Holiday Hitters Toronto: Quick Hits

December 17, 2025
Cam Black-Araujo
Assistant Director, Canada

On Tuesday, December 15th, the Prep Baseball Ontario staff hosted the first of three annual Holiday Hitters Showcases (Hitters Only) with the Holiday Hitters - Toronto at Future MVP Sports Lab in Scarborough, Ontario. This event featured roughly 40 players in 2026 - 2030 classes and allowed our staff a final opportunity to get an in-depth look at the players, as well as collect updated metrics via our tech partner TrackMan and Blast Motion.

Holiday Hitters always serve as our final showcases of the year, allowing players one final chance to update their profiles with headshots, video and hitting/swing data before the year concludes. It also gives us a sneak peak at some hitters who are eligible for the Best of the West Tournament, Future Games, Jr. Futures Games, West Coast Games and more (although it does not serve as a qualifier).

Today, we will begin our post-event coverage with a look at the top TrackMan Hitting and Blast Motion data collected during the event with each player getting three full rounds of BP.

For complete event results, click here.
To view Ontario's Commitment Board, click here.

To register for the Canadian College & University Showcase (Feb. 7), click here.
To request an invite to the Mississauga Preseason Invite (Feb. 13), click here.
To request an invite to the Cambridge Preseason Invite (Feb. 21), click here.
To register for the Ontario Rising Stars ID - 2030/31 Classes (Mar. 1), click here.
To request an invite to the Montreal Spring Invite (Apr. 25), click here.

Aarush Chaturvedi SS / RHP / Earl Haig Secondary School, ON / 2027

Rankings StateRank: 107 / POS: 16

Uncommitted 2027 SS Aarush Chaturvedi (Team Ontario Astros) was the clubhouse leader in exit velocity (100.7mph) and distance (351ft). The 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitter was backspinng balls to the middle of the cage throughout all three rounds with consistent hard contact (88.8mph average EV). The shortstop posted average bat speed of 66.4mph, average hand speed of 20.8mph and average on-plane efficiency of 72%. Chatuverdi showed what he's capable of in the box and our staff is interested to see if it translates to live game action. 107th-ranked prospect in Ontario’s 2027 class.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">SS Aarush Chatervedi 2027, <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamONBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamONBaseball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PB_Uncommitted?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PB_Uncommitted</a> 5-foot-11, 175-pounds The clubhouse leader yesterday in both exit velocity (100.7mph) and distance (351ft). The Astros SS flexed his 💪 throughout all three rounds with a Hard Hit% of 5️⃣5️⃣%. Great day for… <a href="https://t.co/kRVbeXiWfw">pic.twitter.com/kRVbeXiWfw</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000942422327492876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Avery Saunders 1B / RHP / Riverdale, ON / 2026

Uncommitted 2026/27 Avery Saunders (Canadian Bulldogs) immediately caught our eye with his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame from the left-side of the plate. This was our first look at Saunders in two years and he’s physically grown a ton, leading to a big jump in his overall metrics. There’s still some rawness to his game but the ball jumps off his bat, posting a peak exit velocity of 98.1mph (2nd), average exit velocity of 84.2mph (5th) and peak distance of 319ft (7th). There was consistent line-drive contact from the Bulldogs prospect with a Line Drive% of 41% and the Blast Motion data really stood out on the day. Saunders average bat speed ranked first (71.5mph) and average hand speed ranked second (20.9mph).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">1B/RHP Avery Saunders 2026, <a href="https://twitter.com/CanBulldogs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanBulldogs</a> 6-foot-4, 225-pounds. A top performer from yesterday’s event generating some loud impact with the stick. Max EV - 98 mph Peak Dist - 319 feet<a href="https://twitter.com/AverySaunders88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AverySaunders88</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HolidayHitters25?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HolidayHitters25</a>🎄 <a href="https://t.co/rB96SbzKzx">pic.twitter.com/rB96SbzKzx</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000928886457352379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shayne Gagne C / OF / Tagwi SS, ON / 2027

Rankings StateRank: 91 / POS: 6

Uncommitted 2026/27 Shayne Gagne (Ottawa Nepean Canadians) was one of the more anticipated participants at the event and his overall game has developed really well over the past several years. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound catcher was consistently on the barrel, spraying the ball to all fields with line-drives and a peak exit velocity of 97.7mph (4th), as well as an average of 87.4mph (2nd). The consistency throughout his three rounds is shown with an average distance of 200ft (299ft max) and Sweet Spot% of 60%. Gagne, the 91st-ranked prospect in Ontario’s senior class, is one of the top unsigned catchers in the province and is eligible both as a 2026 and a 2027.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">C/OF Shayne Gagne 2026/27, <a href="https://twitter.com/ONCBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ONCBaseball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PB_Uncommitted?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PB_Uncommitted</a> Another solid night for the ONC catcher and a name that college coaches need to be on in either the 2026 or 2027 class. Balanced in the box, gets through the ball and creates hard, line-drive contact. Peak/Avg EV -… <a href="https://t.co/2vyoy9nQDd">pic.twitter.com/2vyoy9nQDd</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000937464727232546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nolan Landry OF / RHP / St Marys High Scool, ON / 2029

