Standing a physical 6-foot-5, 210 pounds and armed with a bullying fastball, Burns quickly stood out on a pitching-heavy Rangers team. Works extremely fast with a shorter arm action that still creates huge scap retraction boding well to future velocity. The frame is continuing to get stronger with present physicality in the lower half. The Texas Tech commit lives 91-93 mph (T94) with carry and arm-side run that can attack hitters both in and out of the zone for swing and miss. Curveball has the chance to be an above-average breaker, currently at 75-77 mph with innate feel to spin (2,800 rpm) and the ability to manipulate shape to some degree. Breaking ball has made massive strides over the calendar year and could be still getting better. It wasn’t a great outing results-wise, but it’s a great ball of clay that has as much projection as you’ll find in a Texas right-hander in 2024.

PICK TO CLICK: CF Braylon Payne

From day one of the week, Braylon Payne impacted the game in all phases. Already presenting a plus glove in centerfield with a plus run tool to match, the left-handed-hitting Payne started to show the potential he has in the bat as well. The Houston commit took some of the best overall at-bats of the week showing an advanced feel for the strike-zone while making a habit of spoiling good pitches. Hands are extremely fast with a line-drive approach to let his speed thrive, but took some fantastic swings that created loft pull-side including a triple off the right field wall and near-grand slam to right-center. It’s a prototypical lead-off bat in the making, and with a very lean 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame that offers immense projection. With the present toolset that Payne paired with the potential, there’s a real chance he’s one of the best outfield prospects in the country next spring.

QUICK HITS

RHP Jake Neely

Mixing in present feel for two quality swing-and-miss breaking balls, as well as a fastball with heavy arm-side run, Neely was one of few pitchers all week with three swing-and-miss offerings. Fastball was comfortable 91-94 mph, and it was nearly un-hittable while opposing left-handed bats. Low-80s slider and mid-70s curveball has budding above-average potential. Compact arm circle into an over-the-top arm slot with present ability to repeat, the Arizona State commit shows real pitchability that can stand out among his peers. Neely would lead the entire event in strikeouts with nine recorded over his four innings pitched. 

RHP Jason Flores

Flores oozed confidence from the second he got on the mound. Showing some of the best velocity of the event, The 6-foot-2 righty sat 94-96 mph in his first inning of work from a lower three-quarters slot with big extension, and settled 91-94 throughout. Some heaviness with ability to pound the zone for IZMs. Power curveball could be his best pitch at 78-81 mph with plus feel to spin and hold 11/5 shape consistently. Flashed a high spin, tunneling changeup as well. One of the top uncommitted arms in the country. 

RHP Casan Evans 

Evans showed an impressively deep pitch mix in his outing, including a potential plus splitter that opened eyes throughout. Another Texas arm that works up-tempo with a lightning-quick arm, the LSU baseball commit lived comfortably in the low-90s while running it up to 95 mph and creating weak contact. Battled breaking ball command early but settled in and landed a curveball at 76-78 mph and low-80s slider both for strikes. Aforementioned, low-80s splitter was a star that killed both velo and spin (799 rpm min.) with devastating arm-side tumble.

SS Sawyer Farr

The Texas A&M commit gives you the frame and projection to dream on the left side of the infield. At 6-foot-5, 175 pounds, Farr made covering ground look effortless, and showed advanced body control for such long levers. Made two of the best defensive plays of the week at shortstop and third base, moving laterally while leaving his feet with accurate throws to boot. Not to mention, a switch-hitter with near identical actions from both sides of the plate. 

OF Sawyer Strosnider

‘24 OF Sawyer Strosnider (TX)

6’2” 185

Electric athlete who put on a display. Twitchy w/ eye-opening power.

Check out the glass shatter here 👀👇#PBRinSD || @PBR_DraftHQ #MLBDraft24 || @PBR_Texas pic.twitter.com/bqKt0srHVm

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 7, 2023

After a glass-shattering display in BP (literally), the TCU commit showed potential for a high-level hit tool in-game. Quick-twitch toe tap with impressive bat speed, Strosnider showed advanced barrel control to work balls to all-fields including hard-hit line drive base hits to both right and left field. An above-average runner with present tools to stick throughout the outfield round out what showed as a very well-rounded profile. 

LHP Jordan Stribling

The PBR All-American Game invitee presents an imposing 6-foot-6 frame with broad shoulders and long levers that get downhill with a drop-and-drive delivery. Present feel for a three pitch mix. Heavy low-90s fastball that touched 94 mph. Ability to land a mid-70s curveball for strikes and budding mid-80s changeup. 

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