Summer State Games Spotlights: Uncommitted Catchers
October 18, 2022
Jamie Naill Jr
Maryland Scouting Director
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In late June, we held our Maryland State Games at the University of Maryland. Close to 50 players were in attendance, and 11 of those players have since committed. The players were put through a pro-style workout and threw bullpens in front of our PBR Maryland staff and a number of colleges in attendance. Over the next few days, Maryland Scouting Director Jamie Naill will be taking a look at players who stood out. Below, we take a look at four uncommitted catchers who should be on a ton of college coaches' radars.
Summer State Games Spotlights:
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Gavin Hughes C / 1B / Saint James, MD / 2024
Possessing a strong, athletic 6-0, 190 pound frame, Hughes has made a statement this Summer and early Fall, leading to a continued rise in our MD/DE Class of 2024 rankings. Hitting out of a tall, relaxed, open stance, Hughes whips the barrel through the zone with authority, showcasing consistent strength to the pull side gap (93 Max Exit Velo). The hands work quick (21.1 max hand speed) with evident whip in the barrel (73.4 max bat speed), showcasing a consistent line drive approach to all fields. As strength continues to be added to the frame, look for power numbers to continue to rise, leading to a middle of the order profile for the projectable backstop. Behind the dish, the footwork is clean, gaining ground well on throws to the bag. Quick, clean transfers leads to accurate throws as arm strength continues to be added (2.00-2.07 Pops).
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Jase Mitchell C / 3B / Cape Henlopen , MD / 2025
A name that you will continue to hear over the next few years is this uber-projectable 6-foot-2, 175 pound backstop. The body transformation over the past year or so has been impressive, with strength being added quickly to the frame. The smooth swinging left handed hitting catcher showcases present pop to the middle of the field, utilizing a slightly uphill path to contact. The simplicity in the back load is fun to watch, as the hands explode through contact (22.1 max hand speed) with controlled aggression. The use of a more line drive approach, Mitchell showcases the ability to not only hit for a high average at such a young age, but the power numbers continue to rise each time we see him (91 mph Max Exit Velo). Behind the dish, Mitchell replaces the feet well, gaining ground on throws to second base that show occasional carry. Arm strength needs to increase, which will as strength and maturity grow.
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Drew Rybinski C / 1B / Mount St. Joseph, MD / 2025
An under the radar catcher in the 2025 class has impressed each time we see him. Standing at a strong 6-foot-2, 190 pound frame, Rybinski showcases plenty of aggression at the dish. The hands work quick (25.4 max hand speed), attacking with intent with plenty of loft created to the pull side. Syncing into the back side well, Rybinski creates torque in the hips with strong lower half involvement, showcasing the ability to hit for pop on a consistent basis (94 max Exit Velocity). Quick barrel action (70.1 max bat speed), along with barrel control bodes well for a high average and middle of the order type profile. Quick, clean transfers with smooth footwork behind the dish, showcasing accurate throws to the bag.
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Ashton Siwald C / SS / Queen Annes County, MD / 2023
One of my personal favorites across all uncommitted backstops in the 2023 class is the physical 6-foot-1, 182 pound Ashton Siwald. Hitting from a balanced, slightly crouched stance at the dish, the hands explode through the zone, showcasing a fluid, short stroke. Creating quick barrel speed through (76 max bat speed), Siwald showcases the ability to spray hard line drives to all fields with occasional pop to the pull side (94 mph Max Exit Velo). An above average runner (7.16 60-yard and has put out a 6.78 in the past), the athletic backstop has proven the ability impact the game in multiple facets. Behind the dish, the actions are fluid with strong, accurate throws to the bag (1.94-2.05 pops).
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