From the Hip: SoCal Swing

A prospect deep dive to kickoff the spring would not be complete without a proper trip to southern California. Densely populated with the top players in the country year after year, as well as inhabited by a copious number of MLB scouts, this part of the country routinely sets the barometer for the level of play in each class. Below, a quick three day look at some of the top prospects in the 2024 class (including #1), some juniors ready to make noise next year, and several uncommitted underclassmen with high ceilings.

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DRAFT FOCUS:

+ SS/RHP Bryce Rainer (Harvard Westlake HS, CA)
Rainer’s strong start to the year continued in this one-game look that saw the top prospect in the country reach base four times (3-for-5, 2B) where he applied pressure with his speed and got off some aggressive hacks throughout. Seldomly tested at shortstop, he showed off quality slow-roller athleticism with a smooth transfer in live action. Having pitched two innings the day before, Rainer effortlessly flicked balls across the diamond throughout pregame that still maintained carry and accuracy to go along with innate soft hands in looking the part of an elite defender in the class. Should his frame maintain the wiry-athleticism that it exhibits at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, there is no reason to doubt that he will stick at the premium position, but even if it packs on considerable strength, the athleticism will provide for plus-potential at third base where the bat will help carry premium value.

‘24 SS Bryce Rainer (CA) looking the part of an elite defender in the class even after closing things out on the bump last night.

Fluid actions with easy carry even when flicking ball across. #1️⃣ prep prospect in the country. #MLBDraft || @PrepBaseballCA pic.twitter.com/9Uenroot6X

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) March 13, 2024