Jayden
Patel

Parkland College commit. Patel was a big producer for the Lancers’ 5-1 week, going 9-for-17 with one home run, one triple, three doubles, seven RBIs, two walks and one stolen base. In their season opener against Marist, Patel went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, and in their 8-1 win over Bend (OR) he homered and doubled. Rounding out his impressive week in their 13-1 win over Shadow Ridge (AZ), Patel went 3-for-4 with a triple, double, three RBIs, three runs scored and a walk.

Verbally committed to Parkland College.

+ Easily one of the biggest winners from the Illinois State Games was INF Jayden Patel (Lake Park, 2024). Patel, who’s still uncommitted, stands at an upside 6-foot-2, 170-pounds with lean strength and physical upside throughout his stature. He stays short and fluid from the left side with above-average bat-to-ball skills and stays within himself. Aside from a polished showing in BP on Tuesday, Patel hit throughout the entire event in game, spraying the ball to all fields comfortably. Patel has the actions to stick on the left side of the infield in the future, and his arm strength was evident during the workout (90 mph) as well as in-game. He’s an arrow-up name from Rantoul that should take a noticeable rise in our next rankings update. 

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Stock, relaxed setup, short simple stride. Fluid, quiet swing, stays on-plane, natural lift throughout, lets the ball travel, natural driving balls to the opposite field. Finished game play 4-for-6 with an RBI, run scored and two walks. 66.5 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 83.6 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 90 mph. Compact, changes arm slots, accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, plays through the ball in rhythm, easy range to the glove side.
Run: 7.11 runner in the 60.

Currently ranked No. 190 in the class of 2024 for the state of Illinois, Patel continued to swing a hot bat on Sunday going 1-for-2 with a loud double and two RBIs. Was also on-base two more times after being hit with pitches. An uncommitted 2024 to continue to monitor. 

Patel has an athletic, projectible build at 6-foot-2, 170-pounds. Flashed a strong arm as well as range and fluid footwork at third base on Friday. Made an impressive diving catch on a line drive while playing second base on Saturday. Smooth, balanced swing at the plate. Showed opposite field pop with a double to the left-center gap. Finished a two-game stretch going 5-for-7 with double and two walks. 

Jayden Patel was another 2024 infielder from Lake Park to follow from the day. On the infield, Patel showed to have fluid actions and soft hands, pairing with a clean transfer and loose/easy arm that plays with backspin and carry (T85 mph). At the plate, it's a fluid swing that stays on-plane, works uphill and finishes on balance. Patel also ran a 7.12 60 and registered a peak exit velocity of 96 mph.

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Athletic, lean frame with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, smooth load and short stride. Fluid swing, uphill path, stays on-plane, gap-to-gap approach and finishes on balance.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Arm works with clean and loose action from a 3/4 window. Throws play with carry and backspin.
Defense: Fluid feet and actions. Soft hands, clean and quick exchange.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.