Transformation Thursday: RHP Connor Gatwood
November 16, 2023
One of our favorite parts of covering these players across the state of Alabama is being able to see the year-by-year progression of prospects as they continue to mature and develop throughout the recruiting process. RHP Connor Gatwood, an Auburn recruit that attends Baker HS in Mobile, AL, has arguably been the most impressive developments we've been able to follow over the last five years of covering the state of Alabama and has vaulted himself up to the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2024 in AL and is now the top-ranked pitcher in the class, as well.
Gatwood has really made a name for himself ever since attending his first PBR showcase back in January of 2022, where he showed intriguing two-way ability working 84-87 mph at the South AL Preseason All-State event. But it wasn't until the summer of that year where he really made his impression on the mound, showcasing a lively fastball that worked up to 90 mph at the All-State Games. He would go on to recieve an invite to play for Team Alabama at the prestigous PBR Future Games just a month later, and showcased that same impressive fastball that lived 88-90 mph throughout his outing. Fast-forward to this year in 2023, the right-hander showed the ability to make impressive jumps in terms of velocity once he continued to develop and grow into his large frame while still maintaining the same athleticism. Attending the South AL Preseason All-State once again, Gatwood opened the eyes of everyone in attendance, including our staff's, when he hopped on the mound and worked an effortless 92-94 mph with his high-spin fastball (2600 rpm) with above-average secondary offerings. It was then when he really cemented himself as a Top-5 prospect in a loaded Class of 2024 in AL, and proceeded to show that low-90's fastball throughout the spring. Gatwood capped off his summer with a loud showing at the East Coast Pro, where David Seifert, PBR's Director of College Scouting, clocked him up to 98 mph in front of tons of MLB scouts. He quickly rose up to No. 2 in the 2024 class in AL and Top-50 nationally in our recent end of summer rankings update. It's been extremely impressive follow the right-hander's progression over the years, and is certainly a big name to follow in the upcoming MLB Draft in 2024 with one of the highest upsides in prep class across the country. Below, you will find more information, including Trackman pitching data, scouting reports, event video, & much more on the progression of Connor Gatwood.
+ Follow on Twitter: @PBR_Alabama
+ Follow on Instagram: @PBR_Alabama
+ Follow on Facebook: PBR Alabama
Upcoming Events
SHOWCASE | DATE | LOCATION |
Birmingham Preseason ID | January 3rd, 2024 | GeauxPlay Sports (Pelham, AL) |
Huntsville Preseason ID | January 4th, 2024 | Clutch Performance (Huntsville, AL) |
North Alabama Preseason All-State | January 6th, 2024 | Hartselle HS Indoor (Hartselle, AL) |
South Alabama Preseason All-State | January 7th, 2024 | Saraland HS (Saraland, AL) |
+ Click HERE to create a free profile.
+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site.
Scouting Report
Touching 98 mph in the first inning, uncommitted RHP Connor Gatwood (Baker HS, AL) struggled at times to find the strike zone with his heater, but at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, he's super athletic with a quick arm and the raw talent is rare. He does need polish with his control and the lengthy time to the plate from the stretch that allowed a couple stolen bases, but time, instruction and repetitions are all he needs. Look for Gatwood to continue to climb follow lists this fall. He’s a potential Day One talent.
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-4, 188-pounds. Long limbs, lean frame, athletic.
Delivery: Controlled delivery, hybrid start.
Arm Action: RH. Live and loose arm, easy action.
FB: T93.7, 92-94 mph. Working both sides of the zone, effortless out of the hand. T2553, 2466 average rpm.
SL: 84-85 mph. Struggled with command at times. Hard sweeper. T2263, 2245 average rpm.
CH: 86-88 mph. Fading action arm side. T1796, 1705 average rpm.
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Lean, long, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Even stance, slightly upright. Slice, lift to the swing.
Power: 93.2 max exit velocity, averaged 84 mph. 365’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Solid footwork, great lateral ability, athletic arm.
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60.
Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Effortless and easy actions.
Arm Action: RH. Mid 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T90.3, 88.0-89.8 mph. Working well to glove side. T2503, 2388 average rpm.
SL: Downward, late bite. T, average rpm.
CH: 80.3-83.9 mph. Plays well off the fastball with similar slot. T1994, 1777 average rpm.
Positional Profile: SS/3B Interesting 2024 to follow.
Body: 6-3, 170-pounds. Long, proportional frame with plenty of room for added strength.
Delivery: Athletic, controlled delivery. Easy and repeatable.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm from a high 3/4 slot. Long arm swing on the back.
FB: T87, 84.3-86.5 mph. Showed arm side action that played in the lower third of the zone. T2468, 2376 average rpm.
CB: 76.8-78.3 mph. Sharp break with 11/5 shape, showed really late action. T2062, 2024 average rpm.
CH: 77.5-77.8 mph. Played mostly straight but showed legit sink. T1175, 1130 average rpm.
Positional Profile: SS/3B Interesting 2024 to follow.
Body: 6-3, 170-pounds. Long, proportional frame with plenty of room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup with a short leg kick. Short, direct path to contact with leverage through the zone, showing a middle approach.
Power: 91.3 max exit velocity, averaged 80.6 mph. 252’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Long, over the top arm action.
Defense: Steady hands with a clean transfer, showed the ability to throw from different arm slots with ease.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60.