Eli
Stephens

Mercer Commit. 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. It’s a bit shocking when you see this physical specimen step up to the plate as a leadoff hitter, especially when the guy hitting behind him is very fast. But if you know him like we do, it makes complete sense. This well built backstop might just have the best plate discipline in the entire state, and his vision at the dish obviously plays a huge part in that. Patience is a virtue, but it's a law for Eli Stephens. This is a guy who rarely ever chases pitches outside the zone, and he’s extremely stubborn with pitches he doesn’t like. When he gets what he’s hunting, he doesn’t miss. His left center to right center approach and perfectly linear swing path are like 2 peas in a pod, and he creates some of the best backspin you’ll see anywhere. Everything he hits seems to keep carrying, often burning outfielders who expected the ball to drop earlier. He also will take what pitchers give him, and a great example of that were his 2 lasers vs pitchability LHP’s that tried to finesse him to chase the offspeed. All he did was spit on them and force them to throw him FB’s and secondary pitches in the zone. We were very impressed with how quickly his body has leaned out, and that's a testament to his incredible worth ethic as well as passion for the game. Eli is a very impressive receiver behind the plate and knows just how to position his XL frame to steal strikes. The most valuable combo in his game is without a doubt the raw power and on base combo. He’s going to hit lots of HR’s & 2B’s and he’s going to walk even more. He isn’t high risk for whiffs, and continues to get better behind the plate. The body is very powerful and will only get much stronger over the next 2 years.