MACK - 10 Targets For Mets 1st Round Pick

 

The draft is once more upon us.

I’m not going to try and predict what 37 teams before the Mets pick will choose. That is simply silly. Instead, I am going to give you two posts on MY top 10 players the Mets should target when they pick their first two picks.

Everything going forward is on me.

So… first up today is 10 targets for the pick at 1.38:

 

LHP Jack Bauer – Lincoln Way East HS (IL)

            Jack Bauer is a 17-year-old senior left-handed pitcher (LHP) from Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois, and a top prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft class. Here’s a detailed overview:

Physical Profile:     Bauer stands at 6-foot-4, 191 pounds, with a lean, athletic frame that has room for added strength. His loose, fluid delivery and three-quarters arm slot contribute to his high-velocity output.

Pitching Arsenal:

Fastball:       Bauer’s fastball is his standout pitch, regularly sitting between 97-101 mph and touching an astonishing 103 mph in a regional championship game in 2025, making him the hardest-throwing high school pitcher ever recorded, per some reports. It features heavy arm-side run and swing-and-miss potential, with spin rates exceeding 2500 rpm.

Slider:       His slider, in the 79-84 mph range, is tight with depth and high spin (up to 2900+ rpm), showing potential as a wipeout pitch. He’s working on tunneling it off his fastball for better deception.

Changeup:       Bauer’s changeup, at 83-88 mph, has above-average potential with arm-side fade and solid command. He maintains arm speed, adding to its effectiveness.

Performance Highlights:      In 2025, Bauer had multiple standout outings, including a game against Coffee High School in Georgia where he hit 102 mph and struck out five in 2.1 innings, despite taking a loss due to control issues (five walks).

Scouting and Rankings:   Bauer is ranked No. 3 in Illinois and No. 71 nationally in the 2025 class by Perfect Game, and No. 32 overall prospect by MLB.com. Scouts project him as a potential first- or second-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft due to his velocity jump from the mid-90s in 2024 to triple digits in 2025. His control has been a work in progress, with a 3.76 ERA in 2024, but he’s shown improvement in consistency and command in 2025.

 

LHP Zach Root – Arkansas

      Zach Root is a junior left-handed pitcher (LHP) for the Arkansas Razorbacks, having transferred from East Carolina University (ECU) after the 2024 season. He’s a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, known for his versatile pitch mix and breakout performances. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Personal Details:

Full Name: Zachary Bishop Root

Born: February 6, 2004, in Fort Myers, Florida

Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds

Bats/Throws: Left/Left

High School: Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers, Florida

Colleges: East Carolina University (2023-2024), University of Arkansas (2025-present)

Pitching Arsenal:

Fastball: Sits 92-97 mph, touching 99 mph, thrown from a funky three-quarters delivery with above-average extension. Its shape is considered average, with less swing-and-miss potential compared to his secondaries.

Changeup: His best pitch, consistently flashing plus with whiff rates above 45% in 2024. Thrown at 78-80 mph with effective fade, keeping hitters off-balance.

Slider: Mid-to-upper 70s, occasionally low 80s, with sharp break and plus potential, especially against lefties.

Curveball: 77-82 mph, described as a “hammer” at its best, with above-average depth.

Control: Graded at 50 (average), with 26 walks against 102 strikeouts in 75intregrity of his delivery, which keeps him online and effective in high-pressure situations.

Scouting Profile:

Scouting Grades (Baseball America): Fastball: 50, Slider: 50, Curveball: 45, Changeup: 55, Control: 50. BA Grade: 50/High risk.

Root’s old-school approach involves throwing five distinct pitches in any count, making him unpredictable. His funky delivery and crossfire finish are tough on right-handed hitters, and his changeup and breaking balls generate high whiff rates.

 

LHP Carmen Appenzeller – Glenwood HS (IL)

      Cameron Appenzeller is a senior left-handed pitcher (LHP) from Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois, and one of the top prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. He’s recognized as the No. 1 player in Illinois and a top national prospect, with a projectable frame and a polished pitch mix that has drawn significant attention from scouts.

Personal Details:

Born: age 18.5 at the 2025 MLB Draft, per scouting reports.

Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 180-185 pounds (lean, projectable frame with room to add strength).

Bats/Throws: Left/Left.

School: Glenwood High School, Chatham, IL.

