Matt Ferrara: Northeast Sleeper 

In the summer of ‘23 season I noticed a lone sophomore playing for the Jersey Shore Carpenter Cup team. The Toms River East native Matt Ferrara was at that moment put on the map. He was then invited to the NJ State Games earning himself an invite to the 2023 Future Games. At the time Ferrara weighed roughly 165-170 pounds with a lean athletic build. Bat to ball that really stuck out. 

#Uncommitted ‘25 SS/2B Matthew Ferrara (Toms River East) turns in a great sophomore season

.397 avg/ .494 OBP/ 8 doubles

ATH frame

Repeatable swing w/presentable confidence in the box

⚒️

@PBRNewJersey @ShooterHunt @PBR_Uncommitted @TREast_Baseball @CarpenterCupBB pic.twitter.com/JshBJrzaoF

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) June 12, 2023

Ferrara seemed to have a really productive off season. Adding strength and size. The heartbeat to his East team produced again his junior season. Locking down SS with a calm presence and ability to play with just the glove. He hit high .300s once again. The swing is his best tool at the moment. Athletic hinge with his hips. Controls the forward and keeps his hands moving for a variety of adjustments. 

Some of the best rounds thus far coming from ‘25 SS Matthew Ferrara (NJ)

Effortless short-to-long with barrel after barrel. Controlled aggression a/ athletic base.

👍👍#PBRFG23 || @PBRNewJersey pic.twitter.com/boZsvEY6rb

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) July 26, 2023

#Uncommitted ‘25 SS Matthew Ferrara (@Mattferrara22)

Toms River East HS

6’0” 190

‘23 Future Game alum.

Ferrara shows innate ability to slow the game down. Allows on barrel. Added some noticeable muscle this off season.

Name to know. @ShooterHunt // @PBRNewJersey pic.twitter.com/ynPs7ROIYJ

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) March 25, 2024

Uncommitted ‘25 SS Matt Ferrara (Toms River East) @Mattferrara22

Hammers a FB down to the oppo gap for a 2-rbi double. Huge hit breaking a 4-4 Tie in a County Final.

All day long he possessed a mature approach in the box. Hinges well. Tracks well. Relaxed takes (calculated… pic.twitter.com/mmf5eLUC6K

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) May 3, 2024

Through the past year and half with every look Ferrara gets better and better. At the moment it's hit over power. AVG runner. AVG arm. Plus glove. Plus hit. Upside power grade. One thing that sticks out from watching Matt compete is the poise he plays the game with. You never know if he just cleared the bases or kicked a ball to lose the game. He has a calm demeanor. In other terms he has “professionalism.” This summer Ferrara made the area code team. Where he found the barrel consistently. He also played in the Kelly Rodman Rivalry Classic where he picked up two hits. In BP Ferrara showed glimpses of power that I haven't seen from him. Cleared the LF wall multiple times. 

‘25 SS Matt Ferrara (NJ)

6’0” 180 #MLBdraft || @PrepBaseballNJ pic.twitter.com/FzlMk6sl3G

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) August 9, 2024

‘25 SS Matt Ferrara (NJ)

In game production from Ferrara. Gamer ✅.

1st at bat: 1-2 count FB(93) pullside for a double. Loose hands present. Adjusts w/ease in different zones.

2nd at bat: Another 2K count SL(81) muscles it through the 6 hole for a hit. #MLBdraft ||… pic.twitter.com/bZ4BAcWQ4p

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) August 25, 2024

The 2023 future gamer is catching buzz. With the fall approaching it is safe to say Ferrara is this year's Northeast Sleeper.