2021 Cape Cod League Top 50 Prospects

During the 2021 Cape Cod Season I had the opportunity to intern for the Orleans Firebirds as an analytics intern within their baseball operations department. Over the course of the season, I attended all 40 games. In addition to my day-to-day duties of running Rapsodo and collecting video, I evaluated players on opposing teams. Below I have constructed a preference list of the top 50 prospects in the Cape. It must first be noted that there are some players on this list that I did not have the chance to see in person. For those players, I chose to construct a video scouting report using Synergy. Additionally, I have assigned a future value grade (FV) for every player on the list based on the role I think the player will serve within an organization.

The future value scale is outlined below:

Cape Cod 2021 FV.png

I have constructed a tool grade for each of the 50 players with a summary describing the players ability.

* Note: Draft Eligible year is based on the assumption that the 2022 MLB Draft will be held in July during All-Star week in Los Angeles.


1. Brock Wilken, 3B

Wake Forest (2023): Harwich Mariners

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
35/55 40/60 50/55 50/50 40/40 6

The MVP of the Cape and one of the youngest athletes in the league, Wilken possesses plus raw power in game. Looks to use the whole field and consistently barrels balls in the zone. Great feel for the strike zone. Glove and his above average arm will allow him to stick at 3B long term.  

2. Brooks Lee, SS

Cal Poly (2022): Y-D Red Sox

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
R: 30/50
L: 40/60
R: 40/60
L: 45/60
45/55 45/55 40/40 6

Professional hitter. Profiles as plus hitter from the left side. Used the whole field and consistently back spins the baseball with authority. Average hitter from the right side. Bat will be the calling card as his future in the field remains a question. Has shown that he is serviceable on defense at SS with an average arm. Profiles as a 3B/2B in pro ball.

3. Chase DeLauter, OF

James Madison (2022): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 40/60 60/60 50/55 45/40 6

Elite plate discipline and looking to elevate and do damage. Does not chase pitches out of the zone. Plus in-game power to all fields. Plus arm from OF due to his time spent on the mound at James Madison. Above average defender from the OF. Athletic, and moves well given his size in CF. Long-term profiles as a corner OF.

4. Jace Jung, 2B

Texas Tech (2022): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/60 40/40 35/40 40/40 6

Hit and power combinations are loudest tools. Unorthodox set up with his hands in the box preload. On time with his swing and consistently hits the ball hard. Position in the field remains a question due to his lack of mobility in the field. Long term profiles as a ML 2B who will hit for power and average.

5. Patrick Reilly, RHP

Vanderbilt (2023): Orleans Firebirds

FB CB SL CH Command FV
55/70 40/45 50/65 40/50 40/55 6

Power arm with plus fastball and slider. 4-seam FB has elite movement on two planes and is paired nicely with a tight slider which is used as a put away pitch to RHH and LHH. Projectible body and has ceiling of #2 starter in ML. 

6. Kevin Parada, C

Georgia Tech (2022): Chatham Anglers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/55 60/60 55/55 40/40 6

Offensive minded catcher with above average defense. Displays in game power to all fields. Plus receiver and thrower from behind the plate. Potential to move to corner OF due to offensive profile and potential of pitch framing to lose value in ML. Profiles as ML catcher.

7. Bryce Hubbart, LHP

Florida State (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

FB CB SL CH Command FV
50/55 60/70 40/40 30/45 55/55 5.5

High spin FB/CB combination. FB has plus IVB and plays well at top of strike zone. CB has great depth and above average movement on two planes. Looks to attack hitters with FB and has great feel to throw CB in all counts. SL and CH are both developing secondary offerings. Needs to throw CH for strike more often, has good movement profile. Athletic pitchers’ body with room to add overall body strength. Could lead to an uptick in velocity. Profiles as a middle of rotation ML starter with ceiling of ML #2 starter.

