Daniel
Pacella

Illinois State commit. Physically imposing 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame, has added strength in the lower half since our last look. Currently ranked 12th overall in the state’s senior class and 260th nationally; owns some of the loudest raw power in the entire state. Started in right field and hit in the three-hole for the Mustangs. Quiet and collected presence in the batter’s box, minimal extra movement, loads in rhythm and stays balanced through contact. Jumped all over a fastball in his third at-bat and launched it over the right field fence for a no-doubt home run. Looks every bit the part of a true middle-of-the-order thumper at the collegiate level that could be an impact-type bat for Illinois State early on in his career. 

Verbally committed to Illinois State.

Decommitted from Kentucky.

Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-3, 215-pounds. Strong, physical, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, smooth load, short stride, hands-load. Fluid swing, bat stays in the zone a long time, advanced bat speed, present power with all-field power potential, ball jumps off barrel, consistent loud contact.
Power: 102 mph exit velocity from the tee. Max exit velocity of 101.45 MPH during BP, an average of 96.37 MPH, max distance of 358 feet, all via TrackMan. Max bat speed of 83.00 MPH, average of 76.83 MPH via Blast.
Arm: LH. INF - 83 mph. Over-the-top arm slot, long, loose action, throws flashed carry across infield.
Defense: Athletic actions, confident hands, plays through the baseball, comfortable around the first base bag.
Run: 6.87 runner in the 60. Advanced runner for his size and position.

Kentucky commit. 6-foot-3, 215-pound, wide-shouldered, physical left-handed hitting first baseman. Features some of the top raw power in the Midwest. Has posted an exit velocity of 107 mph off the tee in the past. Loose, strong hands, present bat strength. Long through the zone, pull-side tendencies and loud off the bat.

Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 205-pounds. Strong, athletic, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, wide base, hands stay back, quick toe-tap timing trigger.  Fast bat, aggressive swing, uphill path, consistent hard contact, present pull-side power.
Power: 107 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 80 mph. Long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic feet, hands play under center, comfortable around the bag.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. Tall, strong frame with room for continued physical development.
Hit: LHH. Tall balanced set-up, toe tap stride with rhythm. Short bat path, slightly uphill, extension through the baseball, lower half works well, plus pop.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 82 mph. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active footwork, soft hands, quick exchange, advanced feel around the bag.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.

The Illinois Lightning saw some power in their lineup from their four hitter. The 6-foot-2, 185 pound first basemen put one over the center field wall in his last at bat of the game against STiKS-Red. He had a balanced setup with a long stride that was able to generate power and solid contact on the baseball. Aside from his homerun, Pacella showed patience at the plate by walking twice. Continued his power streak against ISA Stars, launching two home runs, including a grand slam, and driving in seven runs. Appeared on the mound as well against ProPlayer Canes - Freund on Friday night. Long and loose arm action, over-the-top slot. Deceptive delivery, hides the ball well. Fastball touched 78 mph, sat between 75-77 mph.