Matthew
Etzel

Our top-ranked JUCO transfer heading into the 2023 season, Etzel struggled at the plate during his first 100 at-bats. However, around that same time he made an adjustment with loading into his back hip and he caught fire in the second half, showing the forecasted power production with seven home runs in his past 16 games after hitting zero in his first 37. The left handed hitter’s top EVs from the weekend included 105.5 mph (363’ home run), 103.3 (double) and 99.9 (385’ home run). Originally at Texas A&M his freshman year, Etzel transferred to Panola College (Tex.) for his sophomore season where he slashed .433/.509/.711 and continued to excel last summer in the MLB Draft League where he was regarded as the top pure hitter (.371/.463/.586) with more walks (19) than strikeouts (13). Defensively, he shows slightly above average arm strength with carry and accuracy, strong instincts and the closing speed to reach batted balls that usually fall in for base hits. He patrols center field for the Golden Eagles and will likely remain there in pro ball.

Rising Hitter: Originally at Texas A&M his freshman year, Etzel transferred to Panola College (Tex.) for his sophomore season where he slashed .433/.509/.711. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound left handed hitter continued to excel this past summer in the MLB Draft League where he was regarded as the highest riser and best pure hitter (.371/.463/.586 with more walks (19) than strikeouts (13). He continued to put all parts of his game together this fall in Hattiesburg. Etzel’s innate bat-to-ball skills, superior strike zone awareness and plus speed give him top-of-the-lineup upside. Currently it’s a hit over power profile, but it’s safe to project double-digit homers as he matures given his barrel awareness. Defensively, he shows slightly above average arm strength with carry and accuracy, strong instincts and the closing speed to reach batted balls that usually fall in for base hits. He will likely patrol center field for the Eagles this spring. Talk of the next Reed Trimble, albeit in a larger, stronger frame, has already begun.

2022 MLB Draft League: Southern Mississippi signee; Highest riser and best pure hitter in the Draft League, batted close to .400 for entire season. Innate bat-to-ball skills and plus speed give him top-of-the-lineup upside; hit over power but safe to project double-digit homers as he matures given his barrel awareness; tweener outfield profile due to below-average arm strength and power.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Etzel is another physical athlete who can fly (6.4 60). The Texas A&M kickback gets good jumps and covers a lot of ground in the outfield, where he also shows a strong, accurate arm. He could be a plus defender. Offensively, the left-handed hitter has a solid approach at the plate and makes consistent hard contact, driving the ball with power potential.