Top Prospect Games Player Spotlight: 2018 OF Jake Armentrout

2/19/17: Armentrout has made steady improvements to his, already, impressive numbers over the past year, and his frame has filled out with more muscle. Now standing 5-foot-11, and a proportionally strong 180-pounds, Armentrout has ability to work gap to gap from the right side. At the plate, Armentrout sets up square and upright with his hands just below his back shoulder and the back elbow high. His load begins with a leg lift and short, down and back hand movement before he strides out, long, and whips his quick hands through the zone aggressively. At times, Armentrout’s stride can get too wide, which throws off his path, and causes him to scoop through the zone. However, that is a rare occurrence, and he consistently attacks the ball on an uphill path, creating lift, and has a chance to produce more pull side power in the future as his exit velocity is on an upward trend and currently at 91 mph. Though some may see Armentrout’s swing as being a bit big or long through the zone, I value his aggressive hacks, and believe he will grow, as a hitter, at a quicker pace because of his strong swing, especially as he sees more live pitching. In the field, Armentrout utilizes his 6.71 60-yard dash speed to range around the outfield with athleticism, and has a long, loose arm to produce accurate throws (85 mph). He has a chance to stick in centerfield at the next level, but should be a valuable offensive and defensive piece to any program, regardless of what position he plays. HIs speed will continue to give him looks, and as he continues to mature physically, Armentrout has a chance to develop into a top or middle of the order player who provides speed and defense at the next level.

8/4/16 FUTURE GAMES: Put up solid numbers; 6.71-60, 85 OF, 91 Exit Velocity and showcased quick hands with some twitch during his BP round.

6/21/16: The 5 foot 11 175 pound outfielder ran a 6.76 60yd dash.  Defensively, Jake has quick footwork and plays thru the ball well.  Throws have carry and topped out at 84.  He has a balanced setup with a backload and long stride.  Has a tendency to dive.  Maintains good balance and stays level.  Bat speed is fast.  Produced an exit velocity of 90mph.

2/21/16: 5-foot-11, 175 pounder ran a 6.87-60 and was 83 from the OF.  Showcased good hands defensively with quick feet.  Exchange is clean. Offensively hits from a crouch setup, long stride. Possesses quick hands.  Attacks the ball with violence. Need to improve his lower half mechanically.  Shows strength with power potential. High exit velo of 85.