2024 MLB Draft Cleveland Guardians FInal Watch List
2024 MLB Draft Cleveland Guardians FInal Watch List
Final watch list of all Guardians type college and high school prospects with a few personal favorites thrown in
College hitters
INF JJ Wetherholt (University of West Virginia): Might have the best pure hit tool in the class. He pairs high contact rates (89.5% in 2023) with good exit velocities (105 90th percentile), and a low chase rate (18.4%). He’s good at finding the barrel on the ball and has success on the Team USA circuit to back his talent. Wetherholt has endured some injuries this year to his hamstring, which have been an issue in the past. He’s had to DH some when he came back to ease back in but he’s been playing SS and hitting when he’s in there. Does the time missed take him out of 1-1 consideration? The bat is still very good, but has he proven he can play SS at the next level?. - JL
https://twitter.com/Data_prospects/status/1696499747706610046
INF Travis Bazzana (Oregon State University): Probably has the best collection of skills/tools/overall and polish in the draft this year. He makes plenty of contact (85.4%), has upped his exit velos (108.9 90th percentile), and doesn’t chase (15.4%). Also comes 80 grade makeup here with work ethic and character. He went to try to improve his attack angle over the offseason to pull the ball more in the air and it paid off immediately for him. The question is really about the position, at least for Cleveland. You’re taking the bat either way, but to go 1-1, does Cleveland feel OK with him as a second baseman (a 2B has never gone 1-1 overall) or will they try him in the OF? He’s probably the first bat in the class to make the majors in many cases. -JL
https://twitter.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1711892379601445140
1B Nick Kurtz (Wake Forest): A slow start to 2024 and then a rib injury took Kurtz out of the spotlight for a bit, but he came back and got right back on track quickly. For everything Charlie Condon does well, he’s right on pace there, on a rate bases. He’s 90th percentile is 110.6, and he makes contact at an 82.5% clip, and almost never expands his zone (14.4% chase rate). The knocks are that college (or any) first baseman in the draft don’t have the best track records, and Wake’s home ballpark is hitter-friendly. But Kurtz is an explosive hitter who shows power to all fields and should still be one of the first college bats off the board and has a chance to be the best pure bat in the class. - JL
https://x.com/nicholasmilo/status/1616215177136947200?s=20
OF/3B/1B Charlie Condon (Georgia): Has hit himself into the thick of, if not the top, of the 1-1 discussion with his record setting performance at Georgia. He holds the school record in homers now for one season and in his career. Despite being 6’6 with long levers, his swing is short and he doesn’t swing and miss that much (82.7% contact rate). His chase rates are solid overall (21.6), perhaps not elite, but the in zone contact rate is a plus. He’s moved all around the field this year but likely ends up as a corner outfielder, and at worst, first base. The bat would have to be special at first base, but it might be and if you’re taking him in the top 3 (where he likely won’t fall out of), you’re buying the bat anyway.
DH/1B Jac Caglianone (Florida): Might have the best raw power in the class. He hits it hard and hits it far when he makes contact. His contact rates are just OK (79.9%) and his chase rate is troubling (37.6%). He doesn’t strike out despite his chase rate, something that doesn’t always translate to the pro game, but if you’re a unicorn it can. So is he a unicorn? He also throws 97 on the mound and can miss bats, but is a Tommy John survivor already and has a hard time throwing strikes. He’s probably a hitter only at the next level and a 1B only at that, which is risky but he’s very talented.
https://twitter.com/GatorsBB/status/1627383555126071296
3B Cade McGee (Texas Tech): Transferred to Texas Tech this year. Upped his power profile some. Stuck out a bit more but not a ton and walks as much as he K’s. .- JZ
https://twitter.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1626670214170693632
INF Griff O’Ferrall (University of Virginia): O’Ferrall fits what the Guardians have taken in the past. Bat over power tool, who will stick in the dirt. 80 grade grit. - JZ
https://twitter.com/USABaseballCNT/status/1678920509449281537
OF Jared Thomas (University Texas): Contact rate sat at 85% in 2023, but has a 90th percentile exit velocity of just 102. Doesn’t chase and can drive mistakes. He has mostly played first base for Texas up until now but looks like he can and will play some outfield this year.If he can play good defense in center, that’ll make his bat look even better and put him into the range of being a first day pick. - JL
https://twitter.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1668077704787230722
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1753913282300145914?s=20
INF Kyle Debarge (Louisiana- Lafayette): Undersized shortstop that makes a ton of contact (87.2%) but doesn’t pair it with a particularly high exit velos. Most think he has the fundamentals to play short, but might be a better defender at the keystone. This sounds a bit like the Tyler Freeman profile, though Freeman has more size. - JZ
https://twitter.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1722769172390621406
INF Cole Mathis (College of Charleston): Pairs a promising contact rate (83%) with a strong chase rate (17.4%) and a 90th percentile exit velocity (108.4). Had a breakthrough season in 2023 at school and then hit even better in the Cape, making the All-Star team and actually hit more homers there. He’s a pretty good athlete that plays two ways (pitched for his school in 2023 and on the Cape), but is likely going to just play first base this year at school. Has enough arm for third (mid-90s fastball) and could even use that arm in right field.There’s a path here as a two way player in the pros, but he could take off more with the bat now focusing on hitting and playing the field. But the drafting team here is likely banking on the bat for the most part and hoping to find the right defensive fit. If he’s a 1B only as a right handed hitters, there’s a risk there. But plenty of upside here to be a fit somewhere as high as a comp round pick or second round. - JL
90th percentile exit velo - top 5
Pull fly ball 52%
https://x.com/GeoffPontesBA/status/1672658345361125376?s=20
INF/C Kevin Bazzell (Texas Tech): Fantastic numbers transferring to Texas Tech in 2023 (45BB/32K), .348/.453/.572 playing third base. He’s had some run at catcher. Had very meager Cape numbers, so that’s a potential red flag with Big 12 pitching quality, but makes a ton of contact and the bat is his driver of value. As of early 2024, he looks like a surefire pick within the top three rounds. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1719506338043310472?s=20
OF Dylan Dreiling (Tennessee): Waked more than he struck out as a freshman and was a regular force in the Vols lineup, hitting .295/.433/.621 with seven dingers. He’s a draft eligible sophomore, which is always a bit dicey. He also has no other league data to back him up and he’s mostly a left fielder right now, which is also a red flag. That puts him with some lower end value defensively. There’s really good bat speed here though and a good eye at the plate. He’s probably an easy early day 2 pick for his bat alone. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1741977359329136916?s=20
1B Blake Burke (Tennessee): Let’s throw both Vols hitters here. Burke is Kurtz minus the approach. Burke only struck out 17% of the time as a sophomore but only walked 9.2%, but both of those were major improvements from his sophomore season, though his power dipped too maybe due to change in approach. It could be tough to get him to combine both, but if he can, it’s middle of the order bat profile because there is light tower raw power here to match Kurtz. He did play some outfield last year but most think he ends up being first base only. Based off his 2023 data, he’s something like a fourth/fifth round guy. Not a bad spot for a guy with 70 grade power, and a better spot for the risky profile. Less of a Cleveland guy and more of a personally intriguing candidate. - JL
https://x.com/discussbaseball/status/1754326783149715514?s=20
3B Zander Darby (UC Santa Barbara): Contact over power corner profile right now, but a good approach at the plate from the left side. Had a strong Cape in 2023 with high contact rates in school and in the wood bat circuit. Doesn’t chase and has shown pull side pop. Most reports suggest the glove isn’t strong at third, which means he either needs to improve the glove to raise his stock to offset the lack of power, or take a step forward offensively. He has a 6’3 frame that suggests he could add strength and power to profile as a more traditional corner bat. That’s probably what you’re buying if you like Darby, who right now sounds like a mid-round, day two bat. - JL
https://x.com/OfficialCCBL/status/1688660788452458496?s=20 \
INF/OF Seaver King (Wake Forest): King is a transfer to Wake Forest from D2 Wingate who has played all the non-1B infield spots and may get a shot in center at Wake, or at least some think he can play there long term. He crushed the ball in D2 and only had a short stint on the Cape in ‘23 (16 games) but hit .424/.479/.542, which suggests the move to big time D1 baseball won’t be overwhelming for a twitchy, plus athlete like King. His aggressive approach makes him a risky profile but the talent is undeniable.. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1662207157411155968?s=20
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1716145372760789064?s=20
OF Carson Benge (Oklahoma State): Left handed hitting outfielder that throws right, and has above average power, maybe enough to profile in the corner now, but he could grow into even more. Fringe-chase rates now (18.9%) and good in-zone contact (84%). Somewhat noisy hands in his swing in the box that could get cleaned up. Walked more than he struck out as a sophomore, after missing his freshman year with Tommy John. Has a mid-90s fastball on the mound and could be scouted as a pitcher, so that gives him plenty of arm for right field, and it looks more like his future is at the plate. Has played his way into first round range now with more walks than strikeouts and has been effective in a relief role on the mound and has had some starts. Might actually be a more interesting two way prospect.. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1716601214136095035?s=20
https://x.com/Draft_Analyst_/status/1739816429325815854?s=20
C/OF Ryan Campos (Arizona State): Campos is an undersized (5’9) backstop that has played some outfield in his college career. Incredibly approach focused profile (17.59 BB%/8.5 K%) and has done nothing but hit in his college career so far. He played in the Cape as a rising sophomore and held his own but struggled in a very small sample size this past summer (6 games). Beware of Arizona State hitters with that environment but the approach is worth watching. Needs to add arm strength though because the bat probably profiles better behind the plate and the arm looks to be fringe-average at best right now. Probably a day two guy, somewhere in fifth or sixth round perhaps.
