Gladney is extremely young for the class, having just turned 17-years-old. He was already one of the more physical players at the event, and his power potential is even more enticing when one considers how much projection is left given his age.

Built with a pro-ready frame at 6’3’’ and 195 pounds, Gladney as plenty of present strength with width in his upper-half that will allow more muscle as he matures. He whips the bat through the zone and hit the ball hard all week—including a towering pullside homer out of cavernous Blair Field—with numerous exit velocities above 100 mph. He made adjustments as the Area Codes went on, laying off off-speed pitches better later in the week. Even so, there was plenty of over-aggression and consistent swing-and-miss due to a youthful approach that’s geared to hit fastballs. A cold-weather hitter, some of Gladney’s present rawness at the plate could be explained by the lack of exposure to high-level pitching, and for that reason, the improvements in his game ABs as the tournament went on were even more impressive. Defensively, he plays all around the infield but projects best at third base. He showed an average arm and enough range and mobility to remain at the position.

Though raw, Gladney has the size, athleticism, and power potential of a prototype third base prospect. He doesn’t play for a particularly known travel team and is committed to Eastern Kentucky, two factors that favor the team’s side when it comes to his signability. After an impressive showing in Long Beach, I expect Gladney to generate Day 2 Draft interest and have a chance at the top ten rounds if teams deem him ready for pro ball.