Joshua
Hoffman

10/27/18 - 5-foot-9, 155-pound Youngstown State commit packs plenty of strength in a smaller frame. Ran an event best 6.51 laser timed 60-yard dash and followed that up with a 6.52 for good measure. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. The same fast-twitch actions are present in his swing as creates significant barrel whip with an aggressive hip turn and strong forearms. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity while swinging wood. Showcased enough arm strength (84 mph) to remain on the left side of the diamond defensively at the next level, but glove hand is stiff. His foot speed and physical size will likely necessitate a move to center field to better utilize his tools.

10/28/17 - 5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitter is extremely strong for a player his size. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing by simply rocking his weight to his back side with no stride. Explosive hands and an aggressive hip turn lead to a bat exit velocity of 91 mph. Barreled the baseball with authority during batting practice while showing and ability to stay inside the baseball. Ran a 6.63 60-yard dash and flashed a very quick release defensively. Attacks the baseball and gets through it well, but 78 mph arm strength will likely keep him at second base at the next level. His foot speed and athleticism may also allow for a move to the outfield moving forward. Hoffman announced his commitment to Youngstown State days after the completion of the event.

7/26/17 - 5-foot-9 155-pound right-handed hitter sets up neutral and initiates swing with heel raise and no stride. An aggressive lower half weight shift and hip turn results in good separation.  Hands are loose and direct to baseball. Fast twitch skills are obvious in hip and hand speed as well as sixty time of 6.57. There is some bat wrap lending to length. Head is still and there is good balance and rhythm to swing. Hoffman consistently barreled the baseball in batting practice and recorded bat exit velocity of 91 mph.

Defensively, reads and routes are somewhat tentative in OF. Hoffman would benefit from getting behind baseball, catching ball at it's height and playing through more consistently. He looked much more comfortable at shortstop where excellent footwork and range were present.  Hoffman created good angles and hops with his feet.  Hands are soft with commitment to playing ball bottom up and out front.  A clean quick transfer was present on throws of 82 mph across infield.

7/18/17 - Solidly builty 5-foot-8, 155-pound underclassmen made a name for himself running an event best 6.49 60-yard dash. Hoffman is able to relay that foot speed to game action making several plays at shortstop covering considerable distance to make plays in the outfield. Although currently a middle infielder could project best as a center fielder at the next level.  Plays through the baseball well defensively and showcased a quick release with 82 mph arm strength across the diamond.  Right-handed hitter starts from a tall stance and initiates his swing with a quiet, heel-raise stride.  Strong lower half rotation and extremely quick hands lead to the ball jumping off his barrel.  Stays behind the baseball well and has a very short swing path.  Registered an 82 mph bat exit velocity and showcased his foot speed with a triple in game action as well as turning in a 4.27 home-to-1B from the right-hand box on a ground ball.