Merrick
Lee

Merrick Lee, Menlo-Atherton (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/SS Top of the order, switch-hitting bat. Demonstrates ability to play across the OF.
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Wiry build, with room to develop. Displays athleticism throughout the frame.
Hit: SH. RHH: Sets up balanced and upright with a wider stance. Hands rest just above ear level over the shoulder with a subtle barrel waggle. Initiates the load by sinking into the back knee as the barrel drops and the hands work into the slot. Takes a small stride forward, landing slightly closed. LHH: Sets up wide and upright with a slight knee bend. Hands rest at ear level just above the shoulder with a subtle waggle. Initiates the load by sitting heavily into the rear hip as the barrel flattens and the hands work back with upper-body coil. Utilizes a toe tap for timing before taking a short stride forward. RHH: Fires hips as front leg lands, creating separation with hands that stay tight and direct through the zone. Consistently finds the barrel with lift and carry up the middle and to the opposite field. LHH: Fires hips as front leg lands with hands working in sync with back knee. Stays short and direct to the ball with level barrel path, producing hard line-drive contact to the gaps and flashes pull-side power.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 79.4 mph. 306' max distance.
Arm: RH.

Merrick Lee, a 2027 outfielder from Clovis North, impressed at the Prep Baseball Future Games Tryout in NorCal this past weekend. Standing at 6-foot-0 and weighing 160.9 pounds, his lean, athletic frame suggests significant potential for added strength. Lee fits the prototypical leadoff/centerfielder role as he started in the outfield for Menlo Atherton this season as a sophomore. In the outfield, Lee recorded an arm velocity of 78 mph, showcasing a quick, accurate arm while covering extensive ground with fluid, rangy strides. His exceptional defensive range makes him a standout candidate for center field, tracking balls with ease. At the plate, he posted a max exit velocity of 90.7 mph (85.3 mph average) and a max batted distance of 332 feet, demonstrating a smooth swing with consistent gap-to-gap contact. During gameplay, he ripped a double to left-center, highlighting his ability to drive pitches with precision. Lee’s 60-yard dash time of 7.15 seconds underscores plus speed, enhancing his defensive and base-running impact. His grip strength measured 116 pounds (right hand) and 125 pounds (left hand), indicating strong wrists and potential for increased bat speed as he matures. His defensive instincts and athleticism stand out as plus tools, paired with promising offensive skills. Lee’s well-rounded profile positions him as a high-upside prospect in the 2027 class.

Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 6-0, 161-pounds.
Hit: SH. LHH: Wide, upright set up, with slight knee bend present. Hands set at ear level, just above the shoulder, with flat barrel, and waggle in hands. Sits heavily into rear hip as load begins. Hands work back as upper body coils. Uses toe tap for timing, before long stride forward. RHH: Balanced, upright set up, with wider stance present. Hands rest slightly above ear level, sitting over the shoulder. Barrel lies flat, with bat waggle present. Sinks into back knee as load begins, with hands working into slot. Incorporates small toe tap, prior to small stride. LHH: Hip start to fire as front leg comes down, as hands work in sync with back knee. Gets solid extension, with hands staying to short to and direct to the ball. Barrel path stays level through the zone, generating hard, line drive contact. Shows ability to hit the gaps and flashes some power to pull side. RHH: Hips turn and hands begin to fire as front leg lands. Gets some separation and solid separation as hands works through the zone. Hands stay close to the body and are direct through the zone. Frequently finds the barrel, with some lift/carry shown up the middle. mph bat speed with g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (83.9 avg.); 332-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - mph. OF - 78 mph. Creates depth behind out of the glove, with some length in the arm path. Works from lower release, getting solid carry on his throws and showing feel for accuracy.
Defense: Demonstrates good footwork and body control. Moves with athleticism and plays angles, getting behind the well with efficiency.
Athletic Testing: 7.14 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.87 Edge Score.

It was my first time watching the sophomore, and he displayed impressive tools/athleticism. He is a utility player that is able to play multiple positions, but on this day he caught my attention at the plate. He went 2-2 on the day with a BB & SB. What stood out the most is his pitch recognition. He has great control of the zone, recognizing that if he is not able to drive his pitch, he simply won’t swing at it. He has an inside out swing, really attacking the inner half of the baseball with good force. He does a great job at working down hill, and his swing repetition shows he is consistently ready for every pitch. In his load, he does a nice job at hinging his hips and staying level through the zone. His swing decisions are good and his swing is repeatable, not pulling off of the baseball and sticking to his approach. His hits were up the middle and down the line to left field. On those swings he did a good job at getting extended and trying to work on top of the baseball. On his hit to left field, he stayed on and outside pitch, trusting his hands and was able to drive a tough pitch. He contains plus bat to ball skills and can really spray the baseball. Lee is a player that is patient, athletic, and understands who he is as a player. Currently uncommitted, he is someone to keep an eye on as he possesses some nice tools.