Tyler
Soderstrom

Area Code Tryouts: Upper Class Notebook

Norcal ProCase: Spotlight

at Jesuit in SJS D1 playoff - UCLA commit; Lean athletic build, very agile behind the plate and moves with athletic and confident actions, sits low and presents good target, strong soft hands with quiet and clean receiving mechanics, stuck pitch well, gives umpire a good look, strong arm though slot is a little low and has pronounced rotation of left should in throwing motion which creates tail on throws and took away carry, warm-up pop times 2.03 and 2.11, velocity on one was 81 mph but there appears to be more in there than that. Offensively grounded out up middle twice (4-3, 1-3) and in last at-bat got overaggressive to some plus breaking balls from 2019 LHP Carter Benbrook. Has above average bat speed and can certainly compete against plus HS stuff, barrel wasn't in zone quite as long as it could be and lower half a little late. Overall his tools rate with best in his class at his position. 

Oregon State recruit. His 6-foot-2, 180-pound is going to fill out much more in coming years. From his defensive work behind the plate where he exhibits loose hips, soft hands, and an accurate arm, to his smooth, uphill stroke from the left side, and there is no wonder why Soderstrom is committed to this year’s national champions. He will quickly ascend as one of the better catching prospects in California’s 2020 class.

8/10-8/12/18 Area Code Underclass Games -  UCLA commit; Large frame with length in legs and core showing lean muscle throughout; very athletic and fit build not normal for most high school catchers. Even stance with slight crouch as hands work back during load creating pronounced back shoulder load; pull side approach with compact swing showing lofty hands that flashed more pull side pop during batting practice. Showed off pull-side power with 2B in game and barreled singles up the middle; bat has quickness through the zone with ability to barrel mistakes. Athleticism shows up around the field with flashes of next level speed when needing to get down the line; 4.5 home-to-first. Behind the plate utilizes a more compact set up with feet that are tighter together; uses athleticism with very quick glove hand that regularly picked balls and body that can move from one side of the plate to the other for blocking mistake pitches. Showed off above average arm in games with multiple caught stealing (1.87, 1.94 pop times) regularly keeping the ball on the arm side of the bag.

USA PDP workout - Good frame presently with wide shoulders and plenty of frame to hold more future size and strength. Strong left-handed batter, easy swing with good rhythm, one of the better looking swings of all 2020 grads in Northern California. Swing projects to allow him to hit for both average and power (showed easy home run power during BP, loft and carry) as he's fluid and quiet, calm and sturdy lower body mechanics, stays behind the ball well and showed adjustability to different locations so he's not just a one pitch one spot one trick pony. Defensively threw well with competitive 2.0-2.05 pop times, can certainly speed up and sync up his lower half with his release but the arm strength is there. Live at-bat resulted in hard F8 on an 85 MPH FB from a RHP and another high F8 that was well-struck vs an 89 mph FB from a RHP who was the top pitcher present.

3/6/18 - Strong and sturdy 6-foot-2 175-pounder, multi-positional versatility, catcher primary but could also handle 3rd base at well above average level. Strong arm that plays behind plate and corner, occasionally comes out as plus arm strength, offensively he's got middle of the line-up capability, power profile with good feel for hitting. Athletic player but a BETTER baseball player than just athleticism. Understand the game and will not give away at-bats.