The Preseason Trials took place on Wednesday, December 27th at Corona del Sol HS in Tempe. The event featured prospects from the 2019-2021 classes and served as an identifier for future invite-only events such as the upcoming Preseason All-State Games and next summer’s Top Prospect Games and Future Games. This week we begin our positional analysis from the event with the outfielders. Complete data, pictures, video and scouting reports from the event are posted to players' profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information.

PBR's third-rated player in the 2019 class Gerardo Hernandez takes home the top spot after posting the top 60-yard dash, outfield veto and exit veto at the event. Hernandez is uncommitted  and promises be heavily on the radar of scouts and coaches this spring. 2020 Cade Verdusco and 2019 Easton Erwin also turned in strong performances as all-around prospects with a chance to be solid contributors at the college level.

Top Outfield Prospects

Gerardo Hernandez OF / RHP / San Luis, AZ / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 185 / POS: 28 Currently PBR’s 3rd rated player in Arizona and he showed why, posting the top testing numbers in every category in which he participated. We are looking at an elite-level college prospect and potential future pro with continued physical development and some refinement to his swing mechanics/approach. Hernandez has a very lean 6-foot, 161-pound frame with a narrow waist and very broad shoulders that should allow him to add plenty of strength moving forward. Posting a 6.81 60-yard dash on a slow track, he has previously shown himself to be at least a 55 runner in games, getting down the line on swings and drags at an impressive clip. Offensively Hernandez shows very loose wrists with some length in his swing. During his round of BP, he made lots of contact deep in the zone and could stand to hit the ball out front more often, allowing the raw power he possesses to show up more often. His 96 mph exit velocity with wood is off the charts for a 161-pound prospect. Hernandez moves effortlessly in the outfield and shows an average arm with solid carry, posting a 91 mph outfield velo.

Cade Verdusco OF / SS / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2020 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame. Was one of the more natural defenders in attendance at the event, showing advanced footwork with solid carry and accuracy on his throws from the outfield (85 mph). Shows a loose, easy rhythm in the box with a short swing and contact oriented approach. Hits from a somewhat narrow base with a significant forward head move. Should hit for at least gap power with continued physical development; 80 mph exit velocity. Also posted solid 7.09 60-yard dash.

Easton Erwin OF / 2B / Hamilton , AZ / 2019 5-foot-8, 150-pound frame with solid strength for his size. Erwin is the definition of a solid baseball player, moving around well and looking comfortable on the field. Turned in a 7.04 60-yard dash. Hits from tall, open setup and does a good job being on time. Hits against a very stiff front side, which limits his ability to adjust at times. 80 mph exit velocity is not indicative of the type of hard LD contact he made during his round of BP. Showed tendency to field the ball with two hands in the outfield, making accurate throws with a long arm action; 84 mph outfield velocity.

Best Of The Rest (Alphabetical Order)

Matthew Bohnert, Cactus Shadows HS, 2019

Gillis Champagne, Verrado HS, 2020

Cole Gereb, Desert Mountain HS, 2020

Jaxon Rose, Liberty HS, 2020