Nathaniel
Ochoa

2022 MLB Draft League: Alabama signee; Tall, lean and athletic, Ochoa oozes projection at the plate, producing high-end EVs with raw power that should come out as he learns to hit the ball in the air more consistently. He has the athleticism and actions to play anywhere on the dirt and the plus arm strength needed to lock down a left-side spot.

SUPER 60
Ochoa started the day off in the 60 and ran a personal best 6.77 laser timed on the indoor turf track. He moved well and for the size and strength he displays at 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, it was a really good time for him.

Following the 60 each player went through the offensive portion and took two rounds of BP. Ochoa starts with an upright, relaxed stance with his hands back and some rhythm in the hands to get the bat started. His top exit velocity was 99.5 and had an average of 93.0, recorded by our Trackman. He moved the barrel around the zone and launched balls gap to gap. There is raw power here with Ochoa and he was able to tap into some of that in his rounds. 

Defensively, Ochoa finished off his day showing smooth actions at shortstop and an accurate arm across the diamond. His top throw registered 92 mph and Ochoa made all the plays, ranging to both sides while showing a soft glove and staying controlled while making the plays. 

Ochoa is a top prospect of the 22' class in Canada and the recent Alabama commit made stops across the circuit in 2021. The body immediately stands out with Ochoa, and there is raw power and feel to defend on the dirt. His strength has improved and is starting to play into games. The real question, and with most athletes is will the bat play. He had some struggles this summer and into the fall against top competition, but the tools and actions are hard to overlook. Spring will be big for Ochoa with his first stop in Chicago for the Super 60.

Ochoa, a Future Games member this past year has really made strides and the long, lean frame at 6-foot-3 inttrigues you as soon as it walks off the bus. The glove is currently above the bat as he moves with ease and confidence at shortstop with actions and arm strength that plays. The foundation and path work for Ochoa, though at times he can get long at the dish, but the biggest tool he currently lacks is strength and can see him really taking off once he adds muscle and size. A 2021 eligible draft, Ochoa recently committed to Purdue for the 2022 year.

Ochoa was a stand out performer all day and displayed a lot of projectability. He currently stands 6-foot-2, 162-pounds, but is still growing with a lot of room to fill out, add strength, on an athletic frame. He moves well with very athletic actions, showed good footwork during his infield reps with a very quick first step and solid glove actions. There was that noticeable bounce in his step defensively, worked with ease and feel and body control with most throws were on target with good life. At the plate, Ochoa has a pretty mature swing with a decent bat path. He gets on time well and uses his lower half very effectively. At times the swing got a little long but he showed the ability to self-correct. Some power should emerge down the road with more strength and loft. Ochoa is very young with a lot of upside who is continuing to push an ever-expanding ceiling. 

A skinny and long-limbed 2021 classman, Ochoa has a projectable frame that will fill out as he matures. At the plate, has a quiet load from the right side, stays inside the ball and shows the ability to generate some lift to his pull side. Hands work cleanly, swing path has an uppercut through the zone. Best hacks came when Ochoa was able to finish his swing and get good extension. Shows good feel for the defensive side of the game, gets low while in position and displays good understanding of proper footwork. Arm works cleanly from a lower ¾ arm slot and should get stronger as Nathaniel matures. The tools are evident for Ochoa and as he gets stronger with age, he will be able to continue to progress in his development.