By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
The West Virginia Mountaineers landed 2027 pitching prospect Jaden Bakhit.
When it comes to Bakhit, he has a variety of pitches he uses, but his fastball is his bread and butter for the off-speed pitches. His fastball touches 93-95, while his off-speed is anywhere between the low-to-mid 70s.
Bakhit’s scouting report from Perfect Game:
Jaden Bakhit is a 2027 OF/RHP with a 6-1 185 lb. frame from Mason, OH who attends Mason. Bigger athletic build with present strength. Ran a 7.93 60-yard dash. Primary outfielder with some momentum and footwork to the baseball, solid corner outfield profile with big above average arm strength for the age and some accuracy throwing to bases. Hit from a slightly open stance with a deep dive back side load, stays compact and unwinds getting the barrel out and showing strength in the swing with some feel for the barrel. When everything is timed up he can use his strength and swing speed to the lift the baseball with some real pop in his bat. Bigger presence on the mound with a compact delivery and higher slot release. Threw strikes with a firm fastball up to 81 and mixed in an 11-5 shape curve that he has feel for. Interesting two-way prospect with some impact tools to develop. Named to Ohio Valley Prospect, Top Prospect List.
Below is WV Sports Chat interview with Bakhit.
What was the decisive factor in your commitment to WVU?
– Bakhit: “There were a few key factors in me making my decision to commit to West Virginia, one of them being the coaching staff. The staff has so much energy and passion for the team and they have an absolutely amazing vision for the future and I wanted to be a part of that culture.”
What do you like the most about the WVU baseball program and facilities?
– Bakhit: “Something that I love about the program is how everyone is moving in the right direction, when you have a force moving in the same direction and having the same goals great things come. It’s honestly tough choosing one thing I love about the facilities because it’s truly a world class place and one of the top set ups in the nation but something that really stood out to me was the biomechanics lab, not only do they have all the technology to take your game to the next level but they have the right people to help analyze the data because without that it’s just a bunch of data. Another thing I loved about the facilities is the holistic approach to player development”
Was there any other schools you were leaning towards other than WVU?
– Bakhit: “It came down to a few schools and it was a tough decision but I prayed about it and I felt the lord tell me the West Virginia was the right fit for me, stepping foot back onto the field it just felt like home. Something that made my decision feel so right is the love of the community and how much it means to everyone and that’s the type of program I wanted to join and be a part of. There was still one other program I was scheduled to go to but after being back to WVU it just felt like home and decided to commit there.”
What is your go-to pitch? And what is your velo/arm strength right now? How many pitches do you use on the mound?
– Bakhit: “My go to pitch is my fast ball, I have been up to 95 mph but am constantly 89-92. I love my fastball because I don’t only get rise on it but I also get a lot of run which gets me a lot of swings and misses. I also throw a curveball which moves a little bit like a slurve and then I throw a change up.”
When you officially start with WVU, is your expectation to be starting pitcher or used out of the bullpen?
– Bakhit: “I honestly see myself as a starter, but I am more than open to taking on whatever role Coach Sabins, Coach Oney, or Coach Riley thinks suits me best.”
For fun- pepperoni rolls? Yes or no?
– Bakhit: “And yes I had my first pepperoni role the other day and I absolutely loved it! That’s my kinda food! Let’s go Mountaineers!!!!”
Photo: Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer
