Top 25 Profiles of 2024: No. 19 Grady Nelson
December 18, 2024
As we are nearing the end of another calendar year, we have compiled a list of the top 25 most viewed Indiana player profiles this year. According to our research through our google analytics, these are the most viewed profiles by you the reader in 2024.
Coming in at No. 19 is '27 Grady Nelson (Warsaw HS). A 6-foot-4, 230-pound left-handed hitter. Nelson had a stellar freshman season for the 4A Warsaw Tigers, he hit .430 with 32 runs batted in and 12 extra base hits, including 3 home runs. The run-producer impressed in summer looks and earned an invitation to the Midwest Super Sophomore Games at Indiana University. Nelson showed very well and established himself as one of the premier power bats in the Midwest. There is easy barrel strength in an ultra-impactful left-handed stroke, Nelson is a must-follow bat heading into next year. The Warsaw product is currently the #4 ranked prospect in Indiana's 2027 class and is ranked #117 in the country.
‘27 Grady Nelson (@ganelson40) caps a strong weekend w/ another XBH - this time a gr2B at 9️⃣9️⃣ off the bat.
— Prep Baseball Indiana (@PrepBaseballIN) August 4, 2024
6’4 slugger showing one of the heaviest barrels in the MW - impact bat to follow immediately. @ShooterHunt #MWSSG24 || #TeamIndiana https://t.co/cWPX4BQnun pic.twitter.com/cLOng1z6I0
Couple swings from ‘27 LHH Grady Nelson (@ganelson40)
— Prep Baseball Indiana Scouting Coverage (@PrepBaseINScout) June 2, 2024
6’4” 230 lbs, 7.16 runner, CINF/C/COF, bat-first profile.
Tremendous barrel strength (98 off the bat) w/ adjustability in the path.
.430 w/ 9 2B, 3 HR in 4A baseball as a FR@ShooterHunt || @PrepBaseballIN pic.twitter.com/hHUj0QsLx8
Scouting Report
Despite being one of the youngest of the morning group - I thought Nelson showed as the best bat of this event. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound 1B/OF hit multiple pull-side homers during his batting practice round, reaching a peak exit velocity of 100.7 mph, with an easy-effort, left-handed stroke. Nelson hits from a wide, balanced base and is able to generate loud barrels with strength in a loose-wristed stroke with impactful flick. Oftentimes, young power hitters have a tendency to spin for pull-side contact, but Nelson's swing works more to the middle of the field, and he shows the ability to leverage the ball out front to produce back-spin contact to the pull-side. Despite the large, physical frame - Nelson turned in a solid run time for the age, a 7.20 60.
One of the most exciting freshman prospects in Indiana, Nelson is a national-level name to know with superstar potential. Holding a run-producer's profile, standing at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Nelson creates easy bat speed with special bat strength in a simple, left-handed stroke. The swing is repeatable and his lower half works efficiently to allow for high exit velocities (96.2 mph) with low effort, a trait of a future-power bat. Nelson is not just a power bat, his swing works to the inside part of the ball and his barrel accuracy also stands out, and he also moves extremely well (7.16 60) for having such a physical frame. Nelson will be a high level prospect when recruiters shift their focus to 2027 grads, and his frame + bat strength + athleticism is a special combination.
Positional Profile: 1B/C
Body: 6-3, 215-pounds. Projectable
Hits: LHH. Tall stance w/ bat laid back on the shoulder. Shifts weight into the back leg with simple load, lifts the bat off the shoulder to trigger. Small stride. Short, upward swing. Intriguing upside.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 82.5 MPH. 313' max distance.
Arm: RH. OF-75 mph. Longer arm action from H 3/4 slot.
Defense: In-control footwork, Sure hands, lengthy exchange.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60.
Positional Profile: 1B/C
Body: 6-3, 215-pounds. Projectable
Hits: LHH. Tall stance w/ bat laid back on the shoulder. Shifts weight into the back leg with simple load, lifts the bat off the shoulder to trigger. Small stride. Short, upward swing. Intriguing upside.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 82.5 MPH. 313' max distance.
Arm: RH. OF-75 mph. Longer arm action from H 3/4 slot.
Defense: In-control footwork, Sure hands, lengthy exchange.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60.
Grady Nelson, Warsaw Community, 2027, IN
Position: C/1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 215-pound sturdy frame.
Hit: (LHH) Solid. Began in a tall open stance with a smooth controlled load, then used a short stride. Flashed bat speed. Good extension on his finish, short upward swing. Gap to gap approach.
Defense: (C) 2.19-2.31 pop times. Quick footwork, quick exchange. Capable. Staggered setup.
Arm: 64 mph catcher velocity. Short arm action, an-over-the-top slot.
Speed: 7.94 (60-yard).