Our third day in for the 2027-2028 Underclass Combine brought us Day 2 of games, and with it, the ability to see some situational player response.
To get here, most everyone plays up the middle or pitches. That’s the name of the game in today’s amateur world. But, the reality is very few project there, and we put this organization together step-by-step based primarily on future potential, makeup, character, partner program, and ethics.
Day 2 action is when those things tend to show up, and when we see who’s made of what.
HITTERS
Easton Lange, OF (2028) — Medina Valley High School (Texas)
Lange is a gamer who controls the strike zone, sees the ball well, and makes consistent contact. He’s a future plus runner and it plays that way. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to maximize his speed.
Defensively it is instinctual and profiles anywhere in the outfield, with enough arm to stop the running game and a quick release that works well with his feet underneath him.
Tristan Jamison, SS (2027) — Warren Central High School (Ind.)
A two-way talent who will throw on Day 3, Jamison has easy actions at short and more than enough present carry to his throws. As a hitter, it’s evolved to be consistently long in the hitting zone, with plenty of extra-base strength.
He’s one of the better makeup and leadership players you’ll find, and it’s by example rather than words.
Casey McBride, IF (2027) — Stockbridge High School (Ga.)
He’s a line-drive hitter with some surprising pop for his size, and there’s plenty of natural projection left. He’s smooth defensively with soft hands and active feet, and his throws have plenty of carry to suggest much more ahead.
It’s leadership makeup and the type that’s reliable day in and day out.
Jett Pratt, IF (2029) — Magnolia Heights High School (Miss.)
This is not a typo, it’s another Pratt who can play. This one is the youngest and has exactly zero fear about anything. He possesses above-average actions defensively with plus body control, knows his way around the batter’s box, and possesses advanced instincts across the board.
He’s a winning player and isn’t fazed by the accomplishments of his brothers. It motivates him. I’m betting on Jett to be just fine.
Preston Ardolino, IF (2027) — Somerville High School (Mass.)
The kid can hit. Ardolino has an innate ability to get the barrel to the ball and use the whole field. It’s second nature for him and he has a chance at a plus bat. He has plenty of arm for the left side of the infield, and more than enough body control to get his feet underneath him when he’s moving through the baseball.
Sam Ellis, SS (2027) — Ottawa Nepean (Ont.)
Ellis is a fast-twitch athlete and explosive. He has quick feet defensively and underway. He tears up the dirt as he moves with a light stride but no wasted motion.
He can hit, too, and uses the whole field while controlling the strike zone well. Instincts are ahead of his age group as he reads the game well and forces the action.
PITCHERS
David Bankston, RHP (2027) — Georgia Premier Academy
This kid could easily be listed on both sides. The arm strength is plenty and right where he should be. There’s feel for a breaking ball as well, and while it won’t be command it’s certainly enough control to be effective. He’s an athlete and has the aptitude to do pretty much anything.
Kade Buchanan, RHP (2027) — Madison Ridgeland Academy (Miss.)
Buchanan is a strike thrower, repeats his delivery, and has feel for all his pitches. The fastball has some tail and late life in the hitting zone. His arm works easy, which is on par for a major-league frame with a strong lower half.
Samuel Miller, RHP (2027) — Jackson Prep (Miss.)
It’s a well-put-together frame with some growth ahead. He has a quick arm with some up-tempo and a curveball with fast rotation and some depth.
Miller has excellent mound presence and is an absolute bulldog deploying relentless attacks on hitters’ sanity.
Larson Chafin, RHP (2027) — Gulf Shores High School (Ala.)
Chafin has the present frame to indicate a future major league body, which means innings and durability. It’s a compact arm path that indicates spin and future velocity. He’s around the zone with both his fastball and curveball, with the breaking ball consistently having rotation and depth.
Hudson Brown, RHP (2028) — Del Oro High School (Texas)
This is a big-league body that may reach Roy Halladay range, and he comes with upside. He has good mound presence and an aggressive tempo to his approach. He attacks the strike zone and doesn’t back down.
Brown has present velocity right where it should be. He’s fastball dominant but protects it with a baby slider showing some late tilt.
Jaden Carter Simpson, LHP (2028) — St. James Catholic School (Ont.)
This is a live, athletic frame, with wiry strength and fast-twitch everything. It’s an easy and simple delivery with present velocity and a playable fastball.
He protects it with a curveball showing good rotation and depth. He’s a two-way performer and an athlete, but a projectable young arm with low mileage.
- 2027-28 Underclass Combine: Day 2 Scouting Notes - July 11, 2024
- 2027-28 Underclass Combine: Day 1 Scouting Notes - July 10, 2024
- BOOTH: Talent galore at the NorCal World Series - June 28, 2024
