Devin
Taylor

Arguably the top hit tool the state has to offer regardless of class. The total package in the box with knowledge of the zone, a path that runs into contact often, and natural tools to do damage. The sky is the limit for this young bat. As a defender he continues to grow each time we see him. How the run tool and arm strength come a long over the next few years will likely determine future destination out there. 

Body Type: 6-foot, 165 pounds. Tall, lean athletic frame. 
Swing Mechanics: Upright, balanced stance to more narrow after his stride. Has a shorter, compact attack that packs a lot of power. Great rhythm in his swing and generates great energy.
Hit: Made excellent contact with loud barrel action all throughout his round. Balls jumped off barrel and took flight easily.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity. Showed power output to all fields.
Offensive Projection: Multiple roles.
Run: 4.53 H-1st. 
Field: In the outfield he showed great fielding ability with a good approach to the baseball. Footwork showed well out there too setting him up to take momentum into his throws. At shortstop his footwork was impressive for his size and took good angles to the ball. Worked through the ball well showing his glovework.
Throw: 81 mph to home from the outfield on a line exhibiting great arm strength and accuracy. 75 mph across the diamond from shortstop showing more strength in his arm as an infielder. 
Defensive Projection: TBD. 
Additional Comments: Very athletic freshman with a ton of upside. Has a size and strength and utilizes very well both with his arm in the outfield and his bat. Tools still have time develop but expect big things from him. 

Taylor is going to be one of the more sought after prospect in his class over the next calendar year. Type of prospect that doesn’t make a scouts job difficult. Very projectable frame with one of, if not the top hit tools in his class from the left side. Took the most impressive BP of the day, showing present power to both gaps. The physical tools are impressive but what makes him elite is his advanced approach in game. Rarely leaves the zone and has a plan up there. Definite D1 prospect.

Taylor is going to be a good one. Very loose, athletic swing from the left side. Barrel gets through contact with authority generating easy gap pop with loft power to pull side. Took one out in BP and narrowly missed leaving the yard in game. Equally as impressive as his raw talent is his ability to see the baseball, work counts, and hit inside an approach. It’s not typical to run across a guy with that combination of ability and approach at such a young age. Worked out in both the infield and outfield with a higher ceiling in the outfield. Looks comfortable and athletic out there with a skill set that could play at all three spots.

60-yard dash: 7.54
Infield Velocity: 74
Outfield Velocity: 78
Exit Velocity: 74

Taylor has the frame and offensive skill set that will have college scouts salivating over in the upcoming years. A long, lean athlete that can run and swings it from the left side. Stood out for his hit tool. All the physical tools are there and then some but what really stood out was his strike zone knowledge and advanced approach at the plate. A controlled aggression type approach that knows what he wants to hit and will hack early or work counts until he gets it. When he pulls the trigger he shows a smooth, low effort swing with the ability to find plane early. Displayed feel for the barrel and the ability to drive the ball with authority. Defensively he played shortstop and in the outfield. Didn’t get a chance to show off the glove but if he can pick it he could be a high-level prospect in the 2022 class.