Pitting the next wave of MLB Draft prospects from across the country against each other on regional teams, the Area Code Games Underclass has historically been an initial proving ground for future high draft picks to introduce themselves to professional scouts. Normally held in Compton at the MLB Urban Youth Academy, this year’s event was shifted to the gorgeous confines of Lakepoint in Georgia. Although the venue shifted, the talent remained the same, and there were strong showings from a plethora of prospects. Below, a look at some of the players that made an impact on National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, for their impressive results, upside, or both.

 

1. ELIJAH GREEN IS A FORCE

+ Already one of the top players in the 2022 class, Green, a Miami recruit, left the Area Code Underclass event as the prospect that every scout in attendance knew by name. He finished the weekend 4-for-10, blasting three home runs, and even the outs he made were loud. Demonstrating an ability to drive the ball to all fields, Green dominated elite pitching as his in-game production continues to warrant high praise. At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, he has the most impressive frame of any prospect in the class, and while it is already advanced, a closer look still promises further development. His batting practice session was equally impressive as he had a professional approach, utilizing the whole field early before giving a glimpse of his plus-power with deep drives out of the park. Though his speed and athleticism are both plus tools, he profiles best as a corner outfielder, but considering the power production, it will not downgrade his elite prospect status. The loud exit velocities (97-plus regularly) and ability to get out of the box quickly shine well on his future upside, but his tracking capabilities continue to impress with each viewing. On a stage with the best underclassmen in the country, Green was clearly in a league of his own. Interesting to note: Anytime Green stepped to the plate, scouts turned around from the upper class game to watch his at-bat. Having seen multiple players reclassify the past few years, and with lots of uncertainty in the baseball world, even a small chance that Green would bump up to the 2021 class made it worth seeing him in action.

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