Prep Baseball Report

Breaking Down the 2023 Rankings: The Bats


Cam Black-Araujo
Lead Scout, PBR Canada

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To view 2023 Rankings: The Top Ten, click here.
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analyzing the 2023 bats

On Monday we released our updated 2023 rankings after a long summer following the class. The past year offered us the chance to see hundreds of players from across the province, both in-game and in showcases. 

We broke down the top ten earlier this week followed by analyzing the arms and now we're going to take a look at five bats who impressed our staff over the past 12 months. Not only are these five players ready to make an offensive impact in 2022, but each of them are still uncommitted!

Lucas Alberti OF / SS / Humberside Collegiate Institute, ON / 2023

Alberti is one of the most all around players in the 23’ class here in Ontario, as he the outfielder can play all three defensive positions, he runs, throws, was a hit machine all summer and can tap into some juice and leave the yard as well. The swing is compact, has bat speed and works gap to gap while the body keeps getting stronger while staying athletic. The 60 time is a 6.90 and Alberti plays the game hard and the right way.

Matthew Sargeant SS / RHP / Ancaster , ON / 2023

We saw Sargeant briefly this fall as his club team OBJ took on ABC Academie in fall action. It confirmed what we originally thought when Sargeant came to his first event and that the actions and athleticism are going to be just fine. He still has some mechanical tweaks to make offensively, and added strength will be huge for him, but the glove is going to play and we really like what can evolve from a real good winter in the weight room and in the cages here for Sargeant.

 

Rees Kozar C / OF / St. Thomas of Villanova , ON / 2023

Kozar had a great fall trip with the National team in Dunedin and was one of the more consistent offensive performers. The ability to catch is there as the hands are strong, he does a good job of sticking strikes and sits comfortably as a strong and muscular 6-foot, 200-pound catcher. The arm is fine and the direction and footwork can get slightly better, it will only add to the arm tool of Kozar. The strength plays offensively while he has more of a flat bat path to contact, he did a good job of spraying the baseball and using the whole field, putting together tough at-bats. He looks and fits the position behind the dish and is someone to really lock in on for college coaches. 

Kalayo Shaw SS / 2B / St. Martins catholic , ON / 2023

Shaw has always been an intriguing prospect as there is the run tool, strength and athleticism to his game. The defensive side has improved with both the glove and arm and you can see him turning into an outfielder with the speed he possess, but same time we are not turning away from him playing on the dirt. End of the day the bat and hit tool is what stands out with Shaw. He’s noticeably stronger and that has helped with the swing and impact he has. There is more to unleash there as well, with some added juice to come when he uses his legs a little more. An interesting bat that can handle velocity and be versatile right now on the defensive side of the ball.

Nolan Goranson OF / 3B / Iroquois Ridge , ON / 2023

Goranson is a player we like because of what he does and what we think he is going to do with the bat. There is present bat speed and quick hands and wrists from the right side of the box. We like the athleticism of his game and believe added strength is going to play as he is slowly starting to fill out. The run time will go down and the Blast metrics and exit velocity speak to how he gets the bat started and how he finishes. Expect Goranson to have a big year at the dish in 2022 and be someone college coaches need to know of. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/06 The MAX - McCook, Ill.
Junior Future Game Trials ON 02/18 The Athlete Matrix
2022 New Brunswick New Year Open ON 02/21 Irving Field House
2022 New Year Open ON 02/21 Vaughan Sportsplex
2022 PEI New Year Open ON 02/26 Capital Turf Centre
2022 Nova Scotia New Year Open ON 03/05 West Hants Sports Complex
PBR Canada Spring Training Event ON 03/12 Panama City Beach Sports Complex
Improve My Profile with Game Video (Ontario) ON 08/29 Ontario