Alex Ross is an experienced scout with an acute knowledge of the baseball in the region. Currently residing in Kirkland, Wash, Ross helps bolster the Prep Baseball Washington and Oregon staff in addition to his current duties as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. 

The Kirkland native enjoyed a collegiate playing career that began at Bellevue College and eventually took him through a journey that earned him an NAIA National Championship in 2013 during his time at Faulkner University in Alabama. That championship season came just a year after he was selected in the 34th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by his hometown team, the Seattle Mariners, the same organization he would go on to work for in 2016, within its Scout Development program.

From there, Ross eventually served as the Mariners’ northwest area scout until 2020, covering Washington and Oregon namely, in addition to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Western Canada. Ross signed three players to Major League contracts during his time with the Mariners, two of whom are still active: Wyatt Mills, a Gonzaga product and Spokane native, and Adam Macko, a seventh-round pick in 2019 out of an Alberta high school.

Ross brings his acute eye to Prep Baseball events as well as HS scouting coverage during the spring. Ross report gives an in-depth look at prospects who possess current ability or could be on the brink of making significant jumps. 

ROSS REPORT

'26 LHP/1B JAMES GILL III (BATTLE GROUND)

First look this spring at #uncommitted ‘26 LHP/1B James Gill III (Battle Ground)

Imposing presence at 6’2, 225. Present strength throughout frame. Easy delivery with steady tempo. Loose arm action with a tight path

FB 85-89
CB 73-75@james_gill3 | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/BokGKrsjoL

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 29, 2024

Durably built lefthander with a very clean operation and arm speed. Fastball sat 85-88 T89 for 6IP, natural left-handed life with angle when going glove side. Breaking ball hovered mid-low 70’s flashing depth at times. Really like how easy the arm flows and how he repeats his delivery. Only knock from this outing was the lack of polish with the breaking ball, however he has plenty of time to develop and has a chance to be one of the better arms in the ’26 state class. Saw an impressive outing from Gill (6 scoreless innings with 4H, 1BB, and 11K), and his ’24 season is off to a hot start. - Alex Ross (5.29.24)

Final line for ‘26 LHP James Gill III( Battle Ground)

6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 11 K

Overpowered with the FB and flashed an 11/5 breaker as his main secondary @james_gill3 | @BG_BaseballClub https://t.co/pzcsiJClEB pic.twitter.com/iQwj5RNIYW

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 30, 2024

In addition to his pitching ability, Gill is a very capable left-handed bat with tremendous pull-side power and easy lift. Features a classic lefty swing with loft and a slightly uphill path. Hits from a strong sturdy base with easy leverage. The long-term future might be on the mound but the hitting talent is impressive and allows him to impact the game in a lot of ways.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Reign Baseball Scout Day	WA	05/31	The Sandlot - Pasco, WA
Idaho Rising Stars ID	WA	06/04	College of Southern Idaho - Twin Falls, ID
Portland Summer ID	WA	06/05	Milwaukie High School
Washington Rush Scout Day	WA	06/11	Edmonds Woodway HS
Ridgefield Summer ID	WA	06/20	Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex
Seattle Summer ID	WA	06/25	Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Spokane Summer ID	WA	06/26	Whitworth University - Spokane, WA
Seattle Summer ID - Session II	WA	07/02	Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Portland Summer ID - Session II	WA	07/02	Wilsonville High School
Future Games (Class of 2026/27)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Pacific Northwest State Games (Invite-Only)	WA	07/30	Heritage High School