Nathan
Karaffa

2/10/19
As far as middle infielders go, Ohio State Nathan Karaffa showed the most well-rounded skill set of the bunch. Karaffa continues to make a case for being able to stick at the shortstop position once he gets to campus in Columbus.  A smooth defender that has a very quick first step and impressive lateral mobility. Hands work well and arm is more than enough to stay on the left side. Talented defender. Offensively, the Toronto HS standout continues to get better and better each time we see him. A handsy hitter with a loose swing that offers more barrel authority through contact every time we see him. Measurables jump off the page as well as Karaffa ran a 6.6, tossed it across the diamond at 85 mph and was 91 mph off the tee. 

2/11/18

Karraffa may have been the most improved position player in attendance. The Ohio State recruit looked like a different dude at the plate, squaring up line drives and showing signs of pull side power on its way. Physical maturity has helped without a doubt but Karaffa has obviously been working on his craft. Swing movements now create energy, timing and allow him to make use of his excellent hand eye coordination. In the infield he showed the hands and feet for the middle. Could see him end up on either side based on team need. Arm stood across the diamond.

60-yard dash: 6.76

Infield Velocity: 86

Exit Velocity: 93

2/19/17
6-foot, 170-pound prospect. Defensively, he is one of the top infielders in Ohio’s 2019 class. Good rhythm to his actions. Creates angles with his footwork and feet are always moving. Covers plenty of ground. Good hands. Transfer is quick and clean. Gets rid of the baseball with some quickness to his arm action. Top velocity of 82 mph across the infield. Also had a very good showing at the plate. Swing is efficient and natural tools are impressive. Is noticeable more physical at the plate than the last time we saw him. Has feel for the barrel and can use the entire field. A top of the lineup guy for now that very easily could mature into a run producer role. Advanced class of 2019 right handed pitching prospect that displays notably fast arm speed. Three pitch mix type with a repeatable delivery that allows him to fill up the zone with all pitches. Using short arm action through a ¾ arm slot, his fastball features late life in the zone while sitting between 83-85 mph. Breaking ball shows tight, sharp break at 70-73 mph. Also mixes in a strong 72-74 mph sinking changeup with arm speed that closely resembles his fastball.

60 Yard Dash: 7.1
Position Velocity: 81
Exit Velocity: 82

6/21/16
A very talented 2019 prospect with a 6-foot, 160-pound thin, athletic build. Was impressive as a position player and on the mound. Athletic on the mound. The righty has a three pitch mix in his arsenal, working through a high-¾ slot with short, quick arm action. Fastball has some run to it while sitting 79-82 mph. Spins an 11/5 curveball with some sharpness to it at 61-66 mph. Also flashed a changeup near fastball armspeed at 66-67 mph. A very fluid infielder with smooth actions. Glove and footwork are advanced for his age. Is able to keep his actions on the move. Throws across the infield with above average arm strength. At the plate he gets efficient energy into contact through a toe turn load and weight shift. Bat has obvious quickness to it as it gets through the zone on a level path. Sprayed line drives all over the field in batting practice and reached a top exit velocity of 87 mph. Really good player.

1/24/16
5-foot-11, 150-pound thing, projectable frame with room to fill out. Possible two-way prospect. At the plate the righty uses a simple scap load with his upper half and a toe turn to initiate his lower half. Consistently found the barrel and was able to drive the ball to both sides of the field. Ran a 4.44 home to first and had an exit velocity of 78 mph. In the infield he had athletic actions and moved well laterally. Would like to see him field the ball more consistently out in front of his body. Showed 81 mph arm strength across the diamond. On the mound the righty uses a 3-pitch mix with short, clean arm action through a high-3/4 slot. Had quickness in his arm with his fastball sitting 79-81 mph. Curveball had sharp break at an 11/5 tilt, sitting 65-67 mph. Had some feel for his 67-70 mph change up. 

7/28/15

5-foot-10, 145-pound thin, projectable frame with room to fill out. Right-handed hitter that doesn't use much of a load and closes himself off a little on his swing. Short, compact path with good bat speed and path gets in and out of the zone. Had two singles in the game with 80 mph exit velocity and was 4.44 home to first. In the infield he shows good range for his age with good actions and clean transfer. Throws from a high-3/4 slot with 74 mph arm strength across the diamond. On the mound he has a compact delivery with regular effort and is slightly closed at foot strike. Shows feel of what he's doing at such a young age. Throws from a high-3/4 slot with fastball sitting 75-77 mph. Spins a breaking ball with 11/5 tilt at 61-64 mph and showcased a hard changeup at 69-71 mph with good arm speed.