Chance
Payne

LHP/1B Chance Payne (Mt. Pulaski, 2025) was another 2025 left/left two-way prospect to know from the event. Payne has a 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, athletic build with developing strength and is a fluid mover that displayed a three-pitch mix headlined by a fastball that sat 81-83 mph, topping out at 84.1 mph with ride through the zone (17.3” max induced vertical break). Payne’s offspeed offerings consisted of a gyro-type breaking ball that he controlled well to the glove-side, and a developing changeup that had a similar profile to his fastball. Payne also showcased developing bat strength at the plate, topping at 90.1 mph off the bat. His swing works level and creates leverage out front, elevating baseballs to the pull-side. Payne rounded out his workout with a solid showing with his glove at first base where he showcased the ability to be light on his feet paired with steady hands, and a clean release from a ¾ slot. 

Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Side-step delivery, high leg lift into tall/fall delivery, works on-line.
Arm Action: LH. Smooth, easy, long, 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Armside run with carry at times. T2073, 1982 average rpm.
CB: 70-71 mph. Quick break, 1/7 shape. T1992, 1858 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Similar profile as the FB. T1702, 1553 average rpm.

Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, front foot starts closed, bat tip load, rotates well out of load. Strong hands with ease, level path with leverage out front, elevated to the pull-side throughout. 64.6 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm path, draws back and finishes out of a clean 3/4 slot.
Defense: Light on his feet, steady hands, feel around the bag and clean release.
Run: 7.33 runner in the 60.

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-8, 174-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open setup, toe-taps into a long stride.  Short/direct path to the ball with a slightly uphill path.
Power: 80.53 max exit velocity, averaged 72.23 mph. 279’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer.
Run: 8.35 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-8, 174-pounds. Proportionally strong.
Defense: Soft hands, smooth transfer, quick to release. Comfortable around the bag, advanced footwork feel on double play feeds.
Arm: LH. INF - 66 mph. Loose arm works from an over-the-top slot.
Hit: LHH. Tall stance, slightly open base, some lower half bend. Smooth load, short stride, controlled posture through contact.   Present bat/hand speed, simple swing, easily repeats. Short and uphill path, extends through contact, feel to elevate the baseball. Gap-to-gap approach, maintains a fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.65 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Simple tall/fall type delivery, steady leg lift to an upright position at balance point, level shoulders, works in line to target and lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, slightly elevated 3/4 slot.
FB: T72, 70-72 mph. Slight arm-side action, strikes.
CB: 58-60 mph. 1/7 shape, some depth.
CH: 62-65 mph. Wrist works around, cuts it some. Thrown with near fastball arm speed.