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Ottawa/Gatineau Preseason Invite: Quick Hits

February 25, 2025
Joe Presutti
Scout, Ontario

On Wednesday, February 19th, the Prep Baseball Ontario staff hosted it's fourth event of the 2025 preseason with the annual Ottawa/Gatineau Preseason Invite hosted at the Bell Sensplex in Ottawa, Ontario.

This event featured 30+ prospects in the 2025 - 2029 classes and it was another strong group that featured several top prospects in the Ottawa/Gatineau region from several different classes. Players at the event, alongside Preseason Events across the country, are competing for roster spots on Canada/Ontario's National Team's at events such as the Future Games, Senior Future Games, West Coast Games, New York State Games, NorthEast Senior Games and the Best of the West.

All player ran through a full workout that included batting practice and bullpens captured on our TrackMan, as well as 30-yard springs captured by VALD Performance. Over the next several days we'll be highlighting top performers from the event within our post-event analysis. Stay locked into our social media channels over the next several days as we continue to push out video, leaderboards and more.

Earlier this week, we broke down the top measurable data performers from the event with our Statistical Analysis, Pitching Data Dive and Positional Data Dive. Now, we conclude our post-event coverage within this Quick Hits article as we bring you scouting notes and video on eight standouts from the event.

For complete event results, click here.
To view Class of 2025 Commitment Board, click here.

To register for the Toronto Rising Stars ID (Mar. 31), click here.
To register for the Pitcher-Only Future Games Trials (Apr. 12), click here.
To register for the Future Games Trials (Apr. 18), click here.
To register for the Future Games Trials II (Apr. 21), click here.

Cole Adamson C / 2B / Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, MB / 2026

One of the better showings from behind the dish down at the Sensplex last week.  Started the day off by displaying good catch/throw capabilities.  Adamson led the way in regards to pop times (1.82-1.94 seconds), and arm strength (78 mph).  He looked the part with the stick providing a short-compact stroke that generated a 93.3 mph exit velocity with a peak distance of 303 feet.  The 5-foot-11, 170-pound backstop from Manitoba is an intriguing ball player that will look to make some noise on the summer circuit on both sides of the ball.

Ben Paul OF / 1B / St. Francis Xavier High School, ON / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 97 / POS: 21

An imposing frame standing in at 6-foot-3, 205-pounds with a fluid stroke from the left-side.  Looks the part in the box, establishes plane and lived on the barrel throughout his rounds.  Paul is an impactful bat that can supply the juice at the college level.  In regards to the metrics, Paul produced a maximum exit velocity of 98.1 mph, a hard hit % of 100, and a sweet spot % of 80.  He is one of the better prospects in the ‘25 class that projects.  A name to check in on as we head into the summer season in the coming months.

Matteo Stevenson RHP / OF / St. Matthew High School, ON / 2026

Stevenson was unequivocally the top arm on display at our event last week.  The right-handed pitcher out of the Canada Reds system showcased a long and loose arm action with good tempo in the delivery.  In addition, Stevenson demonstrated strong feel for the whole arsenal during his pen.  The fastball clocked in at 88-89 mph with good bite in regards to the off-speed.  It is a 6-foot, 160-pound frame that projects and the metrics will continue to improve with added physicality.  He will be a name for college coaches to keep tabs on this summer.

Erik Fritz SS / 2B / Cairine Wilson, ON / 2026

 An uncommitted ‘26 that looked the part during defensive workouts. Produced good angles to the ball and presented the glove well.  Coupled it with a solid two rounds with the bat that generated a peak exit velocity of 92.7 mph.  The 5-foot-10, 175-pound infielder’s stock should continue to rise with added strength.

Grady Jones SS / RHP / St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, ON / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 4

There’s a lot to like from the right-handed hitting two-way out of the Canada Reds organization.  Jones was one of the top performers last week at the Sensplex and started the day off by exhibiting clean actions on the turf.  In addition, the arm strength is advanced for a ‘27 posting a 85 mph infield velocity during defensive workouts.  Coupled it with two impressive rounds with the stick that generated a 91.3 mph maximum exit velocity.  The swing is a short-compact stroke, syncs up well, and stayed on the barrel throughout his rounds.  Furthermore, he went on to finish the day off on the bump.  Grady is an easy mover with an overall clean operation.  The heater registered in the 83.7-85.3 mph range and spun the off-speed well during his pen.  Jones is a name to know in the coming years with loud tools that will only improve with maturity.

Luke Popplewell RHP / John McCrae Secondary School, ON / 2025

The brawny, thickset, 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-handed arm is a name to keep tabs on during this year's summer circuit.  The fastball topped out at 84.6 mph and is equipped with a quality slider that showed good bite to it (2300+). Popplewell shows promise on the bump and can be an arm that throws very hard one day with added adjustments.

Will White OF / OF / St. John Catholic High School, ON / 2027

The 6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder was a top performer last week at our event.  Provides a simple operation in the box with good rhythm. Synced up well and stayed on the barrel throughout his rounds.  White manufactured a 93.2 mph with a peak distance of 334 feet.  The arm from the outfield registered at 83 mph. A well put together ball player and metrics will continue to trend in the right direction with added physicality.

Shayne Gagne C / RHP / Tagwi Secondary school, ON / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 94 / POS: 11

One of the better uncommitted prospects in the ‘26 class that is a fine operator behind the dish.  Quality catch/throw ability was on full display last week at our event.  Gagne posted a 1.94-1.97 secs pop time and clocked in at 77 mph with the arm.  Finished the day off with the stick showing a well synced up swing from the right-side.  Gagne will be a name to check in on during the ‘25 summer campaign.

Upcoming Events

Showcase State Date Location
2025 Ontario Nationals Scout Day ON 03/21 Blue Chip Sports Training
2025 Ontario Blue Jays Scout Day ON 03/29 Athlete's Turf
2025 Toronto Rising Stars ID ON 03/31 The Yard Multi-Sport Training Facility
2025 Pitcher Only Future Games Trials ON 04/12 Pro Teach Baseball
2025 Ontario Future Games Trials ON 04/18 Athlete's Turf Inc.
2025 Ontario Future Games Trials II ON 04/21 Athlete's Turf Inc.
2025 18U Best of the West ON 04/30 Norbrock Stadium (Kamloops, BC)
2025 13U Best of the West ON 05/01 Norbrock Stadium (Kamloops, BC)
2025 15U Best of the West ON 05/01 Norbrock Stadium (Kamloops, BC)

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