2023 Shortstops To Follow

Will Burns SS / 2B / Mission Viejo, CA / 2023

One of the more intriguing players in the freshman class, Burns spent his fall on the gridiron where he also shows lots of upside as a quarterback at powerhouse Mission Viejo. However, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete might hold even more promise on the diamond where he possesses projectable power from the right side, and looks the part of a future left side defender. With natural, defined strength throughout a still-developing frame, Burns recently showed well at a PBR California preseason event where he registered an impressive 91 mph exit velocity to go along with a 6.89 laser-timed 60-yard dash. Setting up with an open stance and hands held high, Burns closes with a short stride that works the hands down and back. Working noticeably uphill through the zone with some lag, Burns’ violent bat speed is aided by quick hands and aggressive hips that should provide even more power in the future. His strong arm is quick and accurate, and he will likely stick on the left side with third base being the likely destination given the physicality and power that his frame will likely hold. Overall, Burns presents plenty of upside for the future, and will be fun to follow in both baseball and football.