OF/RHP Nolan Landry (Durham Stallions) recently cracked Ontario’s Class of 2029 Watch List following a strong showing at the Junior Future Games and continues to showcase why he’s one of the top players in the class. The bat speed (75.2mph max/65.3mph avg) and hand speed (25.4mph max/20.2mph avg) stand out for his age. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound outfielder focused on the pullside with a healthy mix of line drives and flyballs, culminating in a peak exit velocity of 94.2mph, peak distance of 319ft and Sweet Spot% of 75%. Another impressive showing from the Ontario Blue Jays freshman and it’s a name you’ll hear plenty more of over the next 3-4 years within the Canadian baseball landscape.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">OF/RHP Nolan Landry 2029, Ontario Blue Jays 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. A look at former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBJRFG25?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBJRFG25</a> alum Landry getting his turns in yesterday evening at the Future MVP Baseball Lab. An intriguing foundation of tools with markers pointing toward continued upward trajectory. Max EV… <a href="https://t.co/XyrBV2vr45">pic.twitter.com/XyrBV2vr45</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000977754833953240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nathan Zaretsky 1B / RHP / king secondary, ON / 2028

1B Nathan Zaretsky (Ontario Blue Jays) was one of the biggest breakout performers at the event and the sheer size for his age from left-side at 6-foot-4, 210-pounds really stands out. The strength in the box correlated to some of the top overall numbers at the event, let along among underclassmen, with a peak exit velocity of 93.5mph, average exit velocity of 86.5mph, peak distance of 336ft and average distance of 220ft (2nd at event). Encouragingly, the majority of his contact was line-drives (54%) to the middle/pullside, along with a Sweet Spot% of 75%. The Blast Motion data also stood out for his age with average bat speed of 67.7mph and average hand speed of 19.2mph. Zaretsky is a player to know in the 2028 class and our staff is eager to see it in-game this spring.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">1B/RHP Nathan Zaretsky 2028, Team Ontario Physical 6-2/195 lb with thump from the left-side. An intriguing bat that should garner interest from recruiters in the years ahead. Max EV - 93.5 mph Avg EV - 86.5 mph Peak Dist - 336 feet Sweet Spot % - 75<a href="https://twitter.com/TeamONBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamONBaseball</a> |… <a href="https://t.co/pKl9c34A9n">pic.twitter.com/pKl9c34A9n</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000926567669625242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dominic Williams C / 1B / Elmvale District High School, ON / 2027

Rankings StateRank: 91 / POS: 8

Uncommitted 2027 C/1B Dominic Williams (Terriers Baseball) continues to impress every time our staff sees him. Present, proportionate strength at 6-foot, 195-pounds and it’s a simple, balanced stroke from the left side that consistently put up hard, line-drive contact. His impressive Line Drive% of 52% ranked 3rd at the event and coupled it with a Sweet Spot% of 60%, good for 4th at the event. The TrackMan data was among the best in his class at the event with a peak exit velocity of 93.3mph, average of 84.0mph and peak distance of 312ft, average of 214 (4th at event). Great showing from the 91st-ranked prospect in Ontario’s 2027 class and a name that schools should keep tabs on going forward.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">C/1B Dominic Williams 2027, <a href="https://twitter.com/TerrierTeams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TerrierTeams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PB_Uncommitted?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PB_Uncommitted</a> 6-foot, 195-pounds. Williams turned in an impressive session, showing natural feel for the barrel with whip through the zone. Max EV - 93.3 mph Peak Dist - 312 feet Sweet Spot % - 60<a href="https://twitter.com/dominic_76000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dominic_76000</a> |… <a href="https://t.co/pkPJ1R19bn">pic.twitter.com/pkPJ1R19bn</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000963224728904081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gabriel D'Ercole OF / LHP / Our Lady Queen of the World Academy, ON / 2028

Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 3

2028 OF Gabriel D’Ercole was one of the top underclassmen at the event and the Super Sophomore Games alum continues to show signs of being a productive player going forward. While his overall tools really standout, all we saw on the day was the left-handed bat and it left an impression once again. The 5-foot-7, 160-pound outfielder works with a short, quick stroke that worked mostly to the pullside with a peak exit velocity of 93.2mph and peak distance of 326ft. D’Ercole had some of the best Blast Motion data among underclassmen with average bat speed of 64.6mph and average hand speed of 20mph. The 19th-ranked player in Ontario’s 2028 class.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">OF/LHP Gabriel D’Ercole 2028, <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamONBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamONBaseball</a> ☝🏼 of the more polished operators with the stick in his class north of the border. Syncs up well w/ short-compact turns on full display. ⤵️ Max EV - 93 mph Peak Dist - 326 feet On-Plane Eff Avg - 86%<a href="https://twitter.com/gabrieldercole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gabrieldercole</a> |… <a href="https://t.co/4sQmXV0rbJ">pic.twitter.com/4sQmXV0rbJ</a>— Prep Baseball Ontario (@PrepBaseballON) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepBaseballON/status/2000934496489631915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Upcoming Events

Showcase	State	Date	Location
2025 Holiday Hitters Series - Cambridge	ON	12/18	The Yard Athletic Centre
Super 60 Pro Showcase	NATIONAL	02/01	The MAX - McCook, IL
2026 Canadian College & University Showcase	ON	02/07	The Yard Athletic Centre
2026 Mississauga Preseason Invite	ON	02/13	Athlete's Turf Inc.
2026 Ontario Preseason Invitational	ON	02/16	Future MVP Baseball Lab
2026 Cambridge Preseason Invite	ON	02/21	The Yard Athletic Centre
2026 Ontario Rising Stars ID	ON	03/01	Future MVP Baseball Lab
2026 Montreal Spring Invite (Hosted By Diamond Baseball Academy)	ON	04/25	Parc Giuseppe-Garibaldi
2026 18U Best of the West	ON	04/29	Norbrock Stadium (Kamloops, BC)
2026 15U Best of the West	ON	04/30	McArthur Island Park (Bantam Fields)
2026 13U Best of the West	ON	04/30	McArthur Island Park (Peewee Fields)