Nick
McLain

Cape Cod: Came to the Cape this summer after missing the first half of the spring season due to a broken hamate bone. Despite the power-sapping injury, he still managed to show some pop for the Sun Devils (.313 ISO) and with the Gatemen with four home runs in 99 at-bats. He placed just behind Hussey in average EV at 82.9 mph and exceeded his physically larger teammate with a best bolt of 104.2. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound center fielder is wired similarly to his older brothers (Matt & Sean) with ample athleticism, solid power, plus arm strength and above average speed once underway. Unlike his brothers, Nick throws left instead of right, plays on the grass in the big field and is a switch-hitter. He has an advanced approach from both sides where he combines the ability to hit with some power. With good health, McLain is a breakout candidate next spring in what would be his first full season of college baseball after transferring from UCLA after his freshman year.

SoCal ProCase:

Body: 5-foot-10, 185-pounds; Strong, physical build with proportional strength throughout the frame. 

Hit: Makes consistent barrel contact from an uppercut path with plenty of pull side power. His early connection score of 105° put him at the top of the category of all levels of baseball measured by Blast Motion. Presently a gap hitter with over-the-fence power that projects with more consistency. 

Power: Present power is real with an average exit velocity of 87.72 mph and a peak of 97.79 mph on Trackman. Shows the ability to hit the ball hard the opposite way. It’s easy, natural power at the plate generated from his above average bat speed and physical strength. 

Field: Shows above average footwork and body control in the outfield where he covers a lot of ground and tracks balls easily. Works low-to-high and comes up ready to throw. Transitions are clean and hands work quickly. 

Arm: 91 mph outfield velocity with online throws with carry. The arm strength and accuracy has improved significantly since early spring. Arm strength and accuracy are certainly tools that play way up in the outfield. 

Run: Registered a 6.85 in the 60 yard dash on a grass surface.

McLain is having one of the best summers of any uncommitted player in the class. He’s been on an offensive and pitching tear, and while he didn’t pitch today, he sure did show up with the bat. After running a hand-time 6.86 60-yard dash, McLain showed off his big present pull side power during his BP rounds banging balls off the fence. He also showed his ability to use the gaps with some power too. Defensively he had one of, if not the, best arms during the session. It was strong, accurate with carry on his throws. His footwork and athleticism have improved significantly and it really showed itself during the defensive workout portion. The needle is pointing straight up for McLain who should have a legitimate shot at making this team. 

SoCal Underclass Games - Five-foot-9, 165-pounds, small/medium frame with present strength throughout with noticeable strength in the lower half. McLain shows present strength at the plate from a late hitch but easy bat speed resulting from strong/fast/big hands. Setup is balanced with a smooth load. Lower half explodes through the ball. Shows the ability to catch the ball deep and drive it the other way. Also shows pull side power. Batting practice round was loud with consistent barreling and driving of balls to all fields. In-game the late hitch may cause timing issues, but McLain managed to get a few good swings on the ball. Quality at-bat type hitter. Spoils pitches in pitchers counts. Defensively really projects in right field where he shows excellent instincts, a quick first step and an understanding of angles along with a huge arm. Made one catch in deep right field before unleashing a rope to third forcing a tagging runner back to second base.

Uncommitted 5-foot-10, 165-pound medium-sized frame, athletic build with significant physical projection remaining. Big-time upside here, and he plays above his age and class. McLain displays a mature approach at the plate, shows the ability to handle the barrel, and uses both sides of the field with respectable hand-eye coordination. He can get beat inside with + fastball occasionally, but added strength will allow him to get to this ball and drive down RF line. Power tool is gap-to-gap at current time with ability to hit deep line drives. McLain has over the fence power potential, but it will come with body maturity and age. He demonstrates sound defensive actions, good footwork around 1B, and exhibits the skill to pick balls in the dirt with ease. Average runner at present time, but speed will develop with time.

Uncommitted. 5-foot-7, 160-pound frame, athletic build with present strength. One of the top hitting freshman in his area due to his ability to recognize and react to pitches. Shows very good barrel awareness. Drop barrel into zone and keeps in on a level plane. Takes aggressive hacks through the zone using his strength to his advantage. Utilizes a slightly open stance with very active hands that start at his shoulders before coming set at the chest. Defensively he's a natural outfielder who is playing first base. Shows good footwork around the bag. Attacks balls rather than sitting back. Aggressive on the bases. Playing varsity baseball clearly doesn't scare or wow him. Hustles out to his position and is always talking up teammates.