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Underclass Breakout Candidates In 2020

The 2021 and 2022 classes are impressive top to bottom, the level of talent at the frontend is evident, and there is depth throughout. In this piece, we take a look at four of those underclassmen who could potentially have breakout seasons in the 2020 year. 

Blake Gillespie SS / OF / Medway, ON / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 12 / POS: 3 Report: Gillespie, a 2022 shortstop, is coming off of a strong season in which he caught our eye early in the year, and eventually earned himself a spot on the Junior Future Games team by the end of the summer. In the infield, he features one of the best gloves in his class, his actions are quick, clean and explosive, his hands work through the ball smoothly, and he let’s off throws up to 85 mph across the diamond. Gillespie will have a good chance to stay on the left-side in the long run. He progressed immensely offensively during the 2019 season, and with bat speed and looseness, he has the makings of contributing at the plate. He’ll be a fascinating watch in 2020, and with continued progress at the plate, he will be a must-follow throughout the year.

Brodie Mackay SS / 2B / Garth Webb, ON / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 48 / POS: 10 Report: MacKay, a shortstop for the Ontario Royals, is another infielder who came a long way in 2019. Our first look at MacKay was at the New Year Open last February. He impressed, in the infield, he was up to 81 mph on throws across, he moved decently side-to-side, and displayed correct footwork. He has the makings in the infield, and with added strength which will improve his body control, he will benefit. His bat is his strongest tool; it’s a loose left-handed swing with a clean path through the baseball. He has displayed the ability to hit, showing an understanding of the strike zone and a controlled swing with a plan. He has shown the ability to drive the baseball, and with room to add muscle, there is power to come. With added strength to his frame, it would be no surprise to see MacKay take a massive step in the new year.

Cameron Gurney SS / 2B / Pauline Johnson, ON / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 63 / POS: 17 Report: Gurney, an infielder for the Fieldhouse Pirates, has done nothing but make drastic changes to his game since we first saw him late in 2018. Gurney has really developed athletically, now a 7.42 runner and with improved first step quickness in the infield; he now has quickness to complement his clean fielding actions. At the plate, his swing is short, quick and compact. It’s a good path towards the ball with no restrictions that will allow him to tap into his power. He profiles as a bat-first infielder who can play in multiple spots. It will be enjoyable to see Gurney implement his improvements in-game in 2020.

Lucas Bolin OF / 3B / Thomas A.Stewart, ON / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 72 / POS: 9 Report: Bolin, a 6-foot, 145-pound outfielder for the Toronto Mets, is a 2021 to follow in 2020 closely. He’s a 7.09 runner, who’s speed translates well in the outfield, where he also gets off throws up to 82 mph. At the plate, it’s a line-drive swing with good extension through the hitting zone. Its balanced and mechanically sound, and has come along way since the EBLO showcase early in the 2019 year. The biggest key for Bolin will be with his physical development. He has a solid chance to move up in the rankings in 2020.