https://x.com/FarmToFame_/status/1495214656746663938?s=20
https://x.com/fridaystarters/status/1638889754988249089?s=20
OF Mike Sirota (Northeastern): Sirota might be from a small school, but the production and tools are real. Might be a five tool centerfielder. He could make a bit more contact (81.9% zone contact rate) but also has pop (.678 SLG last year) and can play center, and stole 19 bases. He has Cape success (.339/.442/.532 in 2022). Came into 2024 as a potential top 15 pick but his bat and power have fallen off. He likely now falls into comp or second round range, but that’s really good value there.. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1656074836525961218?s=20
https://x.com/jabmia_/status/1755071837141160320?s=20
https://x.com/NCAABaseball/status/1499943194045423617?s=20
INF/OF Jo Oyama (UC Irvine): A native of Japan, Oyama is an undersized (5’6) infielder with a really nice, balanced swing and makes plenty of contact. Doesn’t strikeout and walks almost as much (37K/31BB in school in 2023). He hit .360/.456/.613 on the Cape last year, so the bat could be real. He might be undersized and is probably going to have to land at second or left field, but he kinda seems like he could be a high motor leadoff hitter or a nice bench bat. Senior sign with low pop and likely not a shortstop so he's probably a late day two pick. - JL
https://x.com/CoachPags775/status/1633483905583181824?s=20
https://x.com/FerronRyan/status/1712186971953778711?s=20
C/1B/OF Derek Bender (Coastal Carolina): Aggressive type profile with the bat, hitting .341/.399/.635 at school last year, but he showed a better approach on the Cape last summer (15K/12BB) in 31 games (.374/.446/.557) and even stole 18 bases. Most don’t think he’s a future catcher, where the bat would play best. But there’s maybe enough bat for an interesting 1B/LF type. Could he be a David Fry type playing some corners and a third catcher? It’s an intriguing shot to think about and take. Maybe a third rounder depending on how someone feels about the future position. - JL
https://x.com/mlb_pc/status/1674113283941335068?s=20
https://x.com/OfficialCCBL/status/1690886583547817985?s=20
OF Will Turner (South Alabama): MId-major centerfielder with athleticism to play in center. Walked more than he struck out on the Cape last summer (22BB/19K) in 33 games and hit .295/.437/.379. Not much pop but he can turn on balls on the inner half, reminds me a little of what Steven Kwan started to show in the minors during his breakout that just hasn’t shown at the big league level quite yet. He’s got a great eye for the zone. Many think he can stick in CF and if that’s the case, there’s probably good reason to think he’s a second or third rounder. - JL
https://x.com/GeoffPontesBA/status/1685284846883438592?s=20
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1713693981169602655?s=20
INF Davis Diaz (Vanderbilt): Davis was a somewhat big name in the 2021 draft and even taken by Arizona in the 12th round but decided to play for Vanderbilt. He has a very contact over power type profile. He had a solid summer on the Cape (.284/.417/.422). Make a ton of contact in the zone and has an OK chase rate, but could be better. The question with Davis is, if there’s not enough power at 3B/2B, he has to stick at short. He could be a nice infielder that plays all over with a solid approach, even if he’s only OK at short and better at second and doesn’t enough power to start. Maybe 3rd-5th rounder depending on the glove at short? The recent track record from Vandy isn’t great in the pros though. - JL
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1737989347712925765?s=20
https://x.com/GeoffPontesBA/status/1685296620806791169?s=20
OF Zach Ehrhard (Oklahoma State): Might get some looks with the attention Carson Benge in Stillwater. Ehrhard was drafted by the Red Sox in 2021 (13th round) but didn’t sign. Didn’t hit for a high average in college last year but upped that on the Cape ironically enough (.297/.396/.364). Not much juice in the bat but has some pull side pop in there. Seems like a gritty end of day 2 type with some speed to impact on the bases and play center. - JL
https://x.com/nicholasmilo/status/1622323762350723075?s=20
OF Nick McLain (Arizona State): The switch hitting McLain is the youngest of the three McLain brothers (Matt, Sean). He makes a lot of contact and really only profiles defensively on the corners, but does have the arm for RF. He had a strong summer on the Cape (.283/.378/.424). He probably lacks the thump to be an everyday guy and beware of those Arizona State numbers, but the ability to switch hit, his arm, and the bloodlines should make him a day two pick. - JL
https://x.com/HackMuff/status/1659767468855033856?s=20
https://x.com/OfficialCCBL/status/1676774642814525443?s=20
OF Braden Montgomery (Texas A&M): Transferring from Stanford to Texas A&M has gone well for Montgomery. His power has exploded, though he’s more powerful from the left side. It’s a buttery smooth looking swing and a ton of hard contact (110.8 90th EV). He does have some warts chasing offspeed low (20.8 chase rate) and is lower on the contact end (77%) but the offensive talent as a switch hitter is undeniable. It looks like he’s given up pitching (two appearances for A&M in 2024) but his arm is an easy 80 grade from right field. Crazy athletic and tooled up but might still be a RF and not a CF. A good darkhorse 1-1 candidate. - JL
3B Billy Amick (Tennessee): A Clemson transfer to Tennessee where his bat has continued to be really good. He’s got enough power as a corner bat and has some good Cape data (though limited). He might end up at first base, where as a right handed bat, there’s more pressure on the bat to perform. But he’ll still likely end up in the 20s given this year’s crop of picks, unless some late popping high school talents push him down to the comp round or so. - JL
SS Josh Kuroda-Grauer (Rutgers): Kuroda-Grauer is a solid defender at short who should offer some defensive versatility as well. Hard to strike out, but also a very aggressive hitter at the plate who doesn’t walk much. He did play two years in the Cape, though the first year was very limited and his second longer stint didn’t go well. But a gritty player with good contact rates that should stay up the middle. - JL
OF/1B James Tibbs (Florida State): A hit over power corner bat as a lefty, but has shown good power this year. There’s good Cape data to back him up and he never strike out. He can be a bit aggressive too and not walk much either. A bit undersized as a first baseman, where he likely ends up, but the bat is probably good enough to go in the first round this year.
C/OF Walker Janek (Sam Houston): A very solid hitter with a combination of contact and power. Probably only going to have average power overall, and the bat will play better if he sticks behind the plate, but that’s a bit of a question. He’s got plenty of arm but the other defensive tools are a bit of a question mark. He might end up hitting himself into comp round territory.
OF Kavares Tears (Tennessee): A red-shirt sophomore that is having a great year, showing some good power and decent patience. He’s probably a right fielder, which puts more pressure on the bat, and there are some swing and miss concerns but still a potential rising bat.
C/OF Ryan Stafford (Cal Poly): Good ability to put the bat on the ball. It’s a hit and approach over power profile, so the bat is likely just enough to be a backup, but can draw a walk. Above average arm and decent athleticism that could allow him to profile as an interesting utility man and backup catcher. Later day two pick.
3B Sean Keys (Bucknell): Emerging talent from the Patriot League. Good size (6’2) who has a mature approach at the plate. Walks more than he strikes out. Make plenty of contact and will take some aggressive swings. Has great Cape data and gets hit by a lot of pitches. Up in the air if he will stay at third base, but he should be an early day two pick based on his bat. Smart
SS Jon Jon Gazdar (Austin Peay): Scrappy hitter with a good approach at the plate and won’t chase. Moderate fringy power. Probably more of a utility type but hit well in a short stint on the Cape. Will be a nice org utility type grinder who could push himself into that role in the majors. Day two pick.
OF John Spikerman (Oklahoma): Strong, speedy defender in center with an above average arm. Contact type hitter that doesn’t strike out. Very gritty fourth outfielder type. Moderate Cape success.
INF Emilien Pitre (Kentucky): The native of Canada walks more than he strikes out and has hit for a high average in college. Probably better at second than short but profiles as a utility type that can pick it and put up a professional at bat. Likely very little juice at the next level, but holds his own with the bat and does have some decent Cape data. Late day two, early day three guy.
