Top Performer Spotlight: 2023 C/3B Dalton Harper (Maryvale)

April 8, 2020
Tim Hunter
VP of Operations

It was a historic preseason here in New York with our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff covering 700+ players at showcase events, all February long. The dust has settled and we are now ramping up our efforts in player rankings, scouting reports, and recap articles. While the outcome of the 2020 HS season is on hold, the Prep Baseball Report (NY) will continue to provide unrivaled coverage for the amateur baseball players in the Empire State.

As we continue our follow up of the Preseason Tour, we will be highlighting "Top Performer Spotlights" on players who recently stood-out at our preseason events. Stay tuned with us for the latest information on the 2020 spring season and beyond.

Scouting Report

Physical: 5-foot-8, 153-pounds. Strong projectable frame.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, slightly open, small leg kick into the load action, strong bat speed, level through the zone, strong hands at the point of contact.
Power: 94 MPH raw exit velocity. Clear power pull side and up the middle.
Defense: 2.07-2.13 pop times. C: Low stance, strong base, ball transition is fast and from the shoulder, accurate throws around the bag, INF: Consistent footwork on approach, fields the ball slightly off-center on his back foot, shuffles to release.
Arm: C: Quick arm swing, 3/4 slot, INF: Short arm swing, 3/4 slot . C - 72 MPH. INF - 79 MPH.

Standout Skill

Harper's most impressive thing to me was his exit velo at 94mph and kids older than him aren't even hitting that high. He can really hit the ball to all parts of the field with a gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Lower half is very simple with a smooth timing for point of contact. Overall, Harper can smash the ball and will only get stronger.

Player Projection

Sub 2.1 pop times as a 2023 graduate and only going to improve that time. Harper has low/consistent one-hoppers to the bag with a top 77mph catcher velo, quick footwork and transfer to go along with the great pop times. He swings the bat like a catcher and even potentially a 1B to keep the bat in the lineup.

Quick Hit
"Standout behind the dish and such a young player. Plenty of room to develop his skills both defensively and offensively. Long bat path but his quick hands and ability to whip the barrelhead through the zone help make up for it. Raw power to pull side gap and a lot of it. Fielding footwork seems a little slow to, but has a sound glove to be a possible corner infield."

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