March 24, 2024

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

For 20 seasons, Walt Burrows toured the country.

It usually went like this: three stops in Ontario, a flight or drive to Montreal, then a flight to Alberta. Burrows was the Canadian director of the Major League Scouting Bureau from 1995 to 2015. They seldom had bureau workouts in British Columbia because Burrows (Brentwood Bay, BC) had the BC Premier League covered like a tarp.

Depending upon the graduating class of Canucks, organizations would send in a cross checker or two. The regulars were always there: the late Wayne Norton (Port Moody, BC) who worked for the Baltimore Orioles and then the Seattle Mariners; Claude Pelletier (Ste-Lazare, Que.) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and then the New York Mets, now retired, the late Jim Ridley (Burlington, Ont.) of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins and Michigan-based Dick Groch of the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Plus younger men like Bill Byckowski (Erin, Ont.) of the Blue Jays and now the Reds, Alex Agostino (St-Bruno, Que.) of the Montreal Expos, the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies and Jason Bryans (Windsor, Ont.) of the St. Louis Cardinals, who now spend the majority of their time south of the border.

In 2016, the Scouting Bureau changed direction and Burrows joined the Twins. Now, scouts are on their own in Ontario, although organized workouts were staged in Montreal and in Alberta: at the Webber Wildcats, Vauxhall Jets and Okotoks Dawgs academies. Alberta has 22 academies if you are scoring along at home.

Like the old days, we checked on who looked the best heading into the July draft ... and down the road.

“I have zero idea of how many players will be drafted this year, for me it is a down year for Canadian high schoolers,” said one scout. “But I can tell you where the best-looking players with the most projectable bodies are and that is with the Mississauga Tigers. They have a bunch of guys who are going to excel at college and for the draft we’ll see. It’s early.”

Another scout was impressed by the amount of talent spotted in Burlington, home of the FieldHouse Pirates.

And away we go in an alphabetical order of the facilities visited ... after talking to scouts and coaches ...

Academie Baseball Canada

Coach: Marc-Andre Berube.

(Ministère du Cricket and Autres Sports Orphelins)

(Montreal, Que.)

Scouts on hand from: Toronto Blue Jays (two), Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, junior national team coach Greg Hamilton.

2024

(Draft four months away)

RHP Jacob Wallace, Pincourt, Que.

He was stellar at the Canada Futures Games, his fastball clocked at 88-91 MPH. Off speed has been effective.

OF William Polanco, Laval, Que.

Showed well at Canadian Futures Showcase. Hit first homer at Rogers Centre. Earned all-tourney honors at World Wood Bat national championship.

RHP Anthony DeBlois, Beauce, Que.

Pitched well in Canada Cup, with the save against Alberta. Has an impressive slider. Fastball was 86-87 mph.

RHP-3B William Beaudoin, L’Épiphanie, Que.

Stands 6-foot-3. Was 88-89 MPH.

INF Maxime Boies, Levis, Que.

A Canada Cup competitor where he shined earning a scholarship from Kentucky University after the event. Was one of the better infielders there.

INF Anthony Clavet, Quebec, Que.

A 6-foot-2, 192-pounder he has a physical swing and has shown he hits to all fields.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

INF Esteban Dessureault, Trois-Rivières, Que.

Constantly showed solid contact from the left side with power. Plays bigger than he is (6-foot-2, 215-pounds) should be one of the best bats in his year.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

RHP Lucas St-Laurent, St-Leonard, Que.

He was 87-88 but with time to grow. He is ahead of the curve.

FieldHouse Pirates

Coaches: Jimmy Richardson, Lee Delfino.

(Burlington, Ont.)

Scouts on hand from: Oakland A’s, Blue Jays, Twins, Greg Hamilton, Junior National Team coach.

2024

(Draft four months away)

LHP Sam McLaughlin, Toronto, Ont.

Has hit 90 mph. Two different breaking balls. Curve has serious bite. Athletic with a quick arm.

RHP Aiden Taggart, Grimsby, Ont.

Has shown a mix of three pitches. Changes speeds well. Has good size (6-foot-4, 195 lbs.). Has an impressive change up and a breaking ball.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

C Evan York, Cambridge, Ont.