OF Chase Williams (Northwest Florida State): Sub 6-foot switch hitting outfielder that can really run. Could have a better approach for his level, but he hits and uses the whole field. Probably not going to offer a lot of power, but might have 30 steal speed and makes plenty of contact.
https://x.com/BaseballRadar/status/1789462648158900712
OF Bryce Chance (Mississippi State): Mature approach type hitter who can find the barrel. A “chance” on a solid SEC hitter day three is worth it if he can tap into more power with his approach and contact ability.
https://x.com/HailStateBB/status/1786551419522465975
1B/C/OF Brock Tibbits (Indiana): TIbbitts has played more first base in 2024 and the bat has maybe average power at best, and it would profile better if he sticks behind the plate. It sounds like he has the intangibles as a teammate and game caller. The bat could work in a third catcher/corner profile. Probably needs more power. Has some decent Cape data but light on pop. Could be an interesting call midway or late day two.
https://x.com/ZachBrowning17/status/1761844624685981764
INF Rafe Perich (Lehigh): Big sized switch hitter that can handle the hot corner. Some good batted ball data even though he didn’t produce huge power number in the American Conference. Looks like a good defender at third. Walks more than he strikes out. Could be a good day two sleeper.
https://x.com/brian_recca/status/1790815246975750196
C Cole Messina (South Carolina): Lauded more for his defense and leadership, Messina was more productive at the plate this season, adding more power. There are strikeouts with that power, though he will take a walk as well. Cleveland does prefer to add hitters who don’t strike out as much as Messina (23%) but the one area the are willing to live with some swing and miss is when it comes with defense at a premium position. So the question is, do they like Messina’s defense and leadership to pop him early on day two where he’s expected to go.
https://x.com/bigdonkey47/status/1793782871607701535
INF Gage Miller (Alabama): Miller had a tiny strikeout rate of 8% this year with a 10% walk rate. He didn’t play on the Cape, but he did play in the Perfect Game collegiate league and won an MVP before transferring to Alabama and upping his power this year in a big way. The bat is little question, though if he doesn’t stick at third, it might put more pressure on it. The defense is a question, but if you believe in the bat enough, it shouldn’t matter. He has feel for the barrel. Now he could be as high as a second or third rounder.
https://x.com/BarstoolAlabama/status/1769463939862011914
INF Peyton Stovall (Arkansas): I was really surprised that Stovall got to campus three years ago, as I liked his bat in high school. He had to battle through some injuries in college but he really showed the bat this year. Strikeout rate, chase rate and contact rates are all in solid/stable range. He was able to hit all pitches in college. Where he lands defensively will probably determine how much value his bat will have. He could be a hit first second baseman. He should be a good option for a team to go with a steady college bat in the third round.
https://x.com/Data_prospects/status/1804216140274573596
C/OF Khadim Diaw (Loyola Marymount): Diaw is an interesting story being from Senegal and could be the first player from there ever drafted. He’s hit over power and has a good arm and some good athleticism, hence splitting outfield and catching. He’s on the Cape right now and has always had a decent approach.
https://x.com/JoeyCohenPG/status/1798418218668949704
C/1B/OF Corey Collins (Georgia): Watching Charlie Condon at Georgia showed that Collins could hit. It might be a power over hit profile and he probably can’t catch (though it’s worth trying him as a third catcher/utility type a la lefty hitting David Fry), but he draws walks when he shouldn’t (hitting in front of Charlie Condon). Doesn't chase, makes a decent amount of contact and hits the ball hard.
https://x.com/ugabarstool/status/1797447417488417008
OF Casey Cook (North Carolina): I’m on the fence on Cook. He can hit, there’s maybe fringe power at best and he doesn’t seem to offer much defense or speed, so that really hurts a profile that’s hit and little power. He also struggled on the Cape, so that’s a knock. But he looked good during the ACC tournament and took Chase Burns deep twice. He’d be an interesting 2B/OF type midway through day two.
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1793764048045318192
1B Jeremiah Jenkins (Maine): Jenkins wasn’t an overperformer in a small conference, but he did run a strikeout rate in the mid-teens and an equal walk rate with over 20 homers two years in a row. It’s a very unorthodox swing and setup. But he does make contact, appears to have some sort of plate discipline and power. He’s a 1B only but an interesting day two gamble if there’s any belief in the power/patience combo.
https://x.com/mlbalchemist/status/1758566838915436653
3B Sam Antonacci (Coastal Carolina): Power in a corner and track record in the Cape are two things that Antonacci seems to be lacking. Antonacci does appear to have good plate discipline and makes good decisions (more walks than K’s). His position might be up for debate at the next level, but there’s good underlying metrics that might be enough to convince teams to see if they can help him tap into more power at the next level sometime on day two.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1761225947271872989
Other notables:
INF Trevor Haskins (Stanford)
INF/OF Matt Halback (UC San Diego)
INF Cody Schrier (UCLA): Cleveland had real interest in Schrier out of high school. Things have not gone well for him at UCLA, as they don’t for many prospects.
OF Fenwick Tremble (James Madison)
College pitchers
RHP Chase Burns (Wake Forest) A Tennessee transfer Burns, has a lengthy track record of performing at a high-level, dating back to his time as a prep arm. Although he was moved to the bullpen as last year at Tennessee. With a fastball that has touched 102 in the fall and possibly the best slider in this class, Burns has a chance to shoot up draft boards, even more so than he currently is setting. Reports are that he is working on his curveball and splitter. If he puts it all together and maintains his performance he could be a Darkhorse option for the Guardians at 1-1
https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1731035001951523171
RHP Trey Yesavge (East Carolina) Yesavage made the transition from the bullpen last season and had great results. Which led him to making the team USA roster in the summer. His fastball stats in the mid 90s with an amazing slider to go with it. He does offer a curveball in a changeup, but they are behind the other two options, if he is able to repeat what he did last year, he could be a mid first round pick.
https://twitter.com/PGCollegeBall/status/1673052065327661057
LHP Gage Jump (LSU): The UCLA transfer has a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90’s with great metrics, to go along with a hammer curve. Coming off TJ surgery his last season at UCLA. He eased into the year as a reliever but picked up as a starter later in the year and has really stepped up, pitching some big games down the stretch.
https://twitter.com/mason_mcrae/status/1510746393023066118
RHP Ben Hess (Alabama) Hess is a big body presence on the mound. He was hurt early in the 2023 season, but showed a great deal of impressive stuff prior to being hurt. His fastball sets in the mid 90s and hammers this down with it he throws a curveball as his best secondary pitch, which has a very high spin rate that generates a Tonna swing and mess he throws a slider and a change up as well, which has shown flashes of being average pitches . He shows that he is healthy and stays on the path. He was at prior to the injury, he could shoot of draft boards quickly.- JZ
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1720587122913186170?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Tyson Neighbors (Kansas State) Neighbors is possibly the best reliever in this class. struck out 86 batters in just 48 ⅔ innings pitched last season. His fastball sits in the upper 90s with great spin behind it. He Follows that with an upper 80s slider that has a very good life and late break. Was hurt in season but has come back strong and looks like he’ll indeed be a quick moving reliever. Some concern about control. - JL
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1718026099404505460?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Matt Ager (UC Santa Barbara) The UCSB ace has a great frame and easy delivery. His fastball sits in the low 90s and has been reported up to 96. He is primarily a two pitch pitcher with a slider that goes with his fastball. So much so that he used these two pitches 90% of the time last season, he throws a ton of strikes, but needs to work on a third offering in order to reach its potential. - JZ
https://x.com/joedoylemilb/status/1719495039771165076?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Jac Caglianone (Florida): Left-hander that can run it up to 97. He may not have ideal control but is on this list because he is a two-way starter at Florida and the Guardians popped three Florida arms in the 2021 draft (Tommy Mace, Jack Leftwich and Franco Aleman). It doesn’t seem like his future is on the mound, with control issues and a lack of a third pitch. Plus the power as a hitter is too hard to ignore. -JL
https://twitter.com/HardballSide/status/1628595095401275395
RHP Ryan Forucci (UC San Diego) Forucci basketball. It sits in the mid 90s with a ton of ride and carry in the upper part of this out. He throws a ton of strikes and has a good slider to go with his fastball. He has shown feel or changeup in the past, but does not utilize it that much. If he is able to bring that pitch along, he fits the bill for Guardians type. Has dealt with injuries and missed time in 2024, which could throw up some red flags and drop him. But the stuff has been good when healthy. - JL/JZ
https://x.com/joedoylemilb/status/1675582959481683969?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Andrew Healy (Duke): Healy is a 6’6 draft eligible sophomore. Scouts in the industry rave about his makeup and body. His fastball sits in the low 90s and has shown great command in the past . His best secondary pitch is this change up what shows a lot of fade and dies at the end he needs to develop his slider more so, but could be a steal as a draft eligible sophomore in the second round range. Control is a concern, as is the history of Duke arms being underwhelming. - JZ/JL
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1735095339173265778?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Cameron Hill (Georgia Tech) Hill is a very interesting prospect. His command in college has been iffy at best, but He was absolutely dominant in the Cape Cod league last summer with an ERA 1.09 and struck out 44 batters in 33 innings. Many attribute this to his increase of his change up during this time. His fastball sits in the low 90’s but could see that increase. His control has backed up some in 2024. - JZ
https://x.com/officialccbl/status/1674490205686976513?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Daniel Avitia (Grand Canyon) The Grand Canyon ace the last two seasons, Avitia has amazing command. His fastball sits in the 89–92 range but gets a ton of swing and miss off the pitch. He has a lower slot delivery which adds deception to his pictures. He adds a sweeper, and his sliders that are both above average pitches. May be a Guardians target on day two, but has dropped some stock with an injury and recovering now missing less bats. - JL/JZ
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1732563071766544410?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Brody Brecht (Iowa): Brecht has possibly the best stuff. A two-sport athlete at Iowa, it is exciting to see what he will look like while just focusing on baseball. Although the command has never been there, the ceiling is through the roof. With a fastball that has a ton of life and tops out at 102, he pairs it with a devastating slider that he throws a great deal. There are reports of him working on a sweeper as well as a splitter. It will be interesting to see if he is able to refine his command. If he’s able to put it all together, he will hear his name called very early. Late in 2024, his control has taken a step forward finally.
