Slate
Alford

3B Slate Alford (2021, Mississippi State) is putting together a senior season to remember. Alford has been named a PBR Player of the Week every week except one and was named a PBR Alabama Athlete of the Month (Powered by Structure Brand) for February. Wednesday gave Alford a chance to prove himself versus the elite arms of IMG and in front of dozens of professional scouts in attendance. Alford did not disappoint in the least. Overall Alford was 3-4 on the day as he started the day off with a deep blast to left off the bat at 113 mph (Trackman). In his 2nd AB, Alford showed a mature approach as he got a fastball over the plate and smoked a rocket back up the middle. His 3rd AB saw him get a FB on the inner half at 91 mph and he showed no trouble handling velocity on the inner half by scorching a single by the 3rd baseman. Impressed that Alford doesn’t try to do too much and simply lets his physical frame take over in the swing. He showed a very disciplined approach and very rarely chased out of the zone.   

Alford, a Mississippi State signee, attended his first PBR showcase this past Sunday at the Super 60 and did not disappoint in most facets. Continuing to trend upward, Alford displayed a more simple, professional-like approach to his BP round in front of tons of professional scouts. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he's completely changed his body and added more muscle & strength to the already physical frame. Offensively, he showed a short, compact stroke with excellent feel for the barrel. He consistently hammered balls with high exit velocities to both gaps, registering a max of 101.18 mph. It's a very simple swing with a whippy barrel and not much wasted movement throughout. Defensively, should have no trouble staying at the hot corner in college and beyond. The feet and glove work well off of each other, showing easy actions moving to his left and right. He registered a max infield velocity of 84 mph with accuracy to the 1st base bag. If he ends up in Starkville, Alford should be able to make an immediate impact once he arrives on campus.

Big time hitter that shows serious juice at the plate. Advanced makeup as a hitter and is more than just a guy with pop. Has a patient approach at the plate from a slightly open stance but does a good job of staying "synched up" and using his powerful lower half. Creates some tilt in his swing and can go deep to all parts of the field. Could eventually move across the diamond to 1B.