DFW Fall I.D.: Top Prospects

CREED WILLEMS

RHP / C / ALEDO, TX / 2021

Willems has a strong, barrel-chested frame at 6-foot-1, 215-pounds. The right-hander topped out at 90 on the bump, sitting mostly 87-88, with a 78 mph curveball and 78-79 mph changeup. Working from a high-¾ slot with a quick arm stroke and tall-and-fall delivery, he creates good angle on his fastball, flashing sink to his arm side. Curveball has tight rotation with late break at times. A two-way player and left-handed hitter, Willems starts from a wide, slightly open stance, then rocks back as he triggers his hands back and upward, tilting his shoulders as he takes a short stride. Strong hands work on a mostly flat path through the zone with a high finish that produced hard contact and carry to the pull side with a top exit velocity of 94 mph. His arm strength showed well behind the plate, producing true carry through the bag with a top velocity from the crouch of 79 mph and pop times ranging from 1.93-2.04.

NICK LAZZARA

C / 3B / JESUIT COLLEGE PREP, TX / 2021

Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 7

Lazzara is a switch-hitting catcher with strength, rhythm, and feel for the barrel from both sides of the plate. Standing 5-foot-11, 180-pounds, he has an already strong frame for his class with proportional strength throughout. His batting practice was impressive to say the least, posting a 96 mph exit velocity with power from both sides of the plate. Behind the dish, Lazzara has solid arm strength that produces excellent carry with a top velocity of 78 mph from the crouch. Threw strikes to second base with pop times ranging from 2.04-2.19. Moving forward, look for big things from this young backstop as his bat and arm strength will make him a coveted recruit in the ‘21 class.