Prep Baseball Report

CLASS OF 2023

3B
SS

Jake
Zitella

Illinois
St. Charles East (HS) • IL
5' 11" • 195LBS
R/R • 19yr 1mo
Travel Team: Canes Illinois

Rankings

2023 National

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2023 State

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Commitment

2023 DRAFT Mets ROUND 16 PICK 0

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Best of Snapshot
Positional Tools Velos / Pop
TrackMan Hitting
Blast
Swift
Visual Edge
News
Comments
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Best Of Stats

Hitting
24.2
Hand Speed (max)
2/21/22
79.7
Bat Speed (max)
2/21/22
17.9
Rot. Acc (max)
1/31/21
-
Hard Hit %
Power
103.9
Exit Velocity (max)
2/21/22
96.2
Exit Velocity (avg)
2/01/23
406
Distance (max)
2/01/23
71
Sweet Spot %
6/10/20
Run
7
60
6/21/22
-
30-yd
-
10-yd
-
Run speed (max)
Defense
91
INF Velo
2/01/23
-
OF Velo
-
C Velo
-
Pop Time

Positional Tools

2023
2022
2021
2020
60 Yard Dash
7.01
Infield Velocity
91.0
Power / Speed Score
14.7
60 Yard Dash
7.00
Infield Velocity
87.0
Power / Speed Score
14.8
60 Yard Dash
7.19
Home to First
4.25
Infield Velocity
85.0
Power / Speed Score
13.6
60 Yard Dash
7.35
Infield Velocity
79.0
Power / Speed Score
12.6
Preseason ProCase (Invite-Only)
Feb 1, 2023
Position
7.01
60-yard
91
INF Velo
103
Exit Velo
Power Speed Score
PBR ProCase - Midwest (Invite-Only)
Jun 21, 2022
Position
7.00
60-yard
86
INF Velo
104
Exit Velo
Power Speed Score
Lockport Preseason ID
Feb 21, 2022
Position
7.05
60-yard
87
INF Velo
104
Exit Velo
Power Speed Score
Canes Scout Weekend
Oct 22, 2021
Position
7.25
60-yard
82
INF Velo
92
Exit Velo
All-State Games (Invite Only)
Jun 29, 2021
Position
7.19
60-yard
82
INF Velo
98
Exit Velo
Power Speed Score
McHenry Preseason I.D.
Jan 31, 2021
Position
85
INF Velo
95
Exit Velo
4.25
H-1st
Underclass Trials
Jun 10, 2020
Position
7.35
60-yard
79
INF Velo
90
Exit Velo
Power Speed Score

Hitting

2023
2022
2021
2020
Exit Velocity Max
103.3
Exit Velocity Avg
96.2
Distance Max
406
Distance Avg
246
Launch Angle Avg
20.1
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Exit Velocity Max
103.9
Exit Velocity Avg
94.9
Distance Max
386
Distance Avg
250
Launch Angle Avg
19.2
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Exit Velocity Max
98.1
Exit Velocity Avg
88.5
Distance Max
333
Distance Avg
222
Launch Angle Avg
23.2
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Exit Velocity Max
92.8
Exit Velocity Avg
90.2
Distance Max
362
Distance Avg
330
Launch Angle Avg
25.0
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Preseason ProCase (Invite-Only)
Feb 1, 2023
Trackman - Hitting
103.3
Exit Velocity (max)
96.2
Exit Velocity (avg)
246
Distance (avg)
406
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Barrel %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
PBR ProCase - Midwest (Invite-Only)
Jun 21, 2022
Trackman - Hitting
103.9
Exit Velocity (max)
95.5
Exit Velocity (avg)
276
Distance (avg)
386
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Barrel %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Lockport Preseason ID
Feb 21, 2022
Trackman - Hitting
103.9
Exit Velocity (max)
94.0
Exit Velocity (avg)
208
Distance (avg)
365
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Barrel %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
All-State Games (Invite Only)
Jun 29, 2021
Trackman - Hitting
98.1
Exit Velocity (max)
91.5
Exit Velocity (avg)
217
Distance (avg)
331
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
McHenry Preseason I.D.
Jan 31, 2021
Trackman - Hitting
95.8
Exit Velocity (max)
86.0
Exit Velocity (avg)
226
Distance (avg)
333
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %
Underclass Trials
Jun 10, 2020
Trackman - Hitting
92.8
Exit Velocity (max)
90.2
Exit Velocity (avg)
330
Distance (avg)
362
Distance (max)
Hard Hit %
Sweet Spot %
Line Drive %
Fly Ball %
Ground Ball %

