AIDEN WATSON: A FIVE-TOOL SHORTSTOP WITH SEC/ACC RECRUITING UPSIDE AND TRUE MLB DRAFT FUTURE POTENTIAL

By BoggsBaseball.com Staff Writer Ariel Lewis January 2026

In the heart of Georgia’s elite 2028 talent pool, Aiden Watson of Harrison High and Aviator Nation stands out as one of the region’s most dynamic young baseball players. At 6’0”, 181 lbs, Watson blends speed, strength, arm talent, and advanced instincts into a toolset rarely found in an underclassman.

With a 6.60 60-yard dash, 90 mph arm across the infield, 87 mph on the mound, and 99 mph exit velocity, Watson is a true five-tool prospect — the kind SEC and ACC programs aggressively target and MLB scouts follow closely.

1. Hit Tool – “Advanced Barrel Control, Mature Approach”

Watson’s hit tool stands out because of its balance and efficiency. He controls the barrel, keeps his hands tight, and consistently produces hard, line-drive contact.

Scout Comment:

“He hits like an older player. His timing, pitch recognition, and barrel accuracy are ahead of his age group. He doesn’t just swing hard — he swings smart.”

2. Power – “99 EV Now, Much More Coming”

Few 2028 prospects touch upper 90s exit velocity, especially with reproducible mechanics. Watson's rotational power and sequencing indicate legitimate future home run potential.

Scout Comment:

“99 exit velo at his age is big-time. The frame will fill out, and when it does, he has a chance to be a real power threat at the college level — maybe even pro ball.”

3. Run – “6.6 Speed That Plays Every Inning”

Watson's explosiveness is a foundational part of his game. His speed impacts offense, defense, and baserunning immediately.

Scout Comment:

“He’s a plus runner already. Long strides, explosive acceleration — that 6.6 isn’t showcase speed only, it plays live.”

4. Arm – “90 MPH Infield Arm, 87 On the Mound — Rare Strength for a Sophomore”

This is a shortstop with a power arm, not a kid scraping velocity numbers. He throws with carry from all angles and makes deep-hole plays look routine.

Scout Comment:

“That’s a D1 arm right now. Smooth release, accuracy on the run, and the velocity just jumps out at you.”

5. Field – “True Shortstop Actions, Elite Instincts”

Watson’s internal clock, soft hands, and footwork reflect a player who has mastered the tempo of shortstop.

Scout Comment:

“He’s a real shortstop. The actions are natural, calm, confident. He sees plays early, which is something you either have or you don’t.”

With his metrics and instincts, Watson fits the mold of a top-tier Power Five shortstop recruit. Programs like Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Clemson, LSU, and Florida State value players who can stay at shortstop long-term — and Watson’s profile screams “premium defender with impact tools.”

Recruiting Projection:

High-Probability SEC/ACC Shortstop Recruit Early recruiting attention: Expected

Scout Comment:

“If he continues trending upward, he’s the type of player SEC programs lock onto early. He checks every box: athleticism, arm, speed, glove, and real offensive upside.”

Predicting the MLB Draft for a 2028 class player is bold — but evaluators look for certain markers:

• Premium athleticism
• Above-average tools across the board
• True shortstop projection
• Arm strength + bat speed combo
• Elite running times
• Physical frame that’s still growing

Watson hits all of them.

Scout Comment:

“Five-tool shortstops are the rarest profile in baseball. If he stays healthy and keeps developing, there’s no question he’ll be a draft follow. The tools are too big to ignore.”

Inside Aviator Nation Baseball, Watson is known for his consistency, calm leadership, and competitive engine. His two-sport background — especially playing quarterback — gives him a unique mental advantage.

He is:

• The steady heartbeat of the infield
• The player teammates look to in pressure moments
• The athlete who elevates the standard simply by being on the field
• A culture-setter in every sense

Coach Observation:

“He doesn’t need to talk — he leads by example. High character, high motor, high upside. Kids like him change programs.”

There are great players in Georgia.

There are elite players in Georgia

But then there are the ones who have all five tools, the instincts, the measurables, and the long-term

projection to become something greater.

Aiden Watson is firmly in that category.

With SEC/ACC ability, MLB projection, and a relentless work ethic, he’s emerging as one of the most complete and exciting 2028 prospects in the Southeast.

And this is just the beginning.