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1634702418477821952?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Hagen Smith (Arkansas) Smith has had a great deal of success ever since he stepped on campus. He has seen his fastball velocity increase every year ever since he started. The fastball has been reported to have hit triple digits this fall, and he looks to showcase that this spring. The command is something that he needs to improve on but the overall stuff is great. His best offering is a slider in the upper 80s. There are some reports that he has developed a split change. His delivery has some deception and makes for an uncomfortable at bat for college hitters. Has really taken off in 2024 and now looks like the best pitcher in the draft, even with some risk due to lack of track record of command.- JL/JZ
https://x.com/pgcollegeball/status/1644497159515930627?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Drew Beam (Tennessee) Beam is a big body work horse at Tennessee. His fastball sits in the 92-95 range, but has topped 98 in the past. He throws a five pitch mix, but relies heavily on his curveball has his go to secondary. He has all the makings of a solid big league middle of the rotation arm, with the potential to be better as he refines his secondary stuff. - JL/JZ
RHP Luke Holman (LSU) Holman was kind of the forgotten man last year, not only in the SEC, but on the loaded LSU roster. He was second in the conference in terms of FIP with a 1.05, with only Skeens ahead of him. His fastball sits in the 92-94 range, but it has topped in the upper 90’s on occasion. He throws a slider and a change up as well. He pitched for team USA last year and racked up 15 K’s and only two walks eight innings pitched. Has really held his own against some of the better offenses in the SEC and looks like a possible late day 1 pick. - JL/JZ
https://twitter.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1723867526872854720
RHP Michael Massey (Wake Forest): Massey was a reliever at Wake in the past, putting up great numbers in his role. He hides the ball extremely well in his delivery. His fastball sits in the mid 90’s but due to its outlandish shape and delivery, he had a 41% miss rate on the pitch. He offers a great slider to pair with his fastball. He will finally get a shot at the rotation this year, and if he is able to garner the same success, he could see his stock rise more so than it is. - JL
https://twitter.com/jnorris427/status/1674960457843482624
LHP Cade Obermuller (Iowa) A sidearm lefty, Obermuller has primarily been used as a reliever in the past, but he is looking to crack the starting rotation this year. He is primarily a two pitch pitcher currently, with a bowling ball sinker, and a sweeping slider to pair with it. He is more than likely a reliever in pro ball, but that could change, if he is able to show he can start, and add a third pitch to the mx. Low release height gives him unique traits on both fastball and sweeper. - JL
RHP Daniel Eagen (Presbyterian College): Smaller school arm with good K/BB ratios. Friend with Guardians 2022 pick Jackson Humphries (from same high school). Good downhill like action with a 95 MPH heater and feel for spin. Possible 5-7th round arm.
https://x.com/trey_daly/status/1392272109846548484
RHP L.P. Langevin (Louisiana): Seeing his stock go up at midway in 2024. Some control issues and a reliever only, but misses bats in a big way. Mid-90s heat with low release height and great fastball movement. Don’t be surprised to see him called midway on day two. From Canada originally, and Cleveland has tapped in there before (Cade Smith/Matt Wilkinson).
https://x.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1786487391768957254
RHP Austin Gordon (Clemson): Has started and relieved in 2024, tossing mid-90s with a high octane slider. Does have some control issues, but the numbers show he can miss bats. Similar to Davis Sharpe but throws a tad bit harder. Has limited, mixed Cape data.
https://x.com/DSeifertD1PBR/status/1784042087102529646
RHP Gage Ziehl (MIami): Another solid day two target. Has had some big games for the Hurricanes in 2024. Like the smooth operation. Hasn’t been a huge bat misser (8 K/9) but limits walks (2 BB/9) and has some Cape success. Can run it to the mid 90s on a once a week schedule with a real deal type slider.
https://x.com/CanesBaseball/status/1786198244344881471
LHP Sebastian Gongora (Louisville): Tall, well built lefty. Transferred to Louisville from Wright State. From Cincinnati area. ERA on surface is ugly, but carries a K/9 over 10 and 3.7 BB/9. Will give up some hits, but could be an interesting lefty senior sign on day three.
https://x.com/burkegranger/status/1766493369037988081
LHP Ryan Prager (Texas A&M): Tall lefty that comes from a high release point that can be very deceptive. Low-90s and is back in 2024 after tommy john surgery and surprisingly has had good control in his first year back. More of a pitchability lefty but has four pitches with command and deception that make him an early target in the 2nd-3rd round range. Could work as a 4/5 type.
https://x.com/bigdonkey47/status/1778954857312850225
RHP Brian Holiday (Oklahoma State): Shorter but well built right hander with a good pitch mix led by a low 90s fastball and a good slider. JUCO transfer to Oklahoma State but has two summers of missing bats on the Cape circuit, albeit with fringy control. Should be a mid two day pick. Back of the rotation type arm that could work in the pen.
https://x.com/FeelsLike45Pod/status/1761770295440888296
RHP Khal Stephen (Mississippi State): Purdue transfer to the Bulldogs. Really solid build (6’4 225) so he has the potential to be an innings eater at the next level. Average three pitch mix with a mid-90s fastball. Showed good bat missing ability and control on the Cape in ‘23. Has the the feel of a depth type starter that should go late on day two.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1778972675844497467
RHP Aiden May (Oregon State): Has bounced around in college going from a JUCO to Arizona, landing at Oregon State where he has taken off some. He can run the fastball into the upper half of the 90s with a possibly plus slider. The changeup needs some work but he can miss bats and has good control. Could be a day one pick or at latest, very early day two.
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1761477213528936875
RHP Ryan Johnson (Dallas Baptist): Tall and has a very herky-jerky delivery from a low 3/4 arm slot. Devastating fastball/slider combo. Good control and big bat misser. A little older and lack of a third pitch/and funky delivery make most think he’s going to be a reliever at the next level, but someone might give him a shot to start and could be a day one guy, or an early day two guy (2nd-3rd rounder).
https://x.com/11point7/status/1771354109595246730
LHP Tristan Smith (Clemson): All the pieces are there for Smith. He stands 6’2 195, can run it into the mid-90s, and spins both his fastball and slider well, and has a potentially average changeup. Control hasn’t always been great, though it was better on the Cape in ‘23 than it has been at college. Might need some developmental tweaks overall but the stuff is there for a mid-rotation arm. Early day two pick (3rd-5th round).
RHP Jackson Wentworth (Kansas State): Bit of an undersized righty but has a deep pitch mix and can throw into the low to mid-90s. The fastball isn’t special and may work better in the pen. He has the command and the pitch mix to start, but the size and fastball velocity might be an issue. If someone works with the shape, maybe he’s a Xzavion Curry type. A good option somewhere later on day two.
https://x.com/KStateBSB/status/1768818918011941080
LHP Payton Tolle (TCU): Big, hulking lefty that has been a two way player in college, in the past as a power over hit first baseman for the Horned Frogs. But his future is on the mound. He misses bats with a mid-90s heater from a tough arm slot and release as a big man and has two at least average secondaries to go with it. There’s some split on his role as a pitcher at the next level, with somewhat fringe command and being unsure of his true secondary, but he’s an early day two type arm.
https://x.com/TexasCollegeBSB/status/1773860510963785959
RHP Josh Randall (San Diego): Arizona right hander transfer to San Diego where he’s been effective missing bats at a noticeable rate (11.1 K/9) and limits walks (3.4 BB/9). There’s at least two pitches to work with here, with a good fastball that can touch the high 90s at times and a good slider. There’s a chance he’s a reliever but he had the size and stuff if the control takes a little leap with improvement. A good bet to go middle of day two. Has a weird side arm type delivery.
https://x.com/USDbaseball/status/1761236911266660569
RHP Jaxon Jelkin (Houston): Drafted in the 14th round last year out of a JUCO, Jelkin opted to transfer to Houston to improve his stock. He’s a big righty, at 6’5 and saw his stuff take a leap forward in the Big 12, striking out 12.1/9 and walking just 2.6/9. However, it’s only seven starts and he’s dealt with an injury. But he throws in the mid-90s now and has some projection left in his frame and has a good slider. He should also be a mid-day two arm, depending on his health.
https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1769927193390678377
RHP Aidan Major (West Virginia): Undersized (6’0) right hander that hasn’t ever had any issues missing bats (10.7 K/9 in college) but the control is fringe-average at best (4.4 BB/9). He has a starters arsenal overall and the stuff to go with it, but lacks traditional size and control. A bit of a split on where he lands, could depend on control. It’s a weak class for college pitching, so he should still go somewhere by the third round.
https://x.com/mountaineerjdub/status/1773879530240815302
RHP Chase Allsup (Auburn): Put into more of a starters role in 2024 at Auburn, but lacks the control and delivery to start. It’s a beast of a fastball, hitting the upper 90s from a high arm slot with vertical to it and gets downhill on hitters. Long arm swing and delivery. Big overhand curve too. Has really seen his control step forward in 2024 however, so maybe a team gives him a chance to start. He looks somewhat like James Karinchak with better control, at least with what he’s shown in 2024. If a team thinks he can start, he’ll go earlier day two. If they think he’s a reliever, he doesn’t have the track record of a Tyson Neighbors, so maybe more of a mid-day two pick.
https://x.com/d1baseball/status/1782874897586290771
LHP Jackson Kent (Arizona): good sized lefty that has been able to miss bats last year in the Cape and this year at Arizona. Has been shockingly effective in a stronger hitting environment. His walks are down as is his WHIP while strikeouts are up. It’s a real funky lefty delivery from a wide-three quarters angle. It’s kind of like a sped up Cole Hamels but has some Adam Tulloch to it, who also was at Arizona. Deception might help. Probably a late day two, early day three pick depending on how teams view his role at the next level.