Long and lean at 6-foot-4. Reminds some of Chris Leroux when he went to Winthrop as a catcher and was converted to a pitcher his sophomore season.

OF Quinn Carson, Oakville, Ont.

Long-bodied with excellent physical projection remaining to go along with a combination of athleticism and tools. Generates big bat speed and easy-to-project-on power, profiling extremely well defensively in right field. Has a full package of tools.

INF Nicholas Cote, Oakville, Ont.

Was one of the better hitters in Fort Myers between Christmas and New Year’s -- made Rawlings all tourney team of hitters, batting .500. Cote showed quick hands at the plate and with his frame could get stronger.

INF Matthew Kolodziej Oakville, Ont.

Good size (6-foot-2, 268 lbs.) showed plenty of line drives. A quality approach stays through the middle of the field. Has lean build with a compact and quick left-handed stroke.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

INF-RHP Julian Sabourin, Ancaster, Ont.

Ball jumps off his bat. Has that next level sound. Lean (6-foot-1, 170 lbs.), athletic build. Quickness in several aspects.

INF Robert Omidi Mississauga, Ont.

A ‘wrabbit.’ Has a quality swing from the left side. Is a lean one (6-foot-1, 185 lbs.). Has shown zero problem handling velocity against the older players.

Great Lake Canadians

(Centre field Sports, London, Ont.

(Coaches: Adam Stern, Chris Robinson.)

Scouts on hand: Kansas City Royals, A’s, Jays, Twins, Greg Hamilton, Junior National Team coach.

2024

(Draft four months away)

RHP Tate Carey, Windsor, Ont.

One of the dominant arms at the Canadian Futures Showcase in 2023 at Rogers Centre. Has an injury.

RHP Evan Schweizer, Oakville, Ont.

Has a big-time pitcher’s frame (6-foot-5, 195-pounds). Fastball was 87-88 mph. He looks like the total package if his secondary stuff develops.

RHP Seth Ainsworth, Sarnia, Ont.

Has been 91 mph. A 5-foot-10, 165-pounder with a three-pitch mix. He continues to develop.

OF Ethan Wolfe, Duart, Ont.

Strong body. Clean arm with arm strength. Good action on breaking ball and feel for change.

SS Will Moore, Paris, Ont.

Another rabbit leading all World Wood Bat tournament at Jupiter with eight stolen bases (while hitting .583), including four in one game. The instincts and speed are a weapon opposing teams will have to worry about.

OF Josh Davis, Guelph, Ont.

Quick hands at the plate. A long left-handed swing. Has consistent power. Projectable. One to dream on ... a 6-foot-4, 165 pounder.

RHP Luke Foulds, Thunder Bay, Ont.

A physical kid, probably 6-foot-3 with a pro-looking body. His fastball showed carry and life. His arm works.

C Vaughn Maginn, Bright’s Grove, Ont.

Real strong. Very physical. Pop in bat.

2028

(Draft 52 months away)

RHP-OF Jack Potts, London, Ont.

Long lean at 6-foot-6. Athletic with good arm.

Mississauga Tigers

(Mississauga, Ont.)

(The Den)

(Coaches: Sean Travers, Greg Byron.)

Scouts on hand: A’s, Blue Jays, Twins.

2024 draft

(Four months away)

RHP-INF Josiah Romeo, Caldeon, Ont.

Probably the first high school arm to go -- if a team can talk him out of attending Florida State. Has been 90-to-92. Have been told he was 95 MPH, but I have not seen it yet. Maybe outdoors.

RHP Nathan Chambers, Mississauga, Ont.

The long, and lean arm with a Jim Palmer body (6-foot-4, 175-pounder) was 88-89 mph, has hit 90 and has a slider which bores in on hitters.

LHP Luca Alagheband, Toronto, Ont.

Has size (6-foot-3, 200-pounder) and was goes right after opposing hitters with a two-pitch mix. Has hit 91-92 mph.

INF Tommy Hanger, Toronto, Ont.

Very athletic player. Has strong footwork with am accurate arm. Has a short, compact, swing.

CF Nathan Belle, Milton, Ont.

