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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - Our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff is constantly on the road evaluating players through the entire year. From the high school season into the  summer travel ball circuit through to fall and winter games, along with our own events, our aim is to be your number one source for amatuer baseball scouting news in the state of California. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in California. 

In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in California and nationally, have also had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and then make adjustments based on what we've each seen. As such, the previous rankings have been scrutinized, picked apart, reorganized... and certainly not for the last time.

Today we present the updated and expanded California Player Rankings for the Class of 2022 as well as a closer look at the Top 10 that features a new No. 1 and some movement among the Top Five in this class. 

We’ll be diving a lot deeper in the days to come, so be sure to follow along. 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS

THE TOP FIVE

No. 1: There’s a new No. 1 in the state and it is power hitting outfielder Henry Bolte (Palo Alto HS/Texas commit) who vaulted himself to the top with a huge spring/summer season. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Texas recruit oozes athleticism and physical projection. After a big spring season that saw him hit over .300 once again, it was his power that began to shine in the spring and continued through the summer. He puts his strength to good use at the plate where his quick hands produce impressive bat speed. His power plays to all fields, as evidenced by his opposite field home run that broke a dorm room window at the recent Area Code Games.

No. 2: Moving into the No. 2 spot is C Malcolm Moore (C.K. McClatchy HS/Stanford commit), one of the nation's premier left-handed hitters and when considering his offensive prowess as a catcher, there are plenty of scouts who will value him over all other players in California. Moore has not only raw and usable power, he also has the ability to use all fields and can make swing adjustments within an at-bat. Defensively he can squat and present in multiple set-ups, having increased his flexibility over the years. His raw arm strength has ticked up each year, though of his tools, it's lagged behind the others.

No. 3: After a major summer coming off injury, LHP Braeden Sloan (Woodcreek HS/USC commit) has jumped into the No. 3 spot after an eye-opening showing at the California State Games and later at the Area Code Games. At 6-foot-4 205-pounds Sloan oozes projection with an 88-90 mph fastball and a sharp, biting curveball that makes the already above average changeup play way up. Attacks hitters with all pitches and isn’t afraid to throw them in any count. 

No. 4: Shortstop/RHP Cutter Coffey (Liberty HS) has answered all the questions about his ability to stay at shortstop long-term. Coffey’s athleticism is clearly evident in his approach at the plate where there is twitchiness to the hands that allows him to whip the barrel through the zone, and his aggressive hips provide for considerable torque as he works slightly uphill through the zone. Had a fantastic summer on the mound leaving the impression that he can be a legitimate two-way prospect at the college level. At 6-foot-2, 185-pounds the high-waisted Coffey has plenty of room to continue filling out an athletic frame.

No. 5: SS Mikey Romero  (Orange Lutheran HS/LSU commit) continues to impress with his defense and left-handed swing that is beginning to produce more power. Smooth stroke that sees him control the barrel very well with the ability to hit balls to all fields. A premier defender who should be able to stay at shortstop in the immediate future, Romero has shown marked improvement both at the plate and with his speed on the bases.

INSIDE THE RANKINGS

A LOOK AT NUMBERS 6-10

No. 6: OF Payton Brennan - Rocklin HS (UCLA commit) 

Smooth, balanced and easy LHH with late bat speed accelerating through contact. Impacts the game without getting hits and defensively where he covers ground with ease. Tall and athletic frame with plenty of physical projection remaining, particularly in the power department, where the bat profiles as a middle of the order type. At his best, he's as exciting to watch as any player in Northern California.

No. 7: RHP Brady Disbro - Capistrano Valley HS (Ole Miss commit) 

Big, power righty at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds with a shorter and online arm action through the back with quickness through his release. Fastball shows running life while the power slider flashes tight spin and late life. 

No. 8: RHP/OF Jaden Noot - Sierra Canyon HS (Oregon commit)

Easy delivery that produces 90 mph plus fastballs with very good feel for secondary pitches. Slider has shown marked improvement with consistent arm speed. CB is improving. Command continues to improve on all pitches. 

No. 9: SS Christopher Paciola - Temecula Valley HS (UCLA commit)

Pacciola showed at the SoCal ProCase that he’s firmly entrenched as one of the top middle infielders in the state. The defense is above average and the power has begun to show itself more consistently. Has the capacity and aptitude to play in the outfield as well. 

No. 10: RHP Tyler Gough - JSerra HS (Oregon St. commit)

Despite an arm injury that cost him most of the 2021 season, Gough returned with vengeance in the summer where he flashed his four pitch mix that has made him one of the top arms in California. At 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, there’s some physical projection remaining that when paired with present stuff stands out. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Norcal Underclass Games (Invite Only)	CA	09/18	Islanders Field
SoCal Upperclass Games (Invite Only)	CA	09/18	Biola University
SoCal Underclass Games (Invite Only)	CA	09/25	U of San Diego
Northern California Academic Games	CA	10/16	Menlo College
Unsigned Senior Games	CA	10/17	Hart Park

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