Sean McGrath
Scouting Director, New Jersey

Yesterday, we took a look at scouting reports from thirteen uncommitted 2017 arms that participated in the Underclass Games in September. Today we will take a look at the seven junior outfielders from the event who are yet to make a college commitment.

Michael Ukrainskyj, Seton Hall Prep
+ Ukrainskyj had one of the best skillsets at the event; highlighted by his speed (6.79 60-yard dash; 4.31 home-to-first). The 6-foot-1, 178 pound outfielder has an impressive, projectable frame. Offensively, the right-handed hitter has quick hands that produce solid bat speed and a flat barrel. The ball comes off the barrel well, particularly to his pull side. Defensively, he moves extremely well in the outfield and has an easy glide about him that makes tracking fly balls look easy. He is a bit stiff in his throwing mechanics but he delivers the ball with accuracy.

Benjamin Harris, Lenape HS
+ Benjamin Harris is a member of Gallagher Team Mizuno; one of the best development programs in the state. Harris has a ton of athleticism and upside; he just needs added repetitions. The 6-0, 180 prospect has a presence about him in the batter’s box. He has a good feel for finding the barrel, despite not finding a great launch position. He has power potential and could be an XBH machine his last two years of high school. He is an above average runner (6.80) that, when combined with his aggressive approach to the game, allows him to stretch singles into doubles. He has a strong throwing arm and could eventually make for a solid CF/RF prospect.

Michael Gladis, Highland High School
+  Gladis is just 5-foot-9, 180 pounds but he plays the game much bigger than that. He is a left-handed hitter who likes to spray the ball around the field with line drives. He plays above his raw speed in the outfield and does a nice job of making all of the routine plays. Although he is a primary outfielder, I am very intrigued by this left-hander on the mound. I’m interested to see where his development takes him.

Kevin Jenkins Jr., Timber Creek Regional HS
+ Kevin Jenkins Jr. is a strong, athletic prospect who is 5-foot-7, 175 pounds. He hits from the right side, throws from the left. His barrel flattens out through the hitting zone and his bat speed allows him to spray the ball hard around the field. He gets good jumps in the outfield; his routes could be improved and will be cleaned up with added reps. His throws have limited carry due to a lower arm slot making the ball have tailing action. Raising the slot should allow for more life. I expect a bettr 60 yard dash time next time around.

Evan Smith, Rutherford HS
+ Evan Smith is 6-0, 160 pounds. He hits from the right side, has a feel for hard ground ball contact and does not yet get any lift in his swing. His lower half incorporation could be much better and will get there as he learns to apply force against the ground. He covered more ground than most outfielders at the event which is a good sign but he currently only projects as a LF due to a lack in arm strength. Raising his arm slot from the outfield may give him more life and carry on his throws.

Max Vigliotti, Lyndhurst HS
+ Vigliotti is 6-foot-1, 175 pounds who possesses a projectable frame. He a fine left-handed hitting prospect. He had good pre-pitch rhythm and used a leg kick and explosive load to get his hands into a hitting position which allowed for some whip of the bat. He has a good, smooth swing that works best to his pull side. He is not yet where he needs to be in terms of speed but he does an excellent job making routine plays in the outfield.

Trevor Donatacci, St. Peter’s Prep
+ Donatacci is an outfielder from a very solid St. Peter's Prep program. He is just 5-foot-9, 155 pounds but can add strength and size with physical maturity. He hits from the left side with a tall, narrow stance a little wider than shoulder's width apart. He has minimal load and stride and relies on his hands and bat control to show a solid feel for contact. He moved fluidly throughout the outfield in the defensive portion of the workout and throws from an abbreviated arm swing and high 3/4 release. Throws had good carry and four-seam spin.