An exciting athlete, one to watch. Former catcher. A 6.4 runner. Good genes (father Kerwin Belle played at Florida Atlantic). Super athletic.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

3B-RHP Aydn Shell, Toronto, Ont.

A very interesting guy in both spots. You have to like the strength (6-foot-4, 200-pounds). One to watch for his year.

OF-RHP Quinn Lightfoot, Caledon, Ont.

At 6-foot-6 his body catches your eye. Has great make up. He makes the all-body team.

C Sean Bradley, Toronto, Ont.

A right-handed hitter. Physical. Reminds me a little of Lachlan Maude (Etobicoke, Ont.) who hit the ‘Lach-off’ homer at the Connie Mack World Series and is now at New Mexico Junior College.

OF-INF Matteo Mendes, Mississauga, Ont.

Plenty of line-drives in his session with gap-to-gap power. Had top 60-time of 6.94 at a 2023 showcase. So much stronger than a year ago.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

INF Ramsey Chung, Mississauga, Ont.

Strong arm. Could stay at short ... or second. Was 87 MPH off the mound. Swung the bat well, also.

Okotoks Dawgs Academy

(Okotoks, Alta.)

(Coaches: Jeff Duda, Tyler Hollick).

Teams on hand: Blue Jays (three), Twins (two), Texas Rangers, Brewers, Nationals, Phillies, Padres, Reds, Todd Hubka, Prairie Baseball Academy, Greg Hamilton, Junior National Team.

2024 draft

(Four months away)

INF-RHP Benito Bonilla, Halifax, NS

The Missouri State recruit showcased plus power, seeing the ball jump off the bat. Exit velocity’s consistently above 100 MPH, seeing the top Academy exit velocity of 104.8 MPH. Bonilla who may end up being a two-way talent at MSU, also hit 93 MPH on the mound.

INF Leo Cote, Ste-Catherine-De-Hatley, Que.

Current Junior National Team corner infielder had himself a day. The Oregon State recruit was one of the better left-handed hitters in attendance, showcasing his raw power that will continue to develop at the next level.

INF Eric Machej, Edmonton, Alta.

Not the flashiest player, but consistently finds himself showcasing well. The Illinois Redbird recruit has a superb ability to take control of the game on both at the plate and with the glove. Machej put together one of the best days overall showcasing his plus defensive skills and consistent ability to produce hard contact.

RHP Michael Yusypchuk, Edmonton, Alta.

The pitcher who garnered the most intrigue, had the eyes of the teams in attendance. Current Junior National Team member flashed a 93MPH fastball and an ability to command all of his secondary pitches. A Missouri State recruit eyes another impact year, in which may result in his name being called this July.

RHP Zac Foden, Edmonton, Alta.

Certainly the tallest player in attendance. Foden, a 6-foot-4 right-hander hit 93 MPH. In addition to his large frame and fastball velocity, Foden has a plus breaking ball 12-to-6 in nature. An intriguing arm to watch as he continues to develop at the next level.

OF Eric Hartman, St. Albert, Alta.

The left-handed hitter had a great showing, showcasing his ability to consistently hit the ball with authority from foul line to foul line. With sneaky pop, in addition to his run game and plus athletic ability, the Michigan commit is an intriguing prospect moving forward.

RHP Jerome Paré, Montreal, Que.

Another intriguing arm, having one of the better outings on the day. He also possesses a 93 MPH fastball and slider, while flashing a change up amongst his arsenal. The Central Arizona recruit, may be a pro prospect in the years to come.

RHP Robert Scalzo, Victoria, BC

Showed the top fastball velocity of the day at 94 MPH and it sits beside Scalzo’s name. The Utah commit is funky from the right side -- hard for the hitter to pick up the ball. He also possesses a slider and a change up in this arsenal. Look for Scalzo to continue to see his fastball velocity rise moving forward.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

INF Timmy Piasentin, Coquitlam, BC

Might have been most intriguing bat. A Miami Hurricane commit possesses a pro body, and an intriguing swing from the left side. Piasentin showcased the ability to hit for power to all parts of the field, and is an interesting player to watch in the coming years.

RHP William Labonté, Montreal, Que.

