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East Georgia Preseason I.D: Quick Hits

January 9, 2024
Prep Baseball Georgia
Staff

Flowery Branch, GA: Our Preseason Events kicked off this weeked, and on Sunday we went to the east side of Atlanta at one of the nicest indoor facilities in the state, IVSA Training.  The Georgia high school baseball season is a week a way, and we are eager to get the season started. During our Preseason Events we will build our list for players we need to see throughout the year. Preseason events are a great chance to show off the progress made in the off season, as well as getting tuned up for the season. We will have post event coverage throughout the week from our event on Sunday. Today, we will take a quick look at some instant standouts that stoodout to our scouting staff. 

To view all the stats from the event CLICK HERE

Griff Bryant, Outfielder
Bryant made an instant name for himself on Sunday with a loud round of BP. Well-balanced, line-drive approach from the right side with top-tier bat speed (Max 82.6) and present barrel control. Hands explode through contact while staying on-plane consistently. It’s a very hitterish profile at the plate with plenty of strength in the frame that screams middle-of-the-order bat. Good footwork in the outfield with strong, accurate throws lived in the low-80s (Max 84). The uncommitted bat is set for a big role with Prince Avenue Christian this spring and could be a prime candidate to shoot up boards.

Caden Borcherding, Catcher
The top catcher in our initial class of 2027 rankings, Borcherding makes it easy to see why he’s also a top 50 nationally ranked player. Quiet load from the right-side with advanced ability to manipulate the barrel throughout the zone. Hands snap through the zone with easy leverage at contact. The Etowah freshman stays well-connected and does an excellent job of firing his back hip to the baseball. All over the barrel throughout his round of BP, and produced one of the highest exit velocities of the day at 93.6. Athletic in the crouch with flexibility and flashing sub-2.0 pop times. Still just 14 years old with significant projection on a lean 6-foot-0 frame, Borcherding has a sky-high ceiling.

Jackson Freeman, Catcher
Another uncommitted 2025 who made a statement this past weekend was the Flowery Branch backstop. Freeman was explosive behind the dish with an event-best 1.89 pop time backed by present plus arm strength (80 C velo) and accuracy. At the plate, Freeman does a good job of creating separation and strong feel for the barrel. Real heaviness in the barrel and loads of strength in the 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame allow the junior to fill the gaps with ease and flashes a chance for above-average to plus raw power.

Caden Fox, First Baseman
Caden Fox continues to raise the bar on an already significant ceiling. At 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, the 2021 Junior Future Games alum displayed easily the loudest BP round of the day with the highest max and average exit velocities of the event at 95.1 and 89.0. Fox does a fantastic job of incorporating his lower half as well as present above-average bat speed that allows for serious impact in the barrel, especially pull-side where Fox gets consistent carry on the ball. Massive target at 1B with soft hands and present arm strength (82 1B velo).

Anthony Almeroth, Shortstop
The only switch-hitter in attendance, Almeroth did a great job showing present bat-to-ball skills from both sides of the plate. Worked up the middle with ease, and showed present above-average rotational acceleration that could lead to some solid raw power from a lean, but strong 6-foot frame. The uncommitted shortstop showed some of the best hands and footwork of the day while backing it up with above-average arm strength across the diamond in the mid-80s. Strong all-around day for Almeroth as he’s set a big role with Flowery Branch this spring.

Jack Kehnle, Right-Handed Pitcher
Kehnle was producing some serious power down the mound resulting in a fastball that had lively action on it to the arm side. The fastball was 83-84 from a high ¾ slot. The lower have projects much more in the tank for Kehnle. We could see him creeping into the upper 80’s this spring. The slider had some serious spin, with late life that played well off the fastball. The change up will be a big pitch for him as well. It had really good downward action that will produce heavy swing and miss thinking it is the fastball.

Brodie Carter, Infielder
Carter has added noticeable size and strength since last spring. He will be a big piece for Creekview this spring leading a talented group of sophomores alongside his fellow junior class. He produced one of the most consistent rounds of BP, staying through the middle of the field. His actions are clean and effortless, and accurate throws over to 1B. He has all the right tools to stick a 3B long term with the defensive ability and a strong arm.


Liam Collier, 2027, 1B/OF, Locust Grove
A class of 2027 infielder out of Locust Grove High School impressed at the plate. Collier is ranked 51 in our recent 2027 Rankings, and is a 2023 Junior Future Game Alumni. Collier had very explosive actions in his swing while staying in his lower half. He shows present bat speed, and creates powerful torque within his lower half. Collier will be fun to see his growth throughout his high school career.


