Mizuno Monday - Prospect of the Week

Griffin Palfrey SS / RHP / N/A, BC / 2021

Report: Palfrey is one of the most electric two-way prospects in Western Canada. With high-level movement patterns in the box and in the field, his extremely repeatable swing from the right side consistently produces low line drive carry in the low-mid 90s on his exit velocity. Last February, at the IP Showcase in North Vancouver, Palfrey topped out at 96 MPH EV but showed one of the highest consistent contact scores on the day, averaging at 89 MPH with a hard hit ball percentage of 82.1%. Palfrey is widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in the province, showing good range and has been seen hitting 88MPH across the diamond. Though he projects first as a position-player, his pitching is nothing to scoff at. He has been seen up to 91MPH from the mound with good command, with a breaking ball and changeup combo. Palfrey has the makeup to be a college-level shortstop right now and is a substantial uncommitted grab in the 2021 grad class.

Future: Palfrey has been quietly but convincingly upping his status as a legit college and future pro ball prospect. It is unlikely with a shortened draft and lack of stats from Covid-19 limited seasons that Palfrey will get the looks needed to get him on a Major League teams list right now. Still, if his hard work and skillset indicate how his college career will pan out, it will be no surprise if we hear his name in June in a few years. Palfrey’s versatility and success in the middle infield and the mound lends for a right-handed-hitting comp to former Okotoks and Indiana Hoosiers standout Matt Lloyd, who is now in the Cincinnati Reds organization as a position player. Palfrey consistently records high exit velocity in his batted balls, and with some work done with his swing to raise his low line drive approach a few ticks, these doubles and triples now will translate to some big-flys. Watch for his OPS numbers to increase with age and maturity as his approach matures. Palfrey is a legit player with a high upside. Time will show that this kid has game.