Sometimes, I wonder if there is so much talent in Southern California it’s tough for everyone to keep up with, college coaches included. Okay, that’s a little silly, but not as far-fetched as it might sound. Today, we feature a couple of uncommitted 2023 hitters from SoCal, a two-sport standout from Arizona, and maybe the next top commitment from Concordia Lutheran (Texas). 

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.

But first we must begin with the bullpen video 2023 Texas A&M signee and Lake Creek right-handed pitcher Weston Moss shared over the weekend. It brought so much heat my iPhone nearly overheated. 

Impossible not to be excited about this 2023 pitcher

Returning from Tommy John surgery, right-handed pitcher Weston Moss gave everyone a tease of what’s to come when he threw a couple innings this fall. Recently, he released this video, which shows his full arsenal as he gears up to let it rip during his senior season:

Make sure your volume is on so you can hear the sound that fastball makes when it hits the mit. Yeah, that’s different. In addition to the blazing fastball, two distinct breaking balls and changeup with some arm-side action, Moss’ delivery is promising. After letting pitches rip with a quick, loose arm and intent and promising shoulder rotation, Moss decelerates well and keeps good head positioning throughout. 

Moss, who signed with Texas A&M, is currently just outside the 2023 Texas Five Tool 55 because he’s coming off the major surgery and we haven’t seen him pitch in a long time, but once we do see him, I can’t imagine making an update to the list that doesn’t include him; heck, he could shoot way up the list into the… top 10? It’s possible. 

Scratching my head… 

Among my favorite things to do at Five Tool is search through the wealth of video from Southern California because it’s such a tremendous area for talent. And I’m a little confused - although, I’m not familiar with the ins-and-outs of his recruitment - about Orange Lutheran’s JJ Robles. He’s too talented to be uncommitted. 

A left-handed hitting outfielder and first baseman, who also pitches a little, too, Robles looks the part physically, moves well, and showcases impressive bat speed with a visually appealing swing. There’s a lot to work with in the batter’s box and a future to impact the baseball because of his physical projection and how quickly the bat moves when he puts it into motion. 

Speaking of uncommitted 2023 standout hitters from California… 

This remains one of my favorite Five Tool videos from California during the 2022 season:

And a big reason for that is the way Brian Trujillo (Huntington Beach) swings the bat. The infielder, who likely profiles best at second base in the future and also catches and pitches, creates some late separation with his hands before letting the knob of the bat lead the way for a quick bat that gets through the zone with intent, purpose and doesn’t waste any length messing around. Trujillo naturally adds some juice to his swing by the way he uses his back leg to ignite his rotation. Considering where Trujillo plays, coaches are afforded plenty of opportunities to see him against quality competition. 

A big-time running back poised for a strong senior season on the diamond at a powerhouse program

After being named First Team All-Premier Region running back, Hamilton (Arizona) two-sport stud Logan Krei should continue his impressive athletic feats on the diamond. A plus-plus runner and excellent athlete, Krei chases down fly balls in the outfield well, has a strong arm, is a threat to swipe at least one bag anytime he touches first and his swing creates some pull-side impact thanks to the wiry strength present on his frame. Krei, a right-hander, also pitches, but his future projects to be in the outfield. 

A 2025 hitter from Las Vegas worth betting on… 

There’s a lot to like about Brady Skinner’s hitting ability from the right side. A Sierra Vista (Nevada) product, Skinner followed a strong summer with an excellent fall, which included showing some impressive pull-side power for his age and bat speed. 

An outfielder and catcher, I think Skinner probably profiles best in the outfield long-term because he projects to grow and fill out. Regardless, he looks like he’s going to be one of the top 2025 hitters in his area and is currently uncommitted. 

Dustin McComas
Senior Editor