Prep Baseball Report

Most Viewed Profiles of 2020 - JR Ritchie


Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

We conclude our countdown of the most viewed profiles of the year with the #1 spot. 

'22 RHP JR Ritchie (Bainbridge)

Ritchie not only ranks as the #1 player in the state of Washington for 2022, but he also lands at #14 overall in our national list. We first had the chance to see JR in a brief, 3 pitch outing back in the spring of 2019. Although it was a quick look, we were able to get a glimpse of his impressive pure stuff. He touched 88 and 91 on his 2 FBs and then ripped off a mid-70's breaker to get a 3 pitch strikeout. Since then, he's shined at every outing we've seen and has had the chance to perform at some national level events at a young age. The UCLA commit will head into 2021 with a lot of buzz and looks destined to become one of the next premier talents from the Pacific Northwest to draw significant draft attention. 

most viewed profiles

#1 - '22 JR Ritchie


JR Ritchie

Class of 2022 / RHP

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2022
  • Primary Position: RHP
    Secondary Position: SS
  • High School: Bainbridge Island
    State: WA
  • Summer Team: Sweets, Canes
  • Height: 6-2
    Weight: 185lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Statistics

Pitching
97
Max FB
(03/18/22)
92 - 95
FB
(03/05/21)
79 - 83
CB
(06/10/21)
82 - 84
CH
(05/05/20)
81 - 85
SL
(03/18/22)
Pitching
Max FB
97
FB
95 - 90
CH
81 - 83
SL
81 - 85
Pitching
Max FB
95
FB
89 - 94
CB
79 - 83
CH
81 - 84
Pitching
Max FB
96
FB
92 - 95
CH
78 - 81
SL
79 - 81
Pitching
Max FB
93
FB
91 - 93
SL
80 - 84
Pitching
Max FB
92
FB
88 - 91
CH
82 - 84
SL
79 - 82
Pitching
Max FB
91
FB
88 - 91

Scouting Report

5/04/20
One of the premier talents in the '22 class, we had the chance to check out Ritchie get some work in during an early May bullpen as he and the rest of Washington patiently awaited news on whether or not the HS season would happen. Working with a controlled, deliberate effort, Ritchie continued to show the fluid actions and athleticism that we've grown accustomed to seeing from him. He uses a high, balance leg lift and gathers with some subtle flexion on his back leg. There's a bit of drop and drive from his back half but his shoulders stay level and he avoids creating too much tilt or angle with his upper half. Average stride length allows him to stay in his lower half and move easily through his core. At the same time, the shorter stride keeps him arm stroke tight and compact. The release is consistently on time at landing and he flashes exceptional hand speed through release. Ball comes out of hand with effortless life. His mechanical sequence and lead leg blocking help him stay balanced at finish and the backside fires through naturally. FB held an low effort 88-92 with consistent control. Stays behind the baseball & exhibits some command over control tendencies. The breaking ball has morphed into more of a true slider over time and when thrown at its best has the chance to be an above average offering. CH was a point of focus on this look. With his ability to control the FB, it seems like eventually the CH will develop into a consistent weapon and give him a viable 3-pitch mix. Expect Ritchie to stay at the top of our national rankings as he progresses while also attracting major interest from professional scouts

 

4/15/20
The 6-foot-2, 175 pound righty has twitchy actions, a clean arm, repeatable delivery and remains a high follow on the national level for the 2022 class. We’ve seen the FB up to 92 now with reports of him touching 93, 94. Also has flashed the ability to spin a tight breaking in the mid-70’s on the looks we’ve had. Currently ranked 19th overall in our updated 2022 national rankings

 

1/25/20
The #1 player in the state for the ‘22 class shows no signs of slowing down. Ritchie also currently ranks #16 overall nationally. Although we didn’t get the full JR Ritchie experience on this look, as he was mostly getting some work in, he did cut loose on a couple FB’s and touch 92, with some guns reading 93. There isn’t a whole lot to report on that hasn’t been said before. The 6-foot-2, 175 pound righty has twitchy actions, a clean arm, repeatable delivery and remains a high follow for the 2022 class. 

 

9/18/19
Athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds with quick-twitch actions on the diamond. Simple delivery with short stride & aggressive finish out front at release. FB has been as high as 91 while ranging mostly 86-89. CB has 11/5 shape with depth in the mid-70's. Also a very capable defender at SS. Low mileage arm with significant potential left to tap into