Jake
Topolski

Futures Preview (6/4/16)
Topolski is a wiry athletic middle infielder with a projectable frame. Offensively- Topolski uses a short stride and small hand load that generates a fast two-handed swing. Short and level bat bath, Topolski is a line drive hitter with power potential if he can add some more muscle. Had one of the top Exit Velocities at 85 MPH. Defensively- Tall and lanky, Topolski is explosively agile, running his 60 in 6.75 seconds. Throws from a 3/4 arm slot at 81 MPH across the infield. Good footwork and average hands, Topolski can seemingly get to any ball hit to him with his speed and length.

Winter Trials South (January 30, 2016)

Jake is a lean and athletic 5-foot-11 175 pound infielder who ran a 4.12 home-to-1B. Offensively- Jake starts in a narrow, feet inside the shoulders setup with relaxed hands that load the bat to a 45 degree angle. Gains ground on stride but stays behind the ball well. Has eliminate his toe tap from prior events.  Aggressive with lower half and flashed quick hands into the zone. Extension stays off the body with a high finish.Predominately line drive/groundball results.  Exit velocity was 83 MPH today. Defensively- Jake is steady with his actions, moves well laterally creating proper angles. Hands always out in front and is seamless with his transfer and footwork, allowing for a quick release. Positional velocity today was 80 MPH with an easy effort. 

Topolski, once again, was a defensive standout. He's rangy and already has the arm strength to make the throw from the 5/6 hole at a young age. One defensive adjustment would be to break his hands smoother without the added pump into the glove. Offensively, he continues to show good swing plane. He has a feel for contact and will be able to control the barrel better once he gets stronger. There is a lot to like about Topolski.

 Topolski is a very high level 2018 prospect at shortstop. He has a wiry strong 5-foot-11, 170 pound frame with room to fill out physically. Topolski was the top middle infielder at the event, showing off very good range and footwork. He has well above average glove skills for his age and showed signs of having a quick arm with more velocity to come (80 MPH at the event). Offensively, Topolski ran a 6.97 and had an 84 mile-per-hour exit velocity. He hits from a tall stance with a toe tap into his stride. He has a level swing plane which needs some work as there is minimal pop presently. My recommendation is to adopt an all-fields approach.

On the mound, Topolski had up-tempo mechanics, keeping compact the entire time. He does slightly slouch over, meaning that he has to come back upright in order to get back to his high ¾ arm slot. He is raw on the mound, but his arm speed allowed him to top at 77 miles-per-hour with a curveball that had potential.