Prep bats
December 28, 2024
Swing Traits: A Look at 9 LH Prep Bats for This Year’s Draft
SS Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, OK)
Build:
6’4”, 198 lbs; lean with a strong lower half.
Setup:
Narrow base with hands positioned just above the shoulder.
Front shoulder slightly tucked, setting up a strong launch position.
Lower half initiates swing with a controlled leg lift.
Upper half counters with a small, precise down-and-back load.
Traits:
Holliday’s swing exudes fluidity and efficiency. His bat generates noticeable lag through the zone, contributing to his ability to spray the ball to all fields with ease. A controlled, mature approach at the plate minimizes over-swinging and highlights his advanced feel for hitting. As he continues to develop physically, expect his impact and power numbers to climb steadily.
‘25 SS Ethan Holliday (OK)@ethanholliday2
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) July 18, 2024
Great swing from the No. 1️⃣ player in the class.
111mph off the bat 🔥. #MLBdraft || @PBR_DraftHQ pic.twitter.com/8aTGRH8PEJ
3B Xavier Neyens (Mount Vernon, WA)
Build:
6’2”, 202 lbs; broad-shouldered with a lean lower half.
Setup:
Wide base with a tall, upright posture.
Hands preset high, maintaining a rhythmic wiggle for timing.
Initial movement involves a controlled shift onto the back quad, occasionally incorporating a knee tuck with the front side.
Traits:
Neyens showcases 70-grade raw power, a standout trait that defines his offensive ceiling. His swing features a notable gather, particularly in the upper half, with a distinct push-back mechanism that amplifies his power potential. The lower half coils with intent, creating torque that fuels his aggressive barrel turn. The result is a loud and impactful swing designed for damage. With his size, mechanics, and raw strength, Neyens projects as a future middle-of-the-order force.
One of my favorite athletes in this ‘25 draft class. Xavier Neyens (WA) has such presence in the box. When he syncs his move up, the ball jumps off the bat. Powerful 👍. #PBAAG24 || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/Fu43Hb4or3
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) September 13, 2024
C Jaden Fauske (Nazareth Academy, IL)
Build:
6’2”, 205 lbs; barrel-chested with brute strength and a muscular, durable frame.
Setup:
Stands tall with a narrow base, emphasizing balance and control.
Hands start high, allowing for quick and efficient bat movement.
Initiates the swing with a subtle hover from the lead leg, contributing to timing and rhythm.
The barrel shows notable adjustability, enabling adaptability to pitch location.
Traits:
Fauske demonstrates a compact, efficient stroke with an emphasis on quality swing decisions, marking him as a "hitter first" type of player. While his current game focuses on producing consistent line-to-line contact, his physical strength and sturdy build suggest significant power potential as he continues to develop. His approach at the plate shows maturity beyond his years, making him a valuable offensive asset with a high ceiling.
‘25 C Jaden Fauske (IL) @JadenFauske
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) September 13, 2024
6’2” 205
Strong athlete. Simple hover. Turns the barrel well w/present day power. #PBAAG24 || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/ESKRqi8rho
SS Eli Willits (Fort Cobb-Broxton, OK)
Build:
6’1”, 195 lbs; twitchy and athletic, with a strong and agile frame.
Setup:
Switch-hitter with mirrored traits from both sides of the plate.
Stands tall with slightly bent knees, maintaining a relaxed yet athletic posture.
Hands and elbows are loose and start in a vertical position, enabling fluidity in his swing mechanics.
Traits:
Willits excels at getting to his front side efficiently, showing advanced timing and the ability to make late adjustments. He can flick balls the other way for situational contact or drive balls with authority to the pull side, showcasing versatility in his approach. His natural ability to adjust mid-swing makes him a high-average, pure hitter type with a knack for finding barrels. Willits’ left handed swing draws personal comparisons Colt Emerson, hinting at his potential to make an impact as a well-rounded, polished hitter.
‘25 SS Eli Willits (OK)@EliWillits
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) July 18, 2024
6’1” 165 @OU_Baseball recruit.
Synced up swing with twitch.
On time all day. Quality bat to ball. @PrepBaseballOK pic.twitter.com/6cWsHru286
SS Kayson Cunningham (SA Johnson, TX)
Build:
5’7”, 185 lbs; compact with brute strength and heavy, impactful hands.
Setup:
Tall and narrow base, with energy concentrated in the feet.
Stacked posture with a slightly closed-off stance in games.
