With very little movement for primary first baseman, the PBR staff provides analysis on the top five first baseman in the 2021 TN class, all of whom remained uncommitted.  Former Future Gamer Cade Reynolds (CPA) remains at the top of the positional board followed by TN/KY Border Battle bats Richmond Roberts (Davidson Academy) and lefty-swinging Cody Wheeley (Daniel Crockett). 

*All the details below are centered around primary first-basemen in the PBR database*

2021 On the Rise:

Catchers | First Base | Mid. Infielders | Third Base | Outfielders | Righty Pitchers | Lefty Pitchers | 

First Baseman 

Cade Reynolds | 1B | Christ Presbyterian Academy | Rank: 75
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound stout 1st baseman has some serious pull-side power, driving ball that are middle-in.  The 2019 Future Gamer is the top primary first baseman on the board.  Strong, frame with proportional strength.  Hitting in an open stance w/ good positive movement and barreling baseballs gap-to-gap. Generates good bat speed with natural loft.  In the field, was very comfortable moving around the bag w/ good feet and instincts while flashing adequate arm.  Profile projects as tough, offensive first baseman w/ adequate defense and intangibles.

Richmond Roberts | 1B | Davidson Academy | Rank: 89
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound first baseman is a two-time TN/KY Border Battle participant.  Tall, sturdy frame with proportional strength. Relaxed setup at the plate, looking clobber balls to the pull side.  Gap to gap power and solid bat speed.  Average defender at 1B with solid arm and footwork. Not the slightest of foot, but room to improve with maturation and lean muscle gain.  Classic first base slugger, looking to do damage and provide adequate defense.  

Cody Wheeley | 1B/RHP | David Crockett | Rank: 109
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound lefty-swinging first baseman has continued to round out his game, and has proven to be a quality power lefty bat. Balanced, open stance with simple load and small leg kick.  Good bat speed and easy gap to gap power with natural loft.  Defensively, good movement patterns at 1B and swift enough to provide some depth in corner OF.  At Border Battle in October, Wheeley went 2 for 4 with an RBI-double and single while tossing a clean inning in relief (FB: 77-80).  Some projection ob the mound as frame develops, but Wheeley is an established power-left handed bat in the 21’ class. 

Drew Sliwinski | 1B/RHP | Bearden | Rank: 117
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Sliwinski is a big projectable frame, who has some serious upside as he continues to find more consistency. Wide, balanced stance with short load while generating raw bat speed with uphill plane.  Surprisingly, heavy opposite field hitter, peppering hard line drives with projectable power.  On the bump, does a tremendous job getting downhill with great extension over front leg.  FB had good life and played up from 77-80 velo.  More unorthodox style player, but could really be force once things come together for him.  

Jerrod Gurden | 1B/LHP | Dyer County | Rank: 135
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Gurden is a righty hitting and lefty throwing two-way prospect.  Higher upside as a position player, but also intriguing lefty arm to follow.  At the dish, balanced stance with solid bat speed.  Stays smooth and consistent, spraying line drives to all fields with some pull side power. Defensively, moves well (60: 7.00) with solid footwork around the bag and decent hands.  Short, stab arm motion with plenty of strength. On the bump, short arm action working to 3/4 slot with FB at 77-80.  Mixed CB and CH (Both 67-69) with natural shape and good arm speed.  

 

Top 10: 1B

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Cade Reynolds	TN	Christ Presbyterian Academy	2021	1B
2	Richmond Roberts	TN	Davidson Academy	2021	1B
3	Cody Wheeley	TN	David Crockett	2021	1B
4	Drew Sliwinski	TN	Bearden	2021	1B
5	Jerrod Gurden	TN	Dyer County	2021	1B
6	Skylar Bratcher	TN	Coffee County Central	2021	1B
7	Mason Swartz	TN	Franklin	2021	1B
8	Brock Arender	TN	Grace Christian Academy Franklin	2021	1B
9	Ben Brown	TN	Centennial	2021	1B
10	Cannon Linebaugh	TN	Arlington	2021	1B

 

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