https://x.com/ArizonaBaseball/status/1778981011734569058
LHP Rafe Schlesinger (Miami): High-side arm lefty that can run it to 93 as a college starter. That may tick down as a starter at the next level, but appears to have an above average slider and the fastball metrics are strong. Reminds some of Carson Palmquist, who was at Miami last year. Has a good track record of missing bats, (9.6 K/9 on the Cape in ‘23) and limited walks there too, and his strikeouts are in the 9/9 range. Could be a pen arm with his delivery and lack of a third pitch, but an interesting arm to track early on day two.
https://x.com/Fantavious9/status/1761885493740888443
LHP Sam Garcia (Oklahoma State): Transferred to OSU from High Point. Big, tall lefty that comes in with a wide arm slot from the mid 3/4 range. It’s a little like Adam Tulloch. Good control, misses bats. Has a good pitch mix and has been a workhorse at OSU. Has Cape success. Should be a good senior sign.
https://x.com/Ostate_Daily/status/1789111776748916942
RHP Brett Sears (Nebraska): Another potential senior sign. Could be a day three choice. Strong pitch mix. Pitchability. Solid pitch mix. Won’t light up the radar gun but has been a college innings eater and workhorse.
https://x.com/Huskers_film/status/1789322010595897776
RHP Jacob Kmatz (Oregon State): A bit overshadowed by his teammate Aiden May, but has good control, a solid four pitch mix. Love the big curve and has an OK slider. Over the top arm a slot. Really drives the ball down. Could be another nice late arm to add to an organization to see what else they can get from him.
https://x.com/pac12/status/1777426437181735358
RHP Brady Tygart (Arkansas): Tygart had better control last season, but it’s looked more like his issues from his freshman year. He can get the fastball up to 93-95 and has a big breaker. Might be more of a reliever with a two pitch mix and iffy control, but he’s a fun arm
https://x.com/Fantavious9/status/1761930291663229282
RHP Ryan Gallagher (UC Santa Barbara): There’s really not much out there about Gallagher but he’s a good sized arm (6’3) with a downward slot that really drives the ball down. Looks to have a good change/split type pitch. Has good strikeout numbers and limits walks. Didn’t pitch 2023, but haven’t seen an explanation. I assume it was something injury related but he has come back strong in 2024.
https://x.com/UCSB_Baseball/status/1789121861756031184
RHP Charlie Beilenson (Duke): Low 3/4 reliever with mid-90s heat and some funky offspeed stuff. Misses bats as Duke’s closer and limits walks.
https://x.com/Draft_Analyst_/status/1766300423143501988
RHP Dennis Colleran (Northeastern): A young for the class high school arm in 2021 that made it to school due to control concerns. His freshman year at Northeastern, his control concerns were an issue. He found better control on the Cape in ‘23 after not pitching at school his sophomore year. In ‘24 as a reliever, he’s seen better control as well. Violent delivery and runs his fastball into the upper 90s with a three pitch mix that gives him the look of a potential setup man.
https://x.com/brian_recca/status/1785389229515636924
RHP Nate Knowles (William & Mary): Data darling that also has the numbers to back the data. Fun cutter/curve combo and plenty of fastball velo and movement to go around (mid-90). Should be a fun day two guy with some polish.
https://x.com/brian_recca/status/1776785094876844180
RHP Dawson Netz (Arizona): A relief option on day two or three as a senior sign. He’s older but throws strikes and gets up to 95 with a three pitch mix. Plenty of track record of performance wise. Not much projection here but maybe more of an interesting org arm with a relief shot. The three pitch mix is interesting though.
https://x.com/draftleaguedata/status/1803850505459843494
RHP Nate Dohm (Mississippi State): Dohm comes with an interesting package of a good build (6’4, 210) and potentially three average or better pitches. He’s got a fastball that he can run into the mid-90s with ride and his slider is probably his best secondary. THere’s promise with a changeup with arm side run to get lefties out. Good control and misses bats. Had some injury issues in 2024. Transferred from Ball State. Health in 2024 makes him more of a question but stuff and control fits him in as one of those 4/5 type arms on day two.
https://x.com/HailStateBB/status/1793488494586921393
RHP Luke Sinnard (Indiana): A skyscraper right, Sinnard had Tommy John, but he should be healthy by the time the draft is over and the paperwork is signed. He’s got great data on his fastball and spins his breaking stuff even better. He had 11.9 K/9 and just a 2.6 BB/9 before his injury. He’ll need some work on a changeup but he could be a three-pitch mid-rotation guy with his control or a big reliever. Either way there’s high upside here on an injury rebound that isn’t so under the radar anymore so this i might be a 5-7 round pick.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1747785288271929600
RHP Brandon Neely (Florida): Some remnants of Jack Leftwich here. Good fastball and has been jerked around in different roles at Florida (closer, starter, etc.). He was better as a reliever and gets up to 97 there. We’ve seen some success with missing development at Florida with Leftwich and Tommy Mace before, though a mixed back. But there’s a possible three pitch mix here with some day two upside here if there is some development to be had. He also only just turned 20.
https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1782114787578834960
RHP Luke Jewett (UCLA): Jewett was a starter this year for the Bruins but his best success performance wise in college was as a reliever. His control is not the best, but it was at its best on the Cape (11.4 K/9, 3.8 BB/9). High arm slot with fastball ride to go with velo in the mid to high 90s as a reliever. I’d guess most teams interested would put him in the pen given that his fastball is his most viable pitch right now. UCLA has not been a good developmental program so if a team thinks that there are some traits and metrics here that need some further development, he could be a late day two pop and project. I do like the arm slot and how the fastball looked out of that arm slot plus the decent Cape success backs this some perhaps.
https://x.com/UCLABaseball/status/1789119908858794380
RHP Clark Candiotti (Arizona): The son of the former Cleveland knuckleballer Tom does not throw a knuckleball, but he did have good performance at Arizona this season. As my good friend and podcast co-host Jeff Ellis says, players who put up good performances in places or situations where they shouldn’t can stand out. While teams don’t draft performance, they draft traits and development, Arizona can be a tough environment to pitch in and that’s worth noting. It’s a lot of average stuff across the board here, even control. But he’s got the bloodlines and performed in that tough environment, so that’s something to look out for late day two.
https://x.com/AZStatCats/status/1770222887867486455
https://x.com/AZStatCats/status/1754582461571559553
RHP Jayden Voelker (Northern Essex CC): A JUCO bandit, Voelker is bat misser (18 K/9) as a starter but fringe control (5 BB/9). You have to overperform to stand out in the JUCO ranks and Voekler does. He reminds me some of Cody Allen and James Karinchak with a high delivery, a fastball in the mid-90s and a big curveball with a lot of power hump in it. He went to the Cape this spring to improve his draft stock. Matt Wilkinson was a JUCO kid invited to the Cape and shoved. You have to be good to earn a roster spot in the Cape coming from JUCO. It’s only three outings but he had seven K’s in five innings with two walks. Is that enough? Not sure. I’d call this name early day three and send him out as a starter and see if you have to revert to the Allen/Karinchak/Cade Smith route.
https://x.com/jayden_voelker/status/1782215971186315275
https://x.com/PGCollegeBall/status/1805979967949357088
RHP AJ Causey (Tennessee): Sidearmer that transferred to Tennessee for 2024. Filled roles out of the pen and in the rotation. Low-90s fastball with ride thanks to his delivery and a sweeper. Fits more as a reliever at the next level. 12 K/9 and about 2 BB/9. Some Nick Sandlin vibes here with less fastball velo, but might tick up in the pen too. Cleveland has been known to pop some sidearmers.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1789113077939507539
RHP Marcus Morgan (Iowa): Morgan is a real project. This is all stuff, no polish. Great feel for spin and upper 90s heat. Iowa has got some interesting arms at school but has done little to really develop them further. Brody Brecht did come on late with control but Morgan and Obermuelle didn’t. He’d be a fun late day two signee if you believe in helping him throw some strikes and probably throw him in the pen.
https://x.com/tyler_kotila/status/1769509652092297650
High School Pitchers
RHP Joey Oakie (Ankeny, - Iowa Commit): A right handed arm on the shorter side (6’3) than you’d like from a high school arm. His body might not have a ton of projection left, but he’s well built and can get his fastball into the mid-90 already. The slider is the carrying pitch, with big sweeping movement. It’s possibly a double plus pitch and he’s shown good control with both pitches. The changeup is said to be behind a bit but the delivery seems repeatable with his athleticism. It’s a side arm looking operation that aids the slider. Iowa high school baseball doesn’t start until May, so he might be a late riser but he should be on team’s radar as a day one pick already. Iowa commit.
RHP Levi Sterling (Notre Dame HS, CA - Texas Commit): A projectable right handed thrower (6’4 190) committed to Texas that can also run the ball into the mid-90s. Sterling’s gifts are his projectability as well as a potentially bat missing curveball and a slider. Very easy operation as well and lot to dream on. With smooth, repeatable mechanics, he should throw strikes at the next level. Good athlete that is playing SS in high school and will only be 17 by the draft, so a lot of arrows pointing up here.
LHP Ethan Schiefelbein (Corona, CA - UCLA Commit): On the shorter side (different outlets have him between 6’0 and 6’2) but plenty of pitchability and some projection left strength wise. Strike thrower that lives 90-92 but can hit 95. Big curve and slider with the makings of an above average change. Good target early on day two with some extra money as a strike throwing lefty with mid-rotation upside.
