Scout Blog: Week 8, Part 2
April 3, 2023
Trinity Christian
Tai Peete, SS, 2023
Georgia Tech Commit. 6-foot-3, 195 pounds. This was easily one of the most memorable performances I’ve seen this spring, and it was great to be able to evaluate so many of Tai’s tools in 7 innings. First he was able to showcase his vast defensive skill set. He showed impressive anticipation, ability to read hops, and feel for changing arm angles on a slow roller that he had to go more of a sub slot on. The exchange was a combo of perfectly smooth & quick. Not soon after he showed off his innate instincts and current plus range on 2 balls hit directly up the middle, getting to both with ease and explosive bounds. Despite being 6’3, Peete plays the position with an extremely low center of gravity and eye opening body balance for his size. The arm is an easy + tool and this is as pure of a SS as they come with plus potential across the board at a premium defensive position. Offensively is just more of the same, with near elite swing mechanics that develop in perfect sequence. His forward move is dynamic, efficient, and produces optimal torque in separation for high impact missiles. He showed an ability simplify the approach with 2 strikes, widening his base & cutting down the stride to focus on contact (still hit a HR). His 2nd HR Tai went with a more aggressive move to the ball (leg kick) steepening the barrel with the top hand late in path to send a ball into the sky (right center) with the trajectory of a G6 jet. So add feel to hit and plus raw power potential to his future A/AVG glove, ++ range, plus arm, plus run, and you’ve got an easy Day 1 draft with a chance to move into the 1st Rd. With him being 17 at draft, this is the highest ceiling in the class.
#GT ‘23 SS Tai Peete
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) March 30, 2023
With 2 strike 💣 for #9ï¸âƒ£ - Widens base w/ good hip pace, creating optimal lower half momentum despite cutting down leg kick. Textbook front arm shrink allows him to turn barrel in tight space. The definition of effortless!@PBRGeorgia @ShooterHunt #MLBDraftpic.twitter.com/4SiWEMYy9b
#GT ‘23 SS Tai Peete
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) March 31, 2023
ANOTHER 1ðŸ¤¯â€¼ï¸ Leg kick 💣#🔟
Lower half sink, subtle shoulder tilt in stride allow him to match plane for ideal launch angle & easy loft. Dynamic forward move w/ one of the most compact, connected, efficient swings in the country.@PBRGeorgia @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/6EKN3YOrel