Ximi
Baftiri

Evansville commit. Currently ranked No. 106 in the state. Lean 6-foot, 185-pound frame. Batted leadoff and played shortstop for Morris. Athletic right-handed hitter who hit the ball hard in two plate appearances, tallying a double and a single, both to the pull-side. He utilizes a leg kick stride, while showing strong hands and a direct path through the zone. Baftiri also showed to be a reliable defender up the middle, displaying confident actions throughout the game.

Ximi Baftiri, SS, Morris, 2025 Evansville commit. 6-foot, 185-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. Hits in the five-hole and finished 2-for-3 with a run scored. Athletic hands, controls the barrel and has a whole field approach. Lined a single to right in his second at-bat. Defensively, above-average infield defender that should stick at shortstop moving forward. Clean, crisp overall actions, quality transfer. Plays with body control and ease on the move.

Verbally committed to Evansville.

Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 134 in Illinois’ junior class. Stands in an athletic 6-foot, 185-pound frame with seemingly more to come. Started at shortstop and batted seventh. Baftiri stood out in IO, showing quality actions up the middle with fluid footwork, soft hands and a clean glove-to-hand transfer - ranges to both sides with athleticism. Right-handed hitter at the plate, hands are short to the ball, showed strong hands and created easy bat speed; finished the day 1-for-2 with one RBI, one run scored. An uncommitted follow in the state’s junior class.

Uncommitted. Athletic 6-foot, 185-pound frame with room to add on strength. Started at shortstop and finished the day 2-for-3 with a home run at the plate. Natural defender on the infield with soft hands, comfortable on the move to both sides of his glove. Confident presence in the box, has intent in his takes, simple swing that gets the front foot down early, flat path through the zone with jump to the pull-side. Uncommitted 2025 prospect to know in the state.

Uncommitted. 6-foot, 185-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting shortstop. Stood out early in the game when he ranged to his glove side and dove to snag a hard ground ball. Got to his feet, stepped on the second base bag and threw to first base to complete the highlight-reel double play. Also, finished 1-for-1 at the plate with a sacrifice fly in the first inning and hit-by-pitch in his second at-bat. Singled in his final at-bat to right-center field. Middle infielder to follow moving forward.

Bafitri showed off his defensive prowess on Thursday, making multiple impressive plays. Moves well to both sides with a smooth glove-to-hand transfer. Feet work well and the arm works athletically. Also showed the ability to throw across from multiple arm slots. Offensively, Bafitri flashed a high offensive ceiling. Short and simple swing that made hard contact multiple times using an all-fields approach. A sure-handed defender up the middle who will be exciting to watch as he develops offensively. 

Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide base with a big knee kick. Looseness in swings, lets the ball get deep; quality contact when synced up, naturally strong.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 83 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. High 3/4 release, quick out of the glove.
Defense: Athletic two-hand gather out front, secures into the body, quick first step, athletic feet.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide base with a big knee kick. Looseness in swings, lets the ball get deep; quality contact when synced up, naturally strong.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 83 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. High 3/4 release, quick out of the glove.
Defense: Athletic two-hand gather out front, secures into the body, quick first step, athletic feet.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60.