Tools of the Trade: Class of 2025 Hitters
November 2, 2023
A breeding ground for upper-echelon talent in the northeast, New York's class of 2025 has featured depth across the board. There's a near even split of pitchers vs. position players among the top 30 ranked with a multitude of ACC/SEC commits sprinkled throughout. When undergoing the scouting process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, defense, arm, and run) as a barometer for player comparison, knowing that each will need proper refinement and in-game results for them to show full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
HIT TOOL
One of the hardest to project in the game, the illustrious "hit tool" combines multiple offensive facets, such as bat-speed, effort, feel for the barrel, early pitch recognition, and having a solid plan. Yes the swing plays a factor as well, but the best typically execute their approach using some semblence of the above and do so at the highest level. Here's a look at some of the more gifted hitters in the empire state’s junior class.
TOP HITTERS
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Mateo Noto SS / 2B / Beacon School, NY / 2025Longer-levered for size at 5-foot-8, 150-pounds, Noto works top-hand palm-up through the ball while the front arm matches bat-path perfectly. The left-handed hitter dominated quality pitching at the '23 PBR Future Games with a short, efficient trigger.
Indiana commit |
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Jack Roventini OF / RHP / Poly Prep, NY / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 2
Also a top runner in the class with 6.60 60YD dash times, Roventini batted .362/.524/.500 last spring for powerhouse Poly Prep and stole 15 bags. The athletic 5-foot-10, 160-pounder has flashed natural hand-eye, generating an impressive 21/12 BB to K ratio. Leadoff skillset!
Uncommitted |
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Owen ten Oever C / 1B / Poly Prep, NY / 2025One of the biggest risers over the past couple of years statewide, ten Oever creates good direction towards the alleys with pull-side juice. Listed at 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, the righty produced strong, yet consistent power numbers as a sophomore; .370 BA, 3 HR (led team), & 7 doubles.
Indiana commit |
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Kelvin Almonte SS / 2B / Inwood Early College , NY / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 114 / POS: 22
Tall and projectable with an ease-of-operation, Almonte burst onto the scene of the Last Chance Open: Downstate. He repeated a firm launch position and didn't break a sweat, up to a T97MPH EV + 76MPH bat-speed at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. Made contact off of the front of the plate from S2L.
Uncommitted |
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Aaron Johnson SS / 2B / Union Springs, NY / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 49 / POS: 13
Still flying somewhat "under-the-radar," Johnson showed top-tier adjustability all summer, at both the Lumberyard and '23 PBR Future Games. It's a well-sequenced first move that keeps the hands back and unloads the core. The all-conference pick slashed .515/.566/.691 during his sophomore campaign.
Uncommitted |
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Matthew Gileno OF / SS / Saint Anthony's , NY / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 56 / POS: 9
Among the pound-for-pound exit velo leaders (T100.1MPH), Gileno drives the knob forward with torque in the frame and zone acceleration. Hammers the low pitch from a slight uphill attack and lifted finish while an advanced approach puts him into good counts.
Uncommitted |
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Michael Giamartino C / 1B / CBA - Syracuse, NY / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 42 / POS: 6
Equipped with imposing raw upside at a muscular 5-foot-9, 180-pounds, Giamartino laid claim to a standout round of BP this winter. A crouched stance transferred energy over the lead leg for an effortless T100MPH EV (92 AVG) and 379FT distance. There's room for more, as the head stayed quiet.
Uncommitted |
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Class of 2025 Footspeed >>> 10.27.23