Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 1B/LHP Justin Flebbe
November 8, 2018
Throughout the year PBR will put the spotlight on a number of uncommitted prospects who show the necessary tools to play at the next level. 2019 Justin Flebbe provides a rare combination of advanced approach and feel for the strike zone with raw power that translates to game action. Flebbe has consistently shown the ability to drive the ball through and over the fence this fall and stood out at the Unsigned Senior Showcase. An advanced, college-ready defender at first base, Flebbe is also a mid-80's strike thrower on the mound and is a certain DI/high Juco prospect. If he ends up at a JC, I have a feeling the production will end up making a lot of power five programs wish they'd signed him out of high school. Check out the full report below. As always, contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or commitment information.
Scouting Report
10/10/18 - 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame with strength in lower half and forearms. Flebbe is clearly the top power bat available in AZ and is set for a significant bump when rankings are updated. His swing mechanics are very simple, with a strong, wide base and slight leg lift trigger. Flebbe does an outstanding job creating separation with a strong coil and consistently gets his foot down on time to unload on the baseball. He stays through the baseball, getting excellent extension and generates hard line drive and fly ball contact from CF to the LF foul pole; 93 mph exit velo was tops at the event. There's absolutely no question he is a D1 bat and shows the type of present strength, combined with an advanced swing and approach that could make him an early contributor. In addition, he's a polished defender at first that moves comfortably and excels on picks. He's also shown himself to be a mid-80's LHP on previous looks, but his future is likely in the batter's box.
6/27/18 - 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. Flebbe didn't really stand out on a few short looks this spring, but showed off a really intriguing combination of raw power and bat speed that you wouldn't expect from someone with his frame. Recorded a very impressive 97 mph exit velocity on this day. He has a chance to be a plus defender at first and launched a home run just foul during game action at the event. Posted a 76 mph infield velocity and a 7.07 60-yard dash. Flebbe also ran his fastball up to 83 mph from the left side on the mound. Clean arm action, high ¾ release. Tendency to land on a very bent front leg, fails to stabilize/block forward momentum. Breaking ball showed 1/7 shape with gradual break at 72-75 mph. Flebbe’s currently a much higher level prospect as a position player with enough juice to play first base.
2/21/18 - The junior lefty worked 81-83 with his mostly straight fastball, touching 84. He showed a high 3/4 arm slot and a slower tempo delivery, generally filling up the strike zone, but showing more control than command. He mixed in a 67-68 mph curveball and was able to throw it for strikes. As he is able to tighten the rotation on the pitch he should be able to miss more bats moving forward. As a junior lefty who can touch the mid-80's there's no question he can help a college program.