Top-10 Profiles of 2019: No. 8 Jason Hodges
December 18, 2019
Marist’s former hulk of a slugger, Jason Hodges (2019), had been gaining some momentum in the pro scouting community from the summer of 2018 through last spring. Few can match the physicality Hodges brings to the diamond – at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, his extra large, strong frame looks more like a fit on the gridiron at first glance. Naturally, his premium power allows him to generate effortless bat speed and juice off the barrel. Hodges, simply put, had some of the top raw power in the country inside the prep 2020 class.
He put that power on display at February’s Super 60 showcase where he tied for the day’s top mark at the exit velocity station (103 mph). And he’s quicker than his big frame might initially suggest – he ran 6.80 in the 60-yard dash at the pro showcase.
Ultimately, Hodges was drafted in the 34th round by the Cincinnati Reds and he decided instead to go to school, to Arkansas. Though just earlier this week, coincidentally, Hodges made the decision to transfer to John A. Logan JC, one of the top JUCO programs in the Midwest.
Hodges wrapped up his prep career as the No. 4-ranked prospect in Illinois’ 2019 class, and was ranked No. 126 in the country.
Scouting Report
Arkansas commit. 6-foot-2, 210-pound physically advanced draft prospect, plays the game at a high level, slows it down. Right-handed hitter, played right field and hit third. Led the offensive charge for top ranked Marist going 2-for-3 with a 2B, HR, four RBI and two runs scored. Had three quality at-bats. Advanced approach at the plate, presence in the box, stays balanced through contact no matter the pitch speed, effortless bat speed, hands are ultra-quick and repeatedly gets the barrel to the ball. On the pull-side RBI double, 4.69 on the turn. Came in to score on an aggressive dirt ball read, runs well for his plus size. Hit a no-doubt home run to his pull-side as well. Saw no action on defense.
9.16.18 - Arkansas commit, currently ranked No. 7 in the Illinois’ 2019 class and No. 146 overall. 6-foot-3, 210-pound, first baseman; muscular build, wide-shouldered, physical-specimen. Right-handed hitting, imposing figure in the box. Short, uphill bat path, strong hands, creates bat speed. Lined a single up the middle in the semi-final game. Ran a 4.46 on a groundout to third in another at-bat.
7.10.18 - University of Arkansas commit. 6-foot-3, 210-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder/first baseman, extra large frame, strong build throughout. Premium offensive prospect. Hits from a balanced stance, slightly crouched. Bat strength present with easy pop, quick hands get to hard contact to all fields. Exit velocity topped 99 mph from a tee. 6.82 runner in the 60, long strider, power runner. Defensively likely profiles at a corner outfield or first base, looked comfortable around the bag. Arm plays over the top, 85 mph from the outfield, 78 mph across the diamond.
5.17.18 - Arkansas commit. Currently ranked No. 5 in the Illinois’ 2019 class. 6-foot-3, 210-pound, right/right outfielder, broad shouldered, strong frame, athleticism translates to both sides of the ball. Played center and hit third for the Redhawks lacing two RBI singles hard to the opposite field. Saw numerous pitches to on the outer half and made adjustments in-game to go with the pitch. Open setup, leg lift stride, back/drop load, pre-pitch movement with rhythm involved. Gap to gap line-drive hitter, present bat speed, natural uphill path, attacks the baseball. Good jumps on the basepaths, stole second base with ease. Defensively plays through the ball with long strides, tracks the ball well. Quick arm, long and loose action, over the top slot, ball carries out of his hand. Recently named Co-Player Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. 2019 Draft follow.
2.11.18 - Arkansas commit. 6-foot-3, 190-pound outfielder, large athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, open stance, smooth loading action, long strided, hits off front foot at times. Strong hands that work to create present bat speed, short path. 98 mph exit velocity from the tee. Contact is typically gap to gap, ability to backspin the baseball, plus power potential hitter, middle of the lineup type profile. Defensively arm action is long and over the top, carries at 84 mph. Feet work aggressively through the baseball, step behind through release, corner outfield type. 6.92 runner in the 60.
1.5.18 - Decommitted from Missouri.
7.24.17 - Verbally committed to Missouri.
5.17.17 - Currently ranked No. 5 in the Illinois’ 2019 class and No. 91 overall. 6-foot-3, 190-pound, outfielder, tall, athletic body with lean muscle. Played right field, showed good jumps and routes; ran down balls in the gaps and made strong and accurate throws. At the plate, right-handed hitter, starts from an even crouched set up and pre-pitch rhythm. Long stride and land hard, but keeps hands back and loads on his back leg. Short swing, controls the barrel with lift in swing. Easy runner, low effort, ran a 4.43 down the line. Highly-athletic 2019 outfielder.
3.24.17 - Currently ranked No. 5 in the 2019 class. 6-foot-3, 190-pound, highly athletic, well-proportioned outfielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. Right-handed hitter, hit in the cleanup spot for Marist. Went 2-for-3, with an RBI triple to right-center field, single to right and a walk. Athletic setup in the box, confident demeanor, stays within himself, present bat speed and loose hands. Defensively, athletic actions and fluid runner in the outfield. High follow 2019 outfielder
10.23.16 - 6-foot-3, 185-pound, strong, physically advanced, athletically built, multi-positional prospect. Put himself on the map as one of the top 2019 prospects in Illinois. Ran a 6.95 laser-timed 60. Has a high ceiling offensively. Right-handed hitter with fluid rhythm, explosive bat speed and present pull power. Makes consistent hard, loud contact, ball jumps off his bat; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance throughout. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Ability to play both positions; fluid, quick feet and soft hands. Athletic defensive actions, has a bounce in his step and good body control. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws have carry; clocked at 76 mph across the infield and 81 mph from the outfield.