Tools of the Trade: Class of 2024 Arm-Strength
October 20, 2023
A breeding ground for upper-echelon northeast talent, New York's class of 2024 set the bar high, making noise in all corners of the state. Though the amount of college-ready arms have been intriguing (25 of the first 40 ranked), we've seen a similar balance of talent with quality position players throughout. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, glove, arm, and run) as a barometer for comparing players against one another. Obviously, each will need to be refined properly and accompanied by in-game success in order for them to have full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
ARM STRENGTH
The name of the game is limiting runs on defense, and teams equipped with arm-strength around the field have a chance to take extra bases away from the opposition - which shows up on the scoreboard. One of the more underrated tools nowadays, the presence of it alone can be the difference between starting and sitting on the bench. Think positional flexibility; the shortstop would fit just fine at 2B or 3B, as well a toolsy outfielder being able to play at least two of the spots required. Getting more playing time starts with the arm.
TOP ARM TALENT
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Kyle DeGroat RHP / 3B / Wallkill , NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 5
Though he holds immense upside on the mound with a 93MPH FB at Metro Scout Day, the two-way prospect translates similar success to the field. We've seen the arm push up into the upper-80's across the INF from a durable 6-foot, 190-pounds.
Texas commit |
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Tyler Castrataro SS / RHP / Mahopac, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 3
Pacing all infielders that attended PBR NY events over the past year, Castrataro unleashed a carrying 92MPH arm-strength with clean separation in June. There has always been plenty of twitch across the board, down to a 6.68 60YD.
Hofstra commit |
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Kyle McDermott OF / RHP / Monroe Woodbury , NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 98 / POS: 14
The leader from Metro Scout Day's OF velo portion, McDermott creates plus leverage over the front-side with a violent H 3/4 release. Will have a chance to stick in RF at 95MPH out of the hand. Long/slender 6-foot-5, 200-pounds.
Central Connecticut State commit |
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Aidan Gallagher OF / SS / John Jay- East Fishkill, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 61 / POS: 9
One of the more active defenders when tracking, Gallagher posted a shocking 91MPH OF arm on a cold, brisk evening at the Northeast Pride's Fall Scout Day. Maintained game-like tempo throughout with more to come.
Hofstra commit |
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Jeylem Sepulveda 1B / RHP / Citius Prep, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 58 / POS: 3
Also cracking the list for "Top Power" among 2024 class prospects, Sepulveda lit up the gun for a 91MPH infield velo, 2nd overall at the heavily attended Metro Scout Day. Projectable 6-foot-4, 225-pounds.
Delaware commit |
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Vincent Aiello OF / OF / Xaverian, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 236 / POS: 38
A breakout performer a few weeks ago, Aiello gained the most out of his compact 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame, yielding a T90MPH arm from the OF. There's efficient bounce to the step during a short-window throw. Uncommitted |
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Matthew Sutera SS / 3B / Monsignor Farrell, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 110 / POS: 17
There aren't many empire state athletes who can match the size/burst combo of Sutera, running a 6.90 60YD with 89MPH INF arm-strength. Limitless motor type who can throw out of tough positions in the hole.
Wagner commit |
Previous tools covered:
Class of 2024 Power >>> 9.13.23
Class of 2024 Hitters >>> 9.20.23
Class of 2024 Defenders >>> 9.28.23
Class of 2024 Runners >>> 10.11.23
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 Last Chance Open: East | NY | 10/22 | Heritage Finanical Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 Last Chance Open: Downstate | NY | 10/28 | East Coast Sports and Fitness - Yorktown Heights |