Matthew
Rivera

Preseason All-State Showcase (February 11th, 2017)
Rivera has a physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds. Ranked No. 7 in the NJ 2018 class, 231 Overall. One of the top performers of the event.  Ran a 7.00 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a tall, narrow stance with hands loaded back prepitch and the bat wrapped around his head. Uses a big leg kick and stride to start swing. Shows some explosiveness in swing and finish - gets good extension with arms on contact. Partial hip clear on finish. Recorded an Exit Velocity of 100 mph. Defensively- pop times between 1.78-1.81, recorded throws that topped at 80 mph, which was the top catcher velocity of the event. Exchange is clean, gains ground toward 2B on finish. Explosive arm from a high-3/4 slot. Throws had some arm side run. 


10/1/16
Rivera, a participant of August's Future Games - is 6-foot-2 190-pounds with broad shoulders and a lean frame. Ranked No. 11 in NJ's 2018 class - one of the top uncommitted players currently. Flashed pop times between 1.97-2.03 in skills event, plus arm from behind the plate (up to 84 at Future Games).

PBR Future Games (August 4-6, 2016)
Rivera is 6-foot-2 190-pounds with a very high ceiling and projectable frame. One of the top overall prospects at the event - one of the top uncommitted players in the state. Ran a 7.09 60. Offensively-  has true power potential at the next level. Wide stance, uses a small stride with hands that stay quiet. Viciously torques hips. Bat speed is present. Doubled in first game off the left field wall. Major prospect to keep an eye out. Exit velo 92. Defensively- recorded throws down to second base at 83 mph, one of the highest catcher velos from the event. In game pop times bewteen 1.9 and 2.1. Advanced receiving and blocking skills. Shows agility behind the plate despite bigger frame. No wasted movements in footwork to second base, clean exchange and short, quick arm action.


Winter Trials South (January 30, 2016)

Matthew is an impressive athlete who stands 6-foot-2 190 pounds. He ran a 4.10 home-to-1B and was at the top of the measurable statistic categories in everything he did.  Offensively- Matthew starts slightly open and a bit narrow with his setup. Hand position is just off the shoulder with a 45-50 degree bat angle. Uses a short take back with a longer stride for timing. Stays behind the ball well and uses lower half aggressively. Swing path varied at times, showing some length. Line drive/flyball results with pull side gap power. Future middle of the lineup run producer that has a high ceiling from an offensive stand point.  Exit velocity was 94 MPH. Defensively- Matthew was impressive behind the plate, showing high end athletic actions. He uses a elevated secondary position, showing quick feet and exchange with his arm strength peaking at 78 MPH. Would like to see a lower setup with  throwing hand trailing glove (some gap here). Soft receiver who turns over properly in the dirt with a quick recovery. Pop times ranged from 1.82-1.89. Pitching- On the mound Matthew was equally impressive. Already fitting the mold physically he showed the ability to lengthen his arm action and have command of an above average breaking pitch. He uses a shorts side step up to a mid chest balance point. Does close off his stride, creating cross fire action from a low 3/4 slot. Stays firm through the front leg with some arm extension that could be enhanced. Live arm with a FB that sat 82-84 MPH with late life. Breaking ball showed tight rotation, 2-to-8 shape with great depth. A legit secondary offering at 70-72 MPH. Showed some feel for his change but was a bit firm at 77-79 MPH. A potential 2-way prospect that may fit a catcher/closer role due to his next level breaking ball or possibly due to athleticism move to the outfield to save the arm for the mound. Front line option behind the plate as well. It will be an interesting path to follow during his scholastic years.