JT
Lopez

Lopez, a 2018 right-handed hitting middle infielder/RHP currently ranked as the 17th best RHP prospect for the 2018 class, stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 160 pounds, ran a 7.54 60. Offensively- Starts with an open lower half with a slight shift of weight to the back leg while the hands are above the back shoulder and barrel of the bat parallel to the ground. Initiates the swing with a shift of weight to the back side with the lead leg lifting lead knee getting thigh high and hands are loaded back with a bit of a buggy whip action while the barrel of the bat gets wrapped behind the head. Hand stayed connected with the lower half action while the bat path was clean and tight thru the zone, during batting practice, driving the ball well from the pull side gap to the opposite field gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 82 MPH, a personal best. Defensively- Sets up with the feet slightly more than shoulder width apart and hands in front the body above the waist. Very little pre-pitch movement but gets the weight on the balls of the feet before approaching the ball. Approaches the ball with good body control fielding the ball out in front of the body from the center to left side of the body. Transfers the ball from the waist after funneling the ball into the body. Allowed the footwork to get ahead of the transfer causing a some disconnect between the upper and lower half. Recorded an arm velocity of 79 MPH, but with a quicker transfer and more sequenced approach between the upper and lower half, should increase carry as well as MPH. Pitching- Starts from the center of the rubber with the body turned slightly to the right side with both hands starting from the waist. Gets to the gathered position with a slight step towards the first base line with the pivot foot stutter stepping remaining center rubber while the hands are elevated to the chest and lead knee is lifted just below the chest region. Creates clean separation with a slight upward angle of the lead shoulder, sticking the landing with the lead toe slightly open and lead arm slightly outside the body. The fastball, thrown from a high ¾ arm slot, topped out at 84 MPH, a personal best, showing late life and explosiveness with a minor cutting action. The curveball, topped out at 69 MPH, showing tight rotation and 11-to-5 shape, with much better command from the stretch. The changeup showed a quality differential off the fastball at 70 MPH, and again was commanded better from the stretch showing more depth and better rotation. Pitching prospect at the next level, that has made significant strides over the past few years.