03/31/2019 - College PREP - Greensboro, NC Payton is a SS/RHP prospect who will graduate in 2022. In the field, Payton shows active footwork and covers ground well. He gets into an athletic position and fields the ball out in front with soft hands. He makes a clean exchange and gets rid of the ball quickly, keeping his throws accurate and on-line to his target. Removing his glove pat can help Payton improve defensively. At the plate, this RHH sets up in an athletic stance and maintains center balance. He is smooth getting back into his load and leads well with his lower half. He takes a level swing to the ball and produces solid contact. Payton can improve as a hitter by taking a shorter swing. On the mound, Payton gathers over the rubber and separates his hands on time. He works with a loose arm and extends through his release, staying inline towards the plate. Payton shows a three pitch mix with his fastball topping out at 75mph. Breaking ball sits from 55-56mph with 11-5 break. Changeup sits from 63-65mph with sinking action as he throws with deceptive arm speed. Finishing with his chest square to the plate can help Payton improve as a pitcher. With three more years to develop, Payton has the time and potential to further progress his skills on the field.