SoCal ProCase Spotlight: C Luke Davis
July 21, 2020
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FULLERTON, CA. - One of the more intriguing storylines from the 2020 SoCal ProCase was that of Luke Davis. The switch-hitting catcher from Cypress High School reclassified with the 2021 class, making himself eligible for the 2021 MLB Draft. The former USC commit is forgoing his senior year of high school and is now set to attend Santa Ana College. With 67 representatives from 22 MLB Organizations in attendance, some teams 2-3 deep, and the talent on the SoCal ProCase roster, Davis looked to seize the opportunity at hand and show that his skill set behind the dish belongs in the conversation when it comes to the 2021 MLB Draft.
Davis has been on the radar for quite some time thanks to his big arm, on-field performance and down the line projection. The former #1 ranked 2022 player in the state, made a name for himself with the Prep Baseball Report - California staff with his performance in big moments, checking the box as a clutch performer.
Davis' best current tool is his arm. Easily passing the eye test on the field, with natural flow and arm speed. Arm strength alone makes him a well above-average high school level catcher, coupled with his athleticism and blocking skills and you have a legitimate pro catching prospect. Davis' small ProCase sample size of in game catching received high remarks from the pitchers that he caught; reportedly calling a good game, receiving well and showing good energy behind the plate.
Switch-hitting catchers with solid defensive skills will garner the attention of scouts throughout the coming season. Davis’ ability to continue hitting from both sides of the plate at the next level remains to be seen but if he can continue to do so at the college level, will only enhance his value. As with most catchers in today's game, framing pitches and the ability to control the run game is imperative, with Davis showing that he could be up to the task.
The 2021 season has added a new name to the mix thanks to his reclassification and will make this year's California draft catching crop that much better.
THE REPORT:
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. Athletic catchers build with proportional strength throughout. Looks the part with a projectable pro catchers build. Will benefit from maturity and strength training.
Hit: Switch-hitter showing similar set-up and approach from both sides of the plate. Stands shoulder width apart before striding into his load. Hands are low and quick to the ball. Batting practice showed middle to the field/opposite-field approach from both sides of the plate. Line drive intent with a mixed bag of results. Ability to pull is greater from the left side along with his power. From the right side showed good contact but less hip mobility.
Power: Averaged 27.27° launch angle and 80.18 mph exit speed. Hardest hit balls were ones with less launch angle, with his personal best at 95.17 mph exit speed with 13.66° launch angle. Power potential down the line and could gain in the intern with more lower half engagement.
Field: Natural ability behind the plate. Consistent skills and feel that profile well. Received well and garnered high praise from the pitchers that he caught. Moved well laterally in the blocking portion, staying low and keeping his head down. Lots of defensive potential. Pop time range of 2.00-2.08, good for 4th overall.
Arm: Noticeable above-average arm strength from the catching position. Posted the 2nd fastest catcher velocity at 81 mph. Short arm swing that he keeps close to his body and ear creating consistent quick release throws.
Run: Did not run.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
