Prep Baseball Report

Preseason All-State Games: Top Corner Infielders


Brett Thorney
State Scouting Director

The Preseason All-State Games is one of Arizona's most highly anticipated events on the PBR Arizona showcase calendar. The invitation-only event displayed prospects from 2020-2023 grad classes this year and was held on Jan. 26th, at Arizona State in Tempe, AZ. Over 75 players were represented.

As expected, this was a loaded event that yielded brand new prospects to keep an eye on as well as seeing returning players that have started to establish themselves. We have released early analysis with our Quick Hits (Part 1)Quick Hits (Part 2)Statistical Analysis, and Positional Breakdowns

Today, we are taking a look at the Top 5 Corner Infield prospects that attended the event. Always one of the positional groups with some of the most pop at our events and it hasn't changed with this group of players. There are some high upside hitters on the list including four left-handed bats. There were prospects across all the different grad classes. Here is a look at the top corner infield prospects:

Tyler Stone 1B / Chaparral, AZ / 2020

6-foot-3 220-pounds, Gonzaga commit, big body with strength & durability to build off. Left-handed hitter with good natural pop. Had one of the better BP rounds with consistent loud contact. When Stone stepped into the box in our games, everyone was paying attention. Aggressive but yet controlled approach to Mid/ Pull side. Had the top exit velocity of 97mph. Another aspect to his game that may go unnoticed due to his loud bat, might be his defense. Strong showing defensively. Showed athleticism and good actions around the bag. Above average glove that saved some outs with his scooping ability. Also showed an 85mph arm across the diamond. Going to be a steal for a good JC program or a sneaky pick for a D1 school looking to add depth offensively.

Blake Avila 1B / 3B / Gila Ridge, AZ / 2021

5-foot-10 195-pounds, strong physical frame, broad shoulders, big lower half & forearms. Left-handed hitter. Starts from a slightly spread out squared base, leaning on the back leg. Uses knee turn leg lift with minimal forward movement. Small separation. Short slightly downward path looking for backspin. Natural strength through swing with easy effort, stays balanced. Middle approach, hard contact at 92mph. Low effort fielder with some athleticism around the bag. Low intensity on his throws at 76mph arm strength. Ran a 7.50 60-yard dash. Follow as a physical left-handed bat.

Christian Perez 3B / 1B / Sunnyslope, AZ / 2022

6-foot-1 215lbs, big body with some strength & durability, more athleticism than one would think for size. Two-way player currently. Left-handed hitter with average slightly open base. Uses gathered leg kick to create energy, loading his hands deep. Locks elbows at times. Some strength through his swing. Hits the ball to the opposite field well. Inconsistent on the outer half of the plate. Mid/oppo approach, hard contact at 91mph. Looked better at the plate in game. Easy footwork in the infield, showing some athleticism. Sure hands, playing through the baseball. 75mph arm strength across the diamond. Also pitched at the event. Tall delivery, recoiling on finish in live ABs. Throws from a H ¾ arm slot with short arm action. FB sat 75-76mph. CV showed some glimpses of having some sharp break at 61-62mph. Follow as a left-handed hitter.

Zachary Wadas 1B / LHP / Brophy College Prep, AZ / 2023

6-foot-3 180-pounds, body stand outs for age, young lean body with long legs and arms, more maturing left. Two-way player. Left-handed hitter with some rawness to approach. Hits from a wide athletic base with knee bend, turning knee inward as he goes slightly forward into foot strike. Works from underneath, trying to drive the baseball in the air. Average contact in BP on the day. Natural pop at 93mph arm strength. Confident actions and good target in the infield. Athleticism around the bag. Also pitched at the event. Tall athletic delivery with some repeatability, pushing off early. Throwing with over-top arm action with short arm swing. FB worked 79-80mph with some slight cutting action. Mixed in a gradual CV with downer shape at 64-69mph. High ceiling two way prospect to follow.

Miles Crutchley 3B / 1B / Saguaro, AZ / 2022

5-foot-11 190-pounds, strong body, long legs, broad shoulders. Narrow slightly open stance, using a gathered toe tap trigger to create leverage. Inconsistent sequencing of the hands. Level swing with mid/pull approach. More pop in BP than 83mph exit velocity would suggest. Average footwork and hands with some effort. Ran a 7.72 60-yard dash. Glove tap before throwing with 68mph arm strength.

Related Content