From Quebec to Arizona State is the plan for this arm. In the meantime, Labonté showcased a 91 MPH fastball, with a wipeout slider. The ASU commit possesses four pitches that can be thrown in any count.

Ontario Blue Jays

Teams on hand: San Diego Padres, A’s, Jays, Rangers, Twins, Greg Hamilton, Junior National Team.

Coach: Corey Eckstein.

(Athlete Matrix, Mississauga, Ont.)

2024

(Draft four months away)

RHP Ryan McDonough, Milton, Ont.

Good size (6-foot-3) with a loose arm. Was 89-to-91 MPH. Ball comes out of hand real easy. Physicality reminds some of Owen Slater (Guelph, Ont.).

RHP Ben Goodacre, Ancaster, Ont.

Has a fastball/curve combo at the moment. Control should improve. Has a pitcher’s frame (6-foot-3, 170-pounds).

C-1B Brayden Ricketts, Brampton, Ont.

Pull hitter. Bat draws attention. One of the loudest bats for July.

LHP Geoffrey D’Amato, Milton, Ont.

Threw plenty of strikes, showed a three-pitch mix. Strength on the mound 6-foot-1, 195-pounds) with impressive spin rate.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

C Benji Kautto, Toronto, Ont.

Has shown both line drive ability and lots of arm strength from behind the plate.

INF Phillip Cheong, Richmond Hill, Ont.

Has committed to Stanford. Last Canadians to go there ... Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) and Brad Drew (Waterloo, Ont.)

RHP Will Heinz, Mississauga, Ont.

Guys have been talking about this player since he was pitching in grade 9. I liked him. He made the all-tournament team at Jupiter with Jamie Romak’s Canadian Premier facing 2023s -- with Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC) last fall.

3B Jordan Jacob, Maple, Ont.

Perfect Game, which has seen a few people swing in cages, dropped a “most likely to back up a breakout” tag on him. Serious power from right side. Has a real chance to lead is age group in homers next summer.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

INF Cam Tully, Mississauga, Ont.

Very smooth. Has good size (6-foot-2) already. Easy. Is able to repeats throws. Solid balance.

2027

(Draft 40 months away)

3B Jalen Jacob, Maple, Ont.

Impressing as his brother did.

Team Ontario Astros

(Vaughan, Ont.)

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

RHP-INF Alexander Tassopoulos, Stouffville, Ont.

Very physical with a clean/strong arm. Gets down mound well. Projection guy with good size (6-foot-4) interesting upside on mound. Also plays INF and has some pop in bat.

C Dylan Zaretsky, King City, Ont.

Another good-looking left-handed hitter. He’s strong, has good size (6-foot-2, 215 lbs.) and physical.

2027

(Draft 40 months away)

C Colin Miller, Brooklin, Ont.

A left-handed hitter, who showed good hands. He’s projectable.

LHP Nicholas Emons, Orillia, Ont.

Everything works. He’s a strong kid who will get stronger ... 5-foot-11, 170 lbs. now.

Toronto Mets

(Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Teams on hand: A’s, Brewers, national team coach Greg Hamilton.

(Coaches: Rich Leitch, Ryan McBride.)

2024 draft

(Four months away)

LHP Ryan Press, Toronto, Ont.

Best arm in the facility. Has a quick arm. Fastball sits 89-92 mph.

OF Dante Smith, Pickering, Ont.

Quick. A solid left-handed hitter with tools. Speed works in the outfield. Has shown good instincts outdoors. Gap-to-gap guy, an extra-base threat. Uses his speed well to his advantage.

INF Veer Wadhwani, Toronto, Ont.

His bat is decent. Was with the Ontario Youth Team.

RHP Ethan Swaby, East York, Ont.

Was clocked at 92-93 MPH. Scouts say “93 is the new 90 mph.” Showed a decent slider.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

1B-RHP Keegan Russell, Whitby, Ont.

He is a big ‘un (6-for-6, about 240 lbs.). He showed some thump. His arm works too. Is 87-89 mph.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

INF Christian Iriotakis, Toronto, Ont.

Has a loose swing, he looked alright.

INF Elliot Lascelles, Toronto, Ont.

