The final day of the Area Code Underclass event started off with a couple of interesting right-handed arms. 2020 RHP/3B Aaron Nixon (McAllen HS, TX), a Texas recruit, got the start for the Rangers team, and turned in an impressive performance. His fastball worked 87-90 as he attacked the zone fearlessly, and challenged hitters constantly with it. The 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander has compact strength throughout an athletic frame. His slider stood out as a put-away pitch at 78-81 with tilt, and he showed feel in back-legging some of the top left-handed hitters at the event. He struck out five over four innings of work including five of the final six, and gave up just two hits. I was a big fan of the confidence that he pitched with, and his killer mentality late in counts will make him an important piece of any staff moving forward.

Piggy-backing on Nixon’s strong outing, uncommitted 2020 RHP Tanner Quick (Brazosport HS, TX) impressively worked down in the zone with his 85-87 fastball while showcasing a multi-tier breaking, tightly-spun, 75-77 breaking ball with depth. The 6-foot-7, 185-pound right-hander impressively repeated his delivery and high ¾ slot, and flashed many 11/5 curveballs that were above average, and received multiple swings and misses on. There is plenty of projection on Quick’s long, loose frame, and his quick arm will produce much more velocity as he continues filling out.

For the Nationals, 2020 Alex Urban (River Bluff HS, SC), continued to build on an impressive showing in SoCal. Shorter in stature, Urban’s presence is much bigger in the box. The left-handed hitter had two hits on the day including a loud double in his first at-bat. He has a noticeable shoulder tilt with upward launch angle aspirations, and tracks pitches with confidence and ease. He showcases gap to gap power, and based on his batting practice session on the second day, he may have a chance for sneaky pull side power in the future.

 

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