AZ Athletics Scout Day: Top Prospects

Barrett Skaugrud SS / 2B / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2021

Turned in a similar performance to his showing at the Fall Prospect Showcase with one exception, an improved arm action. One of the top prospects in his class, Skaugrud moved well on defense and showed off his extremely advanced swing, but his focus on improving his arm on the infield appears to be producing some results and will dictate what level prospect he becomes. 74 mph infield velocity.

10/29/17 – 6-foot, 135-pound frame with tons of physical development still to come. Skaugrud’s performance this fall has established him as one of the top prospects in Arizona’s 2021 class. Hitting from a tall, loose setup with good rhythm, Skaugrud has an extremely advanced swing and feel to hit. The looseness in his wrists creates a very whippy swing and surprising pop (81 mph exit velo). Moves well and is a solid athlete when considering the lack of present strength; turning in a  7.36 60-yard dash. Defensively he shows efficient footwork and soft hands. His biggest area for improvement comes with his arm on the infield, as he often gets underneath and pushes the baseball from a low slot, which limits carry. With continued physical development and some refinement in his throwing mechanics, Skaugrud has a chance to become an elite-level prospect. 

Trevor Pruitt RHP / Sunrise Mountain, AZ / 2018

5-foot-11 160-pound frame; not the most physically imposing pitcher out there, but his combination off stuff and command made him clearly the most advanced pitching prospect in attendance. Very little effort. Dominated the bottom of the zone with three pitches and advanced feel using a simple delivery with clean arm action and 3/4 slot, Pruitt worked 84-87, T88 with good late life on his fastball. His 64-67 mph curveball showed consistent rotation and good depth, while his straight changeup was 73-74 with good arm speed. Pruitt's feel on the mound and command of three pitches makes him ready to help a college program right away.

Dylan Skov C / RHP / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2019

Solid all-around prospect. Very similar testing data to the Fall Prospect Showcase. Can help college program behind the plate and on offense. Plays with elite energy.

10/29/17 – 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame with some strength in upper body and athletic lower half; 7.20 60-yard dash. Hits from wide, balanced setup and shows solid bat speed and a path that keeps the barrel in the zone. Front side tends to get soft at times. Made solid contact in BP and will be able to drive the ball more consistently as he learns to firm up his front side through his swing. Athletic receives and blocker showed solid carry on throws turning in a best pop of 1.99 with 78 mph velocity from the crouch.

Brock Arnold 1B / OF / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2020

Lean 6-foot, 160-pound frame with plenty of room to add strength as he matures. Two-way prospect is a strong follow as LHP and 1B and one of the top prospects at the event regardless of class. On the mound Arnold works with a compact delivery, explosive lower half and generates plenty of arm speed from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 75-77, T78 flashing good downhill plane. There’s plenty more velo to come as he adds mass and strength to his frame. Sweeping 2-8 breaking ball showed consistent rotation at 63-66. Showed advanced feel for fading changeup with good arm speed at 71-73. At the plate, hits from tall, open setup with leg-kick trigger. Creates very little separation, using only a small negative move with his hands. Shows solid bat speed and makes an aggressive move with his lower half as he looks to lift the ball with a high two-hand finish. 79 mph exit velocity will increase rapidly with physical maturation. Defensively, his athleticism currently profiles best to 1B where he moves well and registered 76 mph infield velocity. Also worked out in outfield where he threw 78 mph. 7.58 60-yard dash with good running form. Has a chance to become a high-level prospect with significant increase in physical strength.