MLB Draft Buzz: FL Preseason Classic
February 12, 2025
The 8th Annual Prep Baseball Florida: Preseason Classic once again served as the unofficial kickoff to the spring season, with over 100 MLB scouts descending on Fort Pierce and Bradenton to get a first-hand look at some of the nation’s top prospects. Year after year, this event has proven to be a prime platform for showcasing the elite talent that Florida consistently produces. It is a proving ground where players can announce their presence in a big way, setting the tone for their upcoming spring campaigns. This year, as always, the Classic did not disappoint, with a fresh batch of MLB Draft prospects showing exactly why they’re poised to make waves as we move closer to July.
Whether it was impressive fastballs, sharp sliders, or electric bat speed, the weekend was full of high-level baseball, and scouts were in full force to track the players who will ultimately hear their names called come Draft day. But while the attention is understandably focused on those looking to make their mark for the future, it is also a time to watch how these young talents stack up against some of the best competition in the country.
Below, a deep dive into the performance of 10 MLB prospects from Vice President of Scouting, Shooter Hunt, in his trip to the west coast of Florida.
MLB DRAFT BUZZ:
 |
Nic Partridge 3B / OF / Mulberry, FL / 2025SS Nic Partridge (Mulberry HS, FL), a top 100 prospect and Florida recruit, was somewhat less heralded heading into the Preseason Classic, but is sure to have the scouting community buzzing after the strong two-day performance in Bradenton. Still very much developing physically, his wiry-athletic, 6-foot, 170-pound frame feels destined for significant strength gains, but already provides impressive bat speed from the left side. While others boasted more eye-opening exit velocities, Partridge’s bat-to-ball ability, and especially the innate pitch recognition and swing decisions, stood out in this look as he comfortably slowed things down in the box before turning the barrel in an instant. Well-connected throughout load o the hands that was triggered via a reverse toe-tap, the flick of the wrists and incessant lag of the barrel in the zone were obvious in each plate appearance that included a resounding home run to cap the weekend. While the footspeed is fringe average, he exhibited confident, soft hands at shortstop before showcasing a quick release and slightly above average arm strength. The defensive profile likely projects as more of a utility prospect to force the bat into the lineup, but the sure-handedness might warrant a send off at shortstop before shining at second or third base. However, the bat is clearly a driving force for the helium that is on the way this spring, and should the power outputs continue, there is clear Day 1 consideration.
|