Preston
Barr

‘24 RHP/SS Preston Barr (Michigan commit) no doubt put together the best overall day at the Southwestern Ontario Preseason ID. Athleticism is evident in his game with a 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame. Stands out most on the mound with a fastball that sat consistently 89-90mph with high-spin (2450 avg.). Pairs it with a high-spin curveball (2594 avg.) at 76-76mph with slurve-like action and good horizontal break. Feel for the changeup, as well, at 81-82mph with late fade. Strike-thrower with a good three-pitch mix. Also showed well on the infield and posted one of the best rounds of BP with top exit velocity of 94.4mph.

Barr, 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, was his usual self Sunday at the Ontario Youth Team Tryouts. He looked right on the mound living 84-86 mph with the FB topping 87 on a cold, wet day. Tunneled his CB well with sharp bite sitting in the low 70’s. There’s definitely more in the tank on the mound. At the dish, he doesn’t get cheated. Swung with intent to do damage, here he crushes a ball past the third basemen for a loud single, present bat speed. The Michigan commit still has 2 more years until he’s on campus, look for him to continue his progression as a 2-way talent.

Uncommitted 2024 Preston Barr put up the best overall performance at the New Year Open with an impressive bullpen, working up to 89mph and also flashing upside up the middle and at the dish. No doubt it's most intriguing on the mound where there's athletic movements and feel for his secondary stuff. Was also one of the top infielders at the event and posted a good round of BP with a top exit velocity of 93mph. Looked the part of one of the top 2024s in the province and shouldn't be uncommitted much longer.

Preston was one of the youngest players at the event but you wouldn’t have known by his performance. He was attacking hitters with a fastball that sat 84-85 and put them away with a sharp curveball in the low 70s with late bite. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-hander from the Windsor Selects works with a simple, repeatable delivery and moves well on the mound. With the ability to spin the curve, command of three pitches and a mid 80s fastball, Barr will be a must follow from the 2024 class going forward.

Position: RHP/SS

Body: 5-foot-10, 140-pound ['proportional', 'long'].

Hit: (RHH) Begins in an athletic stance with an arm bar load, then uses a toe tap. Raw bat speed. High finish, flat swing. Line drive approach.

Power: 86 mph exit velocity, average 71.15 mph. 57.13 mph bat speed average. 20.00 mph hand speed average.

Defense:  (IF) Sure hands, consistent footwork, natural exchange. Capable. Glovework was used out front.

Arm: 82 mph infield velocity. Longer arm action, high ¾ slot, consistent accuracy.

Speed: 7.68 (60-yard).

Pitching: Solid. Slow-tempo delivery, decent effort. High ¾ arm angle, quick arm speed, long arm action. Athletic balance point, uphill shoulders, lands square, a clean finish.

FB: T82. 79-81 mph. (Max spin 2349;  Avg 2160). Arm side accuracy, tight movement.

CB: 67-69 mph. Decent control, late action, 11/5 shape. (Max spin 2424; Avg 2263).

CH: 70-73 mph. Arm side control, gradual action.

SL: 74-75 mph. Decent control, cutting action, 10/4 movement. (Max spin 2030; Avg 1990).