By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
The West Virginia Mountaineers baseball program has landed a pair of commitments over the weekend.
The first 2027 commit came from Jaden Bakhit, a right-handed pitcher from Ohio. The second commit over the weekend came from utility man Daniel Padilla from Florida.
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.
Padilla brings some pop and power with his bat and top-notch plate presence. He’s been rated as one of the top power hitters in his class, per reports. He’s a split outfielder and first baseman who is great with his defensive ability.
Padilla’s scouting report from Perfect Game:
Daniel Padilla is a 2027 OF/1B with a 6-5 220 lb. frame from Ocoee, FL who attends TNXL Academy. Big and strong athletic build with some physical projection remaining. Left handed hitter, sets up in a even stance with a busy hand load with a bit of barrel wrap long and strong swing with some ability to impact the ball. Primary outfielder on defense. Runs very well with a 6.63 sixty to his credit, showed his athleticism well in the games with a diving catch, has a quick release on his throws and fields the ball cleanly off his front foot. Good student.
Bakhit was given an 8 on the Perfect Game Player Rating System while Padilla was given a 9.5. The ranking system is based off of college expectations, and likelihood of being drafted.
The Perfect Game Player Ratings are based on a scale from 1-10.
As for Bakit, the 8 rating means he is a potential draft pick and/or excellent college prospect while the 9.5 ratio for Padilla means he has the potential of being a top 10 round pick and/or highest level college prospect.
