EMERSON, GA—The 2020 MLB Draft wasn’t even 24 hours old before I hopped in the car to check out what 2021 has to offer, as the PBR Classic has a host of prospects from across the country. My first game was with Canes Baseball, who cruised to a dominant win in three innings. They added an exhibition game later that night, winning 16-7 over Upstate Mavericks Georgia. Given the shutdown, it’s understandable that players, especially pitchers, are showing some rust. There were 18 walks between the two teams in that first game, but no shortage of stuff.

RHP Luke Hayden (Edgewood HS, IN) started the game, featuring a 91-94 mph fastball, touching 95. He has a strong frame and pitches with effort, a head whack and short arm action. His slider was 82-84 with tight spin, though it was backing up on him some. He is committed to Indiana. LHP Gage Jump (JSerra HS, CA) came on in relief, tossing 1.1 innings and allowing one hit and two walks while striking out three. A 5-foot-11, 175-pound UCLA recruit, he was 92-94 and spun a good curveball at 72-75. It had depth and 1/7 break for the most part, but he did show one or two with a little more lateral break.