Ben Chatham, 2025, C, Prince Avenue Christian
Chatham is a 2025 catcher out of Prince Avenue Christian. He had a strong performance both offensively and defensively. Offensively he worked the middle of the field well with simple actions at the plate. He showed effortless pop with a max exit velo of 93 mph. Defensively, Chatham showed well behind the plate with his best pop time at 1.99. He showed athleticism and good mobility, while also presenting the ball well.


Drew Payne, 2026, RHP, Prince Avenue Christian
Strong build, physical presence at 6-0 200-pounds. Also worked out as a hitter, 2-way potential with avg EV of 85mph during BP. On the bump, works exclusively from the stretch with advanced & clean mechanics throughout delivery. Works with long AA to a H3Q slot, getting down the mound smoothly, mature actions. Closed toe landing suggesting more power on the way with further flexibility. FB with late life sits 84-85, late zip will garner s/m from hitters. Pairs with SNK at 83-84, more depth than FB providing a different look to hitters and will play well off FB, natural movement on this pitch shows a unique ability to manipulate the spin of the baseball. Also flashed a sharp CB at 71-72 with some sweeping action. A lot to like in this young arm.

Ryan Trout, 2027, RHP, North Oconee
2023 Junior Future Games alum. Athletic, lean frame at 6-0, 150-pounds with some present strength in the lower half. Developing physical maturity, tons of room to grow. On the mound, shows a quick arm with some explosiveness. Short AA into a H3Q slot, advanced lower half mechanics, moving efficiently & easily down the mound. FB sat 82-83, along with good feel for his CH at 75-77 tunnelling well off one another, chance to be a quality two pitch combo for him to get outs early on in his HS career and will only get better as strength and velo develops. Also flashed a CB at 71-74 with sharp HZ and downward break. High upside with natural athleticism and strength. Likely to be one of the top arms in the state going forward.


Jack Johnson, 2027, RHP/OF, Mount Paran
Coming in at #8 in Prep Baseball GA’s initial 2027 state rankings, Johnson showed out in a big way to our staff at the East GA ID. The freshman showed a potent barrel in BP, with eye-opening metrics. Premium bat speed with a max of 83.9 that was a clear best of the event. Johnson shows a great ability to leverage the barrel through the zone paired with substantial strength in the frame. There’s easy above-average power potential here, with a real chance for a strong hit tool as well. After a fantastic showing in the 30 yard and firing 88mph darts in the OF eval, he stepped on the mound to show off that advanced arm strength as well. It's a mature and physical frame at 6-3, 200-pounds with still plenty of room for more. Still somewhat raw mechanically, will provide some natural deception with a short AA and L3Q slot. Up to 86.4mph with the FB, the pitch carries well up in the zone and will be certain to generate s/m at the HS level. Slower, sweeping SL at 65-67 shows some big break and will tick up as velo improves. Also flashed a CH at 72-74. The natural arm strength is undeniable and Johnson will have a chance to make an impact both ways early on in his career at Mt. Paran.


Sawyer Green, 2025, RHP, Lakeside (Evans)
One of the bigger surprises at the East GA ID was this 6-4, 155-pound long and lanky right-hander with a good arm. Full arm swing to a H3Q slot with serious whippiness, big extension down the mound as his pitches play up from their actual velocity. Ran FB up to 84.8mph with a SL at 74-75 and CH at 77. Secondaries are still developing but has feel for the arsenal and will get better as he continues to mature. Real arm to keep an eye on as a late bloomer, could be a nice pickup if he can add on more.


John Whitt, 2026, RHP, Dunwoody
Lean frame at 6-2, 170-pounds with room for more, long levers all the way through. Patience and control over the rubber, lower effort delivery down the mound, easy operation. Mid-depth AA to a 3Q slot, repeated mechanics well. FB won’t blow by anyone right now at 79-80 but shows good feel for the pitch and can locate well. Impressive secondary stuff with both SL and CH, manipulating both with ease. SL has some gyro action to it when thrown well, clear feel for the pitch with good location. CH with fade and depth drops off the table late and looks just like the FB, low spin avg 1219 RPM. All play well off one another, really good pitch mix. Will be interesting to see his development as velocity comes along with his already strong secondary pitches.