Prep Baseball Report

Most Viewed Profiles of 2020 - Cole Hubka


Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

Continuing our coverage of the most viewed profiles of 2020. We're almost at the halfway point as we get to our #6 profile with '22 SS Cole Hubka (Wilsonville)

Hubka came onto the radar back in the fall of 2019 with a crisp performance at one of our first workouts in the state of Oregon. At the time, he showed consistent, polished defensive actions with a mature approach to his batting practice. Over the last year, the physical gains have elevated his tools and made him an impact player on both sides of the ball who looks poised to stick in the middle of the diamond long-term. The Utah commit plays with level-headed focus and understands how to make the right play at the right time. 

For other profiles we've covered in our countdown, click here

Most viewed profiles

#6 - '22 COle Hubka

 


Scouting Report

5/24/20

 

A steady performer who we’ve had the chance to see over the course of multiple events. Hubka continues to show developing physical tools to go with a high-floor type of skill set. Unlike a few other prospects on this list, Hubka has a more definitive fit with his skill profile as a top of the order, middle infield bat. Footwork should play well at both SS and 2B while his understanding of the speed of the game allows him to consistently execute the routine play. Keeps it simple on defense with a short, quick exchange into his throwing motion. Avoids any wasted movement in the fielding process. Throws with high, bent arm action that produces accurate ball flight. Offensively he features a line-to-line, contact type of approach. Strong wrists allow him to stay direct to the ball. With the quickness in his hands, he can handle velocity & adjust as needed against secondary offerings. Overall, fits the “ballplayer” type label and should continue to perform at an even higher level as his physicality trends upward

 

2/22/20

 

5-foot-9, 150 pounds with added physicality from our previous look. Balanced, slightly crouched posture in the box with weight on back leg to begin. Uses a low leg lift to begin load and a short hand move to adjust barrel into hitting position. Swing continues to show quickness into the zone and a flat path into contact. Has some lift in his finish and creates leverage against a tall front side. Quick, agile defender in the INF with sound footwork. Fielding actions have stayed consistent across our looks with a bit more added arm strength this time out. Understands the speed of the game and adjusts his exchange/throwing tempo accordingly. Maintains soft control of glove hand while making plays on the move. Quick, compact arm action with a high takeaway and ¾ slot. 

 

10/12/19

 

Proportional build with wiry strength throughout frame. Sets up with feet just outside of shoulder width. Drives front knee towards back hip while maintaining athletic posture and a quiet head. Wide, athletic landing with hands near back shoulder. Front side stays in, allowing hips to open up before initiating swing. Quick, compact swing working short to the ball. Noticeable strength in hands at contact Produced gap-to-gap, line drive contact throughout BP. Defensively, light & active feet that should allow him to stick in the INF long-term. Maintains body control while ranging laterally. Keeps a low center of gravity as he works thru the ball. Gets ball out quickly on exchange & keeps it high before getting into over the top release. Ball flight shows consistent, true carry out of hand.