On Feb. 5, the PBR Illinois staff hosted its first Preseason ID event of the winter, the Aurora Preseason ID at the Sports Zone dome in Aurora, Ill. This open event featured players from the 2022 through 2025 high school grad classes, providing our staff with an ample opportunity to learn more about the area’s baseball talent.

In the week that followed this event, we produced post-event analysis that includes performance highlights inside of our Quick Hits story, a look at the traditional stats measured within our Statistical Analysis piece, batted-ball and pitch data compiled in TrackMan Files, swing metrics captured on the Blast Motion Board, and sight scores from an athletic perspective tracked on the Vizual Edge Scoreboard.

You can learn more about the state-of-the-art technologies featured at our showcases within the hyperlinks above. For now, however, we’ll begin to conclude our analysis of this event by publishing the scouting reports on each of the players who attended the Aurora ID, beginning with the day’s catchers yesterday and continuing with the outfielders. Now, we’ll keep rolling out our post-event analysis with the infielders from this event. 

An infielder that just missed the cut but is worthy of a mention is INF/RHP Cole Kratzberg (Orion). Kratzberg has a strong compact body with quick, active feet on the infield and a strong arm that topped at 84 mph. Kratzberg also takes aggressive swings from the right-side of the plate with a lifted approach.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Beau Honeycutt, Knoxville (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds. Developed lower-half.
Hit: RHH. Loose and relaxed. Closed front side. Smooth load. Bat speed. Drove the ball with authority to the opposite field at times. Consistent hard contact.
Power: 91.9 max exit velocity, averaged 86 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots. Above average arm strength.
Defense: Ranges well both left and right. Agile and athletic. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.77 runner in the 60. 

2. Jackson Bland, Batavia (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. High-waisted frame. Athletic throughout.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, smooth pre-pitch load. Keeps hands back. Works on the barrel. Compact, level swing through the zone. Short to the baseball, utilizes lower half, bat speed.
Power: 90.4 max exit velocity, averaged 82.6 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Compact arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Athletic. Quick lateral movements, clean, receptive hands, plays through the baseball. Body control on the move.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60. 

3. Jacob Buysse, Mundelein (IL), 2022; Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-3, 200-pounds. Tall, athletic build. Developed lower half.
Hit: RHH. Sets up off the plate. Wide base. Smooth back hip load. Short stride. Simple approach. Long, level swing. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 98.7 max exit velocity, averaged 86.1 mph. 372’ max distance. Top max distance at the event.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short, loose arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Waits back on ball. Clean exchange. Glove tap.
Run: 7.73 runner in the 60. 

4. Sam Rohlfing, Harvest Christian (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Room to add Strength. Tall, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed at the plate. Fluid load into back hip. Loose levers.  On plane early and through the zone. Bat speed. Pull-side tendency, consistent hard contact.
Power: 90.9 max exit velocity, averaged 80.2 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Compact arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Plays through the baseball. Clean exchange.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

5. Michael Belbot, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Efficient movements in the box. Balance and rhythm throughout. Loose and relaxed. Quick load into back hip.  Bat speed. Easy effort. Hits the ball out front. Pull-side approach.
Power: 90.2 max exit velocity, averaged 80.4 mph. 321’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short, quick arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop. Athletic actions. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.94 runner in the 60. 

5. Taylor Kujak, Plainfield Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, wide base. Smooth load into back hip. Quick leg lift. Hits with rhythm throughout. Strong, level swing. Quick hands.Consistent hard contact.
Power: 97.1 max exit velocity, averaged 86.7 mph. 359’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Compact, loose arm action. Low 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Steady hands, quiet actions, plays with ease and body control.
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Brian Bednarkiewicz, Plainfield South  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-8, 172-pounds. Long torso. Lean build.
Hit: RHH. Loose and relaxed at the plate. Long swing, center/right-center field approach.
Power: 78.3 max exit velocity, averaged 68.7 mph. 220’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 66 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed.
Run: 8.16 runner in the 60. 

Daniel Blickhan, West Chicago (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Athletic build with strength throughout frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base. Loose and relaxed at the plate. Simple approach. Level swing. Pull side tendency. Flashed bat speed.
Power: 93.5 max exit velocity, averaged 87.9 mph. 344’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Above average arm strength. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Loose, easy, natural infield actions. Clean transfer. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Mason Buzicky, Normal West (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Plenty of room for continued growth.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, hands held close to body. Leg lift timing mechanism. Swing is on-plane early and through the zone. Direct and short to the baseball. Quick hands, line drive hitter. Uses the whole field.
Power: 85.1 max exit velocity, averaged 70.5 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Profiles as a second baseman. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.63 runner in the 60. 

Adam Ceres, Yorkville (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Long-limbed. Lean build. Round shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Bat starts vertical with hands held close to the body. Loads into back hip. Small leg lift. Swings from the shoulders. Long bat path that works uphill. Looks to lift. Center/right-center field approach.
Power: 83.6 max exit velocity, averaged 78.1 mph. 290’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. INF - 62 mph. Catcher: Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot. Infield: Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Catcher: Quiet receiver. Steady hands. Clean exchange. Infield: Sure hands. Watches the ball into the glove.
Run: 8.59 runner in the 60. 

Jacob Cronshaw, Yorkville (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds. Short, small frame. Room to grow.
Hit: LHH. Up on the plate. Slightly closed stance. Chops down at the ball at times. Long swing through the zone. Pull-side approach.
Power: 78.7 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 277’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 63 mph. Short, loose arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop. Natural infield actions. Clean exchange. Plays through the baseball. Flashed ability to use the backhand. Profiles as a second baseman.
Run: 8.96 runner in the 60. 

AJ Davis, Morton (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/1B High upside Frame.
Body: 6-5, 180-pounds. High upside frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic stance. Pre-loaded back hip. Quiet in the box. Balanced. Simple, highly repeatable approach. Loose. Swing is on-plane early. Level through the zone. Stays behind the baseball.
Power: 84.6 max exit velocity, averaged 74.2 mph. 289’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Plays with confidence. Athletic actions, balanced footwork.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Aidan Gaither, St John Vianney (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Broad shoulders. Thick through chest.
Hit: SH. Narrow, slightly open stance. Bat rests on the shoulder. Minimal load. Short stride towards the plate. Long, level swing. Balance throughout. Pull-side approach. Line-drive hitter.
Power: 81.5 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 293’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Compact/short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Good instincts. Quick reads. Flahsed ability to use the backhand. Natural actions.
Run: 8.16 runner in the 60. 

Santino Grano, Marmion (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Slightly closed stance. Short stride. Relaxed at the plate. Swings from the shoulders. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 86.2 max exit velocity, averaged 80.1 mph. 326’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 64 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Clean exchange, watches the ball into the glove. Quick feet.
Run: 8.08 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Groberski, Lockport (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 5-11, 178-pounds. Broad shoulders. Solