Draft Day Scenarios - Cincinnati Reds

As part of a new series accompanying the launch of the Prospects Live Mock Draft Machine, I’ll be highlighting draft day scenarios for a number of teams. What better way to use or new tool then put it to work before July 9th rolls around. To see where to start, I took to Twitter to see what team(s) the readers wanted to see me dive into.

The readers spoke and it felt apropos that the first team I saw mentioned was the much-discussed Cincinnati Reds. Thanks to a strong, young core of players like Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Hunter Greene, and of course Elly De La Cruz; it appears the buzz around the Redlegs is only intensifying. If you sensed a theme in the names I mentioned regarding the core of the team, you were right. The middle of the infield looks to be crowded for a long, long time. Cruz, India, McLain, Steer, Arroyo, Collier, and Marte are all names who should take the majority of playing time in the middle of the diamond for the foreseeable future.

Could those influence draft day decisions this coming July? We know teams don’t typically draft for Major League positional needs, but in a draft with strong frontline college pitching and stout prep outfielders; you have to wonder if the Cincy decision-makers sense a window creaking open and look to seize the opportunity. No matter what avenue they choose, the picks at hand offer plenty of intrigue.

Let’s set the scene on what the Reds have in this draft, specifically the first five rounds:

Picks:

• 7th overall ($6,275,200)

• 38th overall ($2,255,100)

• 43rd overall ($1,998,200)

• 74th overall ($975,100)

• 105th overall ($640,300)

• 141st overall ($451,100)

Overall, the Reds have the sixth-highest available bonus pool in the league, totaling $13,785,200. So what would likely scenarios be?

Scenario #1

In this simulation, things end up working out on the chalky side. The top five players on the Prospects Live Draft Board get selected in succession to each other, while the Oakland Athletics serve as a bit of a wildcard. Being in a situation where it looks as if they are a few years from playing competitive baseball, they aim for a high-upside, middle-of-the-diamond player in Arjun Nimmala. This allows the Reds to have their choice of the litter in regard to players like Dollander, Lowder, Teel, Meyer, Gonzalez, and Wilson. 

As you can see, acting as the decision maker here, I chose Kyle Teel and paid him the full slot value. Teel is one of the premier college bats in this class, a pure athlete who gets high marks behind the plate. Some even say he plays catcher like a shortstop, which points towards a profile that stays behind the dish. Beyond that, you’re simply buying a high-level bat.  A .418/.484/.673 slash line should tell you all you need to know. 

Later in the draft, we are able to catch one of the prep shortstops as Adrian Santana finds his way down to pick No. 38. Feels as if with the amount of high-level prep SS in this class that one is bound to slip just a touch. We’re able to reign in Santana Jr. at just over slot value. 

With our third selection, we are able to snag a potential frontline starter in Brandon Sproat. The stuff certainly suggests frontline, however, tweaks to the overall profile are needed. The organizational pitching infrastructure in place offers us to trust that the staff can make adjustments with Sproat and turn this into a great pick. The same can be said for Nick Maldonado who we snagged at pick No. 105 after selecting an extra high-upside prep middle infielder in Trent Caraway at 73 because you can never have enough of those. Jake Cunningham rounds out our five picks to offer just a touch of slot relief, but it’s certainly no throwaway. Cunningham possesses tools that are off the charts, putting it all together will be the test. If it clicks, we’re talking big leaguer.

Scenario #2

In this simulation, we catch a falling Max Clark. This is certainly not an outlandish happening. There's a real chance with the chaos of the MLB Draft that one of Jenkins or Clark finds their way to pick No. 7. For as long as this draft class has been talked about, Clark has been tabbed as one of, if not the best talent in the whole class. It’s an otherworldly high school stat line that includes a batting average in the .600s. Clark is more than a basher, it’s tools across the board. Speed, defense, plate discipline - Clark does it all well. Getting this type of upside at a position of need, at this type of value feels like a no-brainer for the Reds. We do have to pay a touch over-slot to make it happen but Clark feels worth it. 

We find a similar profile with Colton Ledbetter at Pick No. 38. However, Ledbetter comes from the college ranks and may not have the sky-high ceiling of Clark -  the profile is semi-reminiscent. Tanner Witt at pick No. 43 follows a similar path to that of Sproat and Maldonado from Scenario 1. Witt lacks the typical track record thanks to missing a large portion of 2023 due to injury but it’s a bet on the traits and pitching development infrastructure. 

Wolters is a prep arm who has a major helium attached to his name right now. Up to 98 MPH, the big-bodied righty is gaining serious steam. If we’re lucky enough to see Wolters fall this far, we likely have to pay up to keep him from honoring his commitment to Arizona. We make it happen and go over-slot for Wolters but bring it back down to earth with the succeeding picks in Carson Roccaforte and Marcus Brown. A couple of guys who have seen major success at high-level college programs. Roccaforte falls in line with the Ledbetter profile and Brown is reminiscent of Trey Faltine, a fellow shortstop and Reds’ selection from 2022.

Conclusion

With the excitement level rising at the major league level, the opportunity within the 2023 Draft should offer just as much excitement for Cincinnati fans. Largely because this draft class is abnormally stout in its’ top fifty prospects. Just so happens the Reds hold three picks in the top 43. It’s an advantageous situation for a team looking to supplement an already young core. Flexibility is paramount in the chaos-filled MLB Draft. Reds’ brass will have plenty of that. 

Who do you think the Reds should target at No. 7?

The Seattle Mariners Have A Generational Opportunity In The 2023 MLB Draft

This article is brought to you by Tyson Tucker, one of the newest members of PL’s Draft Team

One of the main storylines taking place within the 2023 MLB Draft centers around Jerry Dipoto and his Seattle Mariners. The M’s hold three picks (22, 29, 30) in the top 30 of the draft, presenting a rare and massive opportunity. So rare in fact, that Dipoto says in his 24 years of working in the draft, he’s never been a part of something like it. 

Dipoto shared some of his thoughts on Joe Doyle’s Overslot podcast, “To have three picks in the top-30 is exciting for us. Particularly excited because, frankly, this is an area of the draft that has been very productive for us. We feel like we’ve done very well in this general zone. The types of players that go off the board in the 20-30 range in the draft, are typically those that embody the criteria we hold in high value. We’re well situated to make these picks.”

He even went as far as to make a statement regarding a strategy they plan to employ. “We are likely to do something creative. We’ve tried hard to be creative in years where we’ve had a Comp B pick, but you need extra slot money to do anything…creative.” It’s clear the staff recognizes the opportunity at hand, expect them to be innovative with a freedom that isn’t typically afforded in this magnitude.

The instance is irregular in the fashion that the last time it did take place was back in 2016 when the Padres had the honor bestowed upon them. As we look back to those picks currently, San Diego walked away with two quality MLB starters. Albeit, both are no longer with the organization.

Quantrill helped land Mike Clevinger and Lauer brought over Trent Grisham and Zach Davies. Gone for the team but multiple guys who created immense organizational value. Which, in essence, is what the MLB Draft is all about.

It’s clear there’s a great opportunity at hand.

Picks and pool

One of the reasons this opportunity is so rare is because of how the M’s came to have these top picks. The first came through regular means. Pick No. 22 is their regular selection given their finish in the previous campaign.

The second came from an instance that is new to the MLB Draft. Seattle was awarded a pick at the end of the first round because of the new Prospect Promotion Incentive. Which is explained by the MLB in these terms, “If a player who was rated as a preseason Top 100 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, and/or ESPN (at least two of the three) and was on his team's Opening Day roster goes on to win the Rookie of the Year Award, the club is awarded a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick after the first round.” Julio Rodriguez’ 2022 Rookie of the Year campaign fit the criteria and has been awarded to the Mariners immediately after the first round; Pick No. 29. 

The third pick comes in the form of Competitive Balance Round A, dealt to teams with the smallest markets or revenue pools. The M’s found themselves with the first pick within the competitive balance round right behind their Prospect Promotion selection. And to make the case even more advantageous for Seattle, both picks got moved up two spots because of some other team’s big spending. Both the Mets and Dodgers first-round selections were moved back 10 spots because they exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold by over $40 million. So what would have been picks 31 & 32 turned into picks 29 & 30. A non-zero value move that gives the M’s another leg up. 

What affords Dipoto the opportunity to get creative is the slot value allotment that comes with these high picks. And as of Tuesday April 4th, we now know what the slot values and bonus pools will be for the 2023 MLB Draft. It’s more than fair to say the Mariners are well situated.

Here’s the Top 10 courtesy of MLB.com:

1. Pittsburgh Pirates - $16,185,700

2. Detroit Tigers - $15,747,200

3. Washington Nationals - $14,502,400

4. Minnesota Twins - $14,345,600

5. Oakland Athletics - $14,255,600

6. Cincinnati Reds - $13,785,200

7. Seattle Mariners - $13,170,900

8. Miami Marlins - $12,829,600

9. Kansas City Royals - $12,313,500

10. Colorado Rockies - $11,909,800

Other than the Mariners, who check in at #7, every team on that list holds a pick within the Top 10 of the draft. And as we know the M’s first pick is outside the top-20. As far as the total bonus pools, the Mariners’ top 3 pick values combine to be $9,029,800; which is more than 12 teams’ total pool. You’ve heard me say it a couple times, but the opportunity at hand is nearly unprecedented. In large part thanks to the ever-rising slot values. The M’s hold the cards in the back half of the first round.

So, where do they go?

To know where they might go in 2023 we must look back to where they’ve gone previously under Jerry Dipoto & Scott Hunter.

They’ve nearly done it all since Dipoto took the reins in 2016. First it was college bats, then it was college arms, and in the last two years, it’s been high school bats. It’s fair to say they really don’t have a first round “type.” They identify the guy they deem fits their needs best for the given situation and run with it. To make an educated guess on a player they might draft would mostly be a shot in the dark. Dipoto and Co. are going to play the role of a wild card on draft night, but we can identify options they may have presented to them.

Scenario 1:

They float down prep. Blake Mitchell is a premium high-school catcher who can really swing it, while also being up to 97 MPH on the bump, so you know the arm strength is there. It’s solid athleticism and great makeup on an up-the-middle player. All these factors fit the mold of what the M’s have done with recent prep picks but also make him likely to go off the board in the area of the 15th pick. On the off chance Mitchell is still available around 17th or 18th, I think you see the M’s make some promises on the dollar amount they can match going overslot on pick No. 22.

With the two remaining selections I think you see a team that realizes a window opening up on the Major League side of things and looks to supplement that. Colton Ledbetter and Juaron Watts-Brown are players that are performing at power conferences within college baseball and could be semi-quick movers. Both of which should require slot or less at their draft position. College arms will be a mainstay of these scenarios because the organization has shown they have a pitching infrastructure they fully believe in. Expect a college arm to be one of the selections especially with the depth of that crop in this class.

Scenario 2:

In this scenario, they catch a falling prep. As I mentioned above, this is a team that has a window opening at the major league level for the first time in decades. They’ll look to grab some college players who can move fast. So in this scenario, they go grab Tommy Troy, a versatile, athletic do-it-all type of up-the-middle player. A true hitter who brings more than that to the table.

After that, they nab a premium prep hitter in Aidan Miller. Miller missed a portion of his high school season with a broken hamate bone in his hand. Before the injury, Miller was a fringe top-10 prospect. He’s even likely just a tier below consensus top-10 players in Max Clark and Walker Jenkins. Miller is committed to Arkansas and could get close to honoring his commitment unless a team like the Mariners can catch him at this position. It wouldn’t be the first time they nabbed a big-bodied 3B after grabbing Tyler Locklear and Tyler Keenan in recent years. It’s not an up-the-middle player, but we’ve heard their staff say they can afford to take on more risk this year. Miller fits the mold. 

Going over-slot to nab Miller at No. 29, requires them to go just a touch under-slot at No. 30 with Alabama LHP Grayson Hitt. Hitt is a projectible guy who has more recently tapped into his ceiling. Dipoto and staff have not been shy about getting arms in which they have identified deficiencies through biomechanical means. Knowing in turn they can make the necessary adjustments to tap into more. They get their college arm here and it’s an arm they believe they can mold into future value.

conclusion

When it comes time to turn in the card(s) this July, it’s hard to know where the Mariners will go. We can presume they’ll want to stick to their typical high-character, middle of the diamond, impact player. Odds are they will also nab a college arm to supplement the infrastructure they’ve built out as an organization. Above all else, as we’ve heard them say, expect some creativity.

When you have tenured GMs and scouting directors making remarks about never experiencing an opportunity like this in their career or even franchise history, it’s easy to understand the weight of the situation. And while three picks in the top-30 adds a little pressure, it also affords a ton of freedom and opportunity. Both of which the higher ups in Seattle are relishing as we speak. 

It will all come to fruition on Sunday, July 9th during MLB All-Star Week. Which happens to be where you ask? Seattle. A draft being held in Seattle, in which the hometown team will hold the cards for much of the latter half of the first round. The stars are aligning for what figures to be…

A generational opportunity.

Smitty’s Standouts Volume No. 2 - College of Central Florida is a FORCE

The state of JUCO baseball in Florida couldn’t be stronger. Everywhere you look throughout the state there’s a squad with multiple D-1 or draft hopefuls, or both for that matter. College of Central Florida fits that description to a tee. 

This has been my third time seeing the Pats this spring, and there have been multiple reasons why this squad is the best JUCO baseball team in the country. Potent, quality bats throughout the lineup and one of the deepest pitching staffs in the state. Let’s talk about a few of the roster that really stood out. 

2B Bradke Lohry, College of Central Florida

Lohry has been the most impressive bat that I’ve seen on the JUCO circuit this spring by a good margin. It’s a strong hit tool out of leadoff with a compact load paired with both electric hand and bat speed. Shows a strong ability to manipulate the barrel throughout the zone and will use the entire field. Flashed an impressive ability to turn on the ball into stiff headwind and can tap into above-average raw power at times in a smaller frame. Likely a 55 runner at worst with a sneaky first step and ability to reach top speed quickly. 4.0 home-to-first on an infield knock as well. Defensively, Lohry can stick at second base long term with good positioning and smooth transfers out of the glove. The Vols commit is the definition of a gamer on the diamond, and can bring instant impact to a lineup. I’m not outside of thinking that Lohry can be one of the rare JUCO bats drafted in the first 150-200 picks. 

Yet another quality look at #CoCF 2B Bradke Lohry.

On base three times with a pair of knocks and a BB. Clocked a 4.0 H-1st. Strong tools across the board. #Vols commit. pic.twitter.com/BLgWVfHc7c

— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) March 8, 2023

1B/OF John Marant, College of Central Florida 

A Georgia Tech transfer, Marant brings both imposing size and strength to the field. An XL 6-6, 230lb. with above-average athleticism for his size. Showed both impressive opposite-field pop with an effortless flick into a headwind for a home run and ability to show pull-side juice as well with above-average bat and strong lower-half. Easy plus raw power long term. Advanced approach at the plate with a good eye for spin and ability to do damage throughout the zone. Elevated fastballs got Marant to whiff a few times but adjusted in later at-bats. Defensively, athletic enough to play in either corner but likely will make a long term home at first base. Still uncommitted, and could be a very valuable power bat to plenty of D1 teams. 

With an imposing 6-6, 225 frame, #CoCF OF John Marant shows off the massive LH raw pop essentially flicking this pitch over the LF wall for the oppo HR into 20+ mph winds.

Adv. approach and above-average athleticism for the frame. Potential to be an impact bat for a P5 school. pic.twitter.com/eFebMpTefg

— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) March 9, 2023

RHP Cam Schuelke, College of Central Florida

Fresh off of a brand new commitment to Mississippi State, Cam Scheulke continued to show why he’s one of the most unhittable relievers in the country, regardless of level. Mixing between a high three-quarters and submarine arm slot, Schuelke shows a very deceptive pitch mix from both slots with an immense feel to spin. Fastball from over the top was up to 89 with carry, and mid-80s with some sink and run from the submarine slot while missing bats with both. Slider can be a real weapon from both slots at anywhere from 72-77 with tight break and ability to tunnel off the fastball from both slots. Schuelke will show a 11/5 curveball with consistent shape from the three-quarters slot as well. Avoids barrels at all costs, and will keep hitters off balance seemingly his entire outing. Just one earned run allowed across 23+ innings, and it’s easy to see the transition to the SEC next year. 

Others to note: 

3B Edwin Toribio and CF Carson Bayne are two uncommitted middle of the order bats for the Pats who have hit in every look for me this spring. Toribio has really leaned out since his prep years while maintaining impressive strength throughout the frame. Seemingly triple digit exit velocities on every barrel. Bayne shows an above-average glove in centerfield with a clear plus arm and ability to cover ground with ease. At the plate, creates leverage while using his lower half extremely well. A willing runner as well with sneaky foot speed, and will consistently pad the extra base hit numbers. Both bats can be quality pieces on a multitude of rosters. 

EARLY RELEASE - 2024 MLB Draft - Top 200 Prospects

Get $10 OFF Swing Analyzers and Personal Swing Trainers with code LIVE

We're 16 months out but the hype surrounding the top of the 2024 MLB Draft is percolating. Jac Caglianone fever has run rampant. Our team has been at ballfields for the better part of two months now and we’re constantly digging into the analytics we can get our hands on. You can find a lot of our film and live looks in each player’s blurb below. As always, our boards are built on three pillars:

• Our team’s Live Looks.

• Trackman, Rapsodo and data evaluation.

• Conversations within the industry. What are scouting executives, cross-checkers and area scouts seeing at the ballfields?

This far out, this Top 200 really establishes a few things:

• We're leaning on "potential" and "stuff" when it comes to college arms and bats. There's still enough time for "polish" to take a back seat in evaluations.

• The high school bats appear a bit more impactful and potent than what the 2023 class is providing.

---

We are excited to be offering a new benefit to our Patreon: one week early releases of our MLB Draft board updates and mock drafts! This is our first step in a journey to bring MLB Draft content to Patreon and even more value to your subscription! These releases will be accessible through the 55 Tier ($5 /mo).

With this release of the Top 200 we are also launching the Draft Database, an online application that will be a Patreon exclusive, housing all of our MLB Draft lists in one place. You'll be able to easily filter through positions, schools, class and easily see the list view or all the blurbs for each player. Additionally we'll have links to our MLB Draft Show interviews and film where available.

If you’re considering joining our Patreon, know that we offer a lot more than just these early releases!

The 55 Tier ($5 /mo) provides:

• Access to our 900 scouting reports made up from our Top 30’s from each team

• The MiLB daily sheet where we cover all the action from around the minor leagues. 3,000+ words six times a week to make sure you don't miss a beat! 

• Semi-daily sheets for spring training and the WBC

• The Prospects Live Dynasty Podcast

• Top 100 FYPD rankings

• Exclusive articles

The 60 Tier ($10 /mo) provides access to more dynasty content:

• The Top 500 fantasy prospect list

• The Top 1000 dynasty list

• In-season tool for evaluating and identifying prospects

• The Prospects Live Dynasty Mailbag podcast

The 70 tier ($15 /mo) gets you a private Discord channel to access our dynasty team and any other member of our staff to answer your questions within 24 hours (although we usually within a couple of hours)!

We also have the 80 tier ($25 /mo) which gives you polling power of our Twitter account and 4 different 30 min 1-1 calls throughout the year to go through your dynasty teams.

EARLY RELEASE - 2023 MLB Draft - Top 400 Prospects

College baseball is BACK, baby! The Top 400 is here. With high school ball roaring nationwide and college ball in high gear, we’re ready to re-rank the 2023 draft class. Our team has been at ballfields for the better part of two months now and we’re constantly digging into the analytics we can get our hands on. You can find a lot of our film and live looks in each player’s blurb. As always, our boards are built on three pillars:

• Our team’s Live Looks.

• Trackman, Rapsodo and data evaluation.

• Conversations within the industry. What are scouting executives, cross-checkers and area scouts seeing at the ballfields?

This Top 400 really establishes a few things:

• This year has a reasonably established Top 10-12 names. There’s value in the 20-50 range too.

• This class is led by a strong and deep crop of college talents.

---

We are excited to be offering a new benefit to our Patreon: one week early releases of our MLB Draft board updates and mock drafts! This is our first step in a journey to bring MLB Draft content to Patreon and even more value to your subscription! These releases will be accessible through the 55 Tier ($5 /mo).

With this release of the Top 400 we are also launching the Draft Database, an online application that will be a Patreon exclusive, housing all of our MLB Draft lists in one place. You'll be able to easily filter through positions, schools, class and easily see the list view or all the blurbs for each player. Additionally we'll have links to our MLB Draft Show interviews and film where available.

If you’re considering joining our Patreon, know that we offer a lot more than just these early releases!

The 55 Tier ($5 /mo) provides:

• Access to our 900 scouting reports made up from our Top 30’s from each team

• The MiLB daily sheet where we cover all the action from around the minor leagues. 3,000+ words six times a week to make sure you don't miss a beat! 

• Semi-daily sheets for spring training and the WBC

• The Prospects Live Dynasty Podcast

• Top 100 FYPD rankings

• Exclusive articles

The 60 Tier ($10 /mo) provides access to more dynasty content:

• The Top 500 fantasy prospect list

• The Top 1000 dynasty list

• In-season tool for evaluating and identifying prospects

• The Prospects Live Dynasty Mailbag podcast

The 70 tier ($15 /mo) gets you a private Discord channel to access our dynasty team and any other member of our staff to answer your questions within 24 hours (although we usually within a couple of hours)!

We also have the 80 tier ($25 /mo) which gives you polling power of our Twitter account and 4 different 30 min 1-1 calls throughout the year to go through your dynasty teams.

2023 MLB Draft: Week 2 Stock Watch

This article is brought to you by Nick Johnson, one of the newest contributors at Prospects LIve

LHP Sean Sullivan, Wake Forest 

Performance: 6 IP, O R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 11 K

Talk about starting out with a bang! I’m not sure even Sean Sullivan could have scripted a better beginning to his Wake career. Through his first two appearances the 6’4 lefty has thrown 10 innings allowing only 2 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 21 batters!

As I wrote in January I thought Sullivan was one of the most under-the-radar transfers in all of D1. A Northwestern transfer, Sullivan had an impressive freshman season as the Wildcat’s Friday night starter throwing 64.2 innings, striking out 78 while sporting a 4.45 era. After the collegiate season he pitched an additional 28 innings in the Cape League where he struck out 29 in 28 innings while only giving up 22 hits and walking 9.

If you’ve never seen Sullivan pitch he throws from a funky low 3⁄4 slot that is super deceptive. He works quickly and pounds the zone. He has a 3 pitch mix (FB,SL,CH) but is super FB heavy. In his start Friday against Mount St. Mary’s he threw 77 pitches and a staggering 66 of them were fastballs (85%). He had a crazy 25 swing and misses on the day. The fastball had 55% miss and 41% chase. Sullivan’s FB sat 88 and topped out at 90. If he can tap into his big frame and gain velocity you could watch his stock soar. With the news that Teddy McGraw may be out for an extended amount of time it will be interesting to see if Sullivan sticks in the starting rotation. My bet would be yes. 

⭐️Top Weekend Performers⭐️

Sean Sullivan: 6 IP, O R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 11 K

If you’ve never seen Sean Sullivan pitch he throws from a funky low 3⁄4 slot that is super deceptive. He works quickly and pounds the zone. He has a 3 pitch mix (FB,SL,CH) but is super FB heavy. pic.twitter.com/KjlXMxYc2n

— Nick Johnson (@nicholasmilo) February 28, 2023

RHP Ryan Hawks, Louisville   

Performance: 7.1 IP, 1R, 4H, 0BB, 8K

After missing all of 2021 due to injury Ryan Hawks became Louisville’s go to arm out of the pen in 2022. In 27 appearances (1 start) Hawks threw 49 innings allowing 54 hits, walking 16 and striking out 65. 

This year Hawks becomes arguably the most important piece of a Louisville staff that is coming off an underwhelming 2022. The former Kentucky Gatorade player of the year has certainly looked the part of a Friday night starter through his first two games. In 13.2 innings he has only given up 7 hits, 1 walk, 1 ER, while striking out 17. 

This Friday against Bowling Green he looked really good. He tossed 7.1 innings of 4 hit ball without allowing an earned run and striking out 8. He threw 88 pitches and was primarily FB/SL while mixing in 6 CH. Despite it being a brisk 45 degrees the fastball sat 92 and topped 93. I expect the velocity to tick up as it gets warmer and he builds back up. The slider looked really impressive with 56% whiff/31% chase. I hope he mixes the change in more because it had good fading movement and induced some funky swings.

Through two starts Louisville has to be extremely happy with what they’ve seen from Hawks as he will be a pivotal piece in their push to Omaha. 

⭐️Top Weekend Performers⭐️

Ryan Hawks: 7.1 IP, 1R, 4H, 0BB, 8K

The former Kentucky Gatorade player of the year has certainly looked the part of a Friday night starter through his 1st 2 starts. In 13.2 innings @_RyanHawks has only given up 7 hits, 1 walk, 1 ER, w 17 K’s. pic.twitter.com/yPiV5qG29A

— Nick Johnson (@nicholasmilo) February 28, 2023

RHP Hurston Waldrep, Florida

6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3BB, 13K

When Florida went and got Hurston Waldrep out of the transfer portal I imagine this was exactly what they thought they were getting. The RHP Southern Miss transfer was absolutely electric Saturday afternoon. The 6’2 Thomasville, GA native shoved against Cincinnati going 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 13 K (tied career high). He threw 100 pitches (62% strikes) and featured a FB,CB,SP/CH mix. The fastball sat 95 and topped 98. He held 96 into the 6th inning. The Split-Change was absolutely nails at 87 mph with 71% whiff/64% chase.  

After facing Charleston Southern and Cincinnati, Waldrep will get his first real test of the season this weekend as he faces a talented and nationally ranked Miami offense highlighted by projected first rounder Yoyo Morales.    

⭐️Top Weekend Performers⭐️

Hurston Waldrep: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3BB, 13K

Waldrep threw 100 pitches (62% K) w a FB,CB,SP/CH mix. The FB sat 95 and T98. He held 96 into the 6th inning. The Split-Change was absolutely gross at 87 mph with 71% whiff/64% chase.

🎥: @gabyvitalee pic.twitter.com/Lfdzz1Oi0B

— Nick Johnson (@nicholasmilo) February 28, 2023

Honorable Mentions:

RHP Jackson Baumeister, FL St. 

5.2, 1H, 0 ER, 2BB, 8K, 81 pitches (50 strikes) at #10 TCU

RHP Noah Hall, South Carolina 

8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K, 99 pitches (71 strikes) vs UPENN

RHP Jason Savacool, Maryland

7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 101 pitches (67 strikes) at #4 Ole Miss

HITTERS

C Luke Shliger, Maryland 

Performance: 6 for 12, HR, 2 2B, 7 RBI

In what was billed to be one of the best matchups of the weekend #13 Maryland traveled down south to take on the #4 Rebels of Ole Miss. It was a great early season test for the Maryland offense to go up against some great SEC arms. While the series didn’t go the way Maryland would have hoped, Jr. catcher Luke Shliger really stood out. In the 3 game series the 5’9 LHH went 6-12 with a 2B, HR, 5 RBI’s, 2BB and 3K. 

Shliger really burst onto the scene as a sophomore slashing .357/.500/.643 with a 1.143 OPS. He had 22 doubles, 2 triples, and 12 homers. He followed up his sophomore campaign with an All-Star season on Cape. 

With a hit > power approach, good swing/take decisions, strong bat-to-ball skills, and limited physical projection remaining, the Maryland backstop profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling type player. The question he will have to answer this spring is just how much impact the bat carries. The power production will dictate how high he goes but he currently projects as a Top 100 pick.

Top 5 | That's our captain!!

Luke Shliger hammers a ball over TJ McCants and into the student section for the Terps fourth home run of the game

Rebels 10, Terps 8 pic.twitter.com/oZwRJfATcO

— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) February 26, 2023

C Devin Burkes, Kentucky 

Performance: 8-13, 7 2B, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 2 BB, 3HBP, 2 SB

I’m not sure anyone in the country had as good of a weekend as RS SO catcher Devin Burkes. Burkes went crazy against Wright St. going 8 for 13 with 7 doubles, 1 homerun, 11 RBI, 2 walks, 3 HBP, and 2 stolen bases. Including his midweek game against Indiana St. Burkes slashed .563/.667/1.188 with a 1.855 OPS. The Bradenton, Florida native is enjoying his first year as Kentucky’s everyday catcher and has a 20 game on base streak dating back to last season. He currently leads the nation in doubles. Burkes is making his case to fly up draft boards this spring. 

👋, baseball@Devin_Burkes pic.twitter.com/tstNXQzA2e

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) February 26, 2023

3B Jack Costello, San Diego 

Performance: 5-9, 5R, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 1BB, 1K

Not even a historic Southern California deluge could cool off JR RHH Jack Costello. The third baseman only got two games in this weekend due to heavy rain but did wreak havoc in both.On Friday night against Hawaii he went 3-4 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. On Sunday against UNLV he went 2-5 with a HR and 3 RBI. 

Costello is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign where he slashed .307/.369/.487 with a .856 OPS. He had 15 2B, 2 3B, and 8 HR. He spent 18 games in the Cape Cod league where he hit .270 in limited at bats. 

The Terero’s are off to a hot 5-0-1 start and a lot of their future success will rest on the success of their star 3B. 

It's Jack Costello versus everybody.#GoToreros pic.twitter.com/yJhOldsYgO

— San Diego Baseball (@USDbaseball) February 27, 2023