8. Reggie Crawford, 1B/LHP

Connecticut (2021): Bourne Braves

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/55 60/60 50/55 40/30 4.5
FB CB SL CH Command FV
65/70 - 55/60 - 50/55 5.5

Compelling two-way talent. Plus two pitch mix off the mound. 98-101 mph, 2,600-2,700 RPM four-seam fastball. Compliments with hard, tight slider. In the box, above average raw power, with the ability to make consistently hard contact on BIP. Live arm and ability to do damage at the plate will give Crawford the chance to be a two-way player in pro-ball. Athletic enough to have the chance to play corner OF. Profiles as a backend ML reliever and 1B/DH type.

9. Zachary Neto, SS

Campbell (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 40/55 60/60 55/55 60/60 5

High energy, super athletic SS. Above average bat to ball skills with power to all fields. Demonstrates a patient approach in the box and is consistently able to barrel balls in the zone. Ranges well at SS and has a plus arm. Movement in the box pre-load may be an issue long term if it begins to affect his timing. Has the tools to be a ML SS with a great power/speed combination.

10. Jace Bohrofen, OF

Arkansas (2023): Falmouth Commodores

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 40/60 55/55 50/50 30/30 5

One of the younger bats in the league, demonstrated plus power to pull side and is looking to elevate and do damage. Takes his walks. Improve upon overall contact rate (73% in Cape). Athletic body with room for physical projectability. Above average throwing arm and limited range will limit to a corner OF spot in pro ball long term.

11. Tommy Troy, 2B

Stanford (2023): Wareham Gatemen

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/50 50/50 55/60 60/60 5

Quick, compact, explosive athlete. Demonstrates above average bat to ball skills and makes hard contact. In game power despite undersized frame. Plus runner. Played strictly 2B, experience in LF at Stanford. All around athletic ability. Profiles as an everyday ML 2B on most teams.

12. Teddy McGraw, RHP

Wake Forest (2023): Brewster Whitecaps

FB CB SL CH Command FV
55/65 30/40 55/65 30/40 50/60 5

Sits 95-97 with his sinker which pairs with his high spin slider. Both pitches have above average movement profiles regarding horizontal break. Projectible frame with room to continue adding overall muscle weight as he continues his rehab back from Tommy John Surgery. Continue to develop a third pitch in arsenal over next two years at Wake Forest. Profiles as a power arm with the ceiling to be a middle of the rotation ML starter.

13. Trey Dombroski, LHP

Monmouth (2022): Harwich Mariners

FB CB SL CH Command FV
35/50 40/40 55/60 45/50 60/65 5

Control artist, pounds zone with strikes. Commands a three-pitch mix. Consistently keeps hitters off balance. SL is currently the only above average pitch in arsenal. Type of starter who has the potential once in pro ball to take off once he is placed on a more rigorous strength and conditioning and throwing program. Plus pitch ability. Ceiling of middle of rotation starter.

14. Jordan Sprinkle, SS

UC Santa Barbara (2022): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/40 65/65 65/70 70/65 5

Toolsy SS prospect. Super athletic. Plus arm, glove and runner. Demonstrates elite range all over the left side of the infield. Able to create plays on defense. Potential five tool player if he is able

to improve his approach and contact rate at the plate. Combination of tools profiles as ML SS.

15. Gavin Cross, OF

Virginia Tech (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/60 50/50 55/55 55/55 5

Plus raw power. Above average bat to ball skills.  Gets on plane and looks to drive the ball in the air to his pull side. Home runs over doubles profile.  Athletic defender in OF. Ranges well gap to gap in CF. Profiles as corner OF in pro-ball.

16. Adam Maier, RHP

British Columbia (2022): Y-D Red Sox

FB CB SL CH Command FV
45/55 - 55/65 45/50 45/55 5

3,000+ RPM frisbee SL, swing and miss pitch to RHH/LHH. Pound’s turbo sinker at bottom of zone, up to 96 MPH. CH potential to develop into above average secondary offering due to movement profile and depth. Cape season was first time he pitched as a college pitcher due to

Covid restrictions in Canada. Above average Si/SL mix will allow Maier to be sent out as starter.

