Russell
Hunter

Physical: Strong, durable 6-foot-1, 195lb build with power available on the bump.

Pitching: RHP - The imposing right-hander started calmly off the middle of the rubber, gaining a comfortable stack position before driving out with a thick lower half to the plate; regular pace. Moderate takeaway and H ¾ slot at release with ride/run characteristics on an 86-87 mph FB. Mixed a mid-70’s breaking ball that showed flashes, displaying sharp 11/5 tilt. Then countered with a developing 79-81 mph CH at 1527rpms with arm-side fade present.

Physical: Large and powerful 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame with projectability throughout the build. 8.07 60-yard dash runner. 

Offensively: RHH. Open, balanced stance with the hands resting loosely on the shoulder during setup. Utilized a leg-hang to initiate a quick and high intent, flat barrel path through the hitting zone. Showcased short and powerful turns on pitches on the inner half generating natural barrel whip and hard impact at the front of the plate. Lived from the left field line to LCF gap during batting practice while hitting into a stiff but adjustable front side. Sinks into a spring loaded backside creating advanced hip-shoulder separation in the box; recorded a maximum of 98 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball and should project as a middle of the order bat moving forward. 

Defensively: The primary third baseman featured a moderately low center of gravity with a soft glove hand working out in front of the left side during defensive evaluations. Can move with long, lateral movements to the glove hand side and made the throw on the run from a few different slots. Arm works with accuracy primarily through a high ¾ slot, full arm circle with whip. 3B - 83 mph

Pitching: RHP - Stays tall throughout with some lean into the backside coming out of the stack while landing slightly closed creating crossfire out of a fluid, high ¾ release. FB worked at 81-85 into the zone with some life and a max of 2183 spin per Trackman Baseball. Dropped in an 11/5 shaped, 68-70 mph CB with adequate feel for spin at a top of 2018 RPM.

Hunter was impressive at the Last Chance event. Hunter displayed his power in batting practice. Quick path to the baseball. Slight lift at the point of contact. Made hard consistent contact. Stays balanced throughout the swing. On the mound, the right handed pitcher displayed a repeatable delivery. Hunter works downhill with low effort. FB peaked at 81 MPH with late life. Hunter is a 2022 graduate with a lot of upside. 

Offensively- the right handed hitter stands in the box with a slightly open stance. Simple load actions with slight leg lift for timing and balanced. Short direct path to the baseball. Displayed hard consistent contact. Defensively-the 3B uses his active footwork to gain momentum on his throws across the diamond. Moves well laterally. Pitching-the right handed pitcher displayed a repeatable delivery and projectable actions. Hunter uses his strong lower half to work downhill. Smooth hand separation and throws from a high ¾ arm slot. Hunter is a 2022 graduate that is a must follow.

Physical build at 6-foot-0 tall,210 pounds. Ran an 8.48 in the 60 yard dash. Offensively- The right handed hitter stands in the box with feet shoulder width apart. Simple load actions . Takes a backward stride with the front leg before attacking the hitting zone. Shows a short compact swing. Has a slight lift at the point of contact. Gets good use of the lower half and full extension after contact. The top exit velocity was 85 MPH. Defensively- Shows active footwork. He gets himself in good position when fielding the baseball. Fields the ball slightly off center. Takes his time to gather himself on throws across the diamond. Throws from a mid ¾ arm slot. The top throwing velocity was 78 MPH.  The 2022 graduate has tons of upside and is a must follow.

Hunter is 5 feet 9 inches, 180-pounds, with a stocky athletic build. Has room to develop in the 2022 graduating class. Hunter is a 3B/RHP. Ran a 5.11 home to first. Offensively- open stance with a high leg kick on the pitch. Gets the front foot down early. Slight bat wiggle, drops hands on the load. Extension to the ball could use some work, gets the hips through. Barrel stays flat through the zone and lifts up on the ball on contact. Finishes swing with one hand. Exit Velo- 74 MPH. Defensively- choppy footwork as the ball approaches. Hunter fields the ball deep into his stance. The delivery to first is choppy and long, needs to work on being more fluent. Throws from the ¾ arm slot. Needs to work on getting rid of the ball faster. Infield velo-72 MPH. Pitching- Sets up in the stretch with a closed stance when he comes set. Has a slight leg tuck, with a quick delivery to the plate. Throws from a ¾ arm slot. Has a tendency to fall off to the first base side of the mound. Fastball was sitting 69-71, topping out at 72 mph. Hunter’s change up has movement down and slight break away from left handed hitters. Located the change down in the zone. Slider has movement to it late, releases the ball early. Could be better with locating the curveball and being more consistent with pitch movement. Curveball was 59-60.