Jack
Hurley

Hurley is a tooled-up outfielder that is one of the hottest hitters in the country right now. His power production has been through the roof, hitting eleven homers in the last thirteen games. His stance starts open with a medium leg lift and hang, and hands load the bat to a slight wrap. There’s plenty of bat speed and whip in the barrel. In terms of where the power lies he has shown in game power to all fields, including a backside bolt to left center. In addition to his power, he ran a 4.22 home to first, and he pulled up the last few steps. The tools are undeniable, especially the ability to produce in game power, but would benefit from better swing decisions and better selection early in counts.

USA CNT: Hurley has been a fixture in Virginia Tech’s lineup for his first two seasons with the Hokies and 2022 saw the outfielder anchor an offense that finished first in the ACC in home runs, doubles and slugging, and top five in the conference in almost every other traditional offensive statistic. Hurley himself racked up 14 home runs and a team-leading 23 doubles over 58 games while slashing .375/.452/.664. There are a lot of moving pieces in Hurley’s swing from load through contact, which translates to lots of opportunity for him to slip off-time or off-plane, and at least in part contributed to a yellow-flag strike out rate of ~18% this past year. When everything is clicking, however, the lefty bat delivers hard-hit balls from gap to gap with over-the-fence pop to pull, and has made him one of the more dangerous hitters in the ACC. During trials, we saw a little of each from Hurley, as the Hokie slashed an impressive .357/.400/.429 over five games, but also looked overmatched at times against some of the better power arms while striking out in over a quarter of his plate appearances. The Hokie can do a little of everything, with a chance to hit for solid average and power at the next level while providing average up-the-middle defense and plus speed. He showed well for the Collegiate National Team through trials and during the Honkbalweek Haarlem tournament (slashing a combined .316/.350/.368), and should enter the fall as a high follow for big league clubs. He figures to factor into day one consideration with a repeat performance in 2023.

6-foot, 175-pound Virginia Tech commit was one of the breakout performers of the day. The left-handed hitter took two of the top rounds of batting practice on the day. Hurley starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a knee-to-knee stride. Creates consistent backspin and showed some present power to the gaps while registering a bat exit velocity of 90 mph while swinging wood. Ran a 6.70 laser timed 60-yard dash and flashed athletic defensive actions with an event best 94 mph arm strength from the outfield.

6-foot, 155-pound left-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a knee-to-knee stride to initiate his swing. Hands work well through contact and displayed the ability to create backspin with an 86 mph bat exit velocity. Future power is likely when current athletic frame fills out. Showcased athletic actions in the outfield with fluid actions and advanced arm strength (89 mph). Also displayed capable glove work at shortstop with 85 mph arm strength across the diamond. Ran a 6.82 60-yard dash to complete an well-rounded day.