Then & Now: Chandler Riley

The spring of 2020 has seen a lot of unprecedented action with the season being cancelled, classes being operated from home, and the MLB Draft reduced to 5 rounds.  A season that was destined to highlight the graduating class and how far they have come, was ended in heart breaking fashion.

In the coming weeks we are going to highlight players from the 2020 class, looking at their development as players.  PBR of North Carolina is in its fourth year of existence and now has history on the graduating class.  Then and Now will work to highlight where players were, where they are, and how they got there.

Then & Now: Chandler Riley

PBR of North Carolina’s first look at Riley came in 2017 when he drew attention with his aggressive swing and barrel awareness from the left side. His athleticism, and game actions, has always shown the possibility of him becoming a premium player. He is currently ranked nationally as the hit tool has continued to progress while also becoming an above average defender with ability to stick on the left side at the next level. Riley last attended the PBR ProCase in February where he increased his stock heading into the spring season.  Had the season come to a more natural conclusion, there would have been pro interest in the Charlotte commit. 

Then

The left-handed hitter stood out at the Top Underclass Games in August of 2017.  Defensively, Riley showed athleticism but there were questions to his ability to play on the left side of the field and if the arm would carry enough moving forward.   A 7.57 sixty was not a big worry as he showed quickness and as strength was added to a maturing frame, the feeling was his speed would be at least average.  The bat profiled to allow all the other tools to lag behind a little.

In 2017, PBR scouts wrote this after the Top Underclass Games, “Aggressive, flat, and with barrel awareness from the left side of the plate.  Exit velocity up to 84, but played better in BP and in game, where he drove the baseball to the opposite gap and to deep center field.  Open setup, a slight leg kick loads the weight back, prior to an aggressive stride.  Loose, works to get on top of his front side.  Stays in rhythm with a quick bat producing line drives.  Head discipline may improve some.  Loose on the infield with ‘V-cut’ footwork around the ball.  Average hands and active feet transition the ball cleanly to the mid-section.  Long arm action worked from an over-the-top and high-3/4 slot showing some accuracy and carry.  Arm topped at 74 across the diamond, but there is more in there from watching the games.  Ran a 7.57 sixty.”