With the Cape Cod League season approaching the halfway mark, I thought it would be a fun idea to take a look around the league at some standout teams, players and intriguing draft storylines. I hope to make this more of a weekly update going forward where I blend my live looks with some league wide notes, so stay on the lookout for more Cape Content!
Today we'll break down 6 top performers and 3 players with in-person looks and video. See the following link for more Cape Cod coverage:
After a hot 6-0 start from the Brewster Whitecaps, it's been the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox who have taken over the East standings with 24 points and an 11-5-2 record. The bats have been solid for YD. The likes of Chris Hacopian, Will Gasparino and Cody Miller make for a fun watch every game regardless of stats. However, it has been the pitching that has the Red Sox sitting atop the East. A 3.25 team ERA is good for the best in the division, and a .219 opponent batting average is second best in the league.
The defending champion Hawrich Mariners are another team to watch in the East. They sit in second place right now with 21 points and a 9-6-3 record, plus a league leading +23 run differential. The Mariners offense has been subpar with just a .629 team OPS, but the pitching staff has been the best in the league. They lead the league with a 2.53 team ERA, the next closest is YD at 3.25. They also lead the league in WHIP at 1.16 with the next closet at 1.29. Part of this dominance is due to South Carolina LHP, Jake McCoy. McCoy is no longer on the Cape but he made three dominant starts, going a total of 12.1 IP with 25 strikeouts and allowed just two runs. No team is out of the playoffs race yet in the East. Orleans currently sits in 5th place, but remains just two points behind Chatham who hold the 4th playoff spot in the division right now.
West Division
The always scrappy Hyannis Harbor Hawks currently lead the way in the West with a 9-6-3 record and 21 points. Offense has been the story so far for Hyannis, as the Hawks have the highest OPS in the league at .739. The pitching has also been solid, with Hyannis currently ranking sixth in team ERA at 4.27.
The team to watch in the West is the Falmouth Commodores, who have recently caught fire. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is doing an outstanding job in his first year as a head coach on the Cape after multiple seasons and championships with Bourne as an assistant. His Commodores currently rank third in the league in OPS, first in stolen bases, and first in home runs. Wareham sits in fifth place with just 12 points, trailing Cotuit by three points for the final playoff spot in the West.
Top Performers
Maika Nu (Falmouth/Marshall)
Maika Nu would be the Cape League MVP if the season ended today. He leads the league in OPS (1.122) and home runs (7). He is also tied for the fourth-most steals in the league with 9 while playing center field every day. Nu may not be as big a name as Travis Bazzana, but he's on pace be the next Commodore to win CCBL MVP in the last three seasons.
Jaxon Willits has been one of the best players on Cape Cod in his second summer with the league. Willits has shown off plus plate discipline. He currently has a 15:7 walk-to-strikeout ratio as well as a 1.022 OPS, which is second in the league. Willits has 15 hits in 13 games and plays sound defense at shortstop with a strong arm. He is well on his way to a Cape All star appearance and appears to be landing up for a monster 2026 season. As far as draft projection goes, I like him as a top 3 round pick for next summer right now. It's probably 45 and 50 tool grades across the board. Willits plays winning baseball.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Prospects| NPB| Pitching guy| Brandon Tew is an operations analyst for Sports Info Solutions, a sports analytics company that has been in business providing data to MLB teams and media since 2003. Visit their website at SportsInfoSolutions.com
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
