Underclass Games: Outfielder Analysis

On Tuesday, June 2nd, PBR Georgia hosted the second annual Underclass Games for the top 2022-204 prospects. Approximately 110 uncommitted prospects from around the state descended upon LakePoint Sports in Emerson, GA for a pro-style workout and simulated game.

Our positional breakdown continues with a loaded group of outfielders. At the top of our list are a couple of 2020 PBR Future Games participants, OF Luke Boone (Richmond Hill, 2022) and Kennesaw State commit OF Matthew Hoskins (Peachtree Ridge, 2022). Both Boone and Hoskins are large, projectable athletes who have big time power at the plate and can drive the ball to all fields. Additionally, they both showed advanced arm strength in the outfield.

Two future center fielders at the next level come in next. Jacksonville State commit OF Will Fincher (Kennesaw Mountain, 2022) and OF Blake Matthews (Bremen, 2022) are both a rare combination of speed, size and athleticism. Fincher, a 6.6 runner, and Matthews, a 6.8 runner, both showed the ability to drive the ball with force back up the middle, and routinely put up 90+ mph exit velocities during batting practice.

Although he is more known for his arm, Oklahoma State commit RHP/OF Luke Fernandez (West Forsyth, 2022) swings a big stick from the right-side. Fernandez takes a power approach at the plate and can utilize that same power to all fields.

Keep reading to see who made our top-10 prospect list that includes some promising 2023 prospects who are poised to make some noise, and reports on all the outfielders in attendance.

Top Outfield Prospects

Luke Boone, OF/RHP, Richmond Hill, 2022
6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect, strong, athletic build, presently has lean strength through frame, lots of room to fill out his frame with physicality, moves very well for his size, ran a 7.08 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced, slightly open setup, high hands drop and load back, short stride, explosive lower half, good balance. Takes a power approach to all fields, consistently drives the ball with extreme force, barrel works uphill, any ball that is elevated has a chance to leave the park, even more power to come as he continues to fill out his frame with strength, posted high end Blast Motion and TrackMan numbers, 91 exit velocity off a tee, 102.42 peak exit velocity during BP. Defensively, has a big arm from the outfield, throws carried with ease and were on target, clean, loose arm action, short on the back-side to a ¾ slot, 90 from the outfield. Fields position athletically, stays behind the ball, fields to the glove-side, clean actions, moves extremely well for his size. On the mound, arm works short, clean arm action, quick arm speed, over-the-top slot, Drop and drive delivery, works across the mound towards third base, lands with lower half closed, finishes crossing over. Fastball sat 82-85, touched 86. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 64-66, big change of pace creates timing issues with hitters.

Matthew Hoskins, OF/RHP, Peachtree Ridge, 2022
Kennesaw State commit. 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect, projectable build, athletic with strength throughout, long frame, ran a 6.94 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, hands load back smoothly, strides out to a balance position, uses his strong lower half well, great balance on finish. An easy effort explosive swing, elevates the ball and drives it with considerable force, level barrel path, creates back spin on fly balls, quick, strong hands, power to all fields, 95 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm, over-the-top slot, quick arm speed, throws carry at 86. Plays through the ball athletically, does not break stride as he fields the all, quick footwork and transfers, gets rid of the ball in a hurry. On the mound, full arm swing on the back, accelerates with advanced arm speed to a ¾ slot. Easy effort tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright. Fastball, sat 83-86, touched 88, low spin rate, sinking action. Curveball, 11/5 shape, depth, 66. Changeup, fade action, 68-74. Strong arm, overpowering fastball, change of pace curveball creates timing issues.

Will Fincher, OF, Kennesaw Mountain, 2022
Jacksonville State commit. 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, physically impressive, strong build, athletic frame, ran a 6.61 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, hands load back, leg kick timing trigger, long stride into an athletic position with a bend in his knees, good balance. Aggressive swing works mostly level through the zone, gets to the ball out front and looks to elevate with force, drove the ball mostly middle/pull, generates hard contact, peak BP exit velocity of 94.68 mph via TrackMan. Defensively, short arm action to high ¾ slot, above average carry at 85, accurate. Fields position athletically, plays through the ball, fluid footwork, fields out front, clean on transfers.

