Owen
Gaida

Gaida is another Panther product that has been on my radar for a couple of years. Going back to a first look at him over MLK weekend in 2024 to now, the two-way product has continued to get better at a steady rate. The most evident change for him has been in the frame as he has added significant mass while maintaining a solid athleticism. That added strength has translated into a smoother and more consistent swing that is hitting the ball with increased impact. As well, the upward trend in his bat speed is allowing him to use all of the field with authority. He sequenced well on his first step back, keeping his hands back to adjust and go down to get a low off-speed pitch and leverage it over the shortstop's head for a single, and then stayed on an outside FB to drill it into right field for a single in his second at bat. The upward trend in his position player profile due to the increases in his strength has me intrigued to see him back on the mound again at some point this spring, where he shows a true next-level profile as an RHP to go with his solid next-level profile as a position player.

Owen Gaida, Newbury Park High (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP Solid overall toolset with potential as a RH hitting INF who has bat to ball profile or solid RHP prospect with feel for strike zone and emerging stuff.
Body: 6-0, 173-pounds. Wiry athletic build at present with room to add
Delivery: Low hand set with quiet hands as the knee lifts to load the body to balance point. Easy operation down the mound with body control. Stays taller on his backside while showing feel to block on the front leg that helps him maintain direction.
Arm Action: RH. Shorter arm path out of the glove to about hip height with quick arm speed that works to a 3/4 or low 3/4 slot with looseness through the delivery. Has some recoil after release.
FB: T81, 80-81 mph. Shows solid feel for the strike zone with FB with decent ability to ride it will need to add velocity T2004, 1903 average rpm.
CB: 64-70 mph. Downard breaking pitch with slight horitzontal breaking giving it some 2-plane break will need to add velocity T2062, 1982 average rpm.
CH: 76-76 mph. Solid offering with feel to kill spin and throw it in the zone T1555, 1555 average rpm.
ATH: 7.80 runner in the 60. Builds speed as he goes with short quick strides and body control.

Owen Gaida, Newbury Park High (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP Solid overall toolset with potential as a RH hitting INF who has bat to ball profile or solid RHP prospect with feel for strike zone and emerging stuff.
Body: 6-0, 173-pounds. Wiry athletic build at present with room to add
Hit: RHH. Even set up with balance in hips and slight crouch to his knees. Small hip hinge. High back elbow with vertical barrel angle and hands set about ear height near his head. Slight hand pump with his load and a short stride with front foot. Sits down slightly into legs to get started. Utilizes his hips and rear shoulder predominantly to deliver the barrel with a compact short swing path that is high contact from line to line. 63.3 mph bat speed with 14 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 84.4 mph. 281' max distance. Flatter swing path lives to hard line drives and ground balls with an accurate swing that will produce doubles from line to line with consistent barrels.
Arm: RH. INF-78 mph. Compact arm path out of the glove into a quick arm stroke that has comfort throwing from a variety of angles.
Defense: Fundamentally sound with feet arriving early or on time and soft hands that play well with 2-handed technique. Stays behind the ball well with confidence in his actions. Profiles as 2B/3B defender.
ATH: 7.80 runner in the 60. Builds speed as he goes with short quick strides and body control.

Owen Gaida, Newbury Park High (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/3B Gaida possesses a build that has plenty of projection. As a 2027 grad, he has a solid foundation.
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Medium build with some present strength. Room to add mass and athleticism.
Arm Action: RH
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. T2153, 2035 average rpm.
SL: 63-68 mph. T2010, 1939 average rpm.
ATH: 7.66 runner in the 60. 1.67 and 4.13 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 20.90 max vertical.

Owen Gaida, Newbury Park High (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/3B Gaida possesses a build that has plenty of projection. As a 2027 grad, he has a solid foundation.
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Medium build with some present strength. Room to add mass and athleticism.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance with weight loaded onto his back foot, knees bent. Bat is vertical. Had issues finishing swing with his back foot, swings downhill. Longer stride.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 85.3 mph. 331' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-78 mph. Whippy arm action, throws from a low 3/4 with arm side tail.
Defense: Heavier feet, good range, could come through ball better.
ATH: 7.66 runner in the 60. 1.67 and 4.13 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 20.90 max vertical.