McLaren Serious About Playing College Baseball

Tyler McLaren RHP / OF / Freeland, MI / 2020

FREELAND - While pitching may be the best avenue to play at the next level for Tyler McLaren, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting Aaron Wilson sees the Freeland junior as a college prospect with a lot of versatility.

“Tyler is a well-mannered two-way prospect,” Wilson said of the 43rd-rated 2020 in the state. “He has athletic actions in the field that allows him to play both the infield as well as outfield and he’s a top-of-the-order type of hitter. On the mound, he’s been up to 84 mph along with a solid curve and changeup.”

McLaren is not as concerned about what position, rather about getting the opportunity to play the sport he loves at the collegiate level.

“I’ve been talking to two schools the most,” McLaren said. “I’ve been to Western Michigan twice. Coach (Adam) Piotrowicz (recruiting coordinator) is trying to get a date to come and watch me. I also visited Northwood a month ago. They said if I want to go there to call and they’ll have an offer for me.

“They both have seen me at PBR events and came to watch my travel team in the summer. Coach (Jake) Sabol at Northwood has been watching me for a couple of years now.”

What McLaren has shown is a hard-working player that continues to make strides on the field.

“I’ve hit the weight room and gotten a lot stronger,” noted McLaren. “I’ve improved my lower body and I’ve been able to come up two miles an hour since the end of last year, topping out this winter at 86.”

At 6-2 and 160 pounds, McLaren sees a lot of room for improvement.

“I’m a taller kid but not as big and strong as others,” McLaren admitted. “I know at the next level I’ve got to hit the weight room and get bigger. That will not only help me get stronger, but I won’t be as injury prone either.”