Blake Matthews, OF, Bremen, 2022
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, athletically built with developing strength throughout frame, ran a 6.86 laser-timed 60. Offensively, simple setup, balanced, short hand load, leg lift stride, great balance though contact. Quick, smooth uphill barrel bath, easy effort swing, uses the middle of the field, drives the ball, showed pull-side power, 82 exit velocity off a tee, 93 peak exit velocity via TrackMan during BP. Defensively, arm works short to a ¾ slot, accurate, throws showed above average carry at 85 from the outfield. Plays through the ball, fields out front and to his glove-side, fluid footwork and clean transfers, can cover ground easily with agile actions.

Luke Fernandez, RHP/OF, West Forsyth, 2022
Oklahoma State commit. 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed two-way prospect, wide, physical frame, strength throughout, one of the top right-handed pitchers in the state. On the mound, arm works short and quick out of a high ¾ slot, whippy hand speed, repeats well. Heavy drop and drive delivery, gets into his strong lower half and glides down the mound, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright. Fastball sat 86-88, some run and sink. Curveball and slider shower similar shapes, 11/5, curveball had more depth to it while slider was a tighter pitch, 66-68. Changeup, fade action. Feel for all four pitches, able to locate in the zone and get swing and misses with. Ran a 7.51 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced low hands, smooth load back, short stride, good balance through finish. Takes a power approach at the plate, swing works level through the zone, generates hard contact to all fields, produces back spin on fly balls, 92 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, has a big arm from the outfield, advanced arm speed out of a high ¾ slot, throws carry and are accurate, clocked at 93 mph from the outfield.

Robbie DuVall, OF, Brookwood, 2023
6-foot-2, 205-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, broad shoulders, frame will carry considerable strength as he physically develops, ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60, offensive-minded prospects, explosive pull-side swing. Offensively, open setup, toe tap stride, high hands load back, explosive lower half, good balance through finish. Power approach with pull-side tendency, smooth swing works somewhat uphill, quick, strong hands, registered a 91 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, arm works long to an over-the-top slot, throws were accurate with some carry, 82 from the outfield. Plays through the ball with clean footwork and transfers.

Stan Zagrodnik, OF/LHP, Buford, 2022
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder and left-handed pitcher, athletically built with lean strength, muscular build, ran a 6.75 laser-timed 60. Offensively, tall and open setup, hand load back smoothly, short stride, good balance through finish. Gap-to-gap type hitter, generates hard contact, barrel path works mostly level through the zone, some uphill tendencies, 89 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, arm plays long and loose with quick arm speed to an over-the-top slot, throws showed carry and accuracy, 85 from the outfield. Plays through the ball athletically, quick, fluid footwork, can track balls down quickly, clean on transfers. On the mound, short, quick arm to a high ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes crossing over towards third. Fastball sat 74-78, touched 79. Curveball, 65-67, 12/6 shape. Slider, slurve-like, 63-65. Changeup, sinking action.

Garrett Garner, OF/RHP, Franklin County, 2023
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect, long, frame, athletic build, lean, wiry strength, ran a 7.20 laser-timed 60. Offensively, tall, open setup, hands load back smoothly, long toe-tap stride, finishes on his back-side. Gap-to-gap type hitter, creates mostly line drive, contact, quick hands, as he fills out his frame the power will come and he will have the ability to elevate and drive with force, 79 exit velocity off a tee, peak BP exit velocity of 88.45 via TrackMan. Defensively, he possesses a big arm, short, loose action to an over-the-top slot, utilizes a crow hop, throws are true and showed carry, 88 from the outfield. Plays through the ball athletically, attacks anything hit to him and remains in stride, quick, fluid footwork and transfers. On the mound, short, quick arm action to an over-the-top slot, whippy hand speed. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes square to home, some head pull through finish. Fastball sat 80-82, sinking action. Changeup, 76-77, fade and sink. Curveball, 69-71, 11/5 shape, depth, some late bite, potential swing and miss pitch.

