Inside the '23 Player Rankings: Alabama Top 5

May 12, 2020
Austin Sharp
Scouting Director

After the release of the Updated and Expanded 2023 Overall Player Rankings, we wanted to take a dive into the Top 5 in the Alabama class, 4 of which who are ranked inside the Top 100. 3 of the 5 prospects have already given their verbal commitments to power SEC programs. We are really excited about the potential that this class has. Read below about the Top 5 in the ‘23 Player Rankings.

Alabama Top 5:

Walter Ford SS / RHP / Hoover, AL / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 41 / POS: 10

On the mound, Ford showed premium stuff and arm strength. Really pounded the zone with all three pitches from an athletic delivery. The fastball obviously came out of the hand easily and showed some late life. The fastball sat 89-91 mph with spin rates in the mid 2100’s- low 2300’s. The breaking ball showed sharp downward tilt at 75-78 mph. The change up showed plus deception in the lower 80’s and can be a plus pitch. Explosive arm. Ford was also impressive during the infield portion and he showed nice range laterally and the arm strength once again jumped out as he was 88 to 1B. The feet are even in the stance at the plate and he shows a simple, yet powerful approach at the plate. There is slight tilt in the swing plane and the barrel shows some violence in the hitting zone. Showed a middle to pull side approach and was 89 mpg off the tee. A definite two way ‘23 big time guy.

Commitment: Alabama

Colton Wombles C / OF / Russell County , AL / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 63 / POS: 8

5-foot-6, 150-pounds with some compact strength present. Brought a significant amount of energy to the game, and set the tone from the leadoff spot. Right-handed hitter who does not get cheated, and exhibits stronger feel for the strike zone. Stood out in right field where he aggressively hunted all balls, and looked to show off his plus-arm for his age.

Commitment: Auburn

Stone Lawless C / 3B / Huntsville, AL / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 3 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 79 / POS: 11

A very impressive looking 2023 grad that has the physical makeup now. Shoulder nice set up with the quiet glove and the ability to block balls in the dirt. Impressive low 2.0 pop times for a young player. Fundamentally sound in all that he does. Does a nice job of creating a rhythm at the plate with his hands and set up. Has some lift in his swing but keeps the barrel through the zone a long time. Has some big time pull pop. A definite 2023 name to remember. Ultra projectable.

Commitment: Tennessee

Ryan Strachan RHP / SS / Sparkman, AL / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 99 / POS: 25

Speaking of young arms, this ‘23 grad was downright dominant in the Junior Future Games with an electric FB that consistently sat 82-85 mph but was up to 87 mph on many of his deliveries to the plate. Although he was able to throw the FB by most his hitters, he also showed a well shaped slider type breaking ball at 71-72 mph. The appearance of this secondary pitch really made him unhittable to a number of hitters. Also a big time bat that shows serious juice to all fields and was an extra base hit machine in the Junior Future Games.

Commitment: Uncommitted

Jaxon Milam SS / RHP / Russell County , AL / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 5 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 200 / POS: 49

Starts with a wide, even stance with the feet and does a very good job of staying through contact. There is some strength in the hands and he does a nice job of staying inside the ball throughout the swing. Very balanced approach and does a nice job involving his lower half. Solid feel on the IF with plus feet and legit arm strength. Showed the ability to throw from multiple arm slots. The glove works! On the mound he showed a FB up to 81 with long arm action. The mechanics are athletic (looks easy) and clean. Pounded the bottom half of the zone with tilt on the FB. The change up showed very nice deception and can be a swing and miss pitch for him. Impressive ‘23 to follow.