Hitting

2023
2022
2021
Hand Speed Max
22.3
Hand Speed Avg
20.8
Bat Speed Max
77.8
Bat Speed Avg
76.2
Rotational Acceleration Max
Rotational Acceleration Avg
On-Plane Efficiency Max
On-Plane Efficiency Avg
Hand Speed Max
24.2
Hand Speed Avg
22.6
Bat Speed Max
79.7
Bat Speed Avg
73.2
Rotational Acceleration Max
Rotational Acceleration Avg
On-Plane Efficiency Max
On-Plane Efficiency Avg
Hand Speed Max
23.7
Hand Speed Avg
21.6
Bat Speed Max
74.9
Bat Speed Avg
72.4
Rotational Acceleration Max
Rotational Acceleration Avg
On-Plane Efficiency Max
On-Plane Efficiency Avg
Preseason ProCase (Invite-Only)
Feb 1, 2023
Blast - Hitting
22.3
Hand Speed (max)
20.8
Hand Speed (avg)
77.8
Bat Speed (max)
76.2
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)
MaxOnPlaneEfficiency
PBR ProCase - Midwest (Invite-Only)
Jun 21, 2022
Blast - Hitting
23.5
Hand Speed (max)
22.3
Hand Speed (avg)
74.9
Bat Speed (max)
72.1
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)
MaxOnPlaneEfficiency
Lockport Preseason ID
Feb 21, 2022
Blast - Hitting
24.2
Hand Speed (max)
23.1
Hand Speed (avg)
79.7
Bat Speed (max)
75.2
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)
MaxOnPlaneEfficiency
All-State Games (Invite Only)
Jun 29, 2021
Blast - Hitting
21.6
Hand Speed (max)
20.4
Hand Speed (avg)
74.3
Bat Speed (max)
71.7
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)
MaxOnPlaneEfficiency
McHenry Preseason I.D.
Jan 31, 2021
Blast - Hitting
23.7
Hand Speed (max)
22.6
Hand Speed (avg)
74.9
Bat Speed (max)
73.1
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)
MaxOnPlaneEfficiency
Underclass Trials
Jun 10, 2020
Blast - Hitting
20.7
Hand Speed (max)
19.8
Hand Speed (avg)
73.6
Bat Speed (max)
70.8
Bat Speed (avg)
Rot. Acc (max)
Rot. Acc (avg)
On Plane Eff (avg)

Pitching

Pitch Scores

Pitching Velos

Game Performance

2023
2022
10 Yard Dash
1.74
30 Yard Dash
3.92
60 Yard Dash
7.01
Top Speed (MPH)
RSi
Vertical Jump
10 Yard Dash
1.77
30 Yard Dash
3.95
60 Yard Dash
7.00
Top Speed (MPH)
RSi
Vertical Jump
Preseason ProCase (Invite-Only)
Feb 1, 2023
Swift
1.74
10-yd
3.92
30-yd
7.01
60-yd
19.9
Run speed (max)
2.22
RSi (max)
2.22
RSi (avg)
1,682
Jump Power (max)
25.2
Jump Height (max)
24.9
Jump Height (avg)
PBR ProCase - Midwest (Invite-Only)
Jun 21, 2022
Swift
1.77
10-yd
3.95
30-yd
7.00
60-yd
20.2
Run speed (max)
8.6
Run Speed (avg)
0.64
RSi (max)
0.64
RSi (avg)
1,618
Jump Power (max)
24.0
Jump Height (max)
23.9
Jump Height (avg)

Visual Edge

2023
2022
2021
Edge Score
81.93
Edge Score
73.72
Edge Score
76.83

Pitch Ai

Notes

News

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Comments

6/19/23

Zitella’s carrying tool is his raw power, as the Illinois’ signee swings a highly physical right-handed barrel and showed that throughout the spring. The main offensive threat on a St. Charles East squad who comfortably slotted inside the Power 25 as the season progressed, Zitella slashed .484/.570/.945 in 91 at-bats, swatting nine home runs and driving in 39. He doubled 13 times too and walked (19) more than twice as much as he struck out (7). In a live look earlier this spring, Zitella looked the part defensively at third base, adding even more positive contributions for the Saints this season. Zitella is headed to Illinois in the fall and is currently the 14th overall prospect in the state’s 2023 class. 

5/12/23

 

Illinois commit. The Saints went 4-1 on the week behind impressive performances from Zitella. On the week he went 5-for-10 (.500) with two home runs, two doubles, five RBIs, seven runs scored, three walks and a stolen base. In their 7-0 win over Geneva, he went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base. He had his most impressive performance of the week in their 4-2 win over St. Charles North, going 3-for-4 with two home runs, a double, three RBIs and two runs scored.

 

 

Week 5: We awarded Zitella the Week 5 PBR Illinois Player of the Week after going 11-for-15 (.733) with four home runs, two doubles, 10 RBIs and seven runs scored.