LHP Kash Mayfield (Elk City, OK - Oklahoma State Commit): Ideal size (6’4 200) with really free and easy mechanics and can get into the mid-90s. Good spinning slider with an advanced changeup. Strike thrower that can miss bats. Probably going to push his way into the first round despite being 19 at the time of the draft.
RHP William Schmidt (Catholic HS, LA - LSU Commit): Could be the top prep pitcher, rivaling Cam Caminiti. Loose and easy arm and action. Can really drive the ball downhill. 6’4 frame with room for projection. Heat in the upper 90s that plays big up in the zone. Good power curve that needs needs tightened and better control. Nascent changeup. Average control. Big stuff to dream on in round one.
LHP Talan Bell (Hagerty HS, FL - Clemson Commit): Low-90s fastball with a good flat approach angle that competes for swings and misses in the zone. Another strike thrower. Changeup has fade and run. Developing slider and curve with bite. 19 with not much size left here (5’11, 6’0) but pitchability with good mid-rotation type stuff.
RHP Chase Mobley (Durant HS, FL - Florida State Commit): Big projectable arm (6’5, 190) and good arm speed. Already topping out at 96. Young for class (still 17 on draft date). Somewhat of a violent arm action, though his backswing is short. Tight power curve and developing changeup. Easy bet to be a day one arm.
https://x.com/Florida_PG/status/1757994346178134339
RHP/3B Alex Hernandez (Forsyth Central HS, GA - Georgia Tech Commit): Will be 19 after the draft (18-10 months on draft day). Solid size (6’2, 200) with a strong lower half. Fastball can reach 94-95 and has a tight curve, and a changeup that shows good arm side run. Pretty fluid mechanics. Has big power as a corner infielder too. Probably a mid-day two pick but not sure which way he will go with his development.
https://x.com/JGoetzBaseball/status/1570949730192199680
LHP David Shields (Mt. Lebanon HS, PA - Miami Commit): A well built lefty with a football background and reclassified into the 2024 class, so he’ll be young on draft day (17). Stands 6’2 and throws his heater up to 93-94 with a big slider. Is a bit cross-body in his delivery and finish. It seems to allow him to have some deception, but you wonder if a team will want to clean that up a little. Cold weather arm with a lot of upside due to age and stuff. 2nd-4th round type signee.
https://x.com/SowerPeyton/status/1726591857168413046
RHP Braylon Doughty (Chaparral HS, CA - Oklahoma State Commit): A bit of a stockier size but good build for being 6’1 and is strong in his lower half. Looks like a good athlete on the mound and is good at messing with the timing mechanism in his delivery. Mid-90s and and can reach back at times for a bit more. Hammer of a power curve with good control. Also has a good horizontal type slider that could have the makings of an above average offering. A legit three pitch mix and a solid build for a smaller arm. Probably doesn’t have much remaining projection in his build, but if he adds a changeup, he’s got big time upside. Going to be a popular name on day one to get in the comp rounds. Just barely over 18 on draft day.
https://x.com/wvscouting/status/1766923952239333802
RHP Tegan Kuhns (Gettysburg Area HS, PA - Tennessee Commit): A bit of an older arm (near 19 on draft day). Long, lanky build. High waisted. Looks like he’s put some strength onto the frame in his senior year. Has moving parts to his delivery, but can get it up to the mid-90s, lives in low-90s. Projectable frame till, so more velocity could be coming. Has a good, tight power curve. Reportedly throws a splitter two in addition to two breaking balls. Good projectable arm with some delivery cleanup to do, but easy to see the upside here with a day one, or very early day two pick.
https://x.com/PG_Draft/status/1756395467666026544
RHP Dax Whitney (Blackfoot HS, ID - Oregon State Commit): There’s not a ton of major leaguers from Idaho, and even less pitchers. But Cleveland has one of them in Kyle Manzardo. Whitney is a 6’5 right hander who has also played shortstop, but his future is on the mound with a fastball that lives in the lower-90s and can touch 95 right now with more to come as he fills out his frame. He works downhill very well with his size and has a very over the top delivery. You worry about that arm slot and command at times because it’s hard to stay in line with the body that way. Whitney has a big downer curve and a vertical slider that also looks good. He’s reportedly been a strike thrower so far and could hear his name called on day one, if not very early day two.
https://x.com/PG_FourCorners/status/1794891777222320510
LHP William Kirk (Ramsey HS, NJ - Virginia Commit): Three pitch mix highlighted by what could be an above average changeup once he’s done developing. Free and easy delivery that gives him a good chance to control and command his stuff, as he has to this point. Fastball is only 89-92 but could be more to come with time. Someone easy to project and dream on. On the older side of 18 on draft day with a tough commit to Virginia. Kirk could be anywhere between the third or high school arm off the board. New Jersey has mixed results with pro prospects but plenty of teams like the cold weather projection.
https://x.com/IanSmittyGA/status/1689664707802836992
RHP Brayden Krenzel (Dublin Jerome HS, OH - Tennessee Commit): The son of OSU championship QB Craig Krenzel already possess good size (6’3 205) and solid command of the strike zone. His fastball is 88-92 and touches 94 with sink. His best secondary, maybe his best pitch, is a changuep. The slider has good two plane action and tilt too. He’s got kind of a longer arm swing but it works for him and he’s generally in sync. It’s a low 3/4 operation with sort of reminds me of Max Scherzer (the arm movements, nothing else). Tennessee commits can be tough and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make it to campus. Could be worth a mid-day two pick.
https://x.com/ShooterHunt/status/1705727260064424360
LHP Joseph Broughton (Northville HS, MS - Pitt Commt): Good sized (6’2, 200) lefty with a high carry fastball that is high-80s, low-90s. His size suggests that there should be more in the tank. There are concerns about some of the timing mechanics in his arm, but he’s a good athlete and probably something that can be worked out. There’s a big power curve in the arsenal and good arm speed for a changeup. The arm action is a big wonky, but the operation in the lower half is a little more smooth and there’s projection with stuff. Probably someone with more late day two projection here from a cold weather area. Worth the upside gamble considering signability shouldn’t be a huge issue.
https://x.com/tyler_kotila/status/1701753586177188007
RHP Dylan Jordan (Viera HS, FL - Florida State Commit): A deceptive release with a ton of run on his fastball with other good metrics are what teams are interested in. His slider dives the complete other way with a ton of late two plane tilt. Doesn’t have a clear third pitch right now, but at 6’3 205, good control and some strong metrics, Jordan will be a popular high school arm to watch on day two. Another pitcher I wouldn’t be surprised to get to campus but if a team likes the size, strike throwing and metrics on his stuff, they could buy him out depending on how the rest of their draft goes.
https://x.com/prospectdugout/status/1773040162743763123
LHP Johnny King (Naples HS, FL - Miami Commit): Good sized lefty (6’4, 210) with projection that is already hitting 94-95. Shallow approach angle thanks to his wide release point in his low 3/4 arm slot. He pairs it with a hard, power breaking ball with good vert and can turn over a bit of a change despite his arm angle. The delivery and look here give vibes of a high school Hagen Smith and some Josh Hader. It’s a big of an awkward standing finish, which is more Smith. Same build too and arm angle. He’s also 17 on draft day. I’d watch out here in the second or third round as Miami shouldn’t be too hard to buy out.
https://x.com/Florida_PG/status/1770508165697732882
LHP Bryce Navarre (Montgomery HS, TX - Texas A&M Commit): A bit on the undersized side without maybe ideal future projection for a high school arm (6’1, 190) but has really interesting characteristics. He can really spin his breaking ball with big sweep and he offers a good fading changeup. Has strike throwing ability too. Good and smooth operation with a low release height that helps his fastball play up above its 89-91 velo. If a team thinks he can grow into more velocity, it could help his other pitches play up too and there could be mid-rotation upside here. It probably will take a mid-day two pick (round 4-5) for him to leave his commitment to Texas A&M behind I’m betting.
https://x.com/mlbdraftleague/status/1798506780131234203
RHP Drew Rerick (Fargo Davies, ND - Texas A&M): Big 6’5 right hander that gets it up to 98 and pairs it with a big spinning slider. Both pitches spin. Dad was a former draft pick by the Cardinals. Drew has played hockey and is a good athlete. Not sure how strong A&M commits are these days, but we know they have money to spend. An athlete with size and traits to think about on day two. 18 years and 2 months on draft day, so par or a bit younger for the draft. - JL
RHP Tyler Renz (Fox Lane HS, NY - St. John’s Commit): Renz is a young for the class cold weather arm that stands 6’4 and 190, so this is your typical upside model play based on raw projection in both experience and body/age. Shows a low 90s fastball with good downhill plane. Not a lot of effort in the delivery. Very nice, tight power curve. Does have a nascent changeup. Probably worth going to school unless a team buys high.
https://x.com/PG_Scouting/status/1682527258978680833
LHP Mason Russell (Casteel HS, AZ - Arizona Commit): Just 18.3 on draft day, Russell is a left hander with a smooth looking delivery and a feel for spin. He got stronger coming into his senior year and looks like he’s starting to push into the mid-90s with his fastball now. There is some history of strike throwing concerns, but nothing overly alarming. The feel for spin and age should make him worth keeping him an eye on, though at 6’1, you’ll wonder about some projection.
