Then and Now: Gavin Mortenson
May 19, 2020
The spring of 2020 has seen a lot of unprecedented action with the season being cancelled, classes being operated from home, and the MLB Draft reduced to 5 rounds. A season that was destined to highlight the graduating class and how far they have come, was ended in heart breaking fashion.
In the coming weeks we are going to highlight players from the 2020 class, looking at their development as players. PBR of North Carolina is in its fourth year of existance and now has history on the graduating class. Then and Now will work to highlight where players were, where they are, and how they got there.
Then and Now: Gavin Mortenson
Gavin Mortenson has been a regular at PBR events since 2017 and seems to make significant jumps each year. His confident hands defensively have always stood out but its been impressive to see his game progess in every area. His 60 time has greatly improved as well as his strength and polish as a hitter. Mortenson grew from a defensive first player, to a complete player with ever increasing value at the plate. There is plenty of barrel feel with pop to both gaps. Currently a premium defender and his advancement offensively has made him a pro follow.
As much as we like Mortenson in the field, do not be surprised if he is used on the mound too. The elite carry from shortstop continued to transition to the bump where he flashed a fastball, working 84-86, that has a lot of ceiling left to its growth.
THEN
In July of 2017, a slender 6-foot-1, 165 pounder flashed as a defender. From an organizational workout in early July PBR scouts stated, "Plays high at times through his hips, but caught the ball with ease. Arm works to the speed of the play, flashing solid carry across the infield when needed. Very accurate on a variety of throws."