CLASS OF 2028

C Cooper Nichols, 2028, Fort Wayne Carroll: One of the top catchers in the class, Nichols brings immense physical strength in a 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame with plenty to dream on both offensively and defensively. The catch & throw has elevated for above average receiving ability and arm strength; translated to 79 mph raw arm strength and sub-2 pops. On the offensive side, Nichols backspun the baseball from gap-to-gap with a rounded 98 mph peak and 80% of batted balls leaving at 91-plus. While there is some length to the turn still, Nichols has a chance to be heavily recruited in August due to a pro-style frame and bevy of above average tools and skills.

5/12/26

Cooper Nichols, 2028, C, Fort Wayne Carroll: Nichols jumps out immediately with a 6-foot-4, 215-pound pro-style frame. I did not get much on him offensively as the bat stayed on his shoulder for 2 walks, but I did see him keep his hands back on a breaking ball for a firmer lineout to short in his first trip. I got a good look on the defensive side, however, where I thought he showed well-above average lateral range when blocking and he absorbed well while doing so. The hands have gotten better and I think he ends up as an above average receiver. While the arm is just average, he is accurate with his throws and gets the ball out quickly. I got a 2.12 pop (twice) between innings. I see Nichols as an early recruit; clearly one of the most advanced catchers in Indiana's sophomore class and he brings value on both sides.

3/08/26

Looking the part of a pro-style backstop at 6-foot-4, 215-pounds, Nichols was another who set personal bests in nearly every valued category after adding 25 lbs of muscle this winter. The right-handed swing has polished into a more-connected, more-fluid look. Starting in a taller, more-athletic stance than previously seen, Nichols timed a short takeaway in-conjunction with a smaller stride before quick hands whip a heavy barrel thru. Reaching triple-digit exits with ease for head-high liners through the middle, Nichols averaged 92 throughout the round while looking more-and-more like the future power bat we've projected him out to be. The arm ticked up for a +6 mph improvement from last August's Super Sophomore Games, now reaching 79 from the crouch with at least above average projections placed on that tool now.

6/17/25

If MVP honors were given for this event, Nichols name would've been etched in that award. The 6-foot-3, 185 pound backstop provided an excellent look at this event - hammering balls from gap-to-gap in batting practice to the tune of an exit up to 95 mph, and collecting three hits during gameplay including a loud 3B. He looks the part of a high-end backstop both physically, and receiving, with above average catch-and-throw for the class. The offensive refinements are glaring compared to our look at him in a showcase setting this past winter, with further room for strength that will likely turn Nichols into one of the premier power bats in this 2028 class.

2/18/25

+ '28 C Cooper Nichols (Carroll) was my favorite position player at this event, showing some traits that warrant a follow. There is premium projection in the 6-foot-2, 170 pound frame. The operation in the box is raw presently, using a big back shift with a later hand load that does create separation. There is a lot going on, but he was able to repeat his exits, reaching a peak of 90.7 mph while averaging 88 mph off the bat. Despite being one of the youngest players at the event, Nichols had the highest average exit of the day. He showed athleticism and mobility in the crouch during pens, while also showing above average catch and throw skills for the age, reaching 76 from the crouch with his quickest pop registering at a 2.18 on the watch.

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