Nicholas Allen, OF, Woodward Academy, 2023
6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, broad shoulders, strong build that will keep adding to as he physically matures, a good athlete, ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, smooth rhythm, hands load back and hands cock, great balance through finish. Gap-to-gap type hitter, flashed the ability to turn on pitches and elevate with power to the pull-side, barrel works mostly level through the zone, able to back spin fly balls, smooth, easy effort, more power on the way as he continues to fill out, 85 exit velocity off a tee, 93.53 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 84 from the outfield. Moves fluidly in the outfield, at-times will wait back on the ball, keeps footwork short and quick, clean on transfers, moves well when tracking.

Blake Dean, RHP/OF, North Cobb Christian, 2023
6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed two-way prospect, lean, athlete, some quick twitch muscle, plenty of room in frame for continued physical development, ran a 7.18. Offensively, open setup with athletic bend in his knees, hands load back smoothly with rhythm, leg kick timing trigger, finishes on back-side. Gap-to-gap type hitter, barrel works uphill through the zone as he elevates the ball, drove some pitches, 87 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm, advanced arm speed, throws carry, 87 from the outfield. Moves well in the outfield while tracking, plays through the ball without breaking stride, clean footwork and transfers. On the mound arm works long and loose, moves continuously on the back-side, accelerates quickly to a ¾ slot, repeats. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes square to home. Fastball sat 82-83, topped out at 84, run and sink action. Slider, 71-72, sharp downer action, can throw whenever he wants, good feel for, swing and miss pitch.  

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Edwin Bowman IV, OF/RHP, North Gwinnett, 2022
6-foot-4, 180-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect, large, projectable frame, lean strength with plenty of room to develop physicality, ran a 7.45 laser-timed 60. Offensively, tall, open setup, hands load back smoothly, long stride, finishes on back-side. Takes a pull-side approach, barrel works uphill through the zone, looks to elevate and drive the ball, present bat speed, some aggression in swing, generates hard contact, 92 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws are true and accurate, above average carry, 85 from the outfield. Displays controlled actions, plays through the ball, clean footwork and transfers. On the mound, arm plays long with a wrist curl on the back-side, high ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes square to home. Fastball sat 81-84, touched 85, sinking action. Changeup, heavy sink. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-67.

Mack Cromer, OF, North Gwinnett, 2022
6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, large projectable frame, strength throughout with more to come, good athlete for his size, ran a 7.10 laser-timed 60. Offensively, tall, narrow setup, reverse knee knock stride, high hands load back into an arm bar, good balance through finish. Takes a power approach at the plate looking to elevate and drive the ball to the pull-side, uphill barrel path, some lift in swing, generates hard contact, 91 exit velocity off a tee, 94.52 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, long arm action to a high ¾ slot, throws showed above average carry, 83 from the outfield. Plays through the ball with clean footwork and clean transfers, moves well tracking balls.

Will Curcio, OF, Etowah, 2023
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, broad shoulders with developing strength throughout frame, much more to come as he continues to physically mature, ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60. Offensively, wide, balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, good rhythm, good balance through finish. Gap-to-gap type hitter, flashed pull-side power, gains extension through the zone, drives the ball, more power to come, 87 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, arm plays clean on the back-side to an over-the-top slot, throws are true and accurate, 83 from the outfield. Attacks the ball, fluid footwork, plays through without breaking stride, confident hands, clean transfers.

Elliot Eastin, OF, Cartersville, 2022
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, lean build, proportional frame, room for continued physical development, ran a 7.58 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, high back elbow, short, quick hand load, short leg lift stride, good balance. Middle/pull type hitter, barrel path varied between level and uphill, able to create line drive contact and elevate the ball with some force to the pull-side, some quickness in hands, 78 exit velocity off a tee, 85 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, short arm action to a ¾ slot, 80 from the outfield. Plays through the ball without breaking stride, quick footwork, clean on transfers.

Max Eubanks, OF, Flowery Branch, 2023
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, athletically built, lean build, plenty of room and time to continue to physically mature, ran a 7.01 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, short hand load back, smooth rhythm, short stride, weak front side, finishes swing on back side. Line drive type hitter, loose hands, stays inside the ball, with more extension in swing would drive the ball with more force, mainly used the middle of the field, 78 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm action to an over-the-top slot, throws are true, average carry, 79 from the outfield. Plays through the ball, short, quick footwork, fields the ball out front, clean on transfers.

