Prep Baseball Report

Florida Preseason All-State Event Preview


Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout


Bradenton, FL—This Saturday, Jan. 27, 100 of the top high school prospects ranging from the 2018-2021 classes will participate in PBR Florida’s second annual Preseason All-State which is the premier kickoff event for the 2018 spring high school season. Last year’s inaugural event boasted some of the top talent from throughout the state of Florida and this year’s event will be no different. From draft talent, numerous Division I recruits, and some of the top uncommitted underclassman in the state, this Saturday will be a can’t-miss event at IMG Academy. Let’s take a look at who’s coming along with some details about the event:

Starting with the 2018 class, RHP Franco Aleman (Alonso HS, FL) will be draft prospect to watch this spring as the Florida International recruit has a tall, projectable frame at 6-foot-6, 215 pounds to go along with a high-80s to low-90s fastball. SS Andres Antonini (St. Thomas Aquinas HS, FL) has continued to rise in the rankings as the Pittsburgh recruit has become more physical and refined his swing from the left side. C Charlie Welch (Jefferson HS, FL), who is a Pepperdine recruit, is an advanced receiver with a strong arm to go along with gap-to-gap power at the plate. South Florida recruit C Julio Cortez (American Heritage HS, FL) has shown the ability drive the ball with authority, displaying gap-to-gap power.

Moving onto the 2019s, Alabama recruit MIF Logan Keller (Lake Brantley HS, FL) continued to impress at the plate over the fall, displaying gap-to-gap power to go along with a long, athletic frame. RHP Mitchell Leroy (Freedom HS, FL) has shined at a couple of PBR Florida events over the fall months as he has a projectable 6-foot-3, 185 pound frame to go along with a high-80s fastball and a feel for his offspeed stuff. The No. 1 2019, LHP Hunter Barco (Bolles HS, FL) will be in attendance. His upside lies on the mound, though he will not be pitching at the event. Instead, he will show off his ability to swing the bat. OF Victor Castillo (Leon HS, FL), who is a Florida Atlantic recruit, shows a feel for the barrel and pull side power from the left side along with athleticism. PBR Future Games participant and Tulane recruit C Dylan Goldstein (North Broward Prep, FL) has shown pull side pop from the left side with a strong, durable frame for behind the plate. RHP Dante Visconti (Bartram Trail HS, FL) has a tall, strong frame standing at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds featuring a mid- to high-80s fastball.

The 2020 group is extremely strong and led by Louisiana State recruit OF Dylan Crews (Lake Mary HS, FL), who is one of the top bats in his class nationally with big power. Recently committing to Central Florida, MIF Zac Veen (Spruce Creek HS, FL) has stood out at several PBR Florida events with his athletic, projectable frame to go with his high offensive potential from the left side of the plate. OF Brandon Fields (Dr. Phillips HS, FL) has always shown a high level of athleticism and continued to become stronger and add to his frame over the past several months. MIF Lucas Costello (Gulliver Prep, FL) is an above-average defender up the middle with a projectable, athletic frame and power potential at the plate. A trio of PBR Future Games participants from Team Florida in C McGwire Holbrook (Bishop Moore HS, FL), OF/RHP Shawn Perez (Coral Reef HS, FL), and RHP/1B Ryan McCauley (East Lake HS, FL) will look to build upon their strong performance in Indianapolis and over the fall as all three of them committed to West Virginia, Florida International, and Tennessee respectively after the Future Games. C Sebastian Jimenez (Coral Reef HS, FL), who is a Florida International recruit, has shown present pull side power at the plate along with a strong arm and projectable frame.

Finally, the 2021 class will feature some freshmen looking to make an impact this season lead by OF Corey Robinson (TNXL Academy, FL) is an above-average runner with plenty of upside at the plate.  3B Aaron Saltsman (Rockledge HS, FL) has a strong, athletic frame and shown pull side power at the plate. SS/RHP Dominic Scavone (TNXL Academy, FL) shows present tools at the plate and on the mound with more to come.

For a complete look at the entire Preseason All-State Roster, click HERE

This year we will be live streaming both games on the PBR Florida website which will be available to all viewers. Those that would like to take advantage of the option to pre-purchase the video for the games can do so HERE

Preseason All-State Itinerary for Saturday, January 27th, 2018
IMG Academy is located at: 5650 Bollettieri Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34210

8:10-8:40 AM – Position Player Check-in

8:40-9:00 AM – Introduction and Stretch

9:00 AM-12 PM – Position Player Pro-Style Workout (Entails 60 yard dash, Infield/Outfield, Offensive Evaluations, and Batting Practice on the field)

Pitchers Only will Check-in one hour before their scheduled game time

Game 1
12:15 PM - Team Royal vs. Team White

Game 2
3:00 PM - Team Red vs. Team Black
(Note: We will begin Game 2 right after the conclusion of Game 1)

*Schedule subject to change*

To stay up to date and informed before, during, and after the event, follow our Twitter account (@PBRFlorida)

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