Rookie Review: 2020 OF Matthew Nichols (Byram Hills)
October 10, 2017
Jared Carrier
Scouting Director
@coachjed
After seeing many newcomers at events this past summer and fall, it's time to highlight who caught our eye. Any player that has attended a Prep Baseball Report event for the first time, regardless of grad year is eligible for the 'Rookie Review.'
Matt Nichols
Class of 2021 / OF
Rankings
StateRank: 122 / POS: 16
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2021
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Primary Position: OF
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High School: Byram HillsState: NY
- Summer Team: Time To Sign
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Height: 5-10Weight: 175lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Statistics
Videos
ENY All-Star Games (Sept. 17, 2017)
Marist (July 25, 2017)
Player News
- 2020 Games: Full Statistical Release - Aug 23, 2019
- NYS Games: Team 14 Preview - Jun 24, 2018
- Preseason - Downstate: Position Player Measurables Released - Feb 24, 2018
- Rookie Review: 2020 OF Matthew Nichols (Byram Hills) - Oct 10, 2017
- Eastern NY All-Star Games: Position Player Measurable Statistics - Sep 18, 2017
- On Deck Preview: Eastern NY All-Star Games - Outfielders - Sep 15, 2017
- Summer Top Performers: Outfielders - Aug 29, 2017
Rookie Review
PBR DEBUT
Campus Series-Marist (July 25, 2017)
*Also attended Eastern NY All-Star Games (September 17, 2017)*
SCOUTING REPORT
Nichols checks in at an athletic 5-foot-9 157 pounds. Offensively- The right-handed hitter sets up in a slightly open stance with hands relaxed off back shoulder. Uses a short stride forward/even with a late take back of the hands, occasionally disrupting his timing. Strong enough and can demonstrated enough bat speed to get back to the ball. Showed some impressive juice to his pull side; will be a gap-to-gap offensive type. Impressive 89 MPH exit velocity (up 5 MPH from July). Defensively- Tracks the ball well; fundamental setup behind the ball. Gathers himself well and works through the catch. Arm is accurate and throws come out on a line with his peak velocity reaching 79 MPH, equal to his high on July 25th. Solid all-around player who plays with comfort and ease.
THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE
"One of the more polished 2020 grads that we came across this year outside of the Future Games. In his first two events he put up exit velocities of 84 MPH and then 89 MPH and it carries over to the batter's box. Love the fact that there isn't a whole lot of wasted action in his swing; simple timing, balance with a natural upwards finish. Not much can go wrong here as long as his timing stays consistent. Appears comfortable in the OF with and arm that works well now (79 MPH). Looking forward to seeing him again."