The MLK Florida Winter Series was held January 15-17 in Bradenton, Florida. Overall, there were a total of 8 games played in the 3 day event, with an additional 6 hours dedicated to a pro-style showcase.
“Several players surprised me over the course of the weekend.”
Shortstop Devin Wheaton (IL) projects likely as a D1 shortstop down the road. Wheaton showed a mature approach at the plate and barreled several baseballs during the games. Has some athleticism at the plate and will continue to develop as a hitter. In the infield, he has excellent actions with the glove and does a great job of attacking the baseball. Footwork was excellent both in game and the showcase.
Brayden Hodges (MO) was the most impressive athlete physically speaking in attendance at the event. At 6 foot 6 and 270 pounds Hodges is physically imposing. Hit several balls out in BP, and displayed a mostly pull-side approach with a top exit velo of 97. He moves incredibly well for his size, already possessing skillset and athleticism that would presently be above average at any collegiate level. The swing is still developing and he will need to develop the ability to drive the ball the other way, but the juice is real and it will ultimately be well worth the squeeze.
Another player who showcased an impressive skillset was Jake Miller (MO). Miller ran a 6.8 in the 60 yard dash. In BP he showed a pullside approach and caught several barrels for extra base hits in game. Topped at 80mph on the mound from a very low arm slot. Showed excellent tilt and shape on his breaking ball. Did a great job in centerfield tracking down several balls on the run. Miller’s swing lacks fluidity and several aspects of his game are extremely raw, but his tools are undeniable and he is certainly a prospect worth monitoring in 2022 and beyond.
SS Jacob Mruk (FL) was another player in attendance who projects as a future collegiate athlete. Mruk showed great actions with the glove, attacking the baseball aggressively. His footwork is developing but overall he shows feel for the shortstop position. Showed some promise offensively, taking several quality at bats during the game, often getting on base. Mruk displayed upside on the mound as well, utilizing a 2 seam fastball with plenty of ASR as well as a functional breaking ball. Worth keeping an eye on.
U&C MLK FLORIDA WINTER SERIES ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:
1B: Brayden Hodges (2023, MO)
2B: Jackson Carroll (2023, MO)
SS: Devin Wheaton, (2025, IL)
3B: Brock Jones (2024, MO)
OF: Jake Miller (2024, MO)
OF: Holden Strain (2024, MO)
OF: Baker Merris (2023, MO)
DH: Ethan Weber, (2023, MO)
C: Ethan Flores, (2025, IL)
UTL: Dylan King, (2025, IL)
UTL: Jacob Mruk (2023, FL)
P: Blake Larson(2023)
P: Lucio Sanchez (FL, 2022)
P: Tyler Kolb (FL, 2024)
P: Eli Grant (2023, MO)