High School Career:    2024 Season: Went 6-0 with a 0.64 ERA over 43 innings, striking out 85 batters while allowing only 18 hits and 15 walks. Led Glenwood to a 3A Regional Championship as their ace. Earned Prep Baseball First Team All-State honors.

2025 Season: Continued his dominance, with no runs allowed in his first three appearances. In a standout game against Sacred Heart-Griffin on May 7, 2025, he struck out five over four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and no walks, escaping a bases-loaded, no-out jam with an infield flyout, fielder’s choice, and groundout.

Scouting Profile:

Physical Attributes: Appenzeller’s 6-foot-5, 180-pound frame is highly projectable, with long, loose levers and a fluid, repeatable delivery. His three-quarters to low-arm slot adds deception, and his whippy arm action generates easy velocity.

Performance: Known for advanced feel and mound presence, he combines present-day polish with significant upside. His ability to perform under pressure, as seen in high-scout games, has elevated his draft stock.

Pitching Repertoire:

Appenzeller’s repertoire is characterized by a lively fastball and two above-average secondaries, thrown with advanced feel and deception from a low three-quarters slot. Below is a detailed breakdown of his pitches, based on scouting reports and recent performances:

Fastball:    Velocity: 88-92 mph, touching 94 mph (2024); 89-93 mph, topping at 94 mph (2025).

Characteristics: Features late arm-side run and life, with spin rates of 2200-2300+ rpm. Thrown cleanly out of hand, it plays up due to his deceptive delivery and extension. Scouts believe there’s more velocity in the tank as he adds strength.

Usage: Primary pitch, commanded around the zone but still refining pinpoint control. Effective in setting up his secondaries.

Scouting Grade: 55 (above-average, per Baseball America).

 

Slider:    Velocity: 77-80 mph (2024-2025), occasionally 78-82 mph.

Characteristics: Sweeping action with sharp, late horizontal break and depth, often described as a “wipeout” pitch. Two-plane break at its best, with spin rates up to 2300 rpm. Advanced feel, tunneled off his fastball for deception.

Usage: Go-to out-pitch, especially against lefties, with potential to be plus. Devastating when located, generating swings and misses.

Scouting Grade: 60 (plus, per Baseball America).

 

Changeup:    Velocity: 81-84 mph (2024-2025), occasionally 82-85 mph.

Characteristics: Fading action with depth, thrown with good arm speed to maintain deception. Considered his best secondary in some reports, with potential to be plus. Effective against right-handed hitters.

Usage: Used sparingly but with confidence, primarily to keep hitters off-balance. Not relied on heavily due to the effectiveness of his fastball-slider combo.

Scouting Grade: 55 (above-average, per Baseball America).

Control:  Scouting Grade: 55 (above-average). Appenzeller shows solid command for a high school pitcher, with a 70% strike percentage in some outings (e.g., 12 K’s over 6 shutout innings in 2024). His walk rate (15 BB in 43 IP in 2024) indicates room for refinement but is strong for his age and velocity.

Delivery:    Tall-and-fall approach with a methodical, repeatable delivery. Long, clean arm action from a low three-quarters slot provides deception, especially against right-handed hitters. His loose, fluid mechanics suggest durability and starter upside.

RHP Riley Quick – Alabama

      Riley Quick is a junior right-handed pitcher (RHP) for the University of Alabama, known for his imposing physical presence and power pitching. A former two-sport star in high school, Quick chose baseball over football and has emerged as a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft after overcoming Tommy John surgery.

Personal Details:

Full Name: Riley Wayne Quick

Born: April 29, 2004, in Trussville, Alabama

Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 240-255 pounds (highly projectable frame)

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

High School: Hewitt-Trussville High School, Trussville, AL

College: University of Alabama (2022-present)

Junior (2025):Returned to the starting rotation on an innings limit post-surgery.

Posted an 8-3 record with a 3.92 ERA over 14 starts, with a notable outing on April 12, 2025: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K. Threw 6.0 innings for the first time in his career on May 3, 2025, per Alabama Baseball’s X post. Helped Alabama reach the 2025 NCAA Regionals, with Coach Rob Vaughn praising his energy and competitiveness. Jumped 20+ spots on Baseball America’s draft board, entering first-round range by May 2025.

Scouting Profile:

Physical Attributes: At 6-foot-6, 240-255 pounds, Quick’s massive frame and long levers create deception and allow him to maintain velocity deep into games. His athleticism from football translates to a durable, imposing presence on the mound.

Challenges: Spotty command (45-grade control) limits his swing-and-miss potential despite elite stuff. His recovery from Tommy John and limited 2025 innings make him a high-risk, high-reward prospect.

Pitching Repertoire

Quick’s arsenal is headlined by a power sinker and a plus slider, with additional pitches showing promise but needing refinement.

Sinker (Fastball):    Velocity: 96-99 mph, touching 100 mph at its best.

Characteristics: Heavy, bowling-ball action with significant arm-side run, generating a 61% groundball rate in his freshman season. Graded as plus-plus (70) by scouts due to its velocity and movement, though its extreme movement can make command challenging.

Usage: Primary pitch, used to induce weak contact and groundballs. Its deception is enhanced by Quick’s size and arm action.

Four-Seam Fastball:    Velocity: Mid-90s, touching 98 mph.

Characteristics: Added midway through 2025 to complement his sinker, offering a straighter fastball with carry to attack the upper zone. Noted as an “expanding arsenal” feature by Baseball America.

Usage: Used selectively to vary his fastball look and improve swing-and-miss rates.

Slider:    Velocity: 83-86 mph.

Characteristics: Plus-plus potential (55-60 grade) with sharp horizontal and vertical break. High spin rates and late bite make it a swing-and-miss pitch, especially against right-handers. Some scouts believe it could become a true plus offering with refinement.

Usage: Primary secondary pitch, used to finish hitters and complement his sinker.

Cutter:    Velocity: Low-90s.

Characteristics: Solid offering with moderate break, effective against left-handed hitters by jamming them inside. Graded as average but shows promise as a third pitch.

Usage: Used situationally to diversify his arsenal and attack lefties.

Changeup:    Velocity: Mid-80s (84-87 mph).

Characteristics: Average potential (50 grade), with decent fade but inconsistent command. Lags behind his sinker and slider in effectiveness but can be above-average with improved feel.

Usage: Least-used pitch, primarily deployed against left-handed hitters to keep them off-balance.

Control:    Scouting Grade: 45 (below-average). Quick’s high walk rate (21 BB in 22 IP as a freshman) reflects command struggles, though he showed improvement in 2025 (no walks in his April 12 outing). His pitches’ extreme movement contributes to spotty command, but added experience could improve this.

Delivery:    Quick’s delivery is clean but can be inconsistent due to his long levers and pitch movement. His three-quarters arm slot and athletic background allow for deception, but refining his mechanics post-surgery is key to unlocking his frontline-starter ceiling.

Notable Performances and Context

2025 Season: Quick’s return from Tommy John surgery was a focal point, with his 8-3 record and 3.92 ERA over 14 starts marking a strong comeback. His ability to pitch pain-free and mature as a competitor was evident, as he noted the game “slowing down” for him.

RHP Patrick Forbes – Louisville

      Patrick Forbes is a right-handed pitcher for the Louisville Cardinals, born July 11, 2004, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 220 pounds, he’s a true junior who has transitioned from a two-way player to a full-time pitcher, emerging as one of college baseball’s most electric arms in 2025. Named the 2022 Kentucky Mr. Baseball, Forbes excelled at Bowling Green High School, hitting .563 with 15 home runs and posting a 2.36 ERA on the mound. He chose Louisville over other schools and went undrafted out of high school due to his strong college commitment.

College Career:   

2023 (Freshman): Primarily a hitter, Forbes batted .258 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 42 games while pitching 9.1 innings in relief.

2024 (Sophomore): Shifted focus to pitching, making 12 appearances (four starts) with a 3.72 ERA over 29 innings, striking out 32 and walking 15. A broken hand limited his season, but he shone post-injury with a 2.04 ERA in his final eight outings. He earned a spot on the 2024 USA Collegiate National Team and pitched for Brewster in the Cape Cod League, posting a 3.29 ERA.

2025 (Junior): Became Louisville’s Friday night ace, making 15 starts with a 4.42 ERA over 71.1 innings. He struck out 117 batters (14.76 K/9, third in D1) while walking 34. A flexor strain in April sidelined him briefly, impacting his draft stock, but his performance against Miami in the 2025 Super Regional highlighted his dominance.

Pitching Repertoire:

Forbes throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a long, loose arm action, generating high-upside stuff. His repertoire includes:

Fastball: Sits 93-96 mph, touching 98-99 mph with significant life and flat approach angle. Features up to 17 inches of run and high spin rates (up to 2600 RPM). His vertical approach angle (-3.01°) makes it tough to hit upstairs.

