Prep Baseball Report

2019 Top Prospect Games: Outfield Analysis


Jordon Banfield
Arizona Scouting Director

The Invite-Only 2019 Top Prospect Games took place on Wednesday, June 27th at the Kansas City Royals Complex in Surprise. The event featured many of the state's top rising seniors and gave players an opportunity to perform in front of a strong group of colleges coaches and pro scouts as we gave out all 25 roster packets that were printed. Today, we continue the event coverage with our Outfield Analysis. The list is headlined by Nick Wallerstedt, a legitimate two-way prospect, who has since committed to Arizona State after running his fastball up to 84 mph at the event while showing natural instincts in the OF and tools to hit. Brigham Young commit McKay Barney earns the second spot on the list, after showing the high-end speed we've seen from him in game to turn in a blazing 6.59 60-yard dash. Seth Nager and Noah Thompson both burst onto the scene after remaining under the radar until the summer after showing off their physical left-handed bats. The battle for the final two spots on the list were very tight, with the superior present hit tools of Javan Ah Quin and Sean Cooper narrowly edging guys like Larry Ross, likely first basemen Marcus Lucas and Mason Kokodynski, as well as Ajay Ram, who we've seen really good previously. Danny Marshall also would have been included, but is almost certain to be a pitcher at the next level.

Complete video, data, pictures and scouting reports have been posted to players' individual profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information. The next opportunity for players from the 2019 class to be evaluated by PBR in front of college coaches will be at our Fall Unsigned Senior Showcase on 10/10 at Sunnyslope HS.

TOP OUTFIELD PROSPECTS:

 

 

Nick Wallerstedt RHP / OF / Mountain Pointe, AZ / 2019

6-foot-2, 185-pound frame. Wallerstedt has always intrigues with his frame, athleticism and arm strength, but he took his game to a completely different level on the mound. He sat in the low 90's during his inning of work, touching 93 and 94 when he reached back for a little extra. The combination of athleticism, lightning arm speed and protection in the body make him a premium prospect that will vault way up in the state and national rankings when updated. He also featured a 76-78 mph true slider with tilt and depth that looks like a future plus pitch and showed feel for an 80-82 mph change in warmups. While there is still some rawness to his game, having just recently started to focus more on baseball, the sky is the limit and we could be looking at a future high-end draft pick who I could easily see as a 95-97 mph guy at some point. Wallerstedt also remains a true two-way prospect, turning in a 6.73 60-yard dash, 91 mph outfield velo and 94 mph exit velo despite some crudeness in the swing. He could also develop into a high-end defender in center or right field as he's continually shown impressive bat reads and the ability to cover significant ground out there.

 

 

 

McKay Barney OF / Mountain View, AZ / 2019

BYU commit. 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame. Barney can really run, often posting times around 4.0 down the line during the spring and he again put his speed on display, turning in the top 60-time of the day with a 6.59. Plus runners in the 60 don't always translate on the bases, but Barney is very adept at using his speed on offense and should be able to be an early college contributor at the top of the order and in LF (where his arm 79 mph outfield velocity profiles best). At the plate Barney hit from a slightly open, wide, balanced set up. Minimal coiling or loading onto backside, energy leaks forward early. Generally looking to hit the ball on the ground the other way and leg out base hits which his is very adept at. Possesses quick hands, will hit the ball with more authority with added strength and some swing refinement; 75 mph exit velocity. 

 

 

 

Seth Nager OF / RHP / Ironwood Ridge, AZ / 2019

6-foot-3, 175-pounds. Nager has been under the radar after undergoing Tommy John, but really stood out with his swing, athleticism and projectable frame. Leg kick trigger, generates bat speed with ease, natural loft; 89 mph exit velocity. Nager posted a 6.83 60-yard dash and despite not being cleared to throw at max effort yet, was reportedly into the mid-80's as a sophomore prior to injury. If the arm comes back at full strength this fall we could be looking at a potentially high-end prospect. 

 

 

Noah Thompson OF / 1B / Sunrise Mountain, AZ / 2019

6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. Thompson was a complete unknown coming in to the event, but that didn't last long as he was one of only a couple prospects to leave the yard during BP at the Royals Complex. Thompson could develop into a very physical presence and already possesses standout raw power; 96 mph exit velocity. Looking to lift and pull, Thompson has a significant uphill bat path and bigger swing, but showed an ability to be on time in game action. His 7.20 60-yard dash and 85 mph outfield velocity make him profile as a corner OF at the next level. Bat could easily play enough to make move to 1B if necessary. He's relatively new to the game and the upside appears significant. 

