"The Five-Tool Flame: High Heat, Heavy Bats, and Relentless IQ"

TJ Barnes

@Tj5barnes

IG: @tjbarnes_5

6’1, 175lbs, Class of 2027

Ubly HS, MI

TJ is a fierce, electric two-way threat with a game built to dazzle scouts and dominate diamonds. With explosive athleticism, crafty baseball instincts, and a relentless approach to competition, TJ brings the full package to every game. He changes the tone of a hame the moment he steps on the mound or digs into the box. As a pitcher, he pounds the zone with poise, precision, and flat-out power. At the plate, he’s a dynamic bat with gap-to-gap juice and fearless plate presence. What separates TJ from every other player in his position isn’t just his elite skill set but also his next-level baseball IQ and composure. A coach can expect TJ to bring 110% effort, fiery leadership, and play-making ability in every way, from clutch swings to pressure-packed pitches to smart, situational decisions that shift momentum. He’s the definition of dependable and dangerous.

This season, TJ flashed serious two-way dominance with a .291 batting average, .446 OBP, and 56 stolen bases while going 8-0 on the mound with a stingy 1.125 ERA, 74 strikeouts, and only 18 walks. In travel ball, he elevated even higher by posting a scorching .595 average, .633 OBP, 1.395 OPS, 1 home run, just 2 strikeouts in 42 at-bats, and adding 16 innings pitched with 19 strikeouts and a 1.312 ERA. His biggest improvement came in his hitting, dialing in with sharper focus, stronger swings, and more confidence in the box. That trust in his own ability transformed him from a solid contact hitter into a complete offensive weapon. What drives TJ most is the sting of falling short, specifically losing in the regional finals. That setback fuels his fire, and he’s since been on a mission to leave no doubt.

TJ believes he holds all five tools: hitting, pitching, fielding, running, and IQ. And it shows. He breaks down hitters before they even swing, using body language and confidence reads to adjust his plan. His baseball IQ sets him apart as he plays a step ahead of the game, making instinctual reads and adjustments that only seasoned veterans tend to notice. His mindset is “Next pitch, no matter what.” That short memory and steady focus give him an edge in tight games and tough spots. He’s not just trying to play, he’s trying to win, and his will to succeed shows in every sprint, every throw, and every at-bat.

TJ sees himself playing the D I level, and his drive backs it up. If the path leads through JUCO, he’s ready for that, too, as long as he gets the opportunity to grow, grind, and prove he belongs. He values great coaching and facilities, but more importantly, he wants to be developed by people who will push him and bring out the best in him. Every time he steps on the field, he brings everything he has. As he puts it, “Nothing is free in life. You gotta work for what you want.” That is rooted in years of hustle and shaped by words from Coach Becker that fuel his fire: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

I assess that TJ’s rare combination of athleticism, advanced IQ, and two-way ability makes him a legitimate asset to any college program. He can contribute immediately in multiple roles, whether as a starting arm, a top-of-the-order bat, or a spark-plug defender with savvy and speed. His work ethic, discipline, and situational intelligence allow him to thrive under pressure and elevate those around him.

Expect TJ to continue to shine. His confidence at the plate, his control on the mound, and his ability to take over games in all phases suggest a ceiling that’s still rising. With his next-level commitment and all-around game, TJ is primed to be a future standout, not just a player to watch but one to build around. Stay tuned.