Max
Rajcic

After closing out games for the Bruins this spring, Rajcic pitched exclusively as a starter for Orleans, stretching himself out over 25 innings of work in seven appearances. Routinely working up to 94 mph in relief this spring, Rajcic was more 89-92 mph over longer stints with Orleans, showing good feel for a solid average low-80s slider with sharp tilt (2500s rpm). He also leaned into a quality change piece in the 82-to-84 mph velo band according to evaluators with multiple Cape looks, though he used the pitch more sparingly in our viewing. Rajcic also flashed a “show me” upper-70s curve with soft 12-to-6 shape that served as a reset offering to disrupt timing. After a successful campaign as the Bruins closer in 2021, Rajcic showed some ability to turn over lineups this summer in a starter’s role – particularly impressive given his last start for the Firebirds marked almost six straight months of action on the bump stretching back to the start of the college season. Projecting as a mid-Day Two arm out of the pen, Rajcic could boost his stock significantly with a transition into the rotation next spring.

Rajcic is another one of our Top 2020 players and shows he's got definite potential as a 2-way guy at the next level. It's a LG frame with width in the shoulder and strength in his build. At the plate, he works with even hands and a high back elbow keeping a balanced stance. The hands have a little pre-pitch bounce in them turning the barrel on a quick foot lift. The bat is very quick with late bat speed through the zone and showing the ability to create easy lift that matched with his strength creates lots of hard contact all around the field. He runs fine (4.39-4.56 H-1st) and knows when he needs to turn it up. Defensively he worked on the right side of the infield to preserve his arm for Saturday's start and showed good footwork with timing and rhythm. On the hill, Rajcic showed a quick and compact arm with a 3/4 release. The arm is deceptive as well not being able to pick up the ball till very late. He pitches with excellent tempo, something that the umpire was slowing down more than opposing batters, and finishes with some cross-fire action over a stiff front leg. The FB 87-89 T91 MPH showed life at the plate and angle to the glove side creating times of cut that way also. There were times where he was overthrowing and missed a lot early to the glove side as he spun off his line before making an adjustment and settled in pounding that side of the plate. He also was able to run the FB through the top of the zone and use it to set up his CB and CHG. The CB was 74-76 MPH at its best having sharp bite in 11/5-to-11/4 actions. As the day went on, he got tired and around the pitch making it more like a hard slider with tight sweep and getting some swing and misses from it. Rajcic definitely has feel for the pitch being able to throw to both sides of the plate and times where he would triple it up with more bite when looking for the punchout. The CHG was rarely used, mainly to LHHs, at 79-85 MPH with hard arm-side actions. If he can make it a viable third pitch, it will only add to his future repertoire and give him an even higher ceiling.

Rajcic is currently the third ranked player in his class and he showed it during the showcase. A solid and consistent BP where he drove balls with authority was followed by an excellent defensive workout where his arm strength and footwork on display. But it was on the mound where the UCLA commit continues to make a name for himself with a wipeout slider that touched 80 mph and a fastball that shows late life at 91-92 mph.

The UCLA commit excelled on the mound tonight posting a ND in the 5.1 inn, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walk, 9 strikeout performance. Rajcic's heavy, tailing FB topped out at 93, while sitting at 90-92 the whole night. CB had excellent spin and bite topping out at 78. I did not see a CH thrown. Rajcic went 1 for 2 at the plate, with a walk and a ringing, RBI double off the left CF wall.

87-93 with a power arm, but looked like more of a reliever in his outing. Ball jumps out of his hand and is heavy at the plate. Stiffer finish, and looks like an infielder/athlete pitching rather than a polished P.O. Almost sling-shots off the front foot. Broad-shouldered frame and durable athleticism. Looks like an awesome back end guy if he gets to UCLA. Slurve breaking ball that he throws aggressively wat 74-79. It's sharp and swing and miss, and still looks like it could be a near plus offering in the next couple of year. Whippy-loose out front with stiffer deceleration. Also shows some strength at the plate.

UCLA commit. Another positive outing for Rajcic who is a quick worker. His night was highlighted by his running FB at 92-93 mph, and a sharp curveball sitting at 77-78 mph. Huntington Beach couldn't keep up with Rajcic and struck out 4 times, gathering one hit in Rajcic's 2 innings of work.

2/17/18 - UCLA Recruit, the 6’0 190lb two-way player has a durable, stocky strong frame that will continue to grow with maturity and age.  The glaring tool here is the quick arm. He features a ¾ slot, heavy, over powering FB at 90-93MPH, a devastating, quick, tilting, late breaking CB at 74-76MPH and a developing CH. Rajcic is an important offensive bat for the Lancers, but his future is on the mound.  When he’s not on the bump he roaming the infield at 3B, 2B, & SS.  Rajcic only played in the first game of the double header going 1 for 4 with a 2B and 3 quality AB’s. He pitched 2 innings of no hit ball in relief, striking out 1 and walking 1.

1/12/18 - UCLA commit. Rajcic continues to impress both defensively and with the bat. His range has improved as has his arm strength. Quick first step and good instincts allow him to position himself for nearly every ball hit his way. Shows enough arm strength to make throws from all angles when necessary. Offensively he utilizes an upright, slightly open stance with a high back elbow and hands at or above the ear. Rocks the bat and uses a slight left toe trigger. Has a thick lower half which he uses to generate power to the gaps. Also a very good pitcher although he did not pitch this day we saw him.