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BC Scout Blog: Shortstops of the '22 class

When you break down some of the best uncommitted players by position and class, the shortstops in British Columbia’s 2022 class are something to keep an eye on. These guys should all have a chance to stay in the middle of the diamond for the time being and will bring some offensive impact to the game as well.

Wylie Waters SS / 3B / Sentinel Secondary, BC / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 1 Report: It’s tough to tell if he’s going to stay at shortstop, but at the very least he’s going to hit. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, Waters has a balanced swing from the right side. The hands start high, thay stay fairly quiet through his load and the bat whips through the zone with a low-90s exit velo. The body moves well from an athletic standpoint, and as he gets stronger he’ll have a better chance to hit this summer. Defensively the feet are okay, but probably better suited for third or second down the road. The hands look somewhat soft and with time he could profile into a decent infielder. If he ends up running well, he could also see time in the outfield.

Pierce Radke SS / RHP / Langley Secondary, BC / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 6 / POS: 2 Report: One of the better-looking shortstops in BC to kick off the list is Pierce Radke. At 6-foot, 185-pounds, Radke has the makings of an advanced college shortstop. At the dish he rakes. It’s a short compact swing, lots of barrel, and he hits to all fields. There isn’t a lot of power right now, but he’ll put a few out this summer. Defensively his feet are really active, the glove presentation is clean, and the arm works from multiple slots. He’s probably not going to grow much more, but with added physicality, Radke has a chance to be good.

Kai Okuyama SS / 2B / Elgin park , BC / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 4 Report: Standing at 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, Okuyama is one of the more interesting players in the group. He flies with a 60-yard time of 6.69, and he’s actually fairly physical. Whether or not he’s going to hit is up for debate, but it’s still early with him. From the mechanics of the swing, the leg kick is super high, which can hurt his timing, but when he’s on time with a decent swing there’s some jump to it. Defensively it works a bit as Okuyama’s feet do the right things in terms of direction, but the arm needs some to add strength. If the arm pans out, there’s a chance he could see time in the outfield because of his speed and athleticism.

Tyrus Hall SS / Oak Bay, BC / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 3 Report: Hall is a very athletic and interesting shortstop from the Island and a player who does things on the ball field with ease. We saw him in the fall and the actions and awareness at shortstop are evident. He plays under control and the glove works with softness. At the plate, it's a compact swing that presently is a line drive type of approach. It’s a flat path through the zone, and once he gets on he’s looking to take bags. There is a lot of strength that he can add to his frame and as that comes, expect Hall to be someone who continues to take the next steps in his development.

Ryan Heppner SS / RHP / Vancouver College, BC / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 5 Report: The best thing about Ryan Heppener is his arm, because it allows him to do a lot of other things well on the diamond. Even though the speed isn’t where you want it to be, he’s definitely still growing into his body. At the plate you can see him trying to move well, but there’s a sharp recoil after every swing and ass he gets older, it should work itself out with added size and strength. Defensively his feet are quiet, and he makes deliberate movements. The arm works from every slot, and it’s 75 mph across the diamond, but it works. There’s also intrigue with Heppner on the mound, as he was up to 85 mph at our event in September with good actions and a feel for the mound.