https://x.com/PG_FourCorners/status/1767950730156212477
RHP Ryan Sloan (York HS, IL - Wake Forest Commit): Pretty easy velocity for Sloan with a well built frame. Up to 98 with a big slider and has the arm speed and release that gives confidence in the development of what could be an above average changeup. For a high school pitcher, there’s a lot of very present stuff and physical side of things filled out. Usually you want more projection in a high school pitcher, but there’s a very impressive base here. He could go as high as the mid-teens.
https://x.com/PrepBaseballIL/status/1786427770999845068
LHP Dasan Hill (Grapevine, TX - Dallas Baptist): There’s some left handed Triston McKenzie here. He’s 6’5 and 165 and needs to add to his fastball, though he’s reached 96 in the past. He’s a good age for the class. Doesn’t have a long history but has a nice arsenal with two potentially plus breaking pitches. Cleveland hasn’t typically gone into Texas preps in quite some time, but he could be an option with pick 48/84 depending on how things fall.
https://x.com/jkahn_5/status/1768340820959363327
RHP Owen Hall (Edmond North HS, OK - Vanderbilt Commmit): Hall is believed to have one of the better fastballs in the class between velo and spin. He’s also got good side (6’3) with some room to improve his strength even. He’s got two breaking balls he can spin though the slider is ahead right now, though I love the 12-6 hook look when it’s more refined. There’s some effort in the delivery but and a longer arm swing, but I think you can shorten that up without hurting his extension. He’ll be a tough sign but someone to look at around 48 or 84.
https://x.com/IanSmittyGA/status/1669381389592961024
RHP Conrad Cason
RHP Nick Brink (Portland): Brink is a small conference guy with middling stuff. He gets by with a good changeup and good control, though he can get up to 95. He missed a lot of bats. Has had Tommy John already and is 22. Was going to go to Ivy League but decided to go to Portland, so we know he’s smart. He was a Friday starter there and could be a good senior sign on day two with his strike throwing ability and reported competitiveness. Could be a back end starter or a fun set up reliever.
https://x.com/FerronRyan/status/1714431407119106242
RHP Josiah Romeo (Mayfield, Ontario CA - Florida State Commit): Canadian right hander with a fastball that gets into the mid-90s with sinking action and pairs it with a good sweeping slider and a power curve that could use some tightening. Very easy delivery. Between that and physical projection, there’s more to dream on here. Appears to have solid control already too. Cold weather arm, so Cleveland likes that type if there’s more to develop as well. Another late day two target. I wonder if there could be a Jacob Zibin like situation here. Perhaps not $1M but close to it.
https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1709262696041033738
https://x.com/JaredCP1/status/1800929443768086918
RHP Kyle DeGroat (Walkill HS, NY - Texas Commit): Only 6’0, DeGroat might be an undervalued arm due to his size and coming from a cold weather environment. His fastball is in the low 90s and can get into the mid 90s. His power breaker can buckle knees. Operation makes him look like a good athlete. It’s a two pitch operation right now with solid control. Perhaps with his size there’s not a ton of projection here, but if you believe in cold weather arms with more to develop and a good athlete with already two solid pitches, he’s an interesting option on day two.
https://x.com/JoeWalentin/status/1792727860748144790
RHP Mavrick Rizy (Worcester Academy, MA - LSU Commit): A literal giant at 6’9, Rizy has a catch gen-z name and is the nephew of MLB P Alex Cobb. On his own accord, Rizy can run his fastball up to 98 and has real feel for a good slider with hellish break and he can locate it arm side and get swings and misses. Has a split-change that needs work. Despite being 6’9, he actually repeats his delivery well and can throw strikes. He is 19 and is committed to LSU, so curious to see how teams value those two things. He had a real late pop in his senior year because originally he was committed to UCONN and switched late to LSU I’m guessing based on a late offer, which means the stuff jumped. MId to late day two prospect that probably gets full or slightly overslot unless he really wants to play ball now. He’d be a sophomore draft eligible arm if not.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1703899426056556989
HIgh School Hitters
1B/OF PJ Morlando (Summerville HS, SC - South Carolina Commit): Lefty with good bat to ball skills. Not much stride but shows raw power. A lot of hype as a circuit performer with the bat. Has a good approach at the plate. LIke to end up at first base and there are some growing questions about the bat.
INF Ty Southisene (Basic HS, NV - Tennessee Commit): Undersized middle infielder with great skills to stay at short. Very technically sound with his arm and actions. Good bet to stay at short. Contact over power profile. Good bat speed. Has Team USA experience. Sum of parts rather than one standout tool type player.
https://twitter.com/ShooterHunt/status/1705378023246319807
INF Owen Paino (Roy C Ketcham, NY - Ole Miss Commit): Well built infielder that has a chance to stick at shortstop despite having a tall/physical build. Very nice left handed swing. With his size, you’d expect some more power to come through here. Right now many have him as hit over power, but has more gap power. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up being power over hit in the pros. NY has an interesting but iffy history of players of this type. Looks like he has decent body control and enough arm to play on the left side. Could hear hi name called early day two.
https://x.com/brian_recca/status/1778436760906744097
OF Slade Caldwell (Valley View HS, AR - Ole Miss Commit): Listed at 5’9 some places but many say he checks in below that. But that doesn’t matter. Just barely 18 on draft day, Caldwell is a twitchy athlete. Mature approach in the box and has sneaky power and good speed. Once things get into the 15-20 range, any GM overlooking him based on his size will look silly. It would be a dream to buy a talent like this down the board, but in this class, there’s almost zero chance Cleveland can float him down to 36 no matter the money. If he was a legit 5’10, 6’0, he’s someone I would put into the top 5 talk.
https://x.com/FiveToolAR/status/1784044324386197681
OF/C James Nunnallee (Lightridge HS, VA - Virginia Commit): Good athlete with good bat speed and even better foot speed. Could catch but also could handle center field, so that makes him a very interesting athlete. Reports of a plus-plus makeup type with good leadership qualities. I like the hands and the quick adjustable bat path. Virginia is a very hard school to get kids to skip their commitment, but Nunnallee is an interesting athlete but will a day two pick be enough? All it takes is one team to believe he’s a future leadoff guy to do it.
https://x.com/JJonesPBVADC/status/1788359310944391632
INF Luke Dickerson (Morris Knolls HS, NJ - Virginia Commit): Another Cavaliers commit, which could steer him to school. But a right handed hitting shortstop that might be a second baseman is an offensive minded player. He upped his power senior year but has a contact heavy approach in the box and can draw a walk. Enough speed to profile in the outfield if it goes that way, but the bat would be the carrying tool. Dickerson is also a good hockey player, so a good athlete but will be nearly 19 on draft day, so will that push him to college? Interesting high school bat to think about midway through day two.
https://x.com/ShooterHunt/status/1782139313888633083
C Burke Mabeus (Bishop Gorman HS, NV - Oregon Commit): Big, physical backstop (6’4, 210), so not sure the size will allow him to stay behind the plate. But the bat is the driver of Mabeus’ draft profile. He has good raw power from both sides of the plate, with a little more of an efficient swing from the left side, and more power driven from the right side. But he can absolutely barrel the ball from both sides of the plate. Reports also suggest he’s a leader as a catcher too and teams probably would want to try him as a catcher first where the bat would really play well, but I could see OF/1B being a home for him and the switch hitting power bat would carry there too. He will be nearly 19 on draft day but Bishop Gorman has had good pro prospects in the past, including Joey Gallo, Justin Crawford, Marty Cordova, Paul Sewald, and Austin Wells. He’s had plenty of time on the showcase circuit and has been a higher profile name for a bit. He’s also performed well in those instances. It’s a profile worth a chance to look later on day two and Oregon shouldn’t be a hard commit.
https://x.com/MLBPipeline/status/1778117850432933962
INF Aiden Harris (Pro Development Group, VA - Virginia Commit): Harris might be more of a personal favorite than a Guardians type. But he’s an interesting high school prospect to take a big swing on in day two. Harris is a hitting prospect in this draft that if you save money for early on and take some more higher floor profiles on (college pitching) you can gamble on in day two. He’s big (6’4 230) and has swing and miss concerns, but the power is probably the best in the high school class, even above Griffin. Harris is young for the class, too (17 on draft day). He’s pitched some too and was up to 93, so there’s arm strength there for third base. His size could push him to first base, but again, a prospect like this, you’re buying the bat. Virginia commits are tough and Harris could use some college seasoning, but if a team believes they can iron out some of his swing issues, you’re getting a mammoth power corner bat at age 17.
https://x.com/PGAllAmerican/status/1693391198675959948
OF Terrence Kiel II (Pace Academy, GA - Texas A&M Commit): Kiel II is a good two sport athlete (good college prospect as a WR/DB) and has athletic bloodlines (dad was an NFL safety). He’s a project at the plate, however. The swing needs work and is a bit disjointed. But there’s good raw bat speed there and good exit velos and he might have both double-plus speed and a double-plus arm from right field. It’s a top of the order type profile. Some think if he focuses on baseball, more development will come. He’s certainly a good enough athlete to think so. Georgia is a strong area and even though he’s not a cold weather guy, he could have sort of a Quentin Holmes type progression (upside but needs work). Texas A&M also offers a very strong commit to have to buy out of too. He might have very early day two suitors which might be a bit harder for me considering the work needed, but if he falls further, he could be an upside option, provided you can get him to skip his college commitment there.
