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3/9/25

2025 Draft Prospect - #73 - RHP - River Hamilton - Barlow (OR)

 


On 12-5-24, MLB.com posted their top 100 prospects in the upcoming draft. Beginning 2-2-25, we will post it in backward order, ending with the pick for 1.1

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2025/draft/   - 

#73        River Hamilton               RHP, Barlow (OR)

18/years old           6' 3"               183

COMMITTED  -  Louisiana State

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

In 2020, Mick Abel was the No. 15 overall pick in the Draft out of the Oregon high school ranks. Three years later, Noble Meyer came out of the same school, Jesuit High School, and landed No. 10 overall. Anyone who saw Hamilton, who attends Sam Barlow High School, pitch at Perfect Game National last summer might have thought he would give the Beaver State a third prep pitching first-rounder, though he didn’t throw as well at the Area Code Games later on.

Scouts were a little disappointed Hamilton didn’t throw more this fall, but he showed enough over the summer to whet their appetites for what could be a big senior season. Similar to predecessors Abel and Meyer, Hamilton is long, lean and projectable. He’s already up to 95-96 mph with his fastball with good carry and some tailing action, and it’s easy to envision more consistent velocity coming as he fills out his 6-foot-3 frame. When he’s on top of his slider, it’s a tight breaking ball with traditional two-plane break, getting a lot of swings-and-misses. He has good feel for his changeup, especially for a high schooler.

Fairly athletic on the mound, Hamilton throws all three of his pitches without a ton of effort and should gain even more consistency with his command as he matures, even if those Oregonian first-rounders have struggled with command in the professional ranks. Hamilton switched his college commitment from Oregon State to LSU this fall, but if he comes out with Meyer-like stuff this spring as some suspect he might, he may never set foot on campus.


1-27-25  -  Just Baseball –

2025 MLB Draft - Top 80 High School Prospects

https://www.justbaseball.com/college/mlb-draft-top-high-school-prep-prospects/

27. River Hamilton – RHP

HT/WT: 6’3/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Sam Barlow (OR) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Age: 18.9

Could Hamilton become the next big arm out of Oregon? There’s a chance it could happen, as the uber-projectable right-hander has a lot to like. Built like a twig, Hamilton’s entire delivery is rather loose and athletic, moving fluidly down the mound with a bit of effort at release.

It reminds us of Cole Schoenwetter’s delivery a bit. The fastball has a chance to be very, very loud. Already sitting in the low-90s consistently, Hamilton’s heater generates a ton of vertical carry, averaging close to twenty inches of ride and he’s shown an ability to add run down in the zone.

He’s been throwing strikes with it, too. There’s a chance for a plus offering here as it jumps out of his hand. The low-80s breaking ball can get inconsistent, but at its best, he generates solid sweeping action with late bite away from righties.

His mid-80s change-up has solid fading life and he’s gaining more feel for the pitch. Command can come and go, though given the athleticism, there’s a good chance it’ll continue to improve. Hamilton recently flipped his commitment to Louisiana State.

 

https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=1158052

2024 National Showcase 

River Hamilton is a 2025 RHP/1B/3B with a 6-3 185 lb. frame from Woodvillage, OR who attends Sam Barlow. Outstanding young pitcher's build with some present strength and plenty more to come. Projects well with some athleticism and length to it. Primary right-handed pitcher who worked from the wind-up with a rocker leg-lift up above the belt. There's some explosivity to the operation working down the slope, showing a longer and whippy arm action through release. Pitches from a high three-quarters arm slot. He worked 92-95 mph on the pitch with a good profile and ability to miss bats. He showed a slider up to 84 mph with more lateral sweep and spin up above 2,500 RPMs. He also showed an 11-5 shaped curveball in the mix, with spin above 2,400 RPMs. The curveball has a good downward bite to it. Also showed a changeup at 84 mph on occasion. Really impressive arm talent on the mound with projection remaining. He took swings during BP as a right-handed hitter. He sets up with high hands and a high back elbow. He takes a small step forward and showed strong hands working through the swing. It's a simple stroke that worked all parts of the yard. Loose operation with feel to get on plane and drive it. Produced EVS above 100 mph during BP. Good student. Committed to Oregon State. Selected to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

 

https://bennyshouse.com/thread/23946/update-2025-rhp-river-hamilton -

River Hamilton is a 6-2, 170 pound Sophomore RHP from Sam Barlow HS in Gresham.  River committed to OSU in 2022 and has been turning heads ever since. Like his Bruin predecessor Jaren Hunter, River has been dominant in sitting down opposing Mt. Hood League hitters this spring. His latest exploit was Monday's 1-0 huge upset win over Lakeridge HS in the OSAA 6A playoffs. River shut the Lakers and Paul Wilson down with a masterful 3-hit shutout, walking 2 and striking out 9.

Hamilton has made impressive gains this year with increased velocity and refinement of his secondary offerings. He has shown good command with a four pitch mix that includes a lively 90-92 mph fastball, a 79 mph slider, 75 mph curveball and change-up he can throw at varying speeds. River plays Travel Team Ball with BAUM NW. Here's a quote from Barlow HS coach, Burdick:

"A big change for us at Barlow since the first week of the season, is when right-handed pitcher River Hamilton came into the picture. We feel we can beat anyone with him on the mound, he was incredible tonight,” said Burdick. “We are a confident bunch and tonight proved we can beat anyone.”

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