As much as things change in college baseball, much of the Cape Cod League remains the same, although even it is changing, as the roster turnover is much more significant now than it was pre-pandemic.
Decades ago on the Cape, rosters would rarely change throughout the summer. Now it’s not uncommon to see two cycles of lineups for many teams over the summer. Some teams have gotten their stride when it comes to building a core roster and supplementing it as needed throughout the summer. While it leads to some inconsistent rosters, it also opens the door for lots of talented future major league players to cycle through.
The ever-increasing trend of schools holding back their best pitchers from participating in summer ball is apparent, as no pitchers cracked the top 10 and there are only four in the entire Top 25.
1. Aiva Arquette
SS • Chatham • Oregon State
Arquette followed up a standout spring season at Washington with an all-star summer for Chatham in which he hit .291/.357/.437 with four doubles, three home runs and 21 RBIs in 29 games. A 6-foot-4 shortstop, Arquette flashed smooth actions, a sound game clock and an above-average arm. While he might end up at third base down the road, there is no reason to think that day is coming anytime soon.
Arquette didn’t chase at a particularly high clip, but his pitch recognition and contact skills against secondary offerings will need to improve in order for him to reach his full potential as a hitter. He showed the ability to drive the baseball with authority to all fields, and he has the projectable frame to grow into more power.
2. Nick Dumesnil
OF • Brewster • California Baptist
If Dumesnil wasn’t a household name after hitting .362/.440/.702 with 40 extra-base hits this spring, he is now.
After a slow start to the summer, Dumesnil went on a tear. He ended up hitting .320/.382/.500 with 10 doubles, four home runs, 15 RBIs and a league-leading 25 stolen bases. An elite athlete, Dumesnil has legitimate five-tool upside. His athleticism and easy plus speed translate well to center field where he is able to cover plenty of ground in every direction, he has flashed at least above-average power to the pull side and is an impact runner on the basepaths.
Dumesnil will need to shore up his swing decisions and contact ability, though he made positive strides in both departments as the summer went on.
3. Devin Taylor
OF • Cotuit • Indiana
Taylor…