MD/DE Scout Blog: Naill's Notes (4/10-4/13)

Ty Kaunas SS / Brunswick, MD / 2025

A transfer from Pennsylvania this spring, it was my first chance to see the Virginia Tech commit with my own eyes and he certainly did not disappoint. Standing at a strong, 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, the athleticism jumps out, and the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball is impressive. Defensively, the hands work soft and quick with fluid actions and active footwork that allow plenty of range from side to side, boding well for the ability to stay on the left side at the next level. Above-average arm strength was proven even more, as Kaunas came in to close the game on the bump with a fastball in the upper 80s. At the dish, it's a crouched setup with balance and strong lower half involvement. The hands are fluid and quick, showcasing some twitch through the zone and plenty of proportional explosiveness. A high contact rate with the ability to showcase plenty of power to the pull side.

Joey Nicholson OF / Middletown, MD / 2024

One of the more physically gifted players across the state, the Gaston College commit continues to impact the baseball at a high rate in each look. The power numbers are quickly rising and the strength continues to come to the surface. Barrel awareness has improved, going down and grabbing a low two-strike offering and sending a bullet to left-center field in game. The speed is still present, allowing the quick twitch actions to impact on both sides and the arm strength was on full display during I/O before the game from right field. Explosive hands, strong lower half with still some untapped power potential at the next level. 

Andrew Raymond C / Middletown, MD / 2024

The George Mason commit has been on our radar for a while and it's been really fun watching the development over the years. Now a senior, the left-handed hitting backstop is one of the more feared hitters across the state, and the power numbers are playing at a highly consistent level. Hit two no-doubt home runs in game, one to dead center field and one to right field. The hands are explosive with a consistent ability to create lift through contact and backspin to the pull side gap. The lower half stays simple in the backload, allowing the hips to fire and the hands to whip through the zone. A heavy, quick barrel with some of the more raw power across the state.

Jayden Saraullo 1B / Northeast, MD / 2026

One of the hardest-working guys across the state, the uncommitted southpaw showcases an intriguing skillset on both sides of the ball and the confidence/moxie is unmatched. A fierce competitor, Saraullo is just scratching the surface on the bump, featuring an upper 70s, low 80s fastball that works both sides of the plate effectively. The curveball possesses a ton of promise, showcasing the ability to spin in any count for strikes with fairly consistent weak contact induced. 

The hit tool continues to impress and stand out with awareness for the barrel and a consistent ability to spray line drive to all fields. It's a crouched setup with rhythm in the hands and some slight twitch through the zone. As the strength continues to be added, look for power numbers to increase with the ability to impact the baseball at a higher rate to the gaps and alleys. 

Jack Hortiz RHP / McDonogh, MD / 2027

Jack Hortiz is still in the state for this spring, before taking his talents to California for the remainder of his high school career. Had the chance to see the Junior Future Games alum out of the bullpen in their game against Gerstell, and the skillset certainly is intriguing. A player who made a name for himself at LakePoint last summer, the fastball/slider mix is eye-opening at such a young age and the projection is through the roof. In the mid-80s, the fastball comes out free and easy with more feel to the glove side in the short stint, attacking the zone and pitching to contact consistently. The slider is short with some depth down and the ability to create whiffs in and out of the zone in the low 70s. There is plenty to dream on in the body with plenty left in the tank.

Anderson Lambert OF / McDonogh, MD / 2027

The number one player in our MD Class of 2027, Anderson Lambert is the definition of projectable with a skill set that is highly intriguing on both sides of the ball. Got the start on the bump and worked five-plus innings, giving up just one hit while striking out seven. The fastball worked 84-86, grabbing an early 87 that showcased more feel to the bottom with the ability to change eye levels at the top of the zone. The breaking ball is still developing, however, showed the occasional ability to bottom out at the knees for whiffs in any count. The spin was solid, ramping the breaker up to 2600 rpms consistently throughout the outing. Plenty to dream on in the 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with still plenty of room to fill out. This is a two-way that continues to sky-rocket and open eyes across the state. 

Austin McNair OF / McDonogh, MD / 2026

Athleticism and top-end speed are only a few words to describe the wiry outfielder, and the strength added to the frame is certainly intriguing. It's a balanced setup at the dish with a quick, shorter backload and some whip created in the barrel. A consistent middle-of-the-field, line-drive approach, McNair showcases an occasional ability to possess some strength to the pull side gap with more to come as the frame fills out. The versatility and athleticism are intriguing with a run tool that can impact the game on both sides.