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A Look Into The Future: Ontario 2023 Class

With the first 2023 in Canada coming off the board with Langley Blaze right-hander Jacob Zibin announcing he has committed to the University of Kentucky in the SEC, it is only right we look at some of the top players from the 23’ class in Ontario.

Although there is lots of time on the players side, we have seen some very intriguing performances whether it be from indoor workouts or a quick glimpse of the players from last summer and fall seasons.

Myles Naylor SS / RHP / St. Joan of Arc, ON / 2023 Rankings  OverallRank: 68 / POS: 17 Report: Naylor is one of the top players we’ve seen in the 23’ class in Ontario and across the country, and the switch-hitter who patrols shortstop and also jumps on the mound, is someone who is going to attract a lot of attention over the next few years. Good chance he becomes the tallest brother, and from what we saw indoors this February, the switch-hitting is real.

Jesse Dale C / 3B / Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, ON / 2023 Report: A standout at the Fergie event in February, Dale is a right-handed hitting catcher with present strength for his age while exhibiting bat speed and arm strength from out the crouch. He immediately grabbed our attention when he stepped in for BP in Welland and the Toronto Cub is one of many upcoming prospects in that 23’ class on his team.

Brodie (BJ) Peart SS / 2B / Peoples Christian Academy, ON / 2023 Report: Long and lean with a high waist for the slick fielding shortstop, Peart has a lot of the qualities you look for in young athletes. The body control and glove work he displays defensively, the athletic frame that is going to change and grow every year, and the bat path and presence he shows in the box offensively. Peart is going to be a fun one to watch develop.

David Stanley C / RHP / Greenwood College, ON / 2023 Report: This two-way prospect has tools in every aspect of the game, whether it be on the moun, behind the plate, or at the plate. The right-handed hitting Stanley has added size and strength over quarantine, as when you see him it's easy to notice the physical changes since the February event. There is bat speed with some twitch, and the upside on the mound and as a catcher is very encouraging for the Leaside product.

Andrew Johnston C / 3B / Silverthorn CI, ON / 2023 Report: Johnston, a member of the Junior Future Games team last year has made the decision to re-classify and become a 2023 grad. The stocky and strong Johnston immediately impacts the 2023 class here in Ontario with his ability to jump baseball and produce hard contact to all fields. Working as a catcher, there is room for Johnston with his current tool set to be one of the better bats in the class.

Asafa Jones OF / LHP / Brebeuf, ON / 2023 Report: A left on left two-way player, Jones was a very intriguing prospect at the Fergie event, showing flashes of what he can do in multiple areas. At the plate, he has a chance to impact the ball as there is bat speed, strength and twitch while the arm works well from the outfield and on the mound. If he can make a couple small mechanical adjustments as he continues to develop, you’re going to want to make sure you follow Jones early and often.