Tate
Van Poppel

Van Poppel is a stout 6-foot, 210-pounds, built like an ideal linebacker, and the power, agility and projection pop out. He ran a 7.27 60-yard dash, showed well from the right-handed batter’s box, strong hands through contact with a simple swing, 91 mph exit velocity off the tee. Fundamentals are clean at 1B, makes 80 mph throws across the diamond. On the mound Van Poppel utilizes the drop-and-drive delivery, gets over the top with high slot. Fastball worked downhill at 80-83, spins 66-68 mph curveball, and pulled down 70-72 mph changeup.

1.12.19
Van Poppell has a strong, durable frame at 6-foot, 190-pounds. Simple, tall-and-fall delivery with an easy gather on his rocker step. Medium arm stroke from a high slot, his fastball topped out at 80, sitting mostly 76-79 mph. Throws a 12/6 curveball for strikes at 62-64 mph. Changup is a solid pitch with arm side depth for a strike at 65-68 mph. Offensively, the right-handed hitter starts from a tall, slightly open stance then triggers his hands back into a slight wrap with tilted shoulders. Easy stride forward, lands balanced, inside out path with a top exit velocity of 91 mph. At first base, he plays through the ball with a quick exchange and directional footwork. Made accurate throws to bases with a top velocity across the diamond of 78 mph.

6.12.18
6-0, 195-pound filled out frame with a strong lower half. Off the mound, Van Poppel was consistently in and around the strike zone with all three pitches.  He moved his fastball around, filled the zone with his changeup, and was in the zone or below the zone with quality misses on his curveball. He has a short over-the-top arm action with smooth rhythm throughout the delivery. He was 79-80 with his fastball, 65-66 with a tight 12/6 curveball, and had good feel for his changeup at 70-72 mph.  He showed similar arm strength throwing 79 mph from first base, and he also showed fundamental footwork around the bag with compact and clean actions while making plays to second and third base. At the plate, he posted an 83 mph exit velocity.  He has an athletic set up with a short stride and an uphill plane to his swing that creates lift. He has a compact barrel path, and is strong at the point of contact. Van Poppel ran a 7.27 laser-timed 60.