Shooter's Standouts: USA 18U (Pitchers)
July 22, 2024
With more than 40 pitchers toeing the rubber at the USA 18U Team Trials, each brought stout, top of the class stuff to the mound. Quick arms abounded from a plethora of athletic pitchers who each hold plenty of upside with floors that have already been raised higher than the vast majority of the country. While there are still a multitude of pitchers to be uncovered from across the country, this event provided a more similar look to last year’s class with regards to pitching for all those looking to forecast ahead of next July.
While each of the arms that toed the rubber are sure to make an impact on the draft class, below is a group of 15 who made an impression on Prep Baseball VP of Scouting, Shooter Hunt.
Note: Seth Hernandez, Mason Pike, & Josh Hammond appear HERE.
- Cameron Appenzeller (IL)
- Johnny Slawinski (TX)
- Angel Cervantes (CA, UCLA)
- Aaron Watson (FL, Virginia)
- Reagan Ricken (CA, LSU)
- Samuel Harris (NC, NC State)
- Cooper Rummel (TX, Texas)
- Austin Weiss (MD, Maryland)
- Aiden Stillman (FL, Virginia)
- Ethan Baiotto (TX)
- Landon Harmon (MS, Mississippi State)
- Xavier Mitchell (TX, Texas)
- Jordan Martin (MO, Arkansas)
- Alex Barr (IN, Indiana)
- David Ramirez (TX, Texas A&M)
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Cameron Appenzeller LHP / OF / Glenwood, IL / 2025The top left-handed arm in the class was just that in Cary, and while it was not the “loudest” performance, it is exactly for that reason why he is such a high-level prospect. Even without being in pristine form, the wiry-athletic and long-limbed, 6-foot-5, 180-pound southpaw provided stress free innings that almost could have gone unnoticed. Lulling hitters to sleep with a controlled, continuous arm stroke and delivery, the big southpaw worked 89-93 with a fastball that jumped on hitters out of a low slot with quickness to an arm that hovered on slinky action. Killing spin on an 84-85 changeup, the pitch is likely headed to being a plus-offering, and one that he exhibited innate confidence in. Finally, while his sweepy breaking ball (77-79) was less consistent in this short look, it ticked up throughout, and is likely headed for an above average pitch in itself. Appenzeller stands confidently on the mound with a poised demeanor and quiet expectation of success, and the effortless electricity that comes out of his hand holds massive upside and value as a future starter. It is inevitable that Appenzeller’s entire arsenal makes a jump, and seeing as he was able to dominate the class’ best hitters without being at his sharpest, the ceiling has been set extra high for the Illinois native.
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