 

 

 

Peyton McGregor OF / RHP / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2019

McGregor may be the best physical specimen in the 2019 class with a strong, athletic 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame. Shows elite flashes during BP and posted a 93 mph exit velocity. Also showed at least a 50 arm from the outfield registering 91 mph on his throws. Arm strength and 7.06 60-yard dash profile well in right field at the next level. If the elite student (Ivy level) is able to put it all together in game action in the near future, he could vault way up the rankings. 

 

 

Easton Erwin OF / 2B / Hamilton , AZ / 2019

5-foot-8, 150-pound frame. Erwin has improved his athleticism and physicality over the last 6 months, as highlighted by turning in a much improved 6.83 60-yard dash and appearing much stronger. Offensively hit from a balanced, open stance. Barrel takes an efficient path into the zone. Possesses bat speed, good barrel control, high two-handed finish; 81 mph exit velocity. Has shown a knack for barreling the baseball in game action. Defensively worked out in the outfield where he moved well. Fielded the ball with two hands at times, footwork could be more consistent, long loose arm action; 84 mph outfield velocity. 

 

 

 

Paul Sachen OF / LHP / Desert Mountain, AZ / 2019

6-foot, 150-pound frame. Room to add considerable size and strength. Offensively hit from an upright, balanced set up. Shorter stride, rides the hips forward, barrel gets on plane deep in the strike zone, posture tilts over plate at contact, creates lift at times; 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively worked out in the outfield where Sachen showed he could play all three outfield spots. Possesses the speed to play center, running the second best 60-yard dash at the event at 6.60 seconds. Moved confidently to the baseball with proper footwork. Good exchange, long, loose arm action, fast arm; 84 mph outfield velocity. Also hopped up on the mound running his fastball up to 81 mph. Long arm action, forearm outside of 90 degrees before going into layback, drives off back leg aggressively, high ¾ release, soft front knee at times. Fastball featured varying life. Also showed a curveball at 71-72 mph. The projection remaining in Sachen is intriguing.

 

 

 

Alex Figueroa 2B / OF / Millennium, AZ / 2019

5-foot-10, 160-pound frame. Athletic build with room to fill out. Relaxed, quiet set up at the plate. Short stride as hands work back during load. Short, compact stroke. Lead arm worked up creating lift at times, high finish as posture begins to tilt backwards, possesses bat speed; 85 mph exit velocity. Can try to do too much on offense at times instead of working gap-to-gap. Defensively Figueroa worked out in the outfield and the infield. In the outfield, moved confidently to the ball, tendency to field the ball with two hands, played through the ball, big, leaping crow hop on throws; 78 mph outfield velocity. On the infield, steady hands, low ¾ release, comfortable throwing from varying angles on the run; 78 mph infield velocity. Also posted a 7.38 60-yard dash. 

 

 

 

Javan Ah Quin OF / Chandler, AZ / 2019

5-foot-9, 190 pound frame. Physically developed body with significant present strength and broad shoulders. At the plate, balanced set up, short stride, maintains balance throughout swing. Simple, compact, on-plane swing. Extension through contact, some present strength and bat speed; 92 mph exit velocity. Defensively worked out in the outfield. Corner outfield profile. Solid footwork, played through the baseball. Used an aggressive crow to generate some arm speed on throws; 84 mph outfield velocity. Also ran a 7.40 60-yard dash. Appears to be a better athlete than 60 time indicates.

 

 

 

Sean Cooper OF / 3B / Brophy Prep, AZ / 2019

6-foot, 190 pound frame. Offensively hit from a spread out, wide base from the left side. Heel turn, no stride. Minimal weight transfer into swing. Shorter, compact swing that generates some loft. Maintains balance throughout swing, good extension through contact, high two-handed finish; 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively worked out in the outfield as well as the infield showing the ability to handle both. Corner outfield profile with left field being the better present fit given the arm strength; 77 mph outfield velocity. Third base profile on the infield. Positioned and angled body well, fielded ball out in front, replaced feet playing through the ball. Could improve the exchange and transfer as he tends to hold onto the ball as he takes an extra shuffle step; 78 mph infield velocity. Also posted a 7.09 60-yard dash.