Maxwell Zhao: SS/RHP, (2022) Nashoba Regional, MA. 5-foot-6, 155-pound athletic lean frame. Capable and athletic during batting practice, Zhao clocked an exit velocity of 89 mph. (67.4 mph bat speed average). (19.1 mph hand speed average). Started in a closed balanced stance with a tight load, then used a closed small stride. Bat speed is quick developing, has a flat loose swing plane and good extension on his finish. Found some barrels with loud contact. Line drive approach. Athletic and capable in the infield, his best throw was recorded at 81 mph; had a clean natural exchange, consistent developing footwork, and soft developing hands. Laterally, movements were developing and fielded the ball out front. Used a high ¾ slot and a quick short arm action while showing consistent accuracy to the base. Capable athletic on the mound, showed developing arm speed with a high ¾ arm angle and a loose arm action. Feel type pitcher and showed some effort. Showed consistent balance point with falling off shoulders. Lands closed with a falling off finish. Sat with his fastball at 81-82 mph; has arm side control and slight running action. (Max spin 2096; Avg 2032). His curveball (66-68) had sweeping action and glove side control. (Max spin 2172; Avg 2143). 

Scout Evaluation 

Maxwell Zhao, Nashoba Regional, 2022, MA

Position: SS/RHP

Body: 5-foot-6, 155-pound athletic lean frame.

Hit: (RHH) Capable athletic. Started in a closed balanced stance with a tight load, then used a closed small stride. Quick developing bat speed. Good extension on his finish, flat loose swing. Line drive approach. 

Power: 89 mph exit velocity, average 80.8 mph. 67.4 mph bat speed average. 19.1 mph hand speed average.

Defense:  (IF) Soft developing hands, consistent developing footwork, clean natural exchange. Athletic capable.  Fielded the ball out front with developing movement laterally. 

Arm: 81 mph infield velocity. Quick short arm action, high ¾ slot, consistent accuracy. 

Pitching: Capable athletic. Feel delivery, some effort. High ¾ arm angle, developing arm speed, loose arm action. Consistent balance point, falling off shoulders, lands closed, a falling off finish.

FB: T82. 81-82 mph. (Max spin 2096;  Avg 2032). Arm side accuracy, slight running action. 

CB: 66-68 mph. Glove side control, sweeping action. (Max spin 2172; Avg 2143). 

5-foot-4, 140-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, he showed very well as he has made a jump. The fastball sat 78-79 mph with run and action. The spin pitch is 68-69, solid in shape. The changeup is a developing pitch. The delivery is online and above 3/4 in slot. the lift and tempo are appropriate throughout. The arm works well and he is linear with his body parts. The approach in the infield is done well, he works his feet through the ball, throwing 77 mph across the diamond. The bat has a tee exit velocity of 83 mph. The setup is even in base, front foot open to start. The path to the ball is short and simple, the hands work freely. 

Tee Exit Velocity -83 mph

INF Velocity- 77 mph

5-foot-2, 125-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, the delivery is online, small coil at the lift and repeated. The slot is slightly above ¾ and clean. The post foot is on top of rubber, causing lean to the plate. The tracking of the front shoulder is appropriate. The fastball touched 74 mph. The breaking ball is 54 mph and has the correct shape to it. The changeup moves the right way, sat at 59 mph. Defensively, the feet work well to the ball and the glove is solid. Threw 69 mph across the diamond. The bat has a tee exit velocity of 75 mph. The swing is simple, flat to the ball. The bottom half stays in position as contact is made.  Solid prospect, advanced for his age.