THEN 2016: Bailey was extremely advanced behind the plate. His ability to handle a pitching staff, call his own game, block, and throw with accuracy led to a roster position with Team USA 18U entering his HS Senior year. An easy target with good posture and bend through his hips, the hands worked with ease, receiving an above average high school staff. Quick release and accuracy out weighted his arm strength, that presented as at least average for a Power 5 backstop. Pop times between innings were measured at 1.94 - 2.01. The few attempted base stealers in high school saw times in the 2.05 - 2.10 range, again with advanced accuracy and enough carry. Offensively, Bailey worked to stay on the ball from the right side, spraying the ball all over the field, but lacking great carry off the bat. Swings were aggressive and there was good ball to barrel ability. From the left side, the swing swept through the zone, lacking some of the bat speed seen on the right side, but maintaining his barrel feel.

 

NOW 2020: Bailey is the rare college catcher who calls his own game -- an ability that will have him well-prepared for pro baseball. He has always soft-blocked well and been quick on his feet to field bunts, and now his receiving skills showed to be vastly improved from previous looks to this college season. He has a quiet setup, pro level receiving abilities and good game awareness. His arm strength was down a bit (50/55) compared to previous looks, but his release remains quick and he’s able to consistently throw with accuracy to second base in the 1.95-2.00 range. Offensively, the athletic switch-hitter looks to pull the ball from both sides of the plate and profiles as power over hit ability due to swing/miss tendencies (22% K rate this spring and 12 in 30 plate appearances last summer with USA CNT). From the left side he sets up with an open stance, dives and hooks, working around the ball while generating fair bat speed with a bent front knee. Not the ideal way to hit, but with good pitch recognition, Bailey puts the bat on the ball and walks more than he strikes out (career 53 BB vs 47 SO). His right-handed swing is much improved, mechanically, since an initial look in July ‘18. At that time he was off-balance and carried his hands with his hips. He has since adjusted and now keeps his weight and hands back much better, hitting against a firmer front side. He also extends really well with his top hand. With a high floor and an extensive resume (which includes numerous All-American awards and two summers on the USA Collegiate National team), Bailey is a “safe” pick and has the resume, tools and analytics to warrant consideration in the top 12-15 overall picks.

 

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