Reece Fountain, OF, Rome, 2024
6-foot, 161-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, lean, proportional build, plenty of room and time for continued physical development, ran a 7.49 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, short, smooth hand load, short stride, good balance through finish. Short barrel path to the zone, level through, line drive type hitter, uses the middle of the field, with added strength will drive the ball gap-to-gap, 77 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long arm action to a low ¾ slot, 76 from the outfield. Breaks down in front of the ball and fields with two hands, clean on transfers, moves well in the outfield while tracking.

Jared Holcombe, OF/RHP, Cherokee Bluff, 2023
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed two-way prospect, wide frame, proportional build, strong lower half, ran a 7.65 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balance setup, smooth hand load, short stride, good balance through finish. Gap-to-gap type hitter, gets to the ball out front with a mostly level swing, creates hard contact with more on the way as he continues to physically develop, 86 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, quick arm action to a ¾ slot, accurate throws. Moves well in the outfield, fields out front with short, quick steps as he approaches, clean on transfers. On the mound, arm works long and continuously on the back side, accelerates with some quickness to a ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands open, finishes crossing over towards first. Fastball sat 78-79, touched 80, run. Changeup, 74, fade action. Curveball, 69-70, slurve-like.

Cooper Johnson, LHP/OF, Mountain View, 2024
6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed hitting two-way prospect, long, lanky frame. On the mound, arm works long, slot varied between low ¾ and ¾. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands toe closed, finishes upright. Fatball sat 70-71, sink. Curveball, 59-60, 11/5 shape, gradual break. Changeup, 66-67, sinking action. Offensively, wide, balanced setup, high hands load back as the barrel wraps, short stride, good balance. Pull-side hitter, barrel works uphill through the zone, looks to elevate the ball, 76 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long arm action to high ¾ slot, 71 from the outfield. Fundamental sound, plays through the ball, keeps his feet underneath him while catching fly balls, clean footwork and clean on transfers. Ran an 8.57 laser-timed 60.

Hogan Mayhew, RHP/OF, Columbus, 2022
5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed two-way prospect, proportionally built, lean frame, ran a 7.73 laser-timed 60. On the mound, arm plays long to an over-the-top slot. Controlled delivery, drop and drive, works on-line, lands square, finishes square to home, at-times crosses over. Fastball sat 78-79, touched 80, sink. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 64-66. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth rhythm in hands, hands load back into a near arm bar, short stride, good balance through finish. Middle line drive hitter, with added strength will be a gap-to-gap hitter, barrel works level through the zone, gets to the ball out front, 83 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long arm action to an over-the-top slot, accurate on throws, 79 from the outfield. Fields the ball out front, plays through with short, choppy steps, quick on transfers.

McDonald McCommons, UTL, Lake Oconee, 2022
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting utility, strong build, continues to add strength throughout frame, ran a 7.68 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup with an athletic bend in his knees, hands load back early, short stride, good balance throughout, uses lower half well. Takes a gap-to-gap approach with pull-side pop, barrel works in a slightly uphill path, 88 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, worked out at all three positions, best fit behind the dish or at third base. Arm works short and quick with considerable arm strength, 89 across the infield, 89 from the outfield, 81 out of the crouch. Showed fluid actions on the infield and in the outfield, competent glove-hand, transfers the ball cleanly. Behind the plate, gets in a low position with flexible knees, quick on transfers, capable of making accurate throws from his knees, 2.05-2.20 pop times. On the mound, arm works ultra short out of a high 3/4 slot, quick hand speed. Tall and fall delivery, stays tall throughout, works on-line, finishes upright. Fastball sat 81-84, touched 85. Curveball, 71-72, 11/5 shape, depth. Changeup, fade and sink, 70 mph.

Christian McCullough, OF/RHP, East Hall, 2023
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed two-way prospect, long, lean frame, strong lower half, ran a 7.53 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, high hands load deep onto back-side, short stride, good balance through finish. Drives the ball middle/pull, level swing through the zone, back spins balls put in the air, generates hard contact, 93.49 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, short arm action to a high ¾ slot, 78 from the outfield. Fields the ball outfront with clean footwork and some glove pack on transfers. On the mound, arm works short to a high ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright crossing over. Fastball sat 74-75, sinking action. Curveball, 65-66, 12/6 shape, gradual break.

