Are you a high school player trying to create some gains and get an edge? Well, you better get yourself into the weight room because the top players in the state are in there getting stronger and more physical. We’ll check in on a couple examples of that, one of the top uncommitted players in Arizona and a 2025 pitcher from California to follow.

What is the Five Tool Five? The short, succinct definition: it’s simply a look at five players who recently caught our attention. The long-winded, more detailed explanation: showcasing our coverage from around the United States and highlighting noteworthy baseball talent, skill, performances, news, uncommitted players who colleges should pay attention to and more. We plan to deliver a fresh Five Tool Five every Monday through Friday to help satisfy baseball fans’ hunger for coverage at the amateur level and welcome you to the home of what we believe is the best amateur baseball coverage you’ll find - FiveTool.org. 

Let’s start with one of the most exciting players in DFW…

Dasan Harris adding strength to a very exciting talent and skill set

I knew Dasan Harris could fly around the bases and in center field. I knew he has a strong outfield arm that shows on the mound, along with some excellent shoulder rotation. I knew he had some bat and hand speed and ability to cover the zone and get the bat to the ball. And I knew he really impressed the Oklahoma staff with his showing to end the summer. But I didn’t know he was this strong. 

There aren’t many outfielders in Texas I’m more excited to track than Harris because he has exciting tools, physical upside and is obviously adding some functional strength to his game, which should show in the impact off the bat. After finishing 7-19 last year, Harris is a big reason why Plano East could make some noise in 6-6A, which might be the toughest, deepest district in Texas. 

Cinco Ranch shortstop getting stronger and faster

Late in April, we highlighted Cinco Ranch shortstop Brock DeYoung, who was then a very intriguing sophomore. And we noted his father is 6-5 and played baseball at Ole Miss, which strongly suggested more strength and physical projection on the horizon. And now here we are.

By the way, I’d love to know what dad thinks of the Georgia shirt. Anyway, it’s obvious DeYoung, who is uncommitted, has gotten faster, stronger, and you can still see plenty of room on the frame to continue filling out. Ask people around the Cinco Ranch program about him, and they'll speak highly of his leadership and mental makeup. DeYoung was a team captain last season.

The right-handed hitter had a strong summer with the bat and while he’ll play a lot of shortstop at Cinco Ranch, he showed his quickness and baseball athleticism in center field some this summer for Texas Twelve. With big-time 2025 infielder Lucas Franco also at Cinco Ranch, look for the team to maximize their talent by putting DeYoung in center field some. 

Jake Sanko should be in high demand this season

Let’s keep the theme of athletic, quick and strong infielders going: Jake Sanko should have his pick of colleges this spring. The Sandra Day O’Connor (Phoenix) product is one of the top 2024 uncommitted prospects in the state and his outstanding fall included an extremely good performance at the Arizona Fall Classic. 

Sanko has the makings defensively to possibly stick at shortstop long-term and his profile would allow him to play all over the diamond, too. With the bat, the right-handed hitter has quick hands with a balanced approach that seeks opportunities to show some impact to the pull-side. 

2023 right-hander from Austin is one to watch, showing velocity

My favorite thing about the annual THSBCA convention is bugging head coaches about up-and-coming players to watch. Vista Ridge was already on my radar and is poised to again make the playoffs. But right-handed pitcher Zachary Fetchel wasn’t on my radar. He is now. 

As you can see, Fetchel, an uncommitted 2023 right-hander who is listed at 6-3, 175 pounds, touched 91 MPH with a quick arm and what looks like a clean delivery. An academic all-district pick as well as a third-team selection last season, Fetchel should step into a bigger role on the mound this season. And he appears he’ll be doing it with some added velocity. Junior colleges and mid-major division-one programs still in search of pitching should add Fetchel to the list of arms to track closely. 

A 2025 California RHP to follow

La Quinta (California) right-handed pitcher and two-way prospect Max Mora is a young pitcher to follow closely. The physical projection is obvious: skinny, long, big, wide chest, loose frame. It would be a huge surprise if Mora didn’t fill out considerably over his high school career, which makes the present stuff and velocity he’s already showing exciting. 

Mora was a standout performer and a part of the championship for Easton Prime in the loaded Five Tool West World Series. He can also swing the bat well from the right side, too. 

Dustin McComas
Senior Editor