with a good pitchers frame, thickness in his core and lower half and an arsenal currently capable of puttings hitters away. He's been up to 93 and sits 90-92 with a fastball that carries through the zone, commanded well on different vertical planes. Sweum throws two breaking balls, a low-80s slider and a mid-70s curveball, both of which feature distinct shape, each showcasing lateral tilt. He'll pitch front door and backdoor, though his breaking balls really tie up left-handed hitters sweeping into the opposing box. Sweum hides the ball considerably well and is a tough look on the opposition inducing a ton of late, bad hacks. He's not the most explosive mover, but it's a polished profile and one that should be capable of putting hitters away at the next level. Scouts would like to see the velocity and/or arm speed take a jump as July approaches. If he ends up at Gonzaga, Sweum has a chance to develop into a Top-100 pick for 2027. |
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HOMETOWN: Taylors, SC HEIGHT: 5-8 WEIGHT: 165 BAT/THROW: B-R DRAFT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Watch video An undersized hitterish infielder, Mershon earned something close to a full-time role in 2024 in a crowded Bulldogs infield. The bat is the calling card as he projects to hit for average going forward. Mershon simply never strikes out and has the quick hands from both sides of the plate to suggest he'll be able to handle more premium stuff at the next level. He's not a power hitter and won't add much to a lineup in terms of pure slug, but Mershon puts the game in motion and has very few holes in his swing. There's a little bit too much ground balls in his game right now, but that may be something that improves over time with reps. Mershon is a bouncy sparkplug on the dirt who takes aggressive first steps toward the ball. He attacks ground balls and can make every play to his left and coming in on the ball, though his fringy arm strength does test his ability at times moving in the hole to his right. This is a scrappy player who will likely consistently outplay his tools and could carve out a utility role at the next level. |
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