Future Games Spotlight - '23 OF Braden Harley (Rochester)
September 10, 2021
Uncommitted '23 OF/RHP Braden Hartley (Rochester) came into the 2021 PBR Future Games as one of the top remaining OF prospects in the class. Coupled with his ability on the mound, he has the chance to to stick as a 2-way prospect at the next level.
After a quality workout to kick off the event, Hartley unfortunately ran into some bad luck and suffered a knee injury while handling defensive responsibilities in CF and missed the remainder of the event. Despite that, he'll head into 2022 as one of our top 2-way prospects in his class.
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Scouting Report
6-foot, 175 with added strength and functional size since our previous look. Offensively we see some adjustments in his set-up in the box. Starts with narrow, upright posture and lower half just narrowly open. Hands stay closer to his body & work from a lower position than before. Quick hip rotation into contact with staying compact in his upper half. Taller set up and hand placement helps him get his barrel on-plane earlier and we’re seeing more lift at contact. Takes a professional approach to BP with consistent EVs & line drive contact. Given his strength & body control, there’s likely still more to come offensively as he continues to gain experience. Defensively the arm strength has steadily improved and he projects well at a corner OF spot. Hasn’t lost any speed from his 7.20 in the 60 as he gets stronger, which bodes well for his overall profile. The actions are similar to the first look we’ve had with slightly more intent in his OF throws. The stronger lower half helps him brace up with his release out front and gives the ball true flight with added carry. Didn’t have the chance to pitch on this look as he unfortunately suffered a knee injury while on defense during the 1st game.
6-foot, 165 lbs with an athletic, proportional build. Carries weight well with chance to hold more weight easily. Offensively hit from a slightly crouched, open stance. Creates some rhythm with bat wiggle before getting into forward stride. Lands in a wide base as his direction closes up towards the pitcher. Easy, relaxed approach to BP with loose barrel action into contact. Looks to put the ball in play based on where it’s pitched & doesn’t get overly aggressive. Gap to gap power with the chance to tap into more lift to his pull-side. Stays balanced through contact with a strong finish. Defensively handled OF duties with projectable actions and promising arm strength. Came in on the ball with sound footwork and a clean exchange. Gathers momentum behind his throws with a side shuffle as he also redirects towards target. Long, continuous arm path that should play well in the OF. On the mound, his athleticism and body control translates to a clean delivery and consistent feel for the zone. Stays tall with a high leg lift, driving his front knee up towards his lead shoulder. Sits into back hip as hands break down his centerline. Glove side stays in while getting down the slope. Lands softly with an average stride length. Rotates well through his core with proper sequence. Clean, easy arm action from a ¾ slot. Showed ability to spin a reliable CB as his secondary offering. Established himself as a 2-way prospect to know in the ‘23 class on this look
Future Games