Slider: 83-85 mph with easy sweep and bend, high spin (2740 RPM). A plus pitch that generates whiffs.

Cutter: 87-89 mph, hard and effective to both sides of the plate (2719 RPM).

Changeup: 86-89 mph with solid fade but inconsistent. Lacks the effectiveness of his fastball-slider combo and flattens when command falters.

 

C/OF Jaden Fauske – Nazareth Academy (IL)

Name: Jaden Fauske

Position: Catcher/Outfielder (C/OF), also has experience as a right-handed pitcher (RHP) and infielder

School: Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park, IL)

Class: 2025 (Senior, eligible for the 2025 MLB Draft)

Commitment: Committed to Louisiana State University (LSU)

Draft Status: Ranked as the No. 18 high school prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft by MLB.com and No. 88 overall by Mack’s Mets blog

Physical Profile: 6-foot-2, 205–210 lbs, left-handed hitter, right-handed thrower, with advanced strength and athleticism

Recent Performance and Stats     Jaden Fauske has established himself as one of the top high school prospects in the 2025 class, particularly for his offensive prowess and versatility. Below are his key stats and performances:

2024 Season (Junior Year at Nazareth Academy):

Batting: .546/.612/.824 (59 hits in 108 plate appearances)

38 singles, 15 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs

43 RBIs, 45 runs scored, 18 stolen bases

23 walks, only 9 strikeouts (demonstrating elite plate discipline)

Role: Primarily designated hitter (DH) but also played outfield and catcher

Defensively, recorded pop times under 1.9 seconds as a catcher and arm strength up to 79 mph from the crouch; also showed well in the outfield with throws up to 90 mph

Scouting Report

Hitting (Scouting Grades: Hit: 50, Power: 55):

Smooth, rhythmic left-handed swing with excellent balance and plate coverage.

High contact rate, rarely swings and misses, and shows advanced plate discipline (23 walks vs. 9 strikeouts in 2024).

Gap-to-gap approach with occasional pull-side home run power; projects for 15–20 HRs annually as he matures, potentially 23–27 with added strength.

Triple-digit exit velocities emerging, indicating growing power potential.

Defense (Field: 50, Arm: 50):

Versatile defender, capable at catcher, outfield (including center field), and infield.

As a catcher, shows quick glove-to-hand release, pop times under 1.9 seconds, and arm strength up to 79 mph from the crouch.

In the outfield, displays quality routes, instincts, and arm strength (up to 90 mph throws), with enough speed to potentially play center field, though he may settle in a corner outfield spot.

Some scouts question whether he’ll remain a catcher long-term due to his athleticism and offensive value, potentially profiling better as an outfielder or first baseman.

Speed (Run: 50):

Above-average runner for a catcher, with a 6.79-second 60-yard dash.

Speed plays up in the outfield and on the bases (18 stolen bases in 2024).

Intangibles:    Praised for a calm, stoic demeanor and high baseball IQ, enhanced by his chess background, which helps him anticipate pitchers’ tendencies. Team-first mentality, evidenced by his willingness to play multiple positions and his role in Nazareth’s state titles.

 

1B Andrew Fischer – Tennessee

Andrew Kenneth Fischer, born May 25, 2004, in Brick Township, New Jersey, is a college baseball first baseman for the Tennessee Volunteers. A left-handed batter and right-handed thrower, he stands at 6'1" and weighs 205 pounds. Fischer has played for three universities: Duke (2023), Ole Miss (2024), and Tennessee (2025).

High School Career     Fischer attended Wall Township High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner. He earned All-Division, All-Shore, and All-State honors in 2021 and 2022, and was selected for the NJ All-Star Game and Carpenter Cup in both years. His high school stats included a .388 batting average, .582 on-base percentage, and .736 slugging percentage. He holds Wall Township’s records for single-season (33) and career (65) walks. Fischer was a Perfect Game Underclass All-American, Junior National Showcase selection, National Showcase selection, East Coast Pro selection, and played in the Yankees/Red Sox Rivalry Classic. He played club baseball for the 9ers Baseball Club.

College Career

Duke (2023, Freshman): Fischer started 45 of 47 games, hitting .289 with a .404 on-base percentage and .595 slugging percentage. He set a Duke freshman record with 11 home runs, drove in 33 RBIs, scored 38 runs, and had 50 hits, including 27 extra-base hits. He was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team and Perfect Game Second Team Freshman All-American. Fischer was one of six Duke players, and the only freshman, to surpass 100 total bases.

