Today, we break down the top catchers from February 5th Unsigned Senior Showcase in Columbus. With over 15 colleges present, over 50 prospects showed off their skills heading into their last season of high school baseball. Videos will be uploaded in the coming days.

1. Austin Hall, C, Wheelersburg
Tall, athletic prospect that registered a 5.09 40-yard dash. Behind the plate, he shows quick arm action and good footwork. His pop time registered between 1.94 to 2.13 with a top velocity of 77 mph. At the plate, the right-handed hitter sets up in a slight crouch. He a simple swing with an easy load. His quick bat speed helps generate consistent line drives and the occasional pull power.

 

2. Alex Hartley, C/1B, Valley
Ripped, solid prospect that registered a 5.59 40-yard dash. Behind the plate, he registered pop times between 2.14 to 2.14 with a top velocity 71 mph. His throws were consistently on the bag. At the plate, he uses a closed setup with a short stride. He incorporates a strong lower half with quick bat speed to create pull power.

 

3. Joseph Gentile, C/3B, Defiance
Strong, solid prospect that registered a 5.68 40-yard dash. At the next level, he likely projects as a catcher, but shows the ability to potentially play a corner position. In the infield, he shows good footwork, but lacks overall softness in his hands. He reached a top velocity of 79 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, his pop time fluctuated between 2.0-2.29 while reaching a peak velocity of 74 mph. At the plate, the right-handed hitter produces solid contact. He uses a smooth load, short stride, and explosive lower half.

 

Best of the Rest

Aaron Bledsoe, C/OF, Amherst Steele
Small, athletic prospect that registered a 5.26 40-yard dash. He displays a strong set of defensive skills behind the plate. Using above average feet and compact transfer, he registered a consistent 1.94-2.09 pop time with a top velocity of 76 mph. however, he still needs to improve his accuracy. At the plate, he needs to improve his overall consistency. He uses an open stance with a big load. With a lot of moving parts, he doesn’t consistently square up the baseball. If he simplifies his swing, he could be a solid, contact hitter.

Caleb Huth, C, Pickerington North
Big, solid prospect that registered a 5.57 40-yard dash. Behind the plate, he registered pop times between 2.22-2.38 with a top velocity of 70 mph. At the plate, the right-handed hitter uses an open setup with a short stride. His top half and bottom half don’t consistently work together, which creates some bat drag. If he is able to put it all together with his big frame, he could produce some solid contact with power potential.

Tyler Walls, C, Oak Hill
Thin, average sized prospect that registered a 5.52 40-yard dash. Behind the plate, he uses short arm action while registering a consistent 2.15 pop time and top velocity of 69 mph. At the plate, he uses a short stride and short path to the ball. His power should increase as he becomes physically stronger.