The following is from the scouting notebook of Butch Baccala from the Area Code Games.
Today it’s a stream of bats who impressed in BP.
Underclass Standouts: Bats | Arms
Luke Gladchuk, OF (2027) — Aledo High School (TX) | 6-0/185
Had me at hello when he took his first swing. No contact trying to feel for the ball, but a violent, speed-hard barrel from the first swing to the last swing. Really liked his movements between his feet and the acceleration through his back hip and hands when it was time to party. Got tilt on balls down when he should have got tilt, then kept his hands above the ball and drove gaps when the ball was up. The EV wasn’t working when he hit, but my guess is it was 98-103 mph. Didn’t need the scoreboard to know I liked what my eyes saw.
David Adams, 1B/LHP (2027) — Canyon Del Oro High School (AZ) | 6-4/190
Really tried not to give in to the exit velocity. Tried to watch body movements and swings, and if there was exit velo then great. Liked the way Adams stayed and worked through his body. Liked the fluidity and easiness with strength in the swing. Although he was in the 100-103 mph exit velo range, I really liked his hitting actions, his ability to get his back hip and knee into the ground, and I liked the carry in the ball on flight. He too swings with conviction and strength.
Quincy Pratt, C — Magnolia Heights School (MS) | 6-4/205
Boy, did my eyes light up when this guy took infield. Bob Melvin type frame back in the day. Ball jumped out of his hand with accuracy, 1.87 release with a minimum 55 arm. Need to see in game so I can get off the 55 FENCE. Then the bat was efficient, fast, and the ball jumped off his barrel. Liked the control in his approach, then the ability to move that back hip with intent. No readings, but my guess is 96-101 mph range. Anxious to see live in game, but the body type and movements both offensively and defensively reek of eventual big leagues.
Aiden Jones, 1B/OF — Petaluma High School (CA) | 6-4/190
Cal-bound player. Aiden was controlled and aggressive in his swings today. Up to 107 mph exit velocity, and the swing and approach had rhythm and timing. Great job of creating backspin on the ball, and in his BP time he continually left a vapor trail as most of his gaps and over the fence were 103 mph. Liked the batter’s box presence and just a very business-like BP today.
Brady Cunningham, 3B/OF — Brother Rice High School (IL) | 6-3/225
This guy took one swing, and two players came to my mind immediately: Carson Kelly and Stan Royer. Guys, when I tell you it got loud when this kid started hitting, the speed at which his barrel moved was different. Liked his BP approach, and my guess is he hit some balls in the 105-110 mph range. It was, for me, one of the best BPs of the day. Easy power and could really accelerate his barrel. Look forward to seeing if he’s a BP guy or can bring the same bat to a game. Very unexpected after infield.
Lorenzo Davis, OF — St. Bernard’s High School (CA) | 6-2/215
Short to the ball, kill-the-ball contact. When I was watching him hit, all I could think of was a dude named Kevin Mitchell. Ball was consistently in the 105-107 mph exit velo territory. He didn’t give up approach to hit the ball; it was just who he is. Very, very strong through his core. It was fun watching him destroy baseballs today. I would want this bat sitting in my 4 hole.
Jake Turner, OF/LHP — Centennial High School (NV) | 6-4/215
109 mph exit velocity is 109 mph. This dude made my list because I love guys that go into the box and want to create havoc on a baseball. Jake was hitting balls so hard today, no field in America could hold the power he showed in BP. Yes, he was getting baseballs thrown right down the screws, but so was everyone else, and he was hitting them a lot harder. Power is power, friends, and left-handed power is GOLD.
Jacsen Tucker, INF — Oswego East High School (IL) | 6-5/185
I love athletes. I love how athleticism changes games and situations in games. Tucker grabbed my eye immediately on defense with his glove work, arm strength, and accuracy. Then when he came to the plate, liked how he worked through the ground, hit with intent, showed quick-twitch movements, and the baseball got off his barrel. 6-5 athletes, I’ll take them all day. Their versatility creates opportunities. Anxious to see him live the next two days.
Gavin Williams, C — Liberty High School (CA) | 6-5/204
Animal, that’s all I can say about this kid. Strong approach, fluid, effortless body movements, then once that stride foot hits dirt, it was an absolute car crash today in BP. Oh yeah, the exit velocities were in the 106 mph range, but you didn’t need the damn scoreboard to tell you it was a different noise and speed coming off his barrel. If he continues to excel in game-like conditions, this stud is gonna be jumping in GREEN.
Brogan Witcher, C/RHP — Liberty High School (CA) | 6-5/205
Yes, they are teammates, Witcher and Williams. Yeah, it would be appropriate to label them the BASH BROTHERS. Witcher was absolutely making balls shrink. He hit balls up to 108 mph, and he worked in his approach to assemble this kind of violence. Music to all of our ears at the ballpark. It is not every day that teammates in high school are crushing balls together over 105 mph. My gut feeling: Bakersfield will be a hot destination for the spring.
Parker Lipp, 1B/LHP — Jesuit High School (CA) | 6-3/195
Talk about love at first sight. WOW, the easiness and the violence combined were very, very impressive. Loved his approach in the box, how he was timing the delivery, and loved the easy backspin he was creating through his swing. Batted balls coming off his bat 100-103 mph continually. Saw a competitive side to him in BP. Very competitive, wanted to be the best. Have a feeling he is going to make a coaching staff very happy.
Transitioning into leadership, he served as Vice President of Scouting for Program 15 Sports and the Future Stars Series and National Director of Scouting for Prospect Wire. Since 2019, he has served as President and Owner of Athlete911 Baseball.
- Scouting the Area Code Games: Gladchuck, Adams, Pratt shine - August 6, 2026
- Scouting the Area Code Games: Underclass Arms Dazzle - August 4, 2026
- Scouting the Area Code Games: Standout Position Players Include Tweedt, Watanabe - August 4, 2026
