12/11/2020 - Baseball Factory Academic All-American Tournament
Justin is a strong and athletic (5’9"/205 lb) catcher who continues to shine on the diamond. From behind the plate, he starts in a low, athletic position with the ability to present a low/soft mitt. With a quick and clean exchange, Justin’s footwork allows him to gain momentum and deliver the ball quickly (86 mph arm velo) and efficiently from a 3/4 arm slot putting throws on the bag. He is fundamentally sound behind the plate with the ability to block the ball, using good footwork to center his body and keep the ball in front. Offensively, this RHH stands athletic and comfortable with the intent to do damage. A simple and controlled load and quick hands allow him to whip the barrel with + speed and produce hard contact, favoring his pull side. Justin continues to work hard, and it shows. Overall, Ayala is a gamer who will garner some college coach attention in this upcoming (junior) season.
09/30/2020 - Arizona Junior Fall Classic
Justin is a strong, athletic OF who is a prospect on the diamond. In the OF, he takes good first steps in reading balls off the bat and covers a lot of ground. Feet are aggressive as he takes proper routes / angles in tracking down balls. He works to get behind balls, playing through with momentum to his target. Throws are accurate with on line zip (91 mph velocity) to his target. At the plate he continues shine through an athletic, open setup. Hands are quick (89 mph exit velocity) and work to and through a short / direct / level swing path, creating extension. He has strength in his swing and he works to keep hands inside the ball, utilizing all fields with gap-to-gap pop. At the event, he was 3 for 8 with a 3B and 2 RBI. Mental makeup is a plus as he has a great personality, is very coachable and works hard to be the best player he can be.
12/27/2019 - National Tryout Plus - Rindge, NH
Justin is a strong and talented C/OF that will graduate in 2022. Justin shows advanced actions for his age already. Behind the plate Justin shows an athletic and low set up as he presents a firm target and receives the ball with soft hands. As he works to throw runners out he makes quick and clean exchanges making accurate and online throws with an 85 MPH raw velo. Blocking the ball, he shows quick footwork with agile lateral range keeping the ball in front of his body. In the OF Justin shows active footwork and the ability to run down the ball in the gaps. He gets to an athletic position fielding the ball with soft hands and has a quick, clean exchange as he works to throw. He gets rid of the ball with a short and quick arm action making accurate, online throws. At the dish, he starts in a slight crouch and loads on to his back side getting his foot down on time. Justin shows a smooth swing keeping his balance centered as he is direct to the ball with fast bat speed. He makes hard and consistent contact using a line drive approach. Justin shows high level skills as a 2022 graduate and continues to improve each time he comes out. He will be a player to watch as he matures and grows.
12/20/2019 - Baseball Factory Christmas Camp & Tournament at Pirate City - Session 1 (Ages 14-18)
Justin continues to show improvements in his baseball abilities and has a promising future on the diamond. Behind the plate, pop times have improved as he threw his lowest time to date at 2.05. He gets rid of the baseball through a quick transfer / exchange with accuracy and carry on his throws. Hands are soft / sure and he sticks balls in the zone. He utilizes his body well through the blocking process, centering balls well out front. Receiving / blocking skills show as quality tools that will play well at the next level. At the plate, he continues to shine through a closed setup. Hands are quick (82 mph exit velocity) and work to and through a level swing path. He works to stay inside the ball, utilizing all fields with gap-to-gap pop. Mental makeup is a plus as he is a team player, coachable, and plays the game hard.
11/17/2019 - National Tryout Plus - Marlborough (Boston), MA
Justin increased arm velocity to 91 MPH, exit velocity to 85 MPH, and lowered pop times to 2.18 seconds during his last workout with The Factory. In the OF, Justin has active feet, he moves well to the ball, and he takes proper angles. He fields athletically, makes plays, and throws with a very strong arm with accuracy to his cut off man. Behind the plate, Justin sits in well, hands are firm, and he covers the 5 hole when blocking. He has a quick exchange and a consistent arm with accuracy to 2nd base. At the plate, this RHH has an athletic stance, good balance, and fast bat speed. He loads his hands well, and hits with strength to the pull side.
10/13/2019 - National Tryout Plus - Springfield, MA
Justin is a talented C/OF that will graduate in 2022. Behind the dish, Justin shows active footwork with a strong lateral blocking ability. He sets up low and square and presents a soft glove to receive the pitch. His exchanges are quick getting the ball to 2B with consistent and online throws. At the plate, he sets up in a slightly open stance getting a square stride and keeping his weight back. Justin shows a smooth rhythm at the plate getting the barrel on plane and making square contact, especially to the pull side. In the OF, Justin shows solid abilities with active footwork and an agile range. He fields the ball athletically presenting a solid glove making quick, clean exchanges to get rid of the ball. His throws are accurate with momentum. Overall, Justin shows a plus athletic ability with several years to develop and can be a solid player at the next level.
07/31/2019 - Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City - Session 2 (Ages 14-18)
Justin is a strong and athletic 2022 2-way prospect. Behind the dish, Justin has a quiet primary stance, he presents a low target, and works behind the ball well. When blocking, Justin needs to continue to lead with his glove, anticipate the ball in the dirt, and get his chest behind the ball. Improving hip mobility and being more athletic with his secondary stance will put him in a better position to throw or block. When throwing he gains ground, he has a clean exchange, and makes accurate throws with a quick release. At the plate, Justin starts in an open and tall stance. He loads his hands back, he hunts the fastball, and is explosive with his backside. He stays back on the ball and uses the middle part of the field. On the bump, Justin gathers over the rubber, he separates on time, and finishes over the front side. He needs to continue to find his balance point and work down hill in his delivery. He pounds down with his fastball and shows some feel for the breaking ball. Justin was eager to learn all week and we hope to see his progress in the future.
06/17/2019 - Accelerated College PREP - New Britain (Hartford), CT
Justin is a strong C/OF prospect who will graduate in 2022. Behind the plate, Justin shows fluid footwork and is agile moving to block. He sits in a low stance and receives with a firm glove. He makes a clean exchange and gets rid of the ball quickly to 2B. Staying on top of the baseball can help lead to more accurate throws. In the OF, Justin shows efficient footwork and is agile attacking the ball. He gets into an athletic position and fields out in front with soft hands. He makes a quick exchange and gains momentum well on his throws, keeping them accurate with carry through his target. Justin can improve as an OF by taking a quicker first step. At the plate, this RHH sets up in an athletic stance and takes a square stride. He is smooth getting back into his load and drives through well with his lower half. He takes a direct swing to the ball and produces solid line drives. Maintaining center balance can help Justin improve as a hitter. With three more years to develop, Justin has the time and potential to further progress his skills on the field.