17. Spencer Jones, OF/LHP

Vanderbilt (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/45 30/55 60/60 55/55 60/60 5

Once a projected first round pick out of high school, Jones continues to flash his five-tool capability as a position player. During the Cape season he was used exclusively as an OF. Demonstrates plus raw power, which translates to his performance in game. Plus throwing arm, athletic body, and takes great routes in both CF and RF. Plus runner out of the box. Health will remain key question. If he can stay on the field and put all the tools together, Jones profiles as a ML corner OF.

18. Eric Adler, RHP

Wake Forest (2023): Bourne Braves

FB CB SL CH Command FV
55/65 55/60 45/55 30/30 45/55 5

96-97 high spin fastball with plus IVB. Throws two breaking balls. Curveball has a sharp 11-5 to 12-6 shape, tight and dives out of the strike zone late. Developing slider and was primarily used against LHH. Profiles as a high leverage/backend ML reliever.

19. Clark Elliot, OF

Michigan (2022): Hyannis Harbor Hawks

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/40 55/55 55/55 55/55 5

High on base leadoff type hitter. Great plate discipline and bat to ball skills. Hits to all fields. Good route runner in CF with an above average arm. Has the tools to be an everyday ML CF.

20. Tanner Witt, RHP/DH

Texas Austin (2023): Chatham Anglers

FB CB SL CH Command FV
55/60 55/65 - 40/50 50/55 5

Three pitch mix, high spin FB/CB. Plus 12-6 shape with CB, able to command and throw for strikes in all counts. Athletic body, plenty of room for physical projectability. Profiles as a starting pitcher in pro-ball.

21. Nolan Mclean, 3B

Oklahoma State (2022): Chatham Anglers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
40/45 40/60 60/60 40/40 30/30 5

Simple approach at the plate, looking to elevate and do damage. Plus line to line raw and in game power. Ability to hit to all fields. Plus arm from 3B, Athletic body, plays QB at Oklahoma St.

Profiles as 3B in pro-ball.

22. Max Anderson, 3B

Nebraska (2023): Bourne Braves

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/55 50/50 40/40 40/40 5

Good feel for the barrel. Line drive swing. Peppers left side of diamond with hard hit balls. Simple approach at the plate. Average arm across the diamond. Defensive position a question long term. Profiles as a 1B/3B.

23. Bryce Osmond, RHP

Oklahoma State (2022): Chatham Anglers

FB CB SL CH Command FV
50/55 45/55 40/50 40/40 45/55 5

92-94, Low spin fastball. Four pitch mix. Curveball go to secondary offering and can land for strike. Has a projectible pitcher’s body. Room to continue adding overall body strength. Long arm action and a high release height. Throws downhill and gets above average IVB on fastball despite low spin. Projects as a starting pitcher long term in pro-ball.

24. Peyton Graham, 3B/SS

Oklahoma (2022): Y-D Red Sox

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/45 55/60 45/55 55/60 5

Good feel for the barrel. Hits to all fields. Athletic body with room to add overall body strength to frame. Increase in upper body strength could result in a greater power output. Ability to play all over the infield. Athletic enough to play OF. Above average arm strength at all positions in field.

25. Jace Grady, OF

Dallas Baptist (2022): Cotuit Kettleers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
R: 30/50
L: 30/50
R: 30/55
L: 30/55
50/50 50/50 50/50 5

Switch hitter, high contact% from both sides of the plate. Displays in game power from both sides. Strength comes from pull side as a RHH/LHH. Minimal swing and miss. Ranges well in CF. Profiles as an OF who can play all three spots before moving to a corner in pro-ball.

26. Caden Grice, 1B/LHP

Clemson (2023): Chatham Anglers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/30 30/60 60/60 40/45 40/40 5

Used exclusively as a 1B/DH during Cape season. Two-way experience at Clemson. Plus-plus raw power to pull side. Pull side power strength in game. Has the athletic ability and arm strength to potentially move to a corner OF position. Needs to cut down on swing and miss at the plate and improve overall contact skills. Profiles as 1B in pro-ball.

