Canadian College/University Showcase: Players to Watch

Colby DesRoches 1B / Welland Centennial, ON / 2024

Our staff got a first look at DesRoches last month at the Holiday Hitters Showcase in Burlington where his 93.1mph exit velocity was top five at the event. 6-foot-2, 210-pound first baseman who swings with some authority from the right-side and has the ability to drive the ball to the pullside, posting a peak distance of 330ft at the event last month. We’ve seen the potential to impact the baseball so it will be interesting to see how he moves and plays the defensive side this upcoming weekend.

‘24 1B Colby DesRoches@gnbabaseball @PBR_Uncommitted

Physically strong at 6’2 and 210lb, DesRoches worked for power to his pullside. UC bat to watch out of Niagara Falls.

Max EV - 93.1 ? @ColbyDesroches || #HolidayHitters23? pic.twitter.com/HDAkKvMUD6

— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PBR_Ontario) December 28, 2023

Jack Comper RHP / SS / Sacred Heart , ON / 2024

Jack Comper put together one of the top performances at the Barrie Baycats Scout Day in September with potential as both a positional player and on the mound. His work as a pitcher should be what intrigues college coaches the most. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-hander has a quick, long arm that saw him sitting 81-82mph with the fastball on a late, cold fall night. Also put together a quality round of BP that night with the ability to spray line-drives to all fields. Comper will be a bullpen to pay attention to this weekend as we’re interested to see how his stuff has developed over the winter.

Markus Barbosa 3B / RHP / St. Marys, ON / 2024

Markus Barbosa caught our staff's attention this past fall with one of the loudest rounds of BP at the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats Scout Day. Strong, sturdy frame at 6-foot, 210-pounds and it showed throughout his round with the ability to work line-drives, but also drive the ball for some power too. His 92.5mph exit velocity and 330ft distance were both tops at the event. The bat looks like it could certainly make an impact in a Canadian College/University lineup and should garner some interest this weekend in Welland.