Prep Baseball Report

Elite Prospect Showcase: Catcher Analysis


Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The Elite Prospect Showcase took place October 27th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Today we begin a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance beginning with a look at the catchers that participated.

CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

Class of 2019 

Ethan Gill, Kingsway Regional HS (NJ)
Uncommitted 5-foot-8, 165-pound right-handed hitter impressed with a simple, compact swing. Starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-lift stride. Displayed an above average feel for the barrel with solid barrel whip and a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. Ran a 7.06 60-yard dash and showcase pop times of 2.07-2.16 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch. Solid all-around skill set with a chance to compete early for playing time at the next level.

CLASS OF 2020

Brendan Shayer, Perkiomen Valley HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. Stays behind the baseball well and utilizes the middle of the field. Showed athleticism in running a 7.15 60-yard dash and quick feet with a clean transition defensively. Registered pop times of 2.05-2.14 on throws of 75 mph from the crouch. 

Keegan Soltis, Philipsburg-Osceola HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short leg-hang stride. Displayed balance throughout with an above average feel for the barrel. Registered a bat exit velocity of 84 mph. Ran a 7.18 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.05-2.13 on throws of 76 mph from the crouch. Well-rounded prospect is among the top uncommitted catchers in the state in this class.

Jayden Taitano, Conestoga Valley HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride. Showcased an above average feel for the barrel and some current pop to the pull side with a bat exit velocity of 84 mph. Displayed athletic actions defensively with good feet and ran a 7.13 60-yard dash. Registered pop times of 2.02-2.09 on throws of 75 mph from the crouch with a clean transition and solid carry on all throws. Well-rounded prospect is among the top uncommitted catchers in the state in this class.

Hayden Tencza, Cumberland Valley HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a leg-lift stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a feel for the barrel with a tendency to get to his front side early on occasion with a bat exit velocity of 84 mph. Ran a 7.67 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.21-2.33 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch defensively.

CLASS OF 2021

Jack Nugent, Central Bucks East HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed hitter took one of the top rounds of batting practice on the day. He starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showed explosive lower half and strong forearms in consistently driving baseball to all parts of the field. Has shown an 87 mph bat exit velocity at previous events and ran a 7.01 60-yard dash on this date. Showcased pop times of 2.19-2.27 on throws of 73 mph from the crouch defensively.

CLASS OF 2022

Ben Haines, Council Rock South HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and utilizes a toe-tap stride to initiate his swing. Displayed an ability to stay inside the baseball with a feel for the barrel during a solid round of batting practice. Registered a 73 mph bat exit velocity and ran an 8.21 60-yard dash. Showcased pop times of 2.32-2.45 on throws of 68 mph from the crouch defensively. Developing skill set will benefit from strength gains and physical maturity.

Andres Suarez, Freedom HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 175-pound backstop showcased a well-rounded skill set that will make him a highly recruited prospect in this class. The right-handed hitter starts from a narrow, square stance and initiates his swing with a controlled lift-and-replace stride. Showed an advanced feel for the barrel with excellent balance and some present power. Registered an 86 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.15 60-yard dash. Also impressed defensively with quick feet and a clean transition. Displayed pop times of 2.06-2.18 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch.

POST EVENT ANALYSIS

Sunday, October 28th - Elite Prospect Showcase Results
Monday, October 29th - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase Results
Tuesday, October 30th - Elite Prospect Showcase Catcher Analysis
Wednesday, October 31st - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase Catcher Analysis
Thursday, November 1st - Elite Prospect Showcase Infield Analysis
Friday, November 2nd - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase Infield Analysis
Saturday, November 3rd - Elite Prospect Showcase Outfield Analysis
Sunday, November 4th - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase Outfield Analysis
Monday, November 5th - Elite Prospect Showcase RHP Analysis
Tuesday, November 6th - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase RHP Analysis
Wednesday, November 7th - Elite Prospect Showcase LHP Analysis
Thursday, November 8th - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase LHP Analysis

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
2018 Holiday Showcase PA 12/29 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session One) PA 03/10 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session Two) PA 03/24 Keystone State Baseball Academy