Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

2023 Washington Player of the Year - '23 Bryce Johnson (Eastlake)

June 9, 2023
Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

‘23 RHP Bryce Johnson (Eastlake) is the 2023 PBR Washington Player of the Year. The Oregon State commit was an emotional leader the entire season for the eventual 4A State Champion Eastlake Wolves. 

In what can only really only be described as a flawless senior season, Johnson made 14 total appearances, accumulating a perfect 12-0 record while also recording 2 saves. Johnson was tested right out of the gate, opening the season with highly ranked Puyallup on a cold, frigid night in early March under the lights. He opened the season with 9 K in his first 4 innings of the season and never looked back from there. 

Pitching with an unfair blend of command and stuff, few pitchers in the state can match Johnson’s ability to miss bats while also limiting baserunners. Sporting a 13/110 BB to K ratio meant opposing offenses were going to need to generate A LOT of hits in order to manufacture any offense. And frankly that just never happened all season. 

Armed with a heavy FB at 88-91 and topping at 92 this spring. Bryce pairs his heater with a tight SL featuring late bite at 75-79 and also uses a firm power CH at 81-83 in the rare instance he needs to use a 3rd offering. 

While the stuff by itself is imposing, the physical presence and demeanor that Johnson executes his arsenal with is just as impressive. Bryce is much more than a competitive pitcher…he’s a competitor who just so happens to pitch. 

Final pitching stats for the 2023 season

14 app, 12-0, 2 S, 0.37 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, 76.1 IP, 37 H, 4 ER, 13 BB, 110 K

In addition to his duties on the mound, Johnson was a mainstain in the middle of the Eastlake line-up. It wasn’t his best offensive season but he still contributed 16 RBI with 5 XBH across 27 games. 

scout's take

“As the top RHP of the 2023 class, Johnson has a durable and well-proportioned build. There is a lot to like here with the Oregon State commit. With a controlled tempo, Bryce works from a drop and drive styled windup, a quick and tight arm path, delivering from a High 3/4 slot. His fastball works around 87-91, sitting 88-89 consistently with subtle arm side run. Likes to change pace with a low 80’s changeup and it’s enough to stay competitive against left-handed bats at the next level. The real weapon here is his 74-78 mph slider and it has a chance to be a plus pitch in the future. Shows feel for the pitch, manipulating the break at times but it works best when he tightens it up for a sharp 3/4 break. Bryce’s FB/SL combination is what lead him to his success on the mound this season. Bryce’s performance speaks for itself, racking up 12 wins for the Wolves and finishing the season with nearly a 40% strikeout rate over 76.1 innings. What separates him from the pack is his competitive nature and makeup. He’s a bulldog on the mound and checks nearly every on-field makeup box, making him a great fit for the culture at Oregon State. Don’t be surprised if the stuff ticks up during his time in Corvallis and he becomes a guy the Beavers can trust in high leverage situations.” - Alex Ross, PBR Area Scout (5.26.23)

 

bryce through the years

Washington Summer Kickoff - 7.22.20

FB 81.2 - 83.1 MPH / CB 68.8 - 75.5 MPH / CH 73.2 - 77.7 MPH

PBR Future Games - 8.1.20

FB 84 - 88 MPH / SL 70 - 72 MPH

Washington Top Prospect - 7.21.22

FB 87.5 - 88.8 MPH / SL 73.9 - 77.1 MPH / CH 80.3 - 81.9 MPH

HS Senior Year - 5.13.23

FB 87 - 92 MPH / SL 75 - 79 MPH / CH 81 - 83 MPH