Max
Kaplan

USC-Upstate commit. Currently ranked No. 59 in the Illinois’ 2024 class. 6-foot-1, 184-pound, left-handed pitcher with a well-proportioned frame. Got the start on the mound and continues to look like one of the more polished left-handed arms in the class. Starter profile, true three pitch mix with all kinds of pitchability. Can throw any pitch in any count and goes often to a swing-and-miss changeup that has advanced action, running away from a right-handed hitters barrel; advanced feel and sat 73-75 mph. The changeup makes his 81-83 mph fastball play up and he also mixed in a 66-67 mph curveball that flashes depth off a 1/7 plane. Threw 49-70 (70%) pitches for a strike. Ended up going five innings, five hits, one run, struck out six and did not walk a batter. Quality look at the talented southpaw.

Verbally committed to USC-Upstate.

LHP Max Kaplan (New Trier, 2024) showed impressive pitchability during his three innings on the mound. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound southpaw has been trending up this summer after a successful spring for the New Trier Trevians. Kaplan displayed a clean operation on the mound with a sequenced delivery. Filled up the zone with a fastball that worked in the low-80s, T83.3 mph with noticeable arm-side run. Often went to a low-70s changeup that played with fade to get swings and misses. Tallied five strikeouts during his outing. Works quickly with a competitive demeanor. Kaplan is an uncommitted follow in the state’s 2024 class that continues to trend up as the year continues. 

Positional Profile: LHP/LHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Up-tempo, high leg lift into tall/fall delivery, toe lands slightly open. Pounded the zone in his three innings of work and struck out five with no walks.
Arm Action: LH. Short, clean arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. SNK: Clear sink and run to the armside. FB: Mostly straight actions. T2095, 1969 average rpm.
SL: 66-67 mph. Clear horizontal movement, can land for strikes. T2006, 1909 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Tunnels well, keeps down, clear fade. T1880, 1697 average rpm.

Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 180 pounds upside athlete with loose, lean levers that are capable of tacking on strength. Toed the rubber for the Trevians in the semifinal game against Brother Rice. Relaxed presence on the rubber, long-triding delivery with a freely moving lower half, works across body some with deception. Long, loose arm action, finishes out of a ¾ slot. Heavy fastball played at 81-84 mph, worked with natural arm-side run and sink. Changeup played in the low-70s off his fastball’s plane, threw it at the same arm speed, too. Mixed in a mid-70s breaking ball with some depth off a 1/7 plane. An upside pitchability southpaw that’s comfortable using his entire arsenal and anchored the New Trier pitching staff throughout this spring season. 

Uncommitted. Listed at 6-foot-1, 175-pounds, projectable with room to add on strength. In our brief look, Kaplan didn’t allow a single hit or run over 1.1 innings before the game was called for inclement weather. The southpaw cruised with his fastball at 82-83 mph, playing with sink and arm-side action. He went to a deceptive changeup, playing from a similar window with arm-speed and fading action. Polished left-hander with upside and feel to pitch, clean mover and athletic.  

Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic, lean build.
Delivery: Controlled wind up, high leg kick, rides down the mound.
Arm Action: LH. Low 3/4 slot, loose arm.
FB: T81, 78-80 mph. Plays with armside run, able to spot for strikes in the lower part of the zone.
SNK:  Hard run, feel for the zone. T2088, 2036 average rpm.
SL: 62-64 mph. Sweeping action, can spot low in the zone, 10/5 shape. T1944, 1800 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Developing feel, fading action in the bottom part of the zone. T1806, 1754 average rpm.

Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Tall and fall type delivery. Works in rhythm. Lands squared.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T79.8, 78.4-79.8 mph. Plays straight. T1838, 1789 average rpm.
CB: 63.8-66.2 mph. 1/7 shape. Slight lateral action.  T1763, 1596 average rpm.
CH: 70.5-72.6 mph. Consistent arm-side fade. Feel for the zone. T1792, 1673 average rpm.

Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-8, 121-pounds.
Delivery: Drop and drive type delivery with a tall balance point and some rhythm. Body works in line, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Long, loose arm action. Works from a high 3/4 angle.
FB: T73, 72-73 mph. Fastball plays mostly straight with occasional downhill tilt.  T2005, 1962 average rpm.
CB: 60-61 mph. Maintains near fastball arm speed. 12/6 shape with gradual action and depth.  T1772, 1651 average rpm.
CH: 66-67 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed. Plays with nice fading action. Showed solid feel for his changeup. T1714, 1572 average rpm.

Hit: LHH. Sets up in an open stance with a short stride. Hands draw back into load. Short and direct swing to the baseball with fluid rhythm.
Power: 78.2 max exit velocity, averaged 71.59 mph. 275’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 75 mph. Short and loose arm action, releases from a high 3/4 window.
Defense: Natural actions at first base. Showed off solid footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.97 runner in the 60.