Ole Miss (2024, Sophomore): After transferring, Fischer started 55 games at third base and designated hitter, hitting .285 with a .397 on-base percentage and .643 slugging percentage. He led the team with 20 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 59 hits, earning Second Team All-SEC and ABCA All-South Region honors. He played summer ball with the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League.

Tennessee (2025, Junior): Fischer transferred to Tennessee, where he became the starting first baseman. He led the SEC in home runs (24), on-base percentage (.500), slugging percentage (.762), and OPS (1.253). His stats included a .343 batting average, 72 hits, 64 RBIs, 62 walks, and a .988 fielding percentage with only 5 errors. Fischer was a top performer, notably hitting a two-run homer in a Knoxville Regional game against Wake Forest.

Achievements and Style     Fischer is recognized for his powerful left-handed swing, mature plate discipline (31:51 K:BB ratio in 2025), and versatility, playing first base, third base, and designated hitter. He’s noted for his ability to hit against both left- and right-handed pitchers and his knack for punishing pitches with high exit velocities (e.g., 108 mph, 417 ft homer). He’s a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, with Perfect Game and D1Baseball ranking him highly.

 

OF Ethan Conrad – Wake Forest

Ethan Conrad is a promising young baseball player, born on July 5, 2004, in Rhinebeck, New York. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215-220 pounds, he is a left-handed batter and thrower with a strong athletic build, playing primarily as an outfielder but also logging time at first base and centerfield. Here’s a comprehensive overview of his career and profile based on available information:

Collegiate Career    Marist College (2023-2024): Conrad played two seasons at Marist College, where he showcased exceptional talent in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).2023 (Freshman): Appeared in 48 games, starting 46, with a .320 batting average, .371 on-base percentage, 3 home runs, and 32 RBIs. Earned All-MAAC Rookie Team honors and was named MAAC Rookie of the Week twice.

2024 (Sophomore): Had a breakout year, hitting .389/.467/.704 with 18 doubles, a nation-leading 13 triples (setting a MAAC single-season record), 9 home runs, and 52 RBIs in 55 games. He recorded 88 hits, including 26 extra-base hits, and stole 36 bases. Notably, he hit an NCAA-record four triples in a single game against Saint Peter’s on March 22, 2024. Accolades included MAAC All-Championship Team, All-MAAC First Team, and All-ECAC Team. Overall at Marist, he batted .359 with 12 home runs and a 1.012 OPS over 103 games, demonstrating versatility and elite performance.

Wake Forest University (2025): After his sophomore season, Conrad transferred to Wake Forest, a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). His 2025 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but in 21 games, he hit .372 with 8 doubles, 7 home runs, and 27 RBIs, posting a 1.238 OPS and a 167 wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus).

During an opening weekend series in February 2025 against Marist and Long Island University, he went 8-for-15 with six extra-base hits, showcasing his power and consistency.

Conrad entered the transfer portal in June 2025, with reports indicating he visited Tennessee, an SEC program, suggesting a potential move to another elite program.

Scouting Profile

Physical Attributes: At 6-foot-4 and 215-220 pounds, Conrad has a “big-league body” with above-average athleticism. He’s an above-average runner (scouting grade: 55), capable of impacting games on the bases and in the outfield.

Scouting Grades (Baseball America, 20-80 scale): Hit: 45 (average), Power: 55 (above-average), Run: 55 (above-average), Field: 50 (average), Arm: 50 (average). His “plus” raw power and advanced feel for hitting make him a high-impact player.

Offensive Approach: As a left-handed hitter, Conrad uses a wide, balanced stance with a leg lift, generating good bat speed and rotational strength. He has a flat bat path, producing a pull-side approach with significant extension and leverage. His max bat-exit velocity was recorded at 87 mph with batted balls reaching nearly 300 feet. He’s shown improvement in plate discipline, reducing his strikeout rate from 24.5% as a freshman to 12.4% as a sophomore at Marist.

Defensive Skills:    Conrad displays strong instincts in the outfield, with clean fielding, good drop-step technique, and accurate throws from a high three-quarter arm slot (82 mph arm strength). His versatility allows him to play right field, centerfield, and first base.