Hands positioned in a ready-to-launch setup, primed for quick and efficient movement.
Traits:
Cunningham is an impressive performer with a knack for finding the barrel in all quadrants. His ability to create firm, impactful contact stands out, pairing consistent hitting with future power potential. Known for storing and utilizing energy efficiently, his swing is one of the most connected in the class. His pull-side power was on full display at the All-American Game, where he launched a home run that turned heads. Cunningham’s approach and mechanics point toward a high-impact bat with excellent barrel control and offensive consistency.
‘25 IF Kayson Cunningham (TX) @KaysonCunningha
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) July 18, 2024
The @TexasBaseball recruit continues to show off his barrel skills.
Creates space | Stacked backside. #MLBdraft || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/psAddyQRT5
SS Brady Ebel (Corona, CA)
Build:
6’2”, 197 lbs; lean and athletic with room for added strength.
Setup:
Tall base with clean, repeatable mechanics.
Occasionally employs a toe tap in batting practice.
Maintains a strong bat position for consistent barrel control, with noticeable coil in his load.
Traits:
Ebel’s swing is defined by its smooth and effortless operation. He avoids a traditional backshift, instead utilizing a forward move complemented by upper-half counteraction, resulting in a fluid and balanced motion. His approach is inherently hitterish, focusing on making quality contact rather than forcing power. However, when he connects, the results are impressive—like his double off the wall during a standout USA event. Ebel’s swing mechanics show shades of Cory Seager, particularly in the way he transitions into his turn post-foot strike.
‘25 SS Brady Ebel (CA) @ebel_brady
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) September 13, 2024
6’3” 190
Really smooth transitions from the @LSUbaseball recruit. Stays through the ball well. Efficient mover w/projection in the frame. #PBAAG24 || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/7mpHeO6b8L
CF Dean Moss (IMG, FL)
Build:
6’0”, 180 lbs; athletic with a strong lower half and wiry frame.
Setup:
Wide base with high hands and vertical elbows.
Features numerous moving parts, including a crouched lower body and significant weight transfer onto the back quad.
Traits:
Moss showcases barrel skills despite his unconventional setup. His swing mechanics include noticeable movement, yet he manages to consistently find the barrel with both early and late timing, highlighting his natural feel for hitting. At the USA trials, he demonstrated his explosiveness, delivering a pull-side home run with authority. While his current path may lack connection, it combines the raw power traits of Hunter Pence with the finesse of Mookie Betts. As Moss continues to mature and refine his approach, his athleticism and explosiveness suggest a high ceiling for growth.
‘25 Dean Moss (CA/FL)
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) July 20, 2024
6’0” 180@LSUbaseball recruit.
Leadoff base hit from Moss. High hand preset. Pulls them in here. Present day bat speed. @ShooterHunt || @PrepBaseballFL pic.twitter.com/9q9NYhXJLy
LHP/1B Kruz Schoolcraft (Sunset, OR)
Build:
6’8”, 215 lbs – tall, projectable, long-levered frame.
Setup:
Wide base with crouched posture and tilt over the plate.
Traits:
Starts with a flat bat but adjusts well on the forward move to get into a strong hitting position. When his foot is down on time, he flashes impressive pull-side power. While his mound projection may impact his long-term lineup potential, he consistently hits the ball hard and shows adjustability—an impressive skill for his tall, lanky frame.
Two of the top-ranked teams in the state matched up last night as South Salem visited Sunset
— Prep Baseball Oregon (@PrepBaseballOR) May 3, 2024
'25 1B/LHP and one of the top uncommitted talents in the state @KruzSchoolcraft set the tone early for @sunsetbaseball_ with this ground rule double laced to the gap@PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/de1xcQIBZK
OF Alec Blair (De La Salle, OK)
Build:
6’5”, 175 lbs – freakish athlete with wiry levers, lean frame, and plenty of room to add strength.
Setup:
Tall, open stance with fluid movement forward; long levers and a solid coil with the bat.
Traits:
Dual-sport standout, excelling both on the basketball court and baseball field. Has impressive pull-side leverage and the ability to flick the ball through the 6-hole. Currently focused on hitting for average, but with added strength, Blair could develop into a plus power bat in the future.
‘25 OF Alec Blair (CA)
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) July 21, 2024
Dual athlete.
Has loose hands. With added strength and more trust with the turn. Big power upside 👍
Uncommitted ‘25. Glides in the OF. #MLBdraft || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/cVUFqQHpzP