Prep Baseball Report

Updated Florida Class of 2018 Rankings: Risers





By Doug Freeman and Mike Maerz

With and update to Florida’s Class of 2018 Rankings, we wanted to break down several prospects who not only had a strong summer season, but stood out during the fall season as well. Below are five prospects that saw their stock recently rise in the rankings and will be looking to continue to make a big impact for their high school team during the spring season.

Moving up from the No. 4 spot to No. 1 is RHP/C Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL). After a strong fall at multiple events, the Florida recruit not only impressed offensively with above average bat speed and power potential, but he was also extremely impressive on the mound. He is 6-foot-4, 190 pounds on a lean frame with room to grow. The arm works free and easy with a fastball that ranges from 88-91 mph, touching 92. He also showed a slider at 75-76 mph and a changeup at 82-83 mph. The offspeed stuff has good action and will continue to improve. This, coupled with the athleticism and clean, easy arm action, will make him one of the top players in the 2018 class.

Moving up from the No. 9 spot to No. 5 is SS Nander De Sedas (Montverde Academy, FL), a Florida State recruit. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound shortstop has plus defensive actions at a premium position and has plenty of arm to stay at short. Offensively, he is similar from both sides of the plate with a short, quick swing and some present pull power. He is athletic and projectable with a feel for the position along with above average bat speed and power potential, which puts him as one of the top players in the class.

Moving up from the No. 20 spot to No. 10 is RHP Carter Stewart (Eau Gallie HS, FL). The uncommitted 6-foot-5, 190-pounder is long limbed and projectable with a clean and easy arm action. From a high-3/4 slot, he displays a fastball that ranges from 88-90 mph, touching 91 with some life. The fastball works downhill and as he continues to utilize the lower half more it would not be surprising to see a big jump. He always showed good shape with spin on his breaking ball, but it has really turned into more of a hard slurve with late depth and is an above average pitch.

Moving from No. 34 to No. 20 is OF/LHP Brady Allen (George Jenkins HS, FL). The South Florida recruit stands at 6 feet, 185 pounds with a physical, strong, and athletic body. At the plate, he is quiet and relaxed with a simple approach. He has a small leg kick for his stride and a short, quick swing. He takes a line drive approach and looks like an above average runner. He covers ground well in the outfield and has an above average arm. He has also been impressive on the mound with a fastball up to 88 mph with late life. He is a very interesting two-way talent on the rise.

Moving up No. 46 to No. 21 is LHP/OF Parker Pillsbury (Seven Rivers Christian HS, FL). The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Florida State recruit is athletic and has a quick arm with a fastball ranging from 83-85 mph, topping out at 87 mph. There is some effort, but the arm really works and he is aggressive with the fastball. He is athletic enough to become more consistent and make a big jump as he continues to log innings.

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