WCL West Coast League

Second WCL Spotlight Released

Published on July 13, 2023 under West Coast League (WCL) News Release


Thursday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer unveiled the second 2023 WCL Spotlight, featuring a collection of the League's most exciting players.

This Spotlight includes only West Coast Leaguers currently playing, with the rankings reflecting not just their professional potential, but also the various other compelling reasons for tracking their progress this summer. The first Spotlight, which can be viewed here, featured five players that were selected in the MLB Draft earlier this week.

A new WCL Spotlight will be released later this month, followed by an end-of-season list covering the entire season.

Our Spotlight this week is led by Victoria infielder Hudson Shupe, a Washington native who's leading the League with a remarkable .432 batting average.

Player Position/Team/School/Year

1. Hudson Shupe - INF/Victoria/Gonzaga/SO

It's too early to talk about WCL record ... but through 7/12 he was batting .432.

2. Daniel Paret - LHP/Bellingham/Stetson/SR

Healthy after a couple of tough years, Paret's outings include a 4IP, 12K stunner.

3. LeTrey McCollum - OF/Cowlitz/UC Santa Barbara/JR

In 18 games this summer, he's batting .414 and slugging .529 with 17 steals.

4. Itsuki Takemoto - RHP/Portland/Hawaii/FR

Seems unfazed by Portland crowds after pitching before 40K fans in Japan.

5. Jakob Wright - LHP/Corvallis/Cal Poly/SO

Last week his spin rates (slider) lit up TrackMan radar like a Christmas tree.

6. Andy Allanson - 1B/C/Ridgefield/Uncommitted/JR

Andy's father was 1986 Topps All-Rookie C, and young Andy has WCL-best 9 2B.

7. Cooper Neville - INF/Kamloops/Grand Canyon/FR

Keen batting eye, flashy glove work make this incoming Lope worth watching.

8. KJ Ward - RHP/Edmonton/Park U/SO

With Morris Austin departing after draft, Ward is now WCL Speed King (98).

9. Luke Alwood - RHP/Bend/Seattle U/SO

Just behind Ward on TrackMan's velo leader board, competition heating up.

10. Jax Hisle - OF/Nanaimo/Parkland College/FR

Grandson of Larry Hisle, Twins star and American League RBI king in 1977.

11. Payton Knowles - INF/Walla Walla/Gonzaga/FR

Bright spot for Sweets with .341 BA and 17 walks in his first 22 games.

12. Bridger Holmes - RHP/Springfield/Oregon St/JR

Impressive K-rate for OSU commit, whose dad played football with U of O Ducks.

13. Jack Metcho - INF/Portland/Pacific/SO

Already a Player of the Week, now leads WCL with 32 RBI, great all-around #s.

14. Bear Pinedo - LHP/Nanaimo/Arizona Christian/JR

Through 9 outings, has been nearly perfect with 20 strikeouts in 11 IP.

15. Jadon Williamson - RHP/Wenatchee/Lewis-Clark St/JR

Big righty gets better every summer, heading to powerhouse Warriors this fall.

16. Bryce Johnson - RHP/Wenatchee/Oregon St/FR

Prep Baseball Report's 2023 Washington Player of the Year, great makeup.

17. Jace Phelan - INF/Yakima Valley/Washington St/JR

Big lefty bat, former Wash. State 1A Player of the Year, fighting for RBI crown.

18. Roberto Nuñez - INF/Port Angeles/Embry-Riddle/JR

Dangerous at the plate for the Lefties, hitting .356 with team-high 22 RBI.

19. Jonas Salk - INF/Kelowna/Portland/SO

Portland Pilot soaring as a Falcon, with 12 hits over his last 8 games.

20. Miles Gosztola - LHP/Corvallis/Gonzaga/FR

Following Marco Gonzales's footsteps as incoming Zag with WCL innings.

Year and school noted for fall/winter/spring, 2023-2024.

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West Coast League Stories from July 13, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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