Welcome to a brand new series called 'Under The Radar'. The goal of this new series is to shine some light on players our staff feels can make an impact at the next level in a college lineup. This series will mainly be highlighting hitters that we have seen in recent events. There can be numerous reasons for a player to be 'Under The Radar', including but not exclusive to; height/weight projections, not a metric darling, ect. The first player we are highlighting is '25 MIF Nate Figueroa (Colonie) who we recently saw at the Northeast Pride Scout Day on 8/16, followed up by gameplay that weekend.

Figueroa possesses an extremely intriguing skill set. The numbers do not jump off the page, but show potential upside with a high baseball IQ that can serve as a formidable bat in any part of the lineup. Figueroa's physical is one not many will be immediately interested in, standing at 5-5, 140lbs. Yet Figueroa plays well above his stature and creates plenty of power at the plate. To really understand where Figueroa shines we have to look at his Blast Motion metrics, he creates 20Gs of rotational acceleration (MLB AVG 17.2Gs), allowing him to make swing decisions later resulting in better contact/pitch selection.

Have yourself a day! ‘25 MIF Nate Figueroa (Colonie) @NateFigueroa_ can flat out play. Such a smooth swing, losing one high off the lights in RF. Solid actions up the middle with arm strength👍@NEPridebaseball || @PrepBaseballNY https://t.co/riL0yJUKvj pic.twitter.com/Zy4u7wXyKd

— James Delaney (@JamesDelaney3) August 16, 2024

Another thing to look at when analyzing Figueroa's swing is when his swing process starts. He is essentially "dancing" with the pitcher, once the pitcher makes their first move towards the plate he is in sync making his first move backwards. Pair that with his above average rotational acceleration, its easy to see why Figueroa is successful. He is consistently on time and has adjustability based on pitch location.

 

 

Tapping into the defensive side, Figueroa projects as a 2B, but can be serviceable at the SS position. Has plenty of arm strength to stick on the left side, has been up to 86mph. Has clean actions, keeps the feet moving fowards creating movement towards 1B. Rangy up the middle with above average speed (6.88s 60-yard dash). All-in-all Figueroa possesses a tool set that can provide a college lineup with an immediate spark and production.