Tools of the Trade: Class of 2025 Power
November 1, 2023
Often times considered the "Florida of the north," Pennsylvania is surfacing as a known hot-bed for talent, with the 2025 class being no different; 5 of the first 10 ranked are committed to ACC schools. Though the amount of frontline arms may steal the spotlight at times, PA's position group has yielded just as much depth from top-to-bottom heading into their junior year. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, defense, arm, and run) as a barometer for player comparison, knowing that each will need proper refinement and in-game results for them to show full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
POWER
In today's MLB game, this is the most paid for tool and where all of the big contract money goes. Think Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, or Matt Olsen, able to change the score instantly with one swing of the bat. When scouting "power," we're looking for both raw power and consistent power at the plate. Essentially, does this player translate their best, high-end exit velocity or distance from swing-to-swing? Below, it's worth noting that 6 out of the 7 listed are right-handed hitters.
TOP POWER THREATS
Jason Fultz 3B / RHP / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2025An imposing, sturdily built 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame utilizes broad shoulders and powerful legs to create natural loft to the pull-side of the field. We had a close up view this past weekend; T100MPH EV, 400FT distance, and 84MPH bat-speed. Tallied a team-leading 7HR as a sophomore.
Clemson commit |
Bryce Detwiler SS / RHP / Governor Mifflin, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 4
Full of strength and efficient torque in a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, Detwiler generates clean barrel-whip through the zone with bat-exit velos around 105MPH+. Showed off a lower-half scissor move at the #NYFallOpen for a firm XBH approach. Delivered 5HR during his sophomore campaign.
UCONN commit |
Derek Smail 1B / RHP / Clarion Area, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 16 / POS: 1
Arguably Team PA's biggest BP round of the '23 Future Games, Smail worked over the left-center field gap with thunderous hands for a T99MPH EV (91 AVG), 385FT, and T87MPH bat-speed. Now a few years removed from injury, he's back to 100%; 4HR this spring. Hulking 6-foot-1, 228-pounds.
Uncommitted |
Colin Lynch 1B / 3B / Central Bucks East, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 2
One of the top exit velocities in PA's 2025 class (from events attended) belongs to Colin Lynch, who produces instant acceleration for a T106.3MPH best; 100 AVG. It's a live-action barrel with repeatable sequencing, up to a 389FT distance. Was a standout at the 2022 PBR Future Games.
Pitt commit |
Avery Smith C / 3B / Perkiomen School, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 3
Few matched the level of breakout that Smith had at this summer's '23 PBR Future Games, notching multiple 99MPH+ hits, one coming vs. Team Midwest MVP Danny Wallace. The muscular 6-foot-2, 205-pounder is a model for "quiet violence" with rotational parts and the ability to go backside for doubles.
Penn State commit |
Brady Thompson OF / 3B / Garnet Valley, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 49 / POS: 5
Our only left-handed hitter to make the list, Thompson decelerates well and leverages the front foot with a perfect launch at 5-foot-10, 185-pounds. The swing plane gets to low/in pitches for damage; T94.3MPH EV + 5HR as a sophomore. Equal line-drive/fly-ball rate.
Uncommitted |
David Perez SS / Archbishop Ryan , PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 86 / POS: 18
Shockingly athletic with an ease-of-operation and right-handed burst at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds, Perez topped PCL scout day's exit velo leaderboard (T97MPH). An open stance balances in mid-air on the leg-lift with explosive hips; 357FT peak distance. Feel for the sweet spot!
Uncommitted |
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Class of 2025 Defenders >>> 10.25.23