Then & Now: JJ Phillips, OF/C, Pleasantville
February 2, 2026
In our Then & Now series, we examine how Iowa athletes have progressed over time using trusted Prep Baseball showcase metrics. By comparing everything from speed and arm strength to Blast swing traits and TrackMan performance, we get a clear picture of each player's developmental arc. Today we look at Pleasantville's JJ Phillips, an outfielder/catcher in the class of 2027.
Take a look at the progress in his key metrics below:
Max Exit Velo: 80.8 MPH (Oct 2022) ➡️ 101.1 MPH (Aug 2025)
OF Velo: 78 MPH (Oct 2022) ➡️ 91 MPH (Mar 2025)
60 Time: 7.22 (Mar 2024) ➡️ 6.81 (Aug 2025)
MORE IOWA THEN & NOW CONTENT
UPCOMING IOWA EVENTS
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION |
| IA Preseason ID-Eastern Iowa | 02/08/2026 | Eastern Iowa Sports Facility, Monticello, IA |
| Rising Stars ID-Eastern Iowa (2030s Only) | 02/08/2026 | Eastern Iowa Sports Facility, Monticello, IA |
| IA Preseason ID-Central Iowa | 02/15/2026 | SportsPlex West, Waukee, IA |
| Rising Stars ID-Central Iowa S1 (2030s Only) | 02/15/2026 | SportsPlex West, Waukee, IA |
| IA Preseason ID-Southeast Iowa | 02/16/2026 | Musco Sports Center, Muscatine, IA |
| Rising Stars ID-Southeast Iowa (2030s Only) | 02/16/2026 | Musco Sports Center, Muscatine, IA |
| IA Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) | 03/08/2026 | SportsPlex West, Waukee, IA |
| Rising Stars ID-Central Iowa S2 (2030s Only) | 03/08/2026 | SportsPlex West, Waukee, IA |

Scouting Report
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-10, 182-pounds.
Hit: RHH- square stance with controlled leg kick trigger, has positive momentum with stride and land, looks to elevate, has compact strength to drive baseball to both gaps well.
Power: 101 max exit velocity, averaged 92.9 mph. 265' max distance.
Defense: RH. OF-89 mph. Athletic in the field, covers ground well, arm strength is above avg. showing carry to the target.
ATH: 6.81 runner in the 60.
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 162.6-pounds.
Delivery: RH- short step into slight coiled position, minimal use of lower half, upright release with short clean arm action.
FB: T86, 85-86 mph. T2465, 2456 average rpm.
SL: 75-76 mph. T2454, 2424 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. T1874, 1809 average rpm.
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 162.6-pounds.
Hit: RHH- Square stance with leg kick trigger, has added quality strength, short to contact with aggressive approach, loud line drive and fly ball contact to mid pull side of field.
Power: 98 max exit velocity, averaged 87.6 mph. 381' max distance.
Defense: RH. C-79 mph. 1.98-2.03 pop times. Quick feet and release, athletic behind the plate, arm plays above avg. with velocity and carry. OF-91 mph. Athletic mover in the outfield with confident routes, glove is sure, arm is above avg. with online carry and accuracy.
ATH: 7.09 runner in the 60. 1.74 and 3.96 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 26.10 max vertical.
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds.
Defense: 2.00-2.08 pop times. RH. C - 72.00 mph. OF - 89.00 mph. Accurate arm with quick release, moves well behind the plate. Utilizes momentum on throws well with above avg. arm strength, tracks balls on defense, true versatility with ability to play multiple positions at a high level.
Hit: RHH. Square stance, works into back side well, explosive barrel path through zone, line drive swing plane with loud contact off bat.
Power: 97 mph max Trackman exit velocity in bp.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60.
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5_8, 140-pounds.
Defense: 2.05-2.15 pop times. Quick clean transfers with accurate throws to bag. Outfield, clean footwork with good hands. Throws have carry with a live arm.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. OF - 82 mph.
Hit: RHH. Stays in load through stride, very quick hands. Ball jumps to all fields with solid power gap to gap for size.
Power: 84.6 mph max exit velocity during bp.
Run: 4.12 runner in the 30.
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5_7, 130-pounds.
Defense: 2.18-2.27 pop times. Traditional setup on throws with quick feet and clean exchanges. Quiet receiver from both the traditional setup and hybrid. Was able to handle above average velocity for his age with ease.
OF - Athletic fielder that had tempo into throws. Body was ahead of arm at times but throws showed good carry.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. OF - 78 mph.
Hit: RHH. Slight leg lift to load. Hands launch from around the ear but create a whippy barrel that gets on plane well. Stays through contact allowing for above average power for his size.
Power: 80.80 mph exit velocity.
Run: 7.80 runner in the 60