Hard-Throwing Junior, Frers, Receiving High Praise

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. - Raves have been coming in about Nick Frers.

“Nick is one of the top uncommitted '23 arms in the country,” pointed out Cam Black-Araujo, lead scout/journalist for PBR Canada. “He had a strong showing this past year at several national events, including the Future Games. We saw Frers up to 90.5 in 2021 and with his athletic, 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame, it will be interesting to see if there's a velo jump this spring."

Shooter Hunt, Vice President of Scouting for PBR, also has high praise for the 16-year-old.

“Given the limited action that Canadian players have faced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Frers’ upside appears even higher than initially thought,” Hunt said on the PBR website back in October. “Impressively up to 91 mph (2430 rpm), Frers should see some advancements in coming years. Checking in at #25 in Hop+, the right-hander gets quality extension out front with the ability to back-spin the baseball with a quick arm and simple delivery.”

The Argyle Secondary School junior joined Team Canada after the Future Games and Illinois State and Pepperdine are among those that have reached out to the second-ranked 2023 right-handed pitcher in British Columbia. 

“I’m at the talking stage right now, there haven’t been any offers,” noted Frers. “I’m just getting to know each of them and what the benefits are. The schools I’ve talked with like my energy on the field and in the dugout. I have a strong body and good potential for it. They love my enthusiasm and that I’m a good teammate.”

Improvement on the mound continues to be a driving force for Frers.

“In the past I’ve struggled with my command but I’ve been working on that with my coach and getting better at it,” Frers related. “I hit the weight room and I’ve put on 20 pounds. I’m working every day, evaluating where I am and what I need to do to get better with my short and my long-term goals.”

The desire to play college baseball began at the age of eight when Frers “made the Twins” and his yearning for the game has only gotten stronger.

“I love being outside with all of my teammates,” Frers said about his admiration toward baseball. “I just love the energy and the all-around feeling of winning and all the connections that are made to last a lifetime,” 

It has been an interesting recruiting process thus far, according to the third-ranked junior in British Columbia.

“What stood out to me was how schools start recruiting so early,” Frers said. “I’m shocked how fast it’s gone by already. But it’s not as scary as people think. After my first call I thought there might be more interest there, but the coaches I have talked with have really been nice.”

PBR has been a major help along the way in the eyes of Frers.

“One of the first events I went to was a 2019 PBR showcase,” Frers reflected. “That was the first time I got my name out there. It was posted and schools started to show interest. From there it’s taken off and the Future Games only added more schools.

“Everything with PBR has helped grow my name. It;s kind of the main thing with my recruitment. I’m looking forward to going to spring training in March at Palm Beach.”

The same goes for Cam Black-Araujo, who looks ahead with anticipation in regard to seeing what Frers might show.

“We'll get our first look at Frers this year when he attends our PBR Spring Training event in March," the

lead scout for PBR Canada said. “His stuff on the mound is some of the best in Canada's 2023 class and it wouldn't shock me to see a big-time commitment from the West Coast right-hander in the near future.”

The number two uncommitted 2023 from BC has a blueprint of what he is looking for when it comes to college and a baseball program.

“Definitely, Division I,” Frers explained. “The West Coast would be nice. Right now UCSB is one I most want to go to. Alabama and Vanderbilt would be others at the top.

“Having a veteran coach would be nice, they kind of know the program and what they need to do to win championships,” added Frers. “The big thing is finding a school that wants me the most and I want them the most.”

In addition to playing in Florida in March, Frers has been asked to play on the Junior National team which leaves on a trip April 12.

“Right now I’m working on weight training and getting ready for the season,” concluded Frers, who carries a 3.5 GPA and is planning to major in business. “Hopefully, by the end of this year or the start of next year I’ll be committed. I know schools are recruiting earlier and earlier so the more time you wait the less spots they’ll have for you. So spring or summer is also a possibility.”