Tools of the Trade: Class of 2024 Power
September 26, 2023
Often times considered the "Florida of the north," Pennsylvania has surfaced as a known hot-bed for upper-echelon talent, and the class of 2024 is no different. The amount of frontline college-ready arms can steal the spotlight at times, but a long list of power hitters have been just as special heading into their senior year. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, glove, arm, and run) as a barometer for comparing players against one another. Obviously, each will need to be refined properly and accompanied by in-game success in order for them to have full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
POWER
In today's day and age, this is the game's most paid for tool. Think Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, or Matt Olsen, able to change the score with one swing of the bat. When scouting "power," we're looking for both raw power and consistent power. Basically, does this player translate their best, high-end exit velocity or distance from rep-to-rep? It's worth noting that 5 of our top 7 are committed to ACC schools.
TOP POWER HITTERS
 |
Tague Davis 1B / LHP / Malvern Prep, PA / 2024It's been a big year for Tague Davis, bursting onto the HS scene with 7 home runs while maintaining a .687 SLG and 1.202 OPS through 108 plate appearances. For an encore, the left-handed hitter won the Area Code Games HR derby vs. other top names from across the country. The swing accelerates instantly into the hitting zone and delivers a heavy top of the barrel for distance at 6-foot-4, 215-pounds.
Louisville commit |
 |
Chase Harlan 3B / OF / Central Bucks East , PA / 2024A big winner from last year's #NEProcase, Harlan stepped in for a T106MPH exit velocity (x3) and worked up to 412 feet with 85MPH bat-speed. Considering the natural loft/leverage combo and improving athleticism (6.97 runner), there's room yet to take another jump. Was on fire to end the spring, finishing with 5 home runs over 83 plate appearances. Also produced multiple triple-digit hits at Area Codes.
Clemson commit |
 |
Anderson French C / OF / Red Land, PA / 2024The keystone state's singular attendee at the #PBRAAG23, French opened some eyes with an ease of operation from the left side at 6-foot-4, 200-pounds. We've seen exit velocities creep into the 100MPH+ territory with advanced plate coverage, allowing for an all fields power approach. The movements in the box and backspin off the bat suggest that more is on the way.
Virginia Tech commit |
 |
Trevor Johnson OF / 3B / Bellefonte Area, PA / 2024Pennsylvania's home run leader in 2023, Johnson tallied 11 total in only 25 games played for the eventual state champs. There's some unteachable things at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds intertwined with + hand-speed, launch quickness, and a knowledge of how to work counts. A name that keeps popping up on the national scene, he's primed for a massive senior year that could challenge a few school records.
Duke commit |
 |
Luke Costello 3B / RHP / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2024One of those players who seemingly always gets better, Costello swatted 6 bombs in his Junior campaign for a loaded Cathedral Prep group. The dictionary definition of "on-plane," he angles the barrel perfectly from behind with finishing ability through the LCF gap. Both raw power and consistency should flash above-average at the next level in a strong 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame.
Wake Forest commit |
 |
Nick Slogik 1B / RHP / Bishop McDevitt, PA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 2
Equipped with an XL football player's build in the 6-foot-5, 235-pound range, Slogik is on track to be a two-sport collegiate athlete (1B/TE) at ECU. We've witnessed light-tower power from the right-handed box, staying short-to-long with violent intent off of the back hip, though he can cut down when needed. Some of his metrics from the Bombers Scout Day: 25MPH hand speed, T87MPH bat speed, & a 103MPH exit velocity.
East Carolina commit |
 |
Ben Ryan 3B / RHP / Indiana Area, PA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 30 / POS: 5
It's easy to get lost in the metrics that broke several PA Trackman records back in February (112MPH+ EV and 84MPH average bat-speed), but Ben Ryan repeatedly gets it done with a whippy, max-effort approach. The frame reminds us of a power lifter who is equally stacked from head to toe, creating some of the more shocking raw strength we've seen in some time. In 2023, the two-way added 3 homers as a Junior along with a newfound low-90's FB.
Quinnipiac commit |
Previous tools covered:
Class of 2024 Defenders >>> 9.11.23
Class of 2024 Runners >>> 9.18.23
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: East | PA | 10/07 | Wilkes University - Wilkes Barre, PA |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: West/WV | PA | 10/14 | Washington & Jefferson College - Washington, PA |
| 2023 York-Adams League Scout Day | PA | 10/17 | South Hanover YMCA - Hanover, PA |
| 2023 Northeast JUCO Sophomore/Transfer Showcase | PA | 10/22 | Heritage Financial Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 PA Fall Top Prospect Games | PA | 10/22 | Fairchild Field / Shippensburg University |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: Central | PA | 10/29 | Liberty Arena - Williamsport, PA |