Malik
Ware

Uncommitted. 6-foot-4, 180 pounds. This is one of the more electrifying hidden gems in the ‘24 class, and is as real of a dual sport prospect as they come. With his high waisted, incredibly rangy frame and coat hanger shoulders, he looks like he just came off the basketball court. I couldn’t mean that more literally, as he plays AAU basketball on the weekends between each GHSA baseball series. The instincts, body balance, competitiveness, athleticism he’s sculpted on the court transfer over to the baseball field with ease. He glides effortlessly to every ball in sight in the OF - using the reaction time, acceleration, length, and tracking+catching+leaping abilities that have constant reps in two different sports. This is a player with A/AVG range in OF now well before reaching his eventual physical ceiling, and his quick 1st step and length play that up to plus. His effortless A/AVG speed allows him to open eyes defensively and his lengthy strides cover a ridiculous amount of ground both on the basepaths and on the grass. The raw power created by his insane leverage and quick, efficient hand path has a chance to be just as special. Malik’s swing creates impressive hip/shoulder separation in one compact area, allowing him to control the body and keep his head still while producing optimal torque & violence. His raw, non manufactured swing (more level path) is refreshing to see, especially since it checks all the boxes mechanically. Although his launch position is more vertical, his hands are in a perfect slot at foot strike and the path is knob led due to the back elbow tucking and rotating perfectly along the rib cage, and a slightly bent front arm that allows him to turn the barrel in tight space. He creates optimal linear connection at landing and matches the pitch plane with his shoulders effortlessly. Ware has a natural feel to take the ball the other way despite his inside out swing being raw, and he hit an oppo 2B to go along with his HR. The ceiling is exciting, and this is as projectable of a player you’ll find anywhere in Georgia.