Logan
Drake

A left-handed hitter who has a track record of finding the barrel, Drake deployed a familiar, short, quick, left-handed stroke that produced lower, thru-the-middle liners and some pull-side lift with exits reaching 95-plus. A 7-flat runner, Drake fits more the mold of an offensive-oriented second baseman than he does a true shortstop at the next level, though he can play short at the high school level at an average clip. Worth noting, Drake brought a more-physical look at this event, now standing at 6-foot, 185-pounds.

+ SS Logan Drake (Castle): Drake went 2-for-5 in my look, singling to CF in his first at-bat and later burning the center fielder for a double. He stands at 6-foot-0, 185 pounds, showing noticeable added strength. The left-handed hitter operates from a balanced stance with an on-plane stroke, I’ve seen Drake consistently find the barrel for 3+ years now. Defensively, he shows solid hands at short with a fringy arm that works from a lower slot across the diamond. Overall, I value the contact skills and quality hand-eye coordination Drake possesses in the batters box. Good uncommitted follow.

Drake is a gamer-first SS with tools becoming louder as his athleticism begins to trend positively. His turned in a PR 60-time with a 6.90 60-yard dash before a low-intent round of batting practice where he sprayed liners with an on-plane stroke. His contact skills at the dish are the carrying attribute to this point and he offers twitchy strength behind a short barrel path with exits reaching 92.6 mph. He'll grow into more impact as his 5-foot-11, 165 pound frame adds more muscle, but the contact skills and present twitch establish a safe floor offensively. He continues to improve as a defender with athleticism gains attributing to more lateral range. His hands are above average and there is some feel for the exchange as he gets into a more-slingy arm action to carry the ball across. It is still a bat-first type prospect, but he is beginning to elevate other areas of his game with a chance for those tools to tick higher and higher.

Drake is a bit of a gut-feel guy because the metrics don't really jump out. The exits are only into the low-90s with bat speed still developing as his wiry, 5-foot-11, 160 pound frame adds strength. He is an average runner (7.16) - but I really liked the left-handed swings he took. He's got a knack for the barrel & can cover the zone with feel to match plane. There is twitch & present launch quickness in the swing that is super intriguing. He posted a quality stat line at 4A Castle as a freshman and has hit each time I get eyes on. I need to get in-game evals this spring/summer to find his best future defensive position, but how the body/athleticism trends likely plays a large role in determining that, with added strength/speed likely paying massive dividends.

Logan Drake, Castle (IN), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Lean, athletic build
Hit: LHH. Hits out of a tall, relaxed setup. Controlled, toe tap stride, hands are quiet in the load with a vertical bat angle. Some whip in the hands, bat works on a level plane through the hitting zone. Good '27 follow
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 293' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-76 mph. Shorter arm action from a 3/4 slot
Defense: Raw, athletic actions. Moves well laterally with more controlled footwork. Developing hands and average exchange.
ATH: 7.62 runner in the 60.