Ryder
Helfrick

at De La Salle - Arkansas commit; In front of big contingent of scouts had opposite field HR in first AB, pitched around once and took the walk, the 3U in final AB. Aggressive nature to early strikes again on display as the HR came on first pitch. Behind plate continues to flash big tools such as 82.6 mph throw on warm-up pop and strength/agility as a receiver/blocker. There are some lapses in blocking that creep up at times but also enough good blocks to show the willingness and ability. Tools and passion to play both have him among the top high school players in Northern CA for the 2023 draft. 

vs Monte Vista HS - Cal commit; One of top 2023 talents in the region and future draft prospect, pure baseball player with high end tools, lean strong body but appears to not yet really hit the weights which bodes well for how physical he can become, hit in leadoff spot, approach is uncomplicated w/aggressive nature ready to hit fastballs and all strikes in general, can drive ball w/authority as well as collect hits and drive in runs, can cut down stroke in 2-strike counts, dictates the feel of the at-bat, athletic catcher who tends to use natural ability with signs of nuanced catcher training/techniques, can massage the CB into the zone and can get under the low FB, blocks well with agility and range, throws were on the money and he's a very willing thrower, low warm-up pop time was 1.98, velo ranged 79-82 mph on warm-ups, did miss three pitches on his arm side just off the plate as ball escaped his glove.

vs Vacaville HS - Cal commit; An interesting player, he will be one to keep an eye on for years to come. Guesstimate for the body is around 5-foot-10 185-pounds and wel-proportioned with some muscularity in the lower body. Raw is a word to describe all that he is at this point. However, talented and competitive are also words to accurately describe him. The cliff notes version is that he is an aggressive hitter who will have to refine his approach as he matures, but he's talented enough to compete at the varsity level and his coach had him leading off for a team that is a contender this season. Has strong hands and there will be plenty of power as he develops, to all fields. The approach is one that is simple, he wants to swing and it's mostly to get to the pullside. Again, he's a freshman. That approach will evolve. Defensively he is a very inconsistent receiver, missing enough balls he should glove but also showing those same strong hands and ability to receive pitches to all quadrants... and he was catching a senior who was 87-89 who also possesses maybe the best downer CB in the section (77-82 mph). Learning to keep his focus on the pitch vs the runner will be something to work on. The arm strength was 74 between innings and there were plenty of 2.25 between inning throws short of the bag. However, there were two IN-GAME throws that resulted in on-the-money throws right on the bag to nab to above averge base-runners for massive caught-stealings in a big time game. Sit back and watch him develop and enjoy the process of seeing him develop.

Fall scrimmage vs Cardinal Newman - Continues to show there is innate offensive talent, raw power and bat speed are tools that will continue to be honed as he develops, barrel control will have to improve and size of the swing can be improved, ball does come off the bat very well when on time and balanced. Raw is a fair term for him, both offensively and defensively but time is on his side and he's starting with noticeably good tools. Saw catch for an extended period, arm showed up with 75 mph warm-up pop to 2nd base, low time of 2.10, with 2.29 and 2.26 times as well, worked hard behind the plate and has strong hands, struggled to consistently receive well and there appeared to be some physical limitations for his receiving/blocking skills. Arm strength and size of his body (strong athletic build, developed thighs/legs) project well to either corner OF spot or possibly 3rd base. 

Fall tournament - Good build (lean, visible definition in legs) that doesn't look like that of a freshman, Helfrick will make a name for himself in due time. Played multiple positions in the two games I saw in this look and behind the plate is where he was most intriguing. The arm will play above average as he continues to develop and he also received the ball pretty well, maybe a little firm with the glove but that can soften up with reps and work. Otherwise, the arm also plays at 3rd base or a corner OF spot. Offensively he showed some tools, though raw, that will be what ultimately draw college coaches to him. Works his hands inside the ball well and though occasionally dragged the barrel, he also showed that when he releases the barrel at contact there is plenty of future pop in that swing. Worked with a disciplined middle of the field approach. Good make-up showed in his hustle down the line regardless of the result.