Ranaldi Healthy And Looking Forward To A Bright Future At college
January 8, 2025
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Ranaldi Healthy And Looking Forward To A Bright Future At college
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Nick Ranaldi 1B / 3B / Austin Prep, MA / 2026Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 1
MANCHESTER, Ma. - A fully healthy Nick Ranaldi has high hopes about what the future will bring after enduring an injury that forced the top-rated 2026 first baseman in New England to take a half year off from the game of baseball. “I missed the majority of summer with a stress fracture in my lower back,” Ranaldi related. “During that time I was fortunate to learn about my body through the injury. I now have a good understanding of how to take care of myself with things like stretching and nutrition.” Prior to the injury, the Austin Prep junior was making big strides in his game. “I went to the Top Prospect Games and showed really well,” Ranaldi reflected. “I was able to lower all my metrics from the year before. I increased my exit velo nine miles an hour, my infield velo eight miles an hour, lowered my 60 time and hit well in the scrimmage with a ground-rule double. I felt more competitive as a whole. “On the way home I got an invite to the Future Games. Although I was not able to attend due to the injury, it was big that I was able to make the team.” Dennis Healy, Prep Baseball New England co-Director of Scouting, has high praise when it comes to Ranaldi. “Nick is a big left-handed hitting first baseman with plus power potential,” noted Healy, who was coach of Team Massachusetts at the Future Games. “The frame has room to fill and he should be a middle-of-the-order guy once he reaches college. The glove and defense is solid, and he moves well athletically.” Those traits were noticed by coaches who reached out on Aug. 1, the initial day colleges could make contact with players in the 2026 class. “It was a busy day,” the seventh-ranked uncommitted junior in New England said. “I woke up to a bunch of texts. I spent almost the whole day talking to coaches, preparing for calls and talking to teammates about how they’re doing. Most of the interest was from local D-I schools.” Admittedly, there was uncertainty leading up to the day. “I knew I wouldn’t receive any offers out of the game due to my injury, but I learned a lot,” Ranaldi explained. “It shaped my offseason training.” An increase in size has come with the strong work ethic possessed by Ranaldi. “I’ve been working hard in the weight room,” the 17th-rated 2026 in New England pointed out. “I needed to put on size. I was 205 coming off my injury and now I’m 6-3 and 220 pounds. I’m getting a lot stronger. I work out four days a week at 5:00 in the morning and various times other days, so I’m at it seven days a week. “I’ve been in the cages working on simplifying my swing, simplifying my lower half,” Ranaldi continued. “I’m more direct to the ball now. What I’ve noticed is I haven’t sacrificed power. I’m excited to see how it plays out in games.” While there have been no offers or visits to date, the 11th-ranked junior in Massachusetts is certain he can take on a major role wherever he ends up going to college. “I want a school that’s going to challenge me academically and athletically,” Ranaldi explained. “I’m a kid who prides himself on being the hardest worker in any environment, who will do anything to find a way to make an impact. “I’m a gritty northeast kid who truly believes he’s the hardest worker,” Ranaldi added. “I hate to lose in any aspect of life. I pride myself in making the person next to me better. I also feel I’m a strong leader because my teammates and coaches respect me well. My actions speak for themselves.” Any proof needed came during the fall when Ranaldi finally got back on the ball diamond. “I couldn’t play fall ball, but was itching to get back on the field,” the 17-year-old related. “I was the first base coach the majority of fall, but I ended up catching the last game when our catcher was on a college visit.” Ranaldi, who had a 4.31 weighted GPA the first quarter of this school year, is excited about the potential of what lies ahead in his recruiting process. “I can see it starting to pick up in the next three to six months,” Ranaldi said. “A lot of them wanted to see me in the summer. I missed a lot of big events, but I think I’ll be able to pick up where I left off. I can see it picking up in high school ball for sure.” There is no timeline on when a decision would like to be made. “I’m looking for the best fit possible,” Ranaldi concluded. “I don’t care if it’s in two months or 12 months as long as I find a school that fits me well. “The biggest thing I’m focused on is finding a place that will not only challenge me the next four years, but a place that will set me up for life after baseball. I want a school that’s a great fit for me and sets me up to attack life.” |
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