27. Eric Brown, SS

Coastal Carolina (2022): Cotuit Kettleers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/45 50/50 55/55 60/60 5

Hands are set even with head, leg kick with moving parts during load. High contact%. Power to his pull side. Damage against breaking balls in zone. Moving parts in the box pre-swing may cause some concern for increased K% vs higher quality arms. Athletic fielder ranges well laterally. Profiles as a 2B/SS long term.

28. Christian Knapczyk, SS

Louisville (2023): Bourne Braves

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/60 20/30 50/50 45/55 65/65 5

Plus plus bat to ball skills, high contact%. Hits to all fields. Minimal power. Distinctive eye at the plate, strong understanding of strike zone, low chase rate. Struggled with fielding errors, athletic enough to stick in middle INF. Average arm across the diamond. Profiles as 2B long term in pro-ball.

29. Brayden Taylor, SS/3B

TCU (2023): Falmouth Commodores

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/60 30/55 55/55 55/55 55/55 4.5

Plus bat to ball skills and eye at the plate. Line drive swing, damage done to pull side. Doubles over home runs profile. Athletic, can play all around the infield. Struggles to do damage against LHP. Profiles as a 2B long term in pro-ball.

30. Luke Keaschall, INF/OF

San Francisco (2023): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/50 20/40 45/50 50/55 60/60 4

Plus bat to ball skills. Versatile defender. Played SS, 3B, LF, RF. Plus arm and athletic body allows him to play average to above average defense. Had not played OF prior to this summer. Profiles as a utility player.

31. Adam Mazur, RHP

Iowa (2022): Wareham Gatemen

FB CB SL CH Command FV
50/55 40/50 50/55 45/50 45/55 4

Tall, lean frame. Athletic body. Clean repeatable delivery. Relies heavily on a FB/SL mix. Average spin FB with above average IVB. SL does not have much sweep, late diving action out of K zone. Flashes a 12-6 CB. CH late fading action and is used exclusively vs. LHH. Has the ability to spin two breaking balls and a projectible athletic body, profiles as a back of rotation starter.

32. Cayden Wallace, OF

Arkansas (2022): Bourne Braves

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/40 30/55 55/55 50/50 40/40 4

Above average power and arm. Drives the ball to pull side. Below average bat to ball skills, swing and miss a concern long term due to long swing path. Homeruns over doubles. Profiles as a RF in pro-ball.

33. Dalton Rushing, 1B/DH

Louisville (2022): Bourne Braves

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/50 30/55 55/55 30/30 30/30 4

Drives the ball to all fields. Raw power translates in game. Patient hitter works counts. Strong athlete with strength through entire body. Future position in the field remains a question. Struggles at receiving and blocking behind the plate. Played primarily 1B/DH in the Cape. Profiles as a 1B/DH prospect in pro-ball.

34. Paul Skenes, RHP

Airforce (2023): Wareham Gatemen

FB CB SL CH Command FV
50/60 - 40/55 45/55 45/55 4

Big-bodied pitcher, above average movement on two planes with a 4-seam FB and sinker. SL and CH both have potential to be above average offerings. Ceiling to be a back of the rotation ML

starter or middle reliever. Commitment to Air Force could impact sign ability.

35. Tyler Locklear, 1B/3B

Virginia Commonwealth (2022): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/40 30/60 30/30 30/30 30/30 4

Bat first prospect. Shows tremendous raw power, particularly to his pull side. Raw power translates in game. Slight bat wrap which leads to a longer swing. Mid-season approach changes in the box, stood further away from the plate which allowed for greater plate coverage. Well below average defender. Does not move well at 3B and has a below average arm. Profiles as DH/1B prospect in

pro-ball.

