Follow @PBRCaliforniaFollow @LesLukachFollow@Clemmens_PBRFollow @Jacked_23Follow @JoeyCohen20

New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - A year ago everything became more challenging for everyone. For scouts, coaches, and baseball players, that was no different. Fortunately, we were able to run numerous events last summer and through the fall, continuing through March 2021 that allowed us to see many players (though not as many as we'd have normally seen), some new to us and some we'd not seen in quite awhile. As the season is underway in many parts of California, we are all very excited to get out and once again see the players in game competition. 

As always, the evaluation process is fluid but without as many looks at players as we'd have in a normal year, that evaluation process was a little less fluid for this ranking. Some players have moved out of state, some have suffered injuries, some have had their development stall due to inactivity. However, others have worked extremely hard and are ready to show their improvement this spring. For some, we've seen that improvement already and it's reflected in their rise in the rankings.

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.

The new rankings show a shift in the Top 10 as some players impressed throughout the summer and have seen themselves jump up the rankings. These updated rankings see the list grow from 100 to 200 players in total. 

After much deliberation, we present the updated Class of 2022 Player Rankings.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

THE TOP FIVE: 

Holding down the number one spot is left-handed hitting catcher Malcolm Moore (Stanford commit) of C.K. McClatchy HS who carried over his scorching summer into the fall and now the spring. With the bat being the carrying tool for Moore it’s easy to see him as one of the top bats nationally moving forward. The defense is no slouch either and when paired with his hitting ability it’s easy to see why he’s in the No. 1 spot.

Remaining in the No. 2 spot is Cutter Coffey of Liberty HS. The recently uncommitted two-way standout showed at the Preseason All-State why he’s at the top of this and other lists with his ability to hit the ball out of the park and buckle hitters with his wicked stuff on the mound. Shows a rhythmic swing with twitchiness in the hands that allow for the barrel to whip through the zone while his lower body provides the power. At 6-foot-2, 185-pounds there’s plenty of room to continue to fill out and be that middle of the order bat. 

Moving into the No. 3 spot is right handed pitcher Tyler Gough of Heritage HS (Oregon State commit) after showing the type of gains you hope to see from a power pitcher. Up to 93 last summer and up to 96 in the fall, Gough attacks hitters with his overpowering fastball and very good feel for his slider and changeup. Had a great showing at the Area Code Games last summer where he dominated in his three innings on just 38 pitches (71% strikes). He remains well connected throughout an uptempo, athletic delivery with efficient movements including a shorter arm path that allows the fastball to jump out of the hand. At 6-foot-2, 185-pounds there’s still some physical projection remaining which should see his velocity continue to climb.

Jumping into the No. 4 spot is RHP Nick Dugan of St. Bernard’s HS (Stanford commit) who pounds the zone with three pitches all of which project to be above average. Worked his fastball up to 95 in the fall that he pairs with a sharp, downer curveball and advanced feel for the changeup. The arm is fast and the mechanics consistent allowing Dugan to repeat arm slot on all three pitches that tunnel well off each other. There’s deception and movement in his pitches that when combined with his command add up to high strikeout numbers. 

At No. 5 is shortstop Ryan Ward of Coronado HS (Arizona commit) who has made significant strides since the fall showing his ability to stick at shortstop at the next level. He’s developed physically during the quarantine adding some more power to his game and the gains are paying off so far this spring where he’s driving the ball more consistently. Playing a premium position, Ward’s tools stick out at first glance and when doing a deeper dive into his overall game you notice his ability to control the barrel through the zone and manipulate it’s angle are very advanced. At 6-foot-2, 170-pounds he has an athletic frame with significant athleticism and projection. 

INSIDE THE RANKINGS

A look at number 6-10

No. 6: RHP/DH Jaden Noot - Sierra Canyon HS (Oregon commit)

Easy delivery that has him up to 94 in a recent outing with very good feel for secondary pitches. Command continues to improve on all pitches. 

No. 7: LHP Nic Bronzini - California HS (Arizona commit) 

Large, muscular frame along with an effortless delivery adds up to 90+ mph fastball while the crossfire/low 3/4 slot add deception. 

No. 8 SS Mikey Romero - Orange Lutheran HS (Arizona commit)

Defense continues to impress while the left-handed bat is beginning to show more consistent power thanks to improved strength and athleticism. 

No. 9 INF Payton Brennan - Rocklin HS (UCLA commit)

Smooth, balanced, and east left-handed hitter with late bat speed and developing power. Strength throughout the frame. Impacts game in many ways.

No. 10: INF/RHP Lucas Kelly Sacred Heart Cathedral (Arizona commit)

NOTABLE RISERS

No. 17 INF Jacob Reimer - Yucaipa HS (Cal State Fullerton commit)

Power is the name of the game and Reimer has plenty of it. Defense is catching up to bat. 

No. 18 OF Austin Overn - Foothill HS (Southern Cal commit)

Ran a 6.28 laser timed 60 at Preseason All-State and flashes power at plate. Can reverse dunk a basketball. 

No. 23 RHP Mason McGwire - Capo Valley HS (Oklahoma commit)

Power arm that reaches low 90’s with feel for secondary. Plenty of room to fill out. 

No. 36 OF Henry Bolte - Palo Alto HS (Texas commit)

Big arm, big all fields power that runs well and can track everything in the outfield. 

No. 39 Kyle Calzadiaz - Walnut HS (Cal State Fullerton commit)

Legitimate two-way player with huge OF arm (90+) and three pitch mix to die for. 

No. 43 Xavier Cardenas - Servite HS (San Diego State commit)

While command may be an issue early this spring, it’s easy to dream on the 6’4” long, lean frame. 

No. 48 Franklin Carney - St. Augustine HS (UC Irvine commit)

Carney showed above average arm and defensive tools early this spring. Hit machine. 

COMMITS BY POSITION

*Based on primary position listed in player profile

C: 21; 1B: 14; 2B: 5; 3B: 19; SS: 38; OF: 43; LHP: 12; RHP: 48

COMMITS BY SCHOOL

*Based on commitment listed in player profile

80: UNCOMMITTED

10: LONG BEACH STATE, UC SANTA BARBARA

8: SAN DIEGO STATE

6: ARIZONA, SACRAMENTO STATE, UCLA

5: CAL STATE FULLERTON, CAL POLY, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, UC IRVINE, WASHINGTON STATE

4: CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

3: OKLAHOMA, OREGON STATE, OKLAHOMA, ST. MARY’S, STANFORD, TEXAS CHRISTIAN, WASHINGTON, 

2: DUKE, FRESNO STATE, TEXAS

1: BAYLOR, COLUMBIA, HARVARD, LOYOLA MARYMOUNT, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTHWESTERN, OREGON, PEPPERDINE, PORTLAND, PRINCETON, SANTA CLARA, TEXAS TECH, UC DAVIS, UC SAN DIEGO

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

----------------------------

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Northern California ProCase	CA	06/08	McBean Stadium
State Games ID - NorCal	CA	06/22	Islanders Field
SoCal ProCase	CA	06/22	Hart Park
Rising Stars Showcase (N CA)	CA	06/22	Islanders Field
NorCal Academic Games	CA	07/14	Islanders Field
California State Games	CA	07/16-07/18	Islanders Field
PBR Future Games (CA Invite)	CA	07/28	LakePoint Sports (GA)

RELATED TOPICS