Tools of the Trade: Class of 2024 Hitters
October 14, 2023
Often times considered the "Florida of the north," Pennsylvania has surfaced as a known hot-bed for upper-echelon talent, and the class of 2024 is no different. The amount of college-ready, frontline arms may steal the spotlight at times, but a long list of position players have been just as special heading into their senior year. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, glove, arm, and run) as a barometer for comparing players against one another. Obviously, each will need to be refined properly and accompanied by in-game success in order for them to have full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
HIT TOOL
One of the hardest to project in the game, the illustrious "hit tool" combines multiple offensive facets, such as bat-speed, effort, feel for the barrel, early pitch recognition, and having a solid plan. Yes the swing plays a factor as well, but the best typically execute their approach using some semblence of the above and do so at the highest level. Here's a look at some of the more gifted hitters in the keystone state’s 2024 class.
TOP HITTERS
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Jeff Lougee SS / 2B / Mechanicsburg, PA / 2024An example of being highly repeatable and efficient from the left-handed box, Lougee stands 6-foot, 180-pounds with a track record of success vs. quality arms. The swing works direct to the ball with zero wasted movement, creating sneaky pop all over the field. Dominated the Mid-Penn this past spring.
Duke commit |
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Anderson French C / OF / Red Land, PA / 2024Equipped with one of the biggest ceilings in the state, French hovers over his competition with a professional 6-foot-5, 201-pound frame. The skillset is well rounded behind 100MPH EV's, a 6.83 60YD, sub-2.00 pop times, and natural athleticism that transfers. It's a loose approach at the plate with above-average raw strength and zone coverage.
Virginia Tech commit |
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Chase Harlan 3B / OF / Central Bucks East , PA / 2024If 2023 was any indication, Harlan continues ascending as a name-to-know hitter across the northeast. Not only did he slash .435/.518/.739 against a tough SOL schedule with 5 HR and 10BB / 8K, the bat also produced at the Area Code Games this summer. Now, a mature approach shifts from at-bat to at-bat with improved decisions.
Clemson commit |
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Gavin Kelly C / SS / Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA / 2024Fresh off of the heels of a special season, Kelly swatted .534 against the WPIAL's best with newfound power mixed into the results (14 total XBH). An elite ball tracker, there are few right-handed hitters who can match the hand-eye, projected to be a low strikeout, high AVG type at the top of a collegiate lineup.
West Virginia commit |
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Ky Watson OF / 2B / Manheim Central, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 6
We saw a positive change to the swing with added loft during his JR campaign, accompanied by much improved SLG numbers. Manheim Central's leadoff hitter batted .375 with 3 HR and has showed upside for an eventual power/speed combo. The lefty generates a fast trigger + simple accleration and the MLB bloodlines shouldn't hurt, either.
Coastal Carolina commit |
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Dawson Smail OF / Clarion Area, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 3
After claiming a 2023 state championship for Clarion Area, Smail added lean muscle to the frame at 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. A poster child for barrel-awareness, the prototypical 2-hitter matches plane from top-to-bottom, into the mid-90's EV. He really controls the front side with a directional unload through the gaps.
Xavier commit |
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Erick Diaz OF / 2B / Perkiomen , PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 2
Previously mentioned as PA's top uncommitted bat, Diaz just recently was taken off the board with his verbal to D1 Manhattan. The physical, compact 5-foot-11, 190-pounder was a big reason for Perkiomen's run through the PAISAA playoffs last spring with hands that pack-a-punch (LHH). His ability to carry the baseball to pull is second-to-none.
Manhattan commit |
PREVIOUS TOOLS COVERED:
Class of 2024 Defenders >>> 9.11.23
Class of 2024 Runners >>> 9.18.23
Class of 2024 Power >>> 9.26.23
Class of 2024 Arm Strength >>> 10.05.23
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 York-Adams League Scout Day | PA | 10/17 | South Hanover YMCA - Hanover, PA |
| 2023 Philadelphia Catholic League Scout Day | PA | 10/18 | MSI Sports Complex |
| 2023 Northeast JUCO Sophomore/Transfer Showcase | PA | 10/22 | Heritage Financial Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 PA Fall Top Prospect Games | PA | 10/22 | Fairchild Field / Shippensburg University |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: Central | PA | 10/29 | Liberty Arena - Williamsport, PA |