Prospect Pulse (ON): Preseason Upperclass Watch List
January 29, 2026
‘Prospect Pulse’ is a series that provides insight into Canada's amateur baseball scene, with vital intel on prospects in each of our big three provinces... Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Each 'Prospect Pulse' article will cover different and timely topics from different classes as we look to bring you the best coverage within Canada on the amateur prospect within it.
This week’s topic: This week, Eastern Canada's Lead Scout, Joe Presutti, covers five uncommitted upperclass players to follow during our preseason showcase swing.
To request an invite to the Cambridge Preseason Invite (Feb. 21), click here.
To register for the Ontario Rising Stars ID - 2030/31 Class (Mar. 1), click here.
To request an invite to the Ottawa/Gatineau Spring Invite (Mar. 22), click here.
To request an invite to the Montreal Spring Invite (Apr. 26), click here.
To view Ontario's Commitment Board, click here.
PROSPECT PULSE (ON): PRESEASON UPPERCLASS WATCH LIST
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Sam Ellis OF / Blyth Academy, QC / 2026Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 2
One of the premier uncommitted prospects in the ’26 class with reclass eligibility to ’27. Ellis stands out with a wiry, uber athletic 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame. Tools jumped immediately on our last look at the Rogers Centre. Elite footspeed (6.39 seconds 60-YD), advanced bat-to-ball for his class, and present impact off the barrel (EVs to 98.5 mph). Complements it with plus arm strength from the outfield (89 mph). Ellis will be back on full display at the Ontario Preseason Invite and remains a high-follow.
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Jonathan Dada OF / 1B / Abbey Park, ON / 2028Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 3
The eleventh ranked overall and third by his position in his class north of the border is a name to circle in the ‘27 class. Imposing 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame with tools to talk about. Multiple looks during the ‘25 campaign confirmed the ability to generate loud impact at contact. Posted a peak EV of 99.9 mph with wood at the Rogers Centre in September. Simple, efficient box operation with a toe-tap trigger to launch. Above average runner (6.84 seconds 60-YD on turf) with present arm strength in the OF (88 mph). Dada should continue to draw heavy recruiting interest and will be back in action in Scarborough in under three weeks.
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Galen Hudel OF / 1B / St. David Catholic Secondary, ON / 2027Rankings StateRank: 9 / POS: 2
Hudel slots in at number two by position and ninth overall, and it’s easy to see why. Left-handed bat with a strong, well-proportioned 6-foot, 195-pound frame and present physicality. Sounds different off the bat, highlighted by a 102.3 mph peak exit velocity recorded at LakePoint. Loose hands with natural rhythm. Uses a controlled leg kick to get to launch, creating separation and twitch in the lower half. Shows the ability to drive the baseball with authority. Profile suggests an impact offensive piece who can step in and contribute with the bat at the next level. Hudel is set to be back in action at the Future MVP Lab at our upcoming event right around the corner.
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Jalen Jacob 3B / 1B / St. Joan of Arc, ON / 2027Sits first overall and atop the position, with national context to match (ranked 12th nationally by position). Elite left-handed hitter who has consistently shined on the biggest stages during the ’25 campaign, highlighted by his selection and performance as a Junior National participant for Team Canada. From a metrics standpoint, Jacobs evaporates baseballs into the triple digits (Peak EV -107.8 mph) with a clear propensity to leave the yard. Brings violent intent every trip to the box, impacting the game with present power. Our staff will get a fresh look at the premier prospect in the ’27 class in February.
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Aidan Vivaldi OF / Kings Christian Collegiate, ON / 2026Rankings StateRank: 52 / POS: 8
The former Senior Future Gamer is set to take the stage in just under three weeks. Vivaldi is a left-handed bat out of the Pirates’ system, standing 5-foot-11, 178 pounds with a well balanced build. Works from an upright setup with loose hands and easy rhythm through the swing. Posted a peak exit velocity of 101.4 mph, pairs it with clear arm strength in the outfield (90 mph), and shows above average footspeed with a 6.94 laser-timed 60-yard dash. Offensive profile points to an impact left-side bat with athleticism to contribute on both sides of the ball. A definitive name for recruiters to monitor closely.
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