https://x.com/PerfectGameUSA/status/1679524578291482624
OF Jack Haferkamp (Santa Fe Christian HS, CA - UC Santa Barbara Commit): Big, physical OF (6’4, 195) that has plenty of bat speed and strength that projects to plus raw power. His swing is rated as pretty efficient but has some swing and miss in his game. Should also maintain above average speed once he fills out. I want to say there’s some Joey Wiemer here maybe? Not quite as big but could get there. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up at school but there’s some fun corner power upside and I think the swing is in a place where someone can work with to help work through swing and miss concerns.
https://x.com/PG_Scouting/status/1709995751323906195
OF Michael Mullinax (North Cobb Christian HS, GA - Georgia Commit): WIll be just about 19 on draft day (18 years, 10 months) but is a switch hitter with pop from both sides and above average to potentially plus speed. His swing is a bit more efficient from the right side but looks more geared for power from the left side. There are some things to clean up in his swing from both sides of the ball but there’s power/speed here that is exciting and a track record of hitting well on showcase circuits. Cleveland has liked Georgia/Cobb County guys before and new scouting director Ethan Purser was the former scout in that area. Not sure what Georgia commits will be like currently with Wes Johnson taking over. Definitely a guy that will get popped in the fourth/six round range.
https://x.com/ShooterHunt/status/1759632474458759183
INF Hayden Federico (West Monroe HS, LA - Ole Miss Commit): A 5’10 switch hitter, Federico has a quick, compact swing geared for good contact. He looks solid up the middle with decent actions and some good fundamentals. He’ll probably need to stay up the middle for the bat to play, as it doesn’t seem like he’ll develop corner starter power. But Federico looks like a four tool guy who is solid across the board. Whether that’s enough to get him drafted high enough to pass up Ole Miss, we’ll see. He might end up profiling as more of a utility type long term that could go on day two and no idea how high he’ll go if he hits for three years in college. He’ll be just shy of 19 on draft day.
https://x.com/2DsportsLA/status/1499516422753595394
INF Carson Luna (St. John’s HS, TX - Texas Commit): Luna has very still hands in the box and a quick swing that has adjustability, giving him a chance to find the barrel plenty in the zone. Solid size (6’1, 180) with some room to add strength at the next level. Projectable raw power, which he will need as likely a third baseman at the next level. Possible day to high school bat if you are in on the projectability.
https://x.com/FiveToolTexas/status/1786581731900026938
OF Jaxon Walker (Loudon HS, TN - Tennessee Commit): Speedy outfielder with quick hands and a quick swing. His weight shift back and toe tap trigger give him some pop but could be trouble with breaking stuff. Good exit velos. Could be a leadoff type outfielder but might add some pop. Speed for center but arm for left. Another Tennessee commit that’s a late day two guy that could get to campus. I like the swing and speed potential here.
https://x.com/PGShowcases/status/1729868074764157075
INF JD Dix (Whitefish Bay, WI - Wake Forest Commit): Hit over power middle infielder with solid shortstop instincts and tools, though he is 6’2 and could get a little bigger. If he does continue to fill out, he could add some power. Switch hitter with a feel for the barrel on both sides. Has performed well on the showcase circuit as well and his high school produced Craig Counsell. Wake Forest commits can be tough, too, but an early day two pick could swing him.
https://x.com/PatrickEbert44/status/1706743263263125943
INF Manny Marin (Elite Squad Baseball Academy, FL - Tennessee Commit): Looks like a slick shortstop with range and more than enough arm. Very good mover at short and started there for Team USA 18U. 6’2 and only 180, so he has a frame to grow into some strength. Doesn’t have present power but if he grows into his frame, he could. Listed as lacking speed. Is older for the class and is a Tennessee commit that could be draft eligible as a sophomore. It might be better for him to get bigger at school and work on more pop. Maybe some Alex Mooney here? I like the swing and projection. Someone to eye early day two. Maybe more of a personal interest than Guardians interest due to age, but the projection is fun to look at and I tend to like Tennessee hitters for some reason.
https://x.com/ConnorHoldren_/status/1792992387456762222
INF Wyatt Sanford (Independence HS, TX - Texas A&M Commit): Well built middle infield body and good actions at shortstop. Should stay at the position. Has a good approach and makes a lot of contact. Very fringy power. Good runner. Could grow into more gap power.
INF Carter Johnson (Oxford HS, AL - Alabama Commit): Strong framed left handed hitting shortstop with good overall sized and a clean looking swing. Has some pull-side power currently and has some success on the Team USA circuit. There may be some question about if he can stick at SS, but the bat would carry at second or third with enough arm to stick at third. He’s been viewed as a top 30 talent but there’s been some buzz about Cleveland looking to try to buy him down to 36, so keep an eye out here.
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1745184989753340126
OF/1B Anthony Quigley (Taravella HS, FL - South Florida Commit): This is more of a personal fav than a Guardians type, but there are some crossover traits here. He’s young for the class. Quigley is a big athlete (6-4, 200), which isn’t overly big but at the top end of where you want some hitters to be (bigger players see their bodies break down a little more and sooner, plus less room for projection as a high school player). He has long levers, which will give you pause about swing length, catching up to velocity. He has a decently short stroke and a lot of power in his body. He has an arm for right field and has pitched in high school, running up to 89-90 on the mound. His future is at the plate, and hopefully a focus on that could help with the swing a little more. He does have some room for physical projection, but the primary tool for Quigley is developing power in that frame and a big arm in right. That’s a fun late day two, early day three bet, but we’ll see. He might be better off looking to establish his swing in college. Who knows, a huge freshman year at South Florida could help him catapult to a bigger school and take off. We’ve seen it before. But the swing/athleticism and power intrigue.
https://x.com/DavidRosenbergg/status/1668635945187303425
OF Nate George (Minooka Community HS, IL - Eastern Illinois Commit): Under the radar cold weather athlete that is young for the class. 6’0, 185 with real present strength. Above average runner, possibly plus. Really kicks it into the gear out of the box. Has some good juice in the bat. There are some questions about the hit tool, and that may be the case for any cold weather bat due to lack of competition. George is a strong, physical athlete that played three sports and has shown both power and speed as an outfielder. Another hitter who could benefit from a college breakout and transfer but there’s some Mike Sirota-ness here without the size.
https://x.com/hudsonbelinsky/status/1790206937587462637
SS Kellon Lindsey (Hardee HS, FL - Florida Commit): An injury caused Lindsey to miss the summer showcase circuit, but he has plenty of interested suitors. He’s a multi sport athlete with a possible 80 grade on his speed. Some think he might move to the outfield, and whoever thinks he will hit will take him with a contact oriented swing with perhaps some pop still waiting. He should go late in the first round somewhere.
https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1769814851281416631
SS Eddie Rynders (Wisconsin Lutheran HS, WI - Kent State Commit): Good sized (6’2) infielder that might have to slide to third base due to his size and frame. He has a really easy looking swing that has some uppercut to it for loft. He’s already sort of got the starter kit for the pull side fly ball wing, so that makes him interesting to work with. He should be an early day two pick.
https://x.com/DanZielinski3/status/1806748933483340285
INF Arnold Jay Abernaty (North Cobbs HS, GA - Tennessee Commit): Abernathy has nearly double-plus speed and should have a chance to be a strong defender on the infield somewhere. He’s played well in good competition in Georgia, where Cleveland has liked prep talent before. He’s likely more of a table setter before but there’s some room to add some strength. There’s a chance he might even fit better in the outfield, though his arm will limit him to center. Some like him in the third round or so.
https://x.com/whoeferbaseball/status/1771024107854860328
OF Garrett Shull (Enis HS, OK - Oklahoma State Commit): The flags on Shull are his age (19) and there’s some questions about the overall hit tool. But he reportedly has a good approach and has hit well in some performance showcases. He has good exit velocities and might have above average power. He’ll have to profile in the corner, but a switch hitting outfielder with his potential bat should be a fit somewhere between rounds 2-4.
https://x.com/ShooterHunt/status/1688599752487878656
OF Jace Souza (Kamehameha HS, HI - Texas Tech Commit): Though Souza is almost 19 there could be some untapped upside because while Hawaii has prospects, there could be more development for him in the pros. He’s played on the showcase circuit as well. I liked the swing and I think there’s some juice to tap into. He has speed too and could play all over the outfield. Could be a fun flyer around round 5-7.
https://x.com/ShooterHunt/status/1754179508280680838
C/OF James Nunnallee (Lightbridge HS, VA - Virginia Commit): I like the contact ability with Nunnallee. He keeps his head on the ball and gets decent extension. He looks to have below average power and he’s unlikely to build into much. He’s been clocked at 4.03 home to first, so that should appear to give him at least above average speed. He’s caught but some think he can play center and has a fringy arm. Hard for me to know much about the defense, but there’s a really good base to work with on the swing and speed. Virginia commits are tough and he’s in about the late day two range right now, so not sure that’s enough to sway him but we’ll see. If he gets to campus, I’d bet on him developing into an interesting leadoff hitter and looking where he goes defensively.
https://x.com/JJonesPBVADC/status/1788359310944391632
C Nathan Flewelling (St. Josephs, Alberta CA - Gonzaga Commit): Hard hitting Canadian backstop that is young for the class. Cleveland doesn’t mind young Canadian players. Has a sub-2 pop time and a very direct to the ball swing that already has some strength to the swing. Late day two possibility to sign the left handed hitting backstop away from Gonzaga.