Daniel
Briones

Body: 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. Quality catchers frame with average strength and athleticism. Some physical projection remaining. College weights and conditioning will greatly benefit his overall build. 

Hit: Blast motion connection reading score of 66 is a good indication of dynamic adjustability, helping explain why he is able to cover the inside part of the plate so well. Blast motion rotation reading score of 36 shows that he is below average when it comes to rotational acceleration, hurting his chances of adjusting to pitches which is why he struggles with the outside part of the plate. Briones ability to hit the outside pitch will determine how high his ceiling will be. 

Power: Averaged 88.12 mph exit speed and 19.03° launch angle. Personal best exit speed of 94.63 mph and 22.38° launch angle. Consistent exit speed and launch angle readings are a good indication of current and future power ability. Gets on plane quickly, with a blast plane score of 68 helping him attack the inside part of the plate. Data shows that he relishes off pitches up and in, with an average exit speed of 89 mph and a launch angle of 27°. In person it is clear that he hunts inside fastballs and looks to pull with power. 

Field: Clocked the fastest pop time average at 1.89-1.96. Quick actions all round; quick out of the crouch, quick arm, quick rotation. Moves laterally at an average clip along with his blocking skills and reads. As with most amateur catchers will need work with pitch framing but shows signs that he is catching on. The pitchers that he caught reported that he received well and called a good game. 

Arm: Catcher’s arm velocity of 78 mph, 4th overall. Short arm swing is huge for his release and clearly lowers his pop time. Keeps his arm close to his body and ear, showing sound throwing mechanics for a catcher. Surely there is more arm strength left, which could help make his pop time even better. Throw-downs were average as a few were off the mark but in the general area to make a play. 

Run: 7.41 60 yard dash. Displayed good running mechanics. 

OC Preseason All-State: A veteran of PBR events, it’s always a treat for us to have Briones because he is one of the best catchers in his class in the state and because he’s a great, great kid. After posting a modest 7.41 60 time, Briones proceeded into the hitting wheel where after pounding an 85 mph exit velo he took to pounding the gaps with line drives with the type of consistency with the barrel we’re accustomed to seeing from him. Behind the dish he’s quick out of the crouch - watch his video, he does not cheat - with a powerfully accurate arm that produced event best pop times (1.89-1.97) on five throw downs that were all on or close enough to the bag to allow a middle infielder to make a play on a runner. Caught bullpens and showed improved agility, particularly to the hand side where he got the chest in front more easily than in past viewings. 

SoCal Preseason All-State - 5-foot-11, 165-pounds, strong, athletic build with some projection remaining in his frame. Batting from the right hand side with very a impressive bat. Loads well, with a small leg kick. Ball jumps of the bat, exit velocity reached 82 mph. Showed impressive barrel control, with a nice bat path. Impressed with his hands, very loose and quick during his swing. Definsevely, Briones showcased many skills behind the plate. Received the ball very well with quiet soft hands. Made strong accurate throws to second. Pop times ranged between 1.87-2.03. Exchanges were quick and clean as well. Briones is a high upside prospect that shows a lot of potential with his bat and defense.

SoCal Preseason All-State Quick Hits - Briones is the 16th ranked player in the state Class of 2021 and a San Diego State commit. Briones showed why he is so highly ranked in his class with both his bat and his defense. He registered an 82 mph exit velocity with line drives to the gaps while showing soft hands, a quiet body and hands behind the plate. He popped in the 1.87 - 2.03 range with accuracy to the bag. High ceiling player who is the type of guy every winning college program has on their roster.

SoCal Underclass Games - Five-foot-11, 165-pounds, medium/large frame that is lean, wiry strong, and athletic. Present strength in lower half. Room for growth in upper half with some present strength and squared shoulders. Briones shows to be an athletic, nimble catcher that projects based on his present skill set. Shows excellent catch-and-throw skills with arguably the best combination of fast/clean exchanges we've seen. Consistently popped in the range of 1.89-2.03 both in defensive workout and in-game. Has soft hands with a quick release from the ear. Maintains that slot on all throws. Misses were on the bag which would have given the shortstop a chance at the tag if in-game. At the plate Briones shows a simple, balanced setup with a quiet leg lift load. Has quick-to-fast hands through the zone and shows excellent barrel control. Shows good patience and plate coverage with a middle approach. Put ball in play twice in game reaching on an error once.