A second baseman, maybe a shortstop. He can really swing it.

Terriers

(The Baseball Zone, Mississauga, Ont.)

2024 draft

(Four months away)

LHP Russell Kwinter, Toronto, Ont.

Was 86-88 with command. Good Feel for change and breaking ball. Efficient delivery.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

C Dylan Nerlich, Toronto, Ont.

Strong and athletic catcher’s body. Has arm strength, with a good swing

INF Elias Rubio Reyes, Etobicoke, Ont.

Good actions with a short swing.

CF Ethan Mota-Dias, Georgetown, Ont.

Good athlete. Swing works. Athletic with some speed.

Vauxhall Academy

(Vauxhall, Alta.)

(Coaches: Les McTavish, Jim Kotkas).

Scouts on hand from: Blue Jays (three), Brewers, Nationals, Orioles, Phillies, Twins, plus Junior National Team coach Greg Hamilton

2024

(Draft four months away)

Stevyn Andrachick, Kalispell, Mont.

The best hitter averaging over 95 exit velocity. Athletic swing with great bat to ball skills

INF-RHP Luke Wheatley, Calgary, Alta.

Athletic two-way infielder. Mid to upper 80’s on the mound with plus breaking ball. Upper 90’s exit at the plate.

Aaron Fuzesy, Helena, Mont.

A two-way player who was mid 80’s on the mound. Showed a balanced offensive approach with top exit velocity at 103.

LHP Jack Baxter, Quispamsis, NB

Upper 80’s arm with plus change too. Breaking ball needs work but showed a high vertical fastball that bores in on the hitter.

LHP Brett Getz, Medicine Hat, Alta.

Mid 80’s arm with plus command. Very easy delivery and arm action. Breaking ball is much improved since last year. Loose and easy.

LHP Shaemus Ryan, Calgary, Alta.

Mid 80s fastball with a feel for curve ball with a 2700 spin rate. Change up gas arm side fade. Displayed plenty of deception with all three pitches.

RHP Pat MacInnis, Calgary, Alta.

Top velocity was 89. Fastball has carry with good change up. CB needs work but does show shape.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

Jaxon George, Belnan, NS

Consistent hard contact with 95-100 exit. Strength in the swing with plenty of bat speed.

Easton Kitura, Spruce Grove, Alta.

Athletic lanky infielder who has plenty of upside. Overall probably the best offensive prospect.

Webber Academy Wildcats

(Springbank, Alta.)

(Coaches: Chris Reitsma, Cole Armstrong)

Scouts on hand from: Blue Jays (three), Orioles, Phillies, Rangers, Royals, Reds, Twins, Greg Hamilton, Junior National Team coach.

2024 draft

(Four months away)

OF Simon Baker, Cochrane, Alta.

Showed he belonged earning MVP honors at Canadian Futures Showcase and kept up the pace at Canada Cup in Regina at Canada Cup. Also saw the mound, but his future is the batter’s box.

C Nathan Flewelling, Red Deer, Alta.

Won home run derby at Rogers Centre. Can swing it. Knocked in four runs to earn all-tourney honors at Marietta, Ga.

RHP Sawyer Jensen, Strathmore, Alta.

You cant miss him ... he’s 6-foot-7 -- if you like him. And a tick under 200 lbs.

RHP Kai Remple, Calgary, Alta.

Has a repeatable delivery and throws strikes. Slider and curve ball will allow him to compete.

C Matt McDonald, Kamloops, BC

Best attributes are he catches and pitches. Can play some infield and switch hits with a little pop.

RHP-INF Dylan Dekker, Kamloops, BC

Attending Thompson Rivers University and will be at Cloud County next spring.

2025

(Draft 16 months away)

INF-RHP Beck Button, Calgary, Alta.

Throws a four-seam and two-seam fastball. Curve ball has a late break at 67-69mph. He showed a compact swing at the plate.

RHP-INF George Hobbins, Calgary, Ont.

Was 85 mph and sinker has an arm side run. Showed strong arm across the diamond.

2026

(Draft 28 months away)

RHP-INF Cohen Milller, Calgary, Alta.

Was up to 90 mph as a grade 10.