36. Chris Newell, OF

Virginia (2022): Harwich Mariners

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/40 30/50 55/55 60/60 60/60 4

Toolsy OF prospect. Well above average runner and defender. Ranges well from gap to gap in CF. Needs to cut down on swing and miss rate and strikeouts. Has flashed his offensive abilities with his power speed combination. If he can refine his approach at the plate and improve contact skills, profiles as ML CF on some teams.

37. Anthony Hall, OF

Oregon (2022): Falmouth Commodores

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/50 30/55 50/50 45/45 30/30 4

Crushes RHP. Backspins ball to all fields Above average power, strength to pull side. Does damage on in zone fastballs. Struggles in left-on-left matchups and against sliders. Played all three outfield spots, serviceable in CF. Profiles as corner OF/1B type long term.  

38. Jared Mckenzie, OF

Baylor (2022): Orleans Firebirds

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/50 20/40 50/50 50/50 50/50 4

Struggled to make quality contact throughout the entire summer. Did not backspin the ball or drive with authority. Fringe defender in OF with average arm and speed. Showed his offensive ability in the spring at Baylor (.383 10 HR). Struggled with transition to wood bat. Profiles as a LF long term in pro-ball.

39. Luke Gold, 1B/2B

Boston College (2022): Cotuit Kettleers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 30/55 40/40 40/40 40/40 4

Quiet approach in the box, minimal body movement during load. Short, compact swing. Demonstrated plus bat to ball skills. In game power to all fields. Projects to hit more doubles over home runs. Fringe defender. Look to increase walk rate. Profiles as a 2B in pro-ball due to below average arm and range.

40. Michael Prosecky, LHP

Louisville (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

FB CB SL CH Command FV
50/55 50/55 40/50 40/45 40/45 4

Used primarily out of the bullpen during the summer. Found success after struggling as a mid-week starter in the spring. Great carry on 4-seam FB (18’-20’ IVB). SL and CB have potential to be above average pitches in arsenal. CB has a 12-6 shape and SL late biting action. Mixes a CH to RHH. Increase in FB velo out of pen 93-94. Struggled with walks in Cape and spring season. Profiles as a reliever long term.

41. Max Rajcic, RHP

UCLA (2022): Orleans Firebirds

FB CB SL CH Command FV
45/55 50/60 - 45/55 40/55 4

Spent spring season working out of the bullpen. Commands a three-pitch mix. Sharp 12-6 CB, able to throw for a strike in all counts. FB has above average carry. Flashes an above average CH which he should look to throw more as he continues to be stretched out as a starter. Look for Rajcic to

slide into the UCLA weekend rotation in 2022. Ceiling to be back of rotation ML starter.

42. Orion Kerkering, RHP

South Florida (2022): Orleans Firebirds

FB CB SL CH Command FV
40/50 40/45 50/65 40/50 40/55 4

Heavy two pitch pitcher. Experience during the Cape as both a starter and a reliever. Simple delivery relies heavily on a FB/SL mix. Plus FB velocity with above average HB and sinking action. Pairs nicely with tight, high spin SL as put away pitch. Developing CH/CB will ultimately determine if he sticks as a starter long term. Potential of two plus pitches should give Kerkering a

chance to be a starter in pro-ball. Profiles as ML reliever.

43. Carter Trice, 2B

Old Dominion (2023): Cotuit Kettleers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/40 50/50 55/55 55/55 4

Good bat to ball skills, slight knee bend with hands choked up on bat at the plate, uses the whole field. Developing power. Above average plate discipline. Potential to hit more home runs as he continues to add strength through entire frame. Average arm and range in the field. Profiles as a 2B in pro-ball long term.

44. Ryan Ritter, SS

Kentucky (2022): Cotuit Kettleers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/40 20/30 55/55 55/55 60/60 4

Athletic SS, with above average arm and glove. Soft hands, quickness in the field allows him to range laterally as well as charge balls. Below average contact% and struggles to elevate and drive the ball. Singles hitter. Late season swing change by dropping his hands in his stance. Led to an increase in contact rate. Something to monitor moving into the fall. Profiles as a glove first SS.

