Arnold
Abernathy Jr

More Volunteer work: Yet another future Rocky Topper showed out to end the showcase’s first game when INF AJ Abernathy (North Cobb HS, GA) walked it off with an RBI single to right field, giving the Padres a 10-9 win over the Athletics. Abernathy, whose athletic body type and pull approach at the plate remind me of former Chicago Cubs outfielder and fellow Georgian Corey Patterson, also added a single to center field his second at-bat.

OF Kyle Boylston (St. Johns Country Day, FL; Florida Atlantic) took a tough batting practice on Wednesday, but he had little trouble during game action with making hard contact. The FAU recruit had a pair of hard knocks against the Athletics on Wednesday and he added another Thursday with a 100 mph liner that scored AJ Abernathy (North Cobb HS, GA; Tennessee) to plate the Padres' first run. Boylston is super athletic, runs a 6.60 in the 60, and has good juice in his hands for some present power. He also squared up a 99 mph line-out during his third at-bat against the Pirates. Meanwhile, Abernathy is also a 6.60 runner who was featured in ECP's Quick Hits, Day One piece.

Tennessee Commit. 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. This was the unquestioned MVP of the tourney, and none of our scouts blinked while he was on the field. This is the most barrels we’ve had on film from one player in a tournament, that includes the longer ones. After squaring up one of our favorite 2023 arms twice in his first game, it was quickly apparent that no other arms had a shot against him. Showcasing his new lower half move (taller, more narrow base, mini leg kick) brought even more pace to his hands in & out of launch. Jay’s eye opening bat speed is easily top of scale now, and no matter what setup he’s rolling with it seems to work to perfection. He made multiple off balance plays with accurate throws from SS and I haven’t seen a player more aggressive to the ball in the class. He uses his instincts ++ speed to kill all hops, and his burner qualities also extend his power & run production.

Listed at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, Abernathy commands more attention than his frame would let on, and showed well at the Future Games. Aggressive, athletic, and confident, the twitchy infielder was a treat to watch on both sides of the ball. There is an infectious aura of positive energy that allowed him to set the tone for Team Georgia (the event’s best roster), as he looked the part of a future top of the order player. The left-handed hitter builds momentum through the approach thanks to a knee-knock leg hang before striding out and utilizing quick hands to accurately find barrels with each swing. He went 3-for-5 on the week, collecting two walks while applying pressure on the basepaths with three stolen bases. He will have a chance to play any infield spot including shortstop where his quick arm and quick first step presently stand out.

5-foot-10, 160-pound left-handed hitting shortstop, lean, wiry build, an elite athlete, quick, smooth actions throughout. Wide setup at the plate with an athletic crouch, rhythm in hands as he smoothly loads back, short toe-tap stride, good balance. Whippy bat speed and quick hands, when he gets extended the ball jumps off the bat. At-times the hands don’t get extended he creates hard ground ball contact, but with his speed and athleticism Abernathy can steal an infield 1B or make any play close. Aggressive on the bases, always looking for the extra bag. Oozes athleticism.