PBR Future Games Player Spotlight: OF Paxton Kling
July 27, 2019
2019 marks the 8th year that Pennsylvania will be represented in the PBR Future Games. This one-of-a-kind event will feature the best uncommitted Class of 2021 & select 2022 prospects from our 40-plus state coverage area. The Future Games will take place July 31st - August 4th (Wednesday-Saturday) at the LakePoint Sporting Community in Cartersville, GA.
The Prep Baseball Report Future Games is the premier summer scouting event for Class of 2021/2022 prospects. Last year, more than 250 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance, making it arguably the most heavily recruited event of the summer.
We will be highlighting each player on the Team Pennsylvania roster in the week leading up to the event. Links to those players that have already been highlighted follows at the end of this article.
Team Pennsylvania Roster
NAME | HIGH SCHOOL | CLASS | POS. |
Josh Beck | Lancaster Catholic | 2021 | LHP |
Colton Book | Manheim Central | 2021 | LHP |
Jake Books | Malvern Prep | 2022 | 1B/OF |
Justin Butler | Quakertown Community | 2021 | C |
Derek Cease | Nanticoke Area | 2021 | SS/RHP |
Maddix Dalena | Montoursville | 2022 | 1B |
Dylan DuCharme | Spring-Ford | 2021 | OF |
Alex Gabauer | Norwin | 2021 | SS |
Luke Holman | Wilson West Lawn | 2021 | RHP |
Cullen Horowicz | Jefferson | 2021 | 3B |
Michael Kilker | Hazleton Area | 2021 | RHP |
Paxton Kling | Central (Martinsburg) | 2022 | OF |
Chase Kriebel | Clarion Area | 2022 | LHP |
Colin Lewandowski | William Penn Charter | 2021 | RHP |
Andrew Muraco | Franklin Regional | 2021 | SS |
Rafe Perich | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | SS/3B |
Erik Ritchie | Souderton Area | 2021 | LHP |
Caleb Sturtevant | Cocalico | 2022 | OF |
Evin Sullivan | North Penn | 2021 | C/OF |
Carter Welch | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | LHP |
Trey Yesavage | Boyertown | 2021 | RHP |
Previous Player Previews
- LHP Josh Beck (Lancaster Catholic HS - Class of 2021)
- LHP Colton Book (Manheim Central HS - Class of 2021)
- 1B/OF Jake Books (Malvern Prep - Class of 2022)
- C Justin Butler (Quakertown - Class of 2021)
- SS/RHP Derek Cease (Nanticoke Area - Class of 2021)
- 1B Maddix Dalena (Montoursville - Class of 2022)
- OF Dylan DuCharme (Spring-Ford - Class of 2021)
- SS Alex Gabauer (Norwin - Class of 2021)
- RHP Luke Holman (Wilson West Lawn - Class of 2021)
- 3B Cullen Horowicz (Jefferson, WV - Class of 2021)
- RHP Michael Kilker (Hazleton Area - Class of 2021)
- OF Paxton Kling (Central Martinsburg - Class of 2022)
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Junior Future Games | NATIONAL | 07/30 | LakePoint |
2019 PBR Future Games (Pennsylvania Invite Only) | PA | 07/31 | LakePoint |
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase | PA | 08/15 | Millersville University |
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament) | PA | 08/17 | Millersville University |
2019 Fall Scout Day (Various Travel Organizations) | PA | 09/07 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
West Chester Dragons Scout Day | PA | 10/05 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Future Prospects Showcase | PA | 10/19 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Elite Prospect Showcase | PA | 10/26 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase | PA | 11/02 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Holiday Showcase | PA | 12/28 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
Scouting Report
+ 2019 PBR Future Games Selection (Team Pennsylvania)
6-foot, 170-pound two-way prospect. Kling had the breakout performance of the event, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that will draw the attention of college coaches quickly. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-hang stride. Kling displayed advanced timing and rhythm to his swing with very quick hands in consistently making loud contact during his batting practice round. He registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and ran an event best 6.51 laser timed 60-yard dash. Showed athleticism defensively as well playing through the baseball routinely with accurate 84 mph arm strength. The primary outfielder topped at 82 mph during his bullpen session.
Kling showcased advanced athleticism during his position workout which translated into potential on the mound. The righty sat 77-82 with a repeatable, loose delivery from a 3/4 arm slot. His curveball at 68-70 showed 11/5 rotation with good depth when he stays on top of the pitch. Currently works with a two-pitch mix, but arm action and athleticism could lead to further development on the mound.
6-foot, 170-pound athletic body frame. Displayed present tools that project nicely. In the outfield he offers good arm strength. Has good footwork while approaching the baseball, transitioning into his throws. Throws with a clean arm action through an upper ¾ slot reaching a top velocity of 75 mph on his throws. Right-handed hitter starts from a tall stance and produces barrel whip through the zone. Has a fluid load with his hands moving toward his back shoulder and finishes his swing with a one-handed follow through. Showed the ability to use the whole field during his round of batting practice, recording a top exit velocity of 89 mph and ran a 6.92 60-yard dash.