Julio
Ayala

INF Julio Ayala (Montini, 2027) is an intriguing left-handed hitting infielder to know from the event. He has loose, athletic actions on both sides of the ball, and he was taking quality at-bats in our brief look, hunting early in the count and remaining on-time, getting consistent good swings off. Upside operation with loose hands, short to the ball and long through the zone. Smooth, athletic defender with the actions to stay on the dirt at the next level.

INF Julio Ayala (Montini, 2027) continues to look the part as one of the top infielders in the state. He has an athletic build, standing at 5-foot-11, 179-pounds, and there’s still plenty of room to add on lean strength in the coming years. At the plate, the left-handed hitter has an easy and handsy swing with whip in the barrel, staying controlled throughout with a peak EV of 92 mph. Defensively, Ayala presents the glove and plays through the ball with a two-hand funnel into his body while showing a steady glove paired with one of the stronger arms for the event at 88 mph.

Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-0, 178.4 pounds. High-waisted frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Balanced slightly open setup, stride works back to even. Easy and handsy with whip in the barrel, controlled. 70.4 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (84.7 avg.).
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Compact, quick arm action, ¾ slot.
Defense: Presents the glove, plays through the ball, two-hand funnel into body, shuffle step to target, steady glove.
Athletic Testing: 7.59 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.42 Edge Score.

One name that really stood out on the day was INF Julio Ayala (Montini, 2027). He has a projectable, athletic frame, standing 5-foot-11, 178-pounds. At the plate, the left-handed hitter displayed loose wrists with a fluid, handsy swing, creating bat-speed with feel to use the whole field, reaching up to 93 mph for his max EV with an average of 86 mph (T355’). Fluid defender on the infield, plays in his legs with smooth actions and soft hands. Well above-average arm-strength across the diamond, T87 mph, can play from multiple angles.

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 180 pounds. Trim, athletic frame with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. Hands at ear, slightly open stance, bat wiggle, balanced weight, clean stride. Loose wrists, handsy swing, fluid, creates some bat-speed, feel to use the whole field, sees it deep. 64.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.2 avg.); 355-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Multiple angle ability, 3/4 release.
Defense: Plays in his legs, fluid and smooth actions, soft hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.93 Edge Score.

Positional Profile: SS/2B Body: 6-0, 180 pounds. Trim, athletic frame with room for added strength. Hit: LHH. Hands at ear, slightly open stance, bat wiggle, balanced weight, clean stride. Loose wrists, handsy swing, fluid, creates some bat-speed, feel to use the whole field, sees it deep. 64.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration. Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.2 avg.); 355-foot max batted distance. Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Multiple angle ability, 3/4 release. Defense: Plays in his legs, fluid and smooth actions, soft hands. Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.30-inch max vertical jump. Vizual Edge: 71.93 Edge Score.

Uncommitted. Strong, durable 6-foot, 165-pound frame with evenly proportioned strength. Started at third base and impressed with quality defense throughout the game. Quick reactions, steady hands, strong backhand play in-game that brought him past the third base bag, set his feet and made a strong throw across, fluid double play turn. Simple right-handed swing, gets the foot down early, minimal hand movement, works to stay short to the ball. Definite follow moving forward.

An infielder to know from the Cangelosi Sparks North squad was SS Julio Ayala (Montini Catholic, 2027). Ayala has strength in his 6-foot, 165-pound frame and has natural infield actions. Ayala never seemed to be in a rush on the diamond, playing with clean footwork, soft hands and an easy arm that played from multiple slots. Also, is a left-handed hitter that stands in the box with confidence and rhythm and short, uphill stroke.