OF Cam Cannarella – Clemson

Cameron Glover Cannarella (born September 6, 2003, in Lexington, South Carolina) is an American college baseball outfielder for the Clemson Tigers. Known for his elite defensive skills, high-contact hitting, and clutch performance, Cannarella is a projected first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Below is a comprehensive look at his background, performance, and prospect status.

Background

High School: Attended Hartsville High School in Hartsville, South Carolina, where he played shortstop and was coached by Tony Gainey. Named the Morning News Baseball Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons. Rated as the No. 125 shortstop and No. 12 overall player in South Carolina by Perfect Game.

Physical Profile:    6-foot-0, 180-185 pounds, left-handed batter, right-handed thrower.

Collegiate Career at Clemson (2023-2025)Cannarella transitioned from shortstop in high school to center field at Clemson, a move prompted by a crowded infield during his freshman year in 2023. He quickly established himself as one of the best defensive outfielders in Clemson history and a consistent offensive contributor.

Career Stats (2023-2025)Overall: .360 batting average, .551 slugging percentage, .453 on-base percentage over 178 games (all starts). Recorded 54 doubles, 8 triples, 23 home runs, 159 RBIs, 192 runs, 119 walks, 11 hit-by-pitches, and 30 stolen bases.

Postseason: In 20 ACC and NCAA Tournament games, hit .412 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 7 home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .800 slugging percentage.

Scouting Profile

Offensive Skills:    A line-drive hitter with above-average bat speed and excellent bat-to-ball skills (91% in-zone contact rate in 2024, 92% against fastballs). Uses an open stance with a semi-high handset, consistently hitting to all fields, particularly excelling at opposite-field contact. His 2025 season showed a dip in power (only 2 home runs through April), attributed to his shoulder recovery, but his high contact rate and improved walk rate suggest a return to form.

Defensive Skills: Elite center fielder with a quick first step, great instincts, and exceptional range, covering ground in all directions. Described as one of Clemson’s best defensive outfielders ever. His arm strength is average (scouting grade: 40) due to the shoulder injury but sufficient for center field when healthy.

Speed: Above-average runner (scouting grade: 60), with 30 career stolen bases and a knack for impacting games on the basepaths.

Scouting Grades (Baseball America, 20-80 scale): Hit: 55 (above-average), Power: 45 (average), Run: 60 (plus), Field: 60 (plus), Arm: 40 (below-average).

 

OF/1B Ethan Petry – South Carolina

Ethan Petry is a standout college baseball player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, recognized as a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft. Below is a detailed overview of his background, performance, and prospect profile based on available information.

Background

Born: June 17, 2004, in Land O’Lakes, Florida.

High School: Cypress Creek High School (Wesley Chapel, FL), where he played third base and pitched. Rated as the No. 230 prospect in the 2022 MLB Draft by MLB.com, No. 31 overall player in the class of 2022 by Perfect Game, and a Perfect Game Preseason All-American (All-Florida Region First Team, 2022).

Physical Profile: 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, right-handed batter and thrower. Known for his physical, imposing frame and plus raw power.

Collegiate Career at South Carolina (2023-2025)

Petry has been a cornerstone of South Carolina’s lineup since arriving as a freshman, showcasing elite power and earning accolades for his offensive production. He plays primarily first base and right field, with some experience at third base.

Scouting Profile

Offensive Skills:     Petry is a power-over-hit right-handed batter with 70-grade raw power (on the 20-80 scouting scale), capable of hitting to all fields. His setup features an open stance, high handset, and a modified toe tap, but his swing can get long, leading to swing-and-miss issues (25.2% strikeout rate in 2024). He’s shown progress in 2025, lowering his strikeout rate and improving his contact rate, particularly against fastballs. Susceptible to high velocity and spin, but his exit velocities and bat-to-ball metrics suggest a mature slugger.

Defensive Skills: Primarily plays first base and right field, with some experience at third base. Has an above-average arm (55-grade) but below-average speed (40-grade) and average fielding (45-grade). Scouts believe he’s likely destined for first base due to clunky footwork and limited lateral quickness, though he’s looked reliable in left field at times.

Scouting Grades (Baseball America): Hit: 40 (below-average), Power: 65 (plus-plus), Run: 40 (below-average), Field: 45 (average), Arm: 55 (above-average). BA Grade: 50/High Risk.

Two-Way Potential: As a high schooler, Petry was a two-way prospect, throwing a mid-90s fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup from a high three-quarters arm slot. While his pitching has not been a focus at South Carolina, his arm strength remains an asset