Trackman Analysis: 2020 RHP Collin Salter

RHP Collin Salter (Edwardsville HS, IL) delivered one of the most dominant performances at the second-annual Midwest Select High School Tournament on April 12-13. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound uncommitted junior punched out 13, walked one and allowed three hits during his 97-pitch complete game. At first glance, one would think Salter was pumping big velocity down the throats of a talented Gull Lake (MI) club at Grand Park in Westfield, IN.

Not quite. Salter’s average fastball velocity was 80.06 mph, with a high of 82.43. So why was Salter so dominant?

Digging into the Trackman data, the reason for Salter’s domination comes into much sharper focus: Spin and strikes.

Salter spun the best breaking ball at the entire event, a 68-72 mph slider that regularly produced swings and misses. Salter recorded the highest spin rate – 2,769 rpm (2,500 is MLB average) – with an average spin rate of 2,504, which also was an event-best. To put that in perspective, Salter’s slider would’ve been the highest spin rate at the Super 60 Pro Showcase, which featured many of the top draft prospects in the country.

Now couple Salter’s ability to spin the baseball with his ability to throw strikes. He pounded the strike zone with both his breaking ball and fastball at a 68 percent clip. Despite his low fastball velocity, it played up due to his slider, which resulted in weaker contact (84.69 average exit velocity).

The bottom line: Spin wins. College coaches may want to ignore the velocity on this one and take a harder look at Salter.

Here is the scouting report from the in-game performance at the Midwest Select:

+ Collin Salter, RHP, 2020
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-hander, wiry-thin frame. Highly competitive mound demeanor, strike-thrower with an advanced breaking ball. Carved up a physical Gull Lake squad in throwing a three-hit complete game. Utilized his slider early and often to rack up 13 strikeouts to only one walk while pounding the strike zone at a 67 percent clip (97 pitches). Often worked backwards, showing an 80-82 mph fastball, then putting away hitters with a slider that ranged between 70-73 with late lateral break. Sometimes toggled the shape and speed of his slider, flashing a 67-69 mph slurve. Both breaking balls had advanced spin, ranging between 2,500-2,769, per Trackman data. Salter started the game by punching out five in the first two innings. Athletic delivery, repeats well, on-line, high-3/4 slot, clean arm swing in the back, athletic out front. Works the lower quadrant of the zone, around the zone with everything.

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