How high is he reaching? The best 2021 pitcher around here was also the best, or top 2 Shortstop in the state for his age group. Kid rakes (for a high school kid). Just crazy natural talent. Once he started throwing mid 90’s with a nasty curve to go with it, he was told “you have MLB prospect talent, time to put the bat down”. This was a few years ago. He’s committed to Arkansas now. We’ll see if he gets drafted high enough to skip college.
Could he start at Shortstop at a ton of D1 mid majors as a freshman? No doubt about it. Would being a 2 way over the last few years have a potential of negatively effecting his pitching talent/arm health/durability? I think so. The MLB scouts that talked to him said so. Did he love hitting Bombs? Of course. Arkansas has plenty of kids who hit bombs. Every SEC team can never get enough 95 mph pitchers.