Top 10 Player Profiles of 2017: No. 1 Alek Thomas

7.11.17 - TCU recruit, currently ranked No. 7 overall in PBR coverage area, No. 1 in Illinois’ 2018 class.  5-foot-11, 179-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, athletic, wiry-strong frame with plenty of room for continued physical development. Top-of-the-scale athlete with highly advanced baseball instincts and I.Q. Ran an event-best 6.43 laser-timed 60 on a wet track. Speed and athleticism translate all over the field. Highest level defensive centerfielder, gets advanced reads off the bat, tracks balls down to both power alleys with ease. In game, Thomas ran down two balls deep in the right-center gap, covering considerable real estate, and made it look routine. Profiles as no-doubt centerfielder at the next level with below-average arm strength. Offensively, hits from a relaxed open setup, advanced rhythm in load, pronounced leg-kick back, loose, fluid athletic hands, generates easy bat speed. Registered 95-mph exit velocity off tee. Produces big pullside power when he wanted in BP, tanking several home runs. Also shows handsy opposite-field approach with intent on getting out the box quickly. Overall, Thomas was the top prospect at the PBR Midwest ProCase, and further cemented his status as a high-round draft prospect.