Sean
Matson

Cape Cod: Matson posted an ERA in the 5s in each of his first two seasons at Harvard, working mostly as a starter as a sophomore. But he really found a home at the back of the Orleans bullpen this summer, going 7-0, 0.30 with seven saves and a sparkling 34-8 K-BB mark in 29.2 innings over 21 relief appearances between the regular season, all-star game and playoffs. Physically mature at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Matson isn’t a big projection guy, but if he can add a few ticks to his 89-91 fastball, he could make himself into a prospect, because his heater really plays at the top of the zone thanks to its high spin rate and outstanding carry. He also showed high-end command this summer of his entire arsenal, which also includes two quality breaking balls in his curveball and slider, along with feel for a changeup.

Physical: Advanced physicality in a large and athletic 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame, above average strength in the lower half. Harvard commit. 7.12 runner in the 60-yard dash. 

Offensively: Switch hitter. Mirrors from both sides with noticeable juice as both LHH / RHH; wide, even stance with a slight bend in the knees as the hands started with slow wiggle next to the ear. Utilized a leg-hang stride with controlled weight shift into a stiff and sturdy front side upon footstrike to initiate a flat barrel path into the hitting zone. Generated lift after contact with ability to get well through extension, did damage to the LCF gap creating natural backspin when contacting the ball out in front. Sinks into a powerful lower half with feel for rotational power and ground usage in the box. Showcased quick hands in game with ability to match plane and hit velocity, recorded a top bat-exit velocity of 96 mph per Trackman Baseball / peak batted ball distance of 363 feet. 

Defensively: The shortstop featured short, active footwork with advanced feel in the middle of the field, above average pace with a medium-low center of gravity on the approach, the hands worked smoothly through the baseball and attacked short hops out in front, moderate range to the glove hand side, accurate high ¾ slot with a full arm circle across the diamond. INF - 82 mph

Pitching: RHP - Starts from the stretch only on the right side of the rubber, quick leg lift above the waist with noticeable hip coil around the backside, gets directional and downhill towards the plate with advanced backside leg drive, high ¾ arm-slot with a quick and full arm circle that whips through release. FB ranged from 86-89 mph with arm-side run / late life at the plate and 2088 spin per Trackman Baseball, mixed in above average feel for a late biting 77-80 mph SL with horizontal plane and 2162 max rpms of spin. 

Physical: At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Matson has some physicality in his game and can hold more weight and strength in his frame. 7.31 runner in the 60.

Offensively: Switch hitter with a peak exit velo of 94 mph from both sides. From the right side, he starts upright with a wide base. He uses a small leg lift and a long stride for timing. He attacks the ball slightly uphill and finishes high with two hands. From the left side, he starts more open but uses a similar timing mechanism. Attacks the ball with a bit more of a flatter path but still finishes uphill with two hands. Should develop more power as he continues to get stronger.

Defensively: Starts upright and uses somewhat choppy footwork on his approach of the ball. He plays low to the ground and showcases average lateral mobility with soft, sure hands. His 86 mph arm should play well at either SS or 3B at the next level.

Pitching: Starts off on the third base side of the rubber and creates some crossfire action. Starting in the stretch, he uses a medium leg kick and shows his backside to the hitter before striding out towards home plate. Uses a short take back with a high ¾ arm slot.

Fastball: Sat in the mid-to-upper 80’s while peaking at 88 while showing some arm side run.

Slider: Demonstrated good velocity separation between his fastball and his two-plane breaking ball that shows late depth.

Changeup: Takes a bit off and has some arm side fade.

Physical: 6-2, 200-pounds. Strong, projectable frame. 7.15 runner in the 60; 4.4 home-to-1B.
Offensively: S. R: Athletic, open stance, hands just above shoulders, uses a medium stride for timing, L: Similar stance with his hands lower, more of a leg kick for timing R: Plus bat speed, flat barrel through the zone working uphill with extension at finish, L: Slightly slower bat, still good extension and use of the lower half. R: Up the middle approach, L: More pull side contact. 89 MPH raw exit velocity.
Defensively: Uses a prep hop for timing, gets low with the ball, gets his glove down early and works well from the ground up, controlled when fielding on the move. Short, whippy arm action with a 3/4 arm slot.  INF - 84 MPH.
Pitching: Works out of the stretch with a high leg lift and coil, gets into back side with some shoulder tilt as he strides in line and accelerates through a repeatable release and flat back follow through. Long, fast arm action to a high 3/4 release. FB: T89, 88-89 MPH. Has ride through the zone flashing arm side run. CB: 73-76 MPH. Sharp break with 11-5 shape showing depth.  CH: 70-70 MPH. Maintains hand speed with arm side fade. 

6-foot-1, 195-pound switch hitter starts from and open right-handed stance and initiates his swing with a leg hang stride. An lengthy stride ends routinely in full extension with some present gap pop. Left handed swing is similar with more lift. Registered a bat exit velocity of 88 mph and ran a 7.39 60-yard dash. Showcased athletic actions defensively with solid carry on throws of 84 mph across the diamond. Current physical frame with room to add additional strength may lead to a move to third base. The righty sat 84-85 off the mound from an over the top arm slot. Curveball showed sweeping 11/5 break at 62-64 and slider displayed later, shorter break at 70-71. Changeup is thrown at near fastball arm speed with arm-side run at 66-69. Definite follow in this class with legitimate two-way abilities.