re: LSU Baseball 2026 (and beyond) Recruiting Thread

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Got to think Yeskie has done his homework on Velasquez

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Crespi Carmelite High School in California last produced a big league hitter when shortstop Trevor Plouffe, who would go on to spend parts of nine seasons in the big leagues, was a first-round pick of the Twins back in 2004. After performing at many summer showcase events, from Perfect Game National to the Area Code Games and PG's WWBA Wood Bat Championship in the fall, Velazquez could be Carmelite's next Draft prospect on the dirt to be selected, and he got more exposure by participating in this June's Draft Combine. Like Plouffe, Velazquez is a strong 6-foot-2 infielder, but unlike his Crespi Carmelite predecessor, he hits left-handed. Still 17 at Draft time, Velazquez is power-oriented, with a swing that is strength- and timing-based. He has considerable raw pop, especially to his pull side, though his swing can get long with too much sweep, causing some issues against elite velocity, while he also can have a little trouble with good spin. A shortstop in high school, Velazquez looks unlikely to stick at the premium position because of a lack of footspeed and range, though he could get the chance to play there should he go on to Southern Cal for college ball. The good news is he has the actions to stick on the dirt, with a plus arm that can fire fastballs up to 96 mph from the mound that should work well from third base, where he has quick enough actions to play the reaction-based position well. The team that thinks he can get to that raw power enough to profile at the hot corner could be the one to sign him away from playing for the Trojans.

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Velazquez is a young-for-the-class shortstop who will be 17 on draft day, but boasts impressive lefthanded bat speed and solid physicality for a player of his age. Listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Velazquez has present strength and does a nice job whipping the barrel through the zone with a swing that’s loose and easy, but does come with a noticeable hand hitch in his load. He’s shown a keen batting eye, but his swing has come with some miss tendencies that could continue to get exposed against higher-caliber pitching. Scouts who have seen him at his best see a hitter who drives the ball up the middle consistently with a chance for both average and power. He’s not a runner, and while he’s a shortstop now, his below-average speed could make him a better fit for third base. Velazquez does have impressive actions and smooth hands, with an ability to make the backhand play with confidence and get the ball in and out of his glove quickly on the double play turn. Those actions could keep him at shortstop as a bigger-bodied defender for the position, or make him a good defender at third where his above-average arm will fit nicely. He’s been up to 92 mph on the mound. Velazquez is committed to USC.

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Velasquez was rated 218 in MLB.com's top 250 for last year's draft as a shortstop. He's younger than 6 of the guys in the incoming recruiting class.

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