The Trenton Thunder started the 2023 MLB Draft League season hot and have since continued on their torrid pace both with a 4-0 victory to sweep their home series against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in front of another capacity crowd at Trenton Thunder Ballpark Thursday night. With another series in the rearview mirror, let's take a look at the three stars of the series and the road ahead for the Thunder.
First Star - Cade Udell
The Villanova right-hander got the win on Tuesday night, pitching two innings of relief for the Thunder. Udell was dominant out of the Trenton Thunder bullpen as he allowed no runs on a lone base hit, but struck out three and issued two free passes. Control was suspect at times, but he settled down quickly and got out of some critical situations in Tuesday's 5-1 victory, bolstering his draft stock. Look for him to go mid-second round or early third round in this year's draft.
His MLB player comparisons right now are Ranger Suarez of the Philadelphia Phillies and Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs.
Second Star - Evan Sleight
The lefty hitting/righty throwing outfielder out of Rutgers rebounded from an 0 for 4 outing on Tuesday and went 1-for-4 in the game Wednesday for the Trenton Thunder, but that one hit was a run scoring double that proved to be the difference maker. He's certainly swinging a hot bat, sporting a .353 average and a .946 OPS. His work in the field has been nothing short of amazing this season, showing great range and a cannon arm. He just needs to cut down on errors and exhibit greater plate discipline. Should he do so and his stock will surely rise leading up to the draft in Seattle. Right now, projection is that Sleight is a mid-3rd round pick.
His MLB player comparisons right now are Gavin Lux of the Dodgers and Mike Yastrzemski of the San Francisco Giants.
Third Star - Ryan Birchard
The right-handed flamethrower out of Niagara County Community College was solid in the Trenton Thunder's shutout win Wednesday night, going three hitless innings before handing things off to the bullpen. His one key area of concern was his pitch command - giving reminders of Justin Verlander early on in his career. However, Birchard has the tools to be a Major League starter, could possibly be a 2 or a 3 starter once he gets the call to The Show. Look for him to get his name called in the late 2nd to early 4th round come July.
For Birchard, his MLB player comparisons include Mets pitcher Justin Verlander and Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers.
Who's Hot
Chris Brito
The hot bat in this series was Rutgers infielder Chris Brito. He went 2-for-4 in the two wins for the Trenton Thunder, driving in three runs and boosting his average to a near 1-for-3 clip with an OPS still over 1.000. Those stats alone could propel him into the early second round, if not late into the first round of this year's Draft. His defense needs a bit of work, but he could be that can't miss prospect that a team like the Yankees or Mets could pounce on if he falls their way.
Brito's MLB player comparisons include Brett Baty of the Mets and Vaughn Grissom of the Atlanta Braves
Who's Not
Brendan O'Donnell
Since his home run two weeks ago, the Rider product has gone into a bit of a slump. His batting average has slipped around .200 with his OPS hovering near .700. O'Donnell will have to find a way to break out of his cold stretch and fast with the first half of the season and the Prospect Game fast approaching. Once projected as a 3rd round pick, he has since fallen to the 6th or 7th round and is in danger of being undrafted. His defense is good, but he needs to be better with the bat.
The Road Ahead
The Trenton Thunder will start a three-game weekend series Friday night against the Williamsport Crosscutters. First pitch on Frida at Trenton Thunder Ballpark is set for 7 p.m.
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