Tyson
Hays

A Colorado prep who found his way to central Illinois, Hays began the season as the backup backstop for the Redbirds, but has emerged to take over the starting duties behind the dish while manning the three-hole in the lineup. Both his receiving skills and hit ability have made drastic improvements since last spring. With a two-part swing he more so pushes through with his body rather than rotating and staying behind the ball. His increased power production this spring is mostly a result of improved pitch selection. Through 52 at-bats this spring he has tapped into it for six extra base hits, compared to just one in 46 at-bats last spring. It’s certainly not extraordinary pop, but much improved. Hays is also an above average runner underway (1st to 3rd) and has swiped a pair of bases in three attempts. Behind the plate, Hays shows an average arm and solid, albeit much improved, receiving skills. As another senior on a veteran Illinois State club, Hays could receive top 10 round consideration as a budget saver.

Five-foot-11, 185 pounds. Bats and throws right. Has tall, narrow stance that starts open. Sometimes can dive out on ball, but has power potential. Swing is slightly uphill, but bat stays in zone through extension. Quick hands. Bat speed was 94 mph off the tee. Behind the plate looks effortless in everything he does. Minimal movement all of the time while framing, and on throw downs almost looks so effortless it's lazy but it's on the bag in the 1.85 range all of the time with 82 mph arm velocity. Ran a 4.13 home to first. Athletic catcher.

5-foot-11, 185-pound right hand hitting catcher/3B. Good looking prospect behind the plate. Good set up and framing on pitches and quick actions on balls in the dirt.  Accurate 81 MPH arm with a 1.96 pop time. Stands tall at the plate with very little movement on the pitch.  Swing path is slightly uphill with quick hands through the zone.  Exit velocity was 93 MPH off the tee and he showed good power to all parts of the field.  Athletic player who ran a 7.02 60.

Hays continues to show he is one of the top 2017 catching prospects in the state. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound prospect ran a 7.62 60-yard dash and showcased an 91 mph bat exit velocity which was up from 88 mph at the Denver Metro Prospect ID. Hays stands tall at the plate and has a level line-drive swing that generates pull power that comes predominantly from his upper half. He creates good barrel whip leading to the ball jumping off his bat when he squares the baseball. He displayed a top pop time of 2.04 from the pitcher not a coach throwing, and was 73 mph out of the crouch. Gains good ground on throws. Hays has soft hands and frames well with little movement. Was 80 mph from 3B.

Hays was one of the top catching prospects at the event. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound prospect ran a 7.63 60-yard dash and showcased an 88 mph bat exit velocity. Hays has a strong lower half to his swing and creates good barrel whip leading to the ball jumping off his bat when he squares the baseball. He displayed pop times of 1.97 and 2.00 on throws of 73 mph out of the crouch. Hays showed solid receiving during his bullpen sessions.

Hays is an up and coming catcher in the 2017 class. Showed some good bat speed with an 82 mph exit velo. Showed good balance hitting at the plate with short stride and good lower half. Gap to gap power with level swing through zone. Had a strong arm across infield for his age (77mph) and had a 2.04 pop time.

5-foot-11, 185-pound right hand hitting catcher.  Ran a 7.31 60.  At the plate he hits from a tall simple approach.  Level bat path with good extension through the zone.  Explodes with his lower half at impact.  He had a 92 MPH exit velocity off a tee.  Behind the plate he is quiet and receives pitches well.  Good transfer actions produced a throw of 79 MPH and pop-times of 1.82-1.89. Hays was at his best throwing on this day. Off a coach it did not appear he was "cheating" on throw downs at all and looked effortless. Every time we see Hays he gets better and better. Was awarded most projectable catcher from event.