5/06/23

Illinois commit. Currently ranked No. 14 in the Illinois’ 2023 class and No. 409 nationally. 5-foot-11, 195-pound, physical, broad-shouldered, right-handed hitting third baseman. Hit leadoff and played third base. Highly-impressive all-around day. Got things going right away with a leadoff home run in the top of the first inning. Followed it up with an even further home run in his third at-bat; this time a two-run home run to a similar spot in deep left-center field. Arguably his hardest hit ball was a double off the top of the center field wall in his final at-bat of the day. Finished 3-for-4 with two home runs, a double, three RBIs and two-runs scored. Selectively aggressive in the box with all kinds of presence and physicality. Long, fast swing with natural lift through the zone and some of the top bat strength in the Midwest (103 mph exit velocity with wood bat at the Preseason ProCase this winter). Zitella was just as impressive defensively throughout the day. He made a number of plays over the course of the game, testing his ability on the move, as well as his hands on a few in-between tough hops that he handled with no issue. Clean footwork, smooth double play feed, soft confident hands and advanced internal clock where he rarely had to show off his full arm strength. Arm played clean with feel and accuracy across the diamond. Continues to impress everytime we see him. 

 
2/01/23

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds. Strong, mature frame with strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, strong base.  Features some of the best bat strength in the class. Swings with purpose and intent. Above-average plate coverage, barrel stays on-plane and through the zone a long time. Gets separation in his hands, looks to elevate the baseball with authority and was consistently making loud, hard contact.
Power: 103 max exit velocity, averaged 96.2 mph. 406’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 91 mph. Clean arm action, high 3/4 slot with the ability to change angles when necessary.
Defense: Worked out at third base. Steady defender, sure-hands, comfortable on the move, clean double play feed showed body control on the run-through.
Run: 7.01 runner in the 60. 

6/21/22

Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds. Strong lower half. Strength throughout. Broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Tall, even stance. Hands ear level. Vertical barrel tilt. Combines an aggressive weight transfer, strength, length and a big swing to produce plus raw power to his pull side. Hits the ball out front.
Power: 103.9 max exit velocity, averaged 95.5 mph. 385’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Fast arm. Small arm circle. 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions.
Run: 7.00 runner in the 60. Flared feet. Long strides.

2/21/22

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds. Well-proportioned. Strength throughout frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic look, balanced setup, active hands pre-pitch, long stride with controlled aggression through contact.  Explosive bat speed, aggressive, controlled intent, advanced feel for the barrel, consistent, loud contact and power to all fields. High-level right-handed bat.
Power: 103.9 max exit velocity, averaged 94 mph. 365’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Above average arm strength. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Loose, easy infield actions. Good hands. Range up the middle and to his arm side. Under control on the move. 
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. 

2/21/22

Perhaps the day’s loudest BP round came from INF Jake Zitella (St. Charles East, 2023; Illinois). A well-proportioned 5-foot-11 195-pound athlete, Zitella swung with controlled aggression throughout his entire BP round, displaying explosive bat speed and consistent loud contact to all fields. It’s clear that he wields one of the state’s most potent right-handed strokes as the Illinois commit recorded a max exit velocity of 103.9 mph and peak distance of 365 feet while averaging 94 mph off the bat, too. Zitella flashed sure-handed actions on the infield as well and the arm strength to pair, reaching an 87 mph high during his defensive workout. He definitely created some positive momentum heading into the IHSA season as a high follow right-handed hitter in the state’s current junior class. 

7/17/21

Zitella repeatedly found the barrel this morning at the PBR at The Rock 16u Championships. He’s a right handed hitter with a strong lower half that swings with intent. The Canes Illinois two-hole hitter went 3-for-4 including a three-run rocket over the left field wall for a home run. He added a hard hit single and a double to the wall in left-center, and made a loud out on a screaming line drive to left in his last at-bat. 

6/29/21

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 185-pounds. Wide-shouldered, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, balanced stance, subtle load action, easy pre-pitch actions. Short, strong swing, with intent, repeatable, level path, ball jumps off barrel, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach with advanced ability to drive the baseball.
Power: 98.12 max exit velocity, averaged 91.55 mph. 331’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Third base type, easy infield actions, steady hands, athletic footwork, quick exchange, plays with proper direction, ability to change arm angle.
Run: 7.19 runner in the 60. 

1/31/21

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, open base, minimal pre-pitch load, short stride.  Aggressive swing, long level bat plane, gets extension after contact, power gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 95.77 max exit velocity, averaged 85.96 mph. 333’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throw carry.
Defense: Small pre-pitch hop, works towards the baseball, clean exchange.
Run: 4.25 runner in the 60. Above average runner.

1/31/21
3B Jake Zitella (St. Charles East): looks to have put in a lot of work over the off-season, shaping his projectable 5-foot-11 build into a leaner, more muscular stature. He swings an aggressive righty bat and made a lot of loud gap-to-gap contact in his round of BP. Zitella’s average exit speed was 85.96 mph with a max of 95.77 mph. Zitella also showed off a strong arm and sure-hands on the infield. The uncommitted sophomore emerged as one to watch moving forward.
6/10/20

Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Long levers with projectable strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall/open setup with hands set high, bathead horizontal. Athletic leg hang back to even triggers swing. Path works from aggressive approach with bat speed off an incline. Works to pull, lift hard-hit contact while maintaining a rhythm.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Power potential, especially to his pull-side.
Arm: INF - 79 mph. Short, loose throws with accuracy from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet range well enough to help him land in position on time; defends tall at times.
Run: 7.35 runner in the 60. 

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