Alex Ross is an experienced scout with an acute knowledge of the baseball in the region. Currently residing in Kirkland, Wash, Ross helps bolster the Prep Baseball Washington and Oregon staff in addition to his current duties as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. 

The Kirkland native enjoyed a collegiate playing career that began at Bellevue College and eventually took him through a journey that earned him an NAIA National Championship in 2013 during his time at Faulkner University in Alabama. That championship season came just a year after he was selected in the 34th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by his hometown team, the Seattle Mariners, the same organization he would go on to work for in 2016, within its Scout Development program.

From there, Ross eventually served as the Mariners’ northwest area scout until 2020, covering Washington and Oregon namely, in addition to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Western Canada. Ross signed three players to Major League contracts during his time with the Mariners, two of whom are still active: Wyatt Mills, a Gonzaga product and Spokane native, and Adam Macko, a seventh-round pick in 2019 out of an Alberta high school.

Ross brings his acute eye to Prep Baseball events as well as HS scouting coverage during the spring. Ross report gives an in-depth look at prospects who possess current ability or could be on the brink of making significant jumps. 

ROSS REPORT

SEATTLE PRESEASION ID (1.27.24)

2026 John Browand RHP (Peninsula)
Very projectable right handed pitcher with a ton of room to grow. The delivery and arm action work with ease and he leverages his height as he flows down the mound, generating downhill plane. Shows ability to locate his FB/SL/CH mix in the strike zone. Slider flashes late bite at times and has a chance to grow into a swing and miss pitch and he changes speeds well with his changeup. A guy to watch for the future, especially as he matures with a real chance to see a jump in stuff. 

2027 Pete Browand C/INF (Peninsula)
Projectable right handed bat that presently checks a lot of boxes. Lean athletic build with a large frame and has room to add even more. Balanced, compact stroke that is polished for his age and generates power to his pull side. Hits with a linedrive approach but isn’t afraid to generate loft and lift the ball. Athletic stance behind the dish and receives with firm hands. Fundamentally sound and throws with carry after a clean transfer. On the dirt his actions are suitable for the corners and could add versatility to a lineup. An intriguing right handed power bat that has already shown results at Lakepoint and a guy colleges should keep on their radar. 

2026 Atticus Quist OF (Glacier Peak) 
Athletic left handed bat with a lean, medium frame and strong lower half. Swing is athletic from start to finish and finds consistent barrel with a gap to gap line drive approach. Shows a good first step in the OF and agility side to side with solid carry to his throws. Athleticism and potential at the plate are worth noting, with a chance to move up the list this spring. 

2025 Samuel Nicholson RHP (Hazen)
An intriguing right handed pitcher with a large frame and lean build. Drives his lower half with a quick arm to match as he generates big momentum down the mound. Fires with intent and effort but has the numbers to back it up with a 90-91mph fastball. Curveball shows late snap at times with a downer type break and his changeup tails to the armside. His CB and CH complement his repertoire, and are effective when in the strike zone. Nicholson is an interesting addition to the 2025 class and could be a quick mover in the rankings if he translates his performance into the spring season. 

2027 Akoni Nazarino RHP (Kentridge) 
Medium framed young righthander already showing improvements early in 2024. Works with a simple and repeatable operation and has a clean and easy armstroke. Gets it out quick, pitching around 83-85 with more to come.Fastball and changeup both play with arm side life and his Slider flashes a late two-plane bite. His slider is his best present secondary with a chance to continue developing into a real outpitch. The natural operation is appealing and with the uptick in stuff, he’s a guy to have on your radar for the 2027 class.

2026 Kaeden Morgan LHP (Auburn Riverside)
Left handed strike thrower with a body you can project on. Has some maturity to his lean build but has the frame to add strength making it easy to dream on. The overall operation has a certain degree of polish and works with a FB/SL/CH mix. Present feel to manipulate the baseball and shows an understanding of how to pitch. A guy to keep an eye on with a real chance to be a starter at the next level if he continues to develop and add gains to his stuff, especially with his velocity.