Michigan Super 60 Participants Make A Statement

February 13, 2024
Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Michigan Senior Writer

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Michigan Super 60 Participants Make A Statement

MCCOOK, Ill. - Both Michigan participants in the Super 60 made a statement that did not go unrecognized by Shooter Hunt, the vice president of scouting for Prep Baseball.

Brenson Watters was one of five “Shooter’s Sleepers” following his showing at the event while Joey Broughton was listed among “Nine Arms to Know” after an impressive performance in a field of 68 seniors from across the country.

“Broughton continued a proud tradition of late additions at the Super 60 that include a brilliant performance from future second-round pick (Royals) Blake Wolters a year ago,” noted Hunt about the Northville left-handed pitcher, who was added in the final week leading up to this year’s event. “Standing 6-2 and 200 pounds with a sturdy lower-half and back side, the elastic southpaw pumped in strike after strike with an electric arsenal.”

The 23rd-rated 2024 LHP in the nation had the highest average fastball spin rate ever produced at the event since the category began five years ago, with 2,646. Broughton also had the highest average IVB (22.0 In) and Average Horizontal Movement (16.7), second highest Strike Zone Rate Percentage (75 percent), third highest Average Curveball Spin Rate (2,832), and eighth Max Fastball Velocity (94.5).

“Repeating an even-tempo, athletic delivery that saw him sit on the back side down the mound, the Michigan native ripped the ball out of the glove late in igniting the quick arm action,” Hunt noted about the top-ranked senior lefty in the state. “It was a foundational performance from the southpaw who, along with high school teammate outfielder Dante Nori, will make scheduling trips to Detroit much easier for cross-checkers and directors this spring.”

Watters did more than live up to his ranking as the 40th best senior outfielder in the country with the best overall Max Grip Strength right-handed (210.3) and second best left (189.1).

“Impacting balls with authority, Watters’ comfort level in the box exuded immense confidence throughout two mature rounds,” Hunt said of the performance by the Rochester Adams senior, who had 90 infield and outfield velocity, 99 exit velo and 81 sweet spot percentage. “Slowly rocking onto the back side with a gradual, near-coil of the hands, the bat speed ignition stood out as did the heavy barrel that impacted balls. The 6-2 213-pounder posted a 6.87 60-yard dash time, and blew away the rest of the event with regards to grip strength. There was athletic intent to all that he did, and his run-producing upside warrants looks throughout the spring.”

It was not a surprise for Hunt.

“Quietly situated behind a couple higher-profile prospects in the state, Watters has been one of my sleeper favorite hitters since his initial breakout performance at the Future Games a couple years back,” Hunt related prior to the Super 60. “There is impressive torque from the left side with big power potential, but it is his plate coverage and decision making that separates him, especially as a cold-weather hitter.”

Both of the Michigan participants were thrilled to be part of such a prestigious event as well as pleased with their showing.

“The event was awesome, super well run and well thought out,” noted Broughton, a Pittsburgh commit. “The highlight for me was going out and doing very well in front of all the scouts.”

Watters, one of five Notre Dame signees participating at the Super 60, had high praise about the event.

“It was super cool to have lots of scouts watching,” related the second-ranked 2024 outfielder in Michigan. “The highlight for me was seeing progress from the last PBR event I did.”

It was also a learning experience for the two seniors.

“I can become more confident with all of my pitches due to the fact that the metrics on all three of my pitches are very good,” Broughton pointed out.

It was the same for Watters when it came to his hitting.

“Having my numbers that my training has worked toward can show me what I need to work on,” the fifth-ranked senior in Michigan noted.

Both admitted being one of 68 participants from more than 30 states in the Super 60 was an honor, especially being able to show out with pro scouts looking on.

“Performing in front of a lot of scouts was a special experience,” Watters said. “Controlling and being myself was the biggest part of it.”

As for Broughton: “It was a very cool experience. I was very proud of how I did in front of all of them.”

In fact, the third-ranked senior in Michigan had conversations with some.

“That was cool,” Broughton said of being able to talk with pro scouts. “It has been my dream since I was little to become a pro baseball player and to see that my dream has a chance of coming true is very special.”

The possibility of following in the footsteps of the many great previous participants at the Super 60, including the 2023 group that saw more than $10 million in signing bonuses, is certainly there for the Michigan duo.

“The ’24 class, as a whole, is the most unseparated in recent memory,” Hunt said. “There are sure to be surprises on Day 1 of the Draft and any assumptions made this early about the prep group are far from final. In saying that, the Super 60 yielded some major buzz from key standouts.”