45. Jonathan Cannon, RHP

Georgia (2022): Orleans Firebirds

FB CB SL CH Command FV
45/55 - 45/55 40/50 45/50 4

Lean, wiry frame, athletic body with room to add overall muscle. Three pitch mix. FB plays more as a sinker 90-93. Tight, high spin slider. Induced soft contact with both Si and SL. CH developing offering. Has had issues with a swing and miss pitch, pitches to contact. Work on containing velocity through entire starts. Sits 94-96 in first innings before dropping off from 2nd inning on forward. Profiles as a back of the rotation starter with potential to move to a middle relief role.

46. Maxwell Romero, C

Miami (2022): Chatham Anglers

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/40 30/55 60/60 30/40 30/30 3.5

Thick body and a bat first left-hand hitting catcher. Has plus raw power, with above average in game power. Power strength comes to his pull side where is able to barrel balls when he makes contact. Contact% will remain question long term, as he tends to chase breaking balls out of the zone and has struggled with challenge heaters above the belt. Needs to improve upon his overall

defensive approach behind the plate in regard to blocking and receiving. Plus arm.

47. Pres Cavenaugh, OF

UNC Greensboro (2022): Harwich Mariners

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
30/55 20/30 50/50 45/45 60/60 3.5

Good bat to ball skills, success against fastball and breaking balls. Struggled against changeups. Corner OF type. Fringe defender with average arm. Profiles as an average corner OF with good

bat to ball skills long term.

48. Owen Diodati, OF

Alabama (2022): Wareham Gatemen

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/35 30/50 55/55 40/45 40/40 3.5

Slugging corner outfielder. Above average raw power which he taps into in game. Free swinger with plenty of swing and miss. Above average arm, decent route runner given size and his previous experience catching. Ultimately, his ability to cut down on his K% will determine his overall role

within an organization. Ceiling to be LHH platoon given his success vs. RHP.

49. Will Simpson, OF

Washington (2022): Brewster Whitecaps

Hit Power Arm Field Run FV
20/40 30/55 55/55 40/40 30/30 3.5

Physical athlete, above average raw power, power to pull side in game. Slightly open stance with minimal hand movement. Struggles to hit breaking balls. Primarily played 1B and DH in Cape. Above average arm. Profiles as a corner OF/1B type in pro ball.

50. Jake Bennett, LHP

Oklahoma (2022): Bourne Braves

FB CB SL CH Command FV
45/55 45/55 45/50 55/60 50/55 3.5

Tall, big body, low spin LHP. Strike thrower and commands a four-pitch mix. Cut CH with above average movement profile. Able to throw land both breaking balls for strikes. Profiles as a backend starter in pro-ball.


Glossary

Listed below are a few terms in which I have used in my scouting reports. These metrics are acquired through Blast Motion sensors and Trackman. 

 

Induced Vertical Break (IVB): A IVB greater than 16” suggests that a pitch is rising or carrying as it crosses home plate. Pitchers with values greater than 16” would experience success pitching at the top of the strike zone with their fastball. A fastball with an IVB less than 12” suggests that a pitcher would find success throwing sinkers toward the bottom of the strike zone.

Horizontal Break (HB): Distance from where a pitch crosses the plate horizontally. 

Peak Hand Speed (PHS): Measures the maximum speed of the hitter’s hands during a swing.

Attack Angle (AA): Angle of bat at point of contact. Bat from a down to up angle is positive, up to down angle is a negative.

Vertical Approach Angle (VAA): Angle at which a pitch crosses home plate. A value of 0 suggests that the ball is crossing home plate at a flat angle. A value of -6 means that a pitch is crossing home plate at a steep angle. Generally, pitchers who have higher release heights have a steeper VAA. A pitcher who has a flatter VAA typically has more extension upon releasing the ball.

Extension: Distance from the rubber where the ball was released from the pitcher’s hand.