Ralph
Velazquez

SoCal Preseason All-State: The #19 player overall in the Class of 2023 State Rankings and showed this weekend why he’s already such a highly regarded player. Appearing to have added somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-15 pounds, Velazquez’s newfound strength paired with his sweet left-handed swing was a pleasant surprise. After posting an 88 mph exit velocity, he pounded the right-center field gap with line drives with backspin. It’s a simple swing without a lot of wasted motion allowing him to produce a consistent barrel plane. Behind the dish the strength gains appear to have aided with athleticism as he’s quicker to point when needs to shuffle. Popped in the 1.99-2.09 range with throws on the bag. Exchanges were quick and clean.

Setting up in a wider stance with the bat rested on his back shoulder, he shifts his weight back with a heel lift and minimal stride that works the hands down and back with a slight wrap. From there, the barrel works flat through the zone with some lag present, and he gets more aggressive use of the lower-half, although more strength will aid that even more in the future. In this quick look, Velazquez looked like he is going to have a chance to drive the ball from gap to gap, and his 5-foot-11, 170-pound, long-legged frame projects very well.

Rising Stars Showcase - Five-foot-8, 160-pounds, medium/large frame with defined strength in the lower half and squared shoulders with wiry strength down through to the wrists. Velazquez has the look of a hitter in the box where he starts with a wide base and uses a slight toe tap trigger. Drops hands into launch position and explodes his back hip into the swing with fast hands. Shows feel and control of the barrel. All fields hitter presently with some pull side pop presently that projects for power in the future. Defensively Velazquez is instinctive in his approach. Charges ball with conviction but tends to stop feet at the ball before restarting. Hands are soft and exchanges clean. Has plenty of arm presently to make throws from multiple angles with some life and accuracy. Not afraid to lay out to get to a ball. Backhand is true and consistent. Understands hops and angles and shows the ability to adjust to them while approaching balls before funnelling out front.