PBR’s inaugural event in Arizona took place on October 29 at the Kansas City Royals Complex in Surprise. This week we begin our positional analysis from the event, continuing with the outfielders.

2021 Augie Walters (Brophy Prep) occupies the top spot on the list after bursting on to the scene with a strong performance across the board. This two-way prospect probably has an even higher celling on the mound, but showed good outfield actions and a solid bat with an extremely projectable, athletic body.

Here’s a look at our top five outfielders:

TOP Outfield PROSPECTS

1. Augie Walters, OF, Brophy College Prep, 2021
High-waisted 6-foot-3, 155-pound frame with very long limbs; tons of projection in body. Very good athlete for current strength level, running a 7.25 60-yard dash. Established himself as one of the elite prospects in Arizona’s 2021 class. Big-time follow as he grows into his frame. Ceiling is highest on the mound where he worked exclusively from the stretch with a short stride and some explosiveness in his lower half. Threw 79-81 mph fastballs downhill with some sink, topping at 82. Long, loose arm action with very little effort. Flashed a solid changeup at 69-72 with good arm speed and also showed a developing breaking pitch at 67-78. Offensively, showed some hitting ability that will continue to improve with strength. Gets foot down early without a ton of rhythm in his setup/swing. Made mostly solid line drive contact; 80 mph exit velocity. Shows easy outfield actions with good footwork and solid carry on throw from high ¾ slot. 78 mph outfield velocity.

 

2. Noah Nithman, OF, Sandra Day O’Connor, 2020
Compact 5-foot-10, 160-pound frame with quick twitch ability and good strength for a young prospect. Nithman was a standout at the event and put himself on the radar of everyone in attendance. Turned in the day’s top 60 time with a 6.97. Showed impressive bat speed in BP and is looking to lift the ball with authority. Hits from a tall, narrow setup with a long stride, generating good separation and extension in his swing. Raw defensive prospect with a very high arm slot has the necessary athleticism to become a solid outfielder. In PBR’s first look at Nithman, he made it very clear that he is one to watch in the sophomore class. 

3. Spencer Seigworth, OF, Valley Christian, 2021
Physically immature 6-foot, 147-pound frame with long torso. Showed best on the mound where he uses a compact, low effort delivery with a slow tempo. Generates very little from lower half and has plenty more in tank. Worked 74-76, T77 with his fastball that showed slight cutting action at times from a high ¾ slot. 65-69 mph changeup is only secondary pitch, which is appropriate for his age and physical development. Has a chance to become high-level prospect on the mound as his body matures. Offensively hits from upright setup with toe tap trigger and somewhat steep bat path generating 75 mph exit velocity. Registered 76 mph outfield velo using short arm action and high ¾ slot. 7.43 60-yard dash.

4. Drew Woody, OF, Highland, 2020
5-foot-10, 165-pound frame. Shows quiet setup with easy rhythm and good balance in swing. Linear bat path and line drive approach, making lots of solid contact. Shows solid carry and good accuracy on throws from the outfield with 79 mph velocity. Also pitched, working 74-77, T78 from high ¾ arm slot. Shows slight hook in back of arm action. 68-69 mph curveball showed consistent rotation and 1-7 shape, usually buried below the zone. Also threw developing 67-68 mph changeup that showed both cut and fade at different times.

5. Holden Boyce, OF, Desert Mountain, 2018
6-foot, 179-pound frame. Athletic, broad shoulders with developed, strong upper body. Switch hitter, showed best from the left side where he has a loose setup, easy rhythm, and some bat speed. Line drive approach, made contact to all fields. Stiffer, more rigid swing from the right side. Registered 87 mph exit velo. 7.16 60-yard dash, athletic mover.  Solid footwork in outfield, throws uphill at times.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Brian Dickman, OF, Pinnacle, 2019
6-foot-2 165-pound frame. Moves well; 7.27 60-yard dash. Hits from upright setup with simple load and short swing. Showed occasional pop; 79 mph exit velocity. Attacks ball in outfield, gets underneath baseball when throwing with short arm action.

Trace Laudenschlager, OF, Cactus Shadows, 2021
Very young 5-foot-4 120-pound frame. Solid outfield actions, charges ball aggressively with good footwork and long, clean arm action. 71 mph outfield velocity. Listed as switch hitter, only took BP from the right side where he shows a balanced setup and short smooth load. Posted 69 mph exit velocity, which will increase with increased physical strength and improved separation. 8.14 60-yard dash. 

Connor Robison, OF, Basha, 2020
5-foot-8, 135-pound frame. Switch hitter showed better from the right side as he keeps the barrel in the zone longer producing more consistent solid contact. Similar setup from both sides with a solid base, flat bat and very short stride. 7.28 60-yard dash. Defensively shows solid footwork and some carry on throws using short arm action with a slight stab in back. 76 mph outfield velocity.