Wade Rodeffer, OF, Charlton County, 2022
6-foot-1, 165-pound switch-hitting two-way prospect, lean, athletic build, plenty of room to add strength, ran a 6.89 laser-timed 60. At the plate, similar setup from both sides, wide base, high hands load back and drop, reverse toe-tap stride, good balance. Line drive type hitter, loose wrists, level barrel path through the zone, able to use the entire field from both the left and right, 80 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm action, throws showed some carry at 83. Attacks the ball, plays through athletically, quick footwork, clean on transfers, moves very well while tracking the ball.

Sydyk Ross, OF/LHP, Mays, 2022
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed two-way prospect, athletic build with lean muscle throughout, ran a 7.33 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, hands load back into an arm bar, short leg lift stride, finishes on front side. Line drive type hitter, gets to the ball out front, uses the middle of the field, 75 exit velocity off a tee, 86.65 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, long arm action, low ¾ slot, 71 from the outfield. Breaks down in front of the ball while fielding, clean on transfers. On the mound, arm works short to a ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes square and upright to home. Fastball sat 65-67, touched 68.

Mason Steel, OF, Lowndes, 2022
6-foot-4, 170-pound left-handed hitting outfield, long, lanky frame, lean build, plenty of room to add strength in all areas, a good athlete for his size, ran a 7.08 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride to a balanced position, great balance through finish. Gap-to-gap type hitter with some pull-side power, more power to come as he fills out his long frame, short barrel path to the zone, uphill through the zone, smooth actions, 80 exit velocity off a tee, 85.25 peak BP exit velocity via TrackMan. Defensively, long arm action to a high ¾ slot, easy effort, 81 from the outfield. Plays through the ball with quick, fluid footwork, clean on transfers.

Ford Thompson, LHP/OF, Parkview, 2024
5-foot-11, 145-pound left-handed two-way prospect, athletically built, lean muscle, plenty of room and time for further physical development, ran a 7.39 laser-timed 60. On the mound, arm plays with some length on the back-side, continuous movement, accelerates quickly to a ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery, works across the mound, lands square, finishes square to home. Fastball sat 75-76, touched 77, feel for. Offensively, open setup, high hands drop and lad back, toe-tap stride, balanced finish. Aggressive pull-side swing, really lets the hands go, quick actions, barrel works uphill through the zone, looks to elevate and drive, with added strength to his frame will have power to the pull-side and ability to drive the ball back up the middle, 77 exit velocity off a tee, 84.67 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, long, loose arm action to a ¾ slot, above average arm strength for his age, 81 mph. At-times plays through the ball, fields out front, approaches with short, quick steps, clean on transfers, moves well tracking the ball.        

Justin Veloz, OF, Northside, 2022
5-foot-8, 175-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, lean, athletic build, ran a 7.77 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, loads hands back into an arm bar, short stride, one-handed finish on back-side. Gap-to-gap type hitter, flashed pull-side pop, barrel path works somewhat uphill through the zone, generates hard contact and back spin on balls put in the air, 82 exit velocity off a tee, 90.3 peak exit velocity during BP via TrackMan. Defensively, arm plays short and quick to a high ¾ slot, accurate throws, 80 from the outfield. Fields position athletically, plays through the ball without breaking stride, fluid footwork, clean transfers, gets rid of the ball quickly.   

Jordan Walden, LHP/OF, Vidalia, 2022
6-foot, 150-pound left-handed pitcher and right-handed hitting outfielder, lean strength, athletic frame, ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, hands start low and loaded back, toe-tap stride, good balance. Elevates the ball middle/pull, flashed the ability to drive pitches pull-side, quick hands, short barrel path to the zone, uphill through, 85 exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long, quick arm action, to an over-the-top slot, throws are true, 84 from the outfield. Plays through the ball with short, quick steps, clean on transfers, gets rid of the ball quickly. On the mound, short arm action to an over-the-top slot, quick arm. Drop and drive delivery, rides lower half down the mound, works on-line, lands square, finishes square to home. Fastball sat 80-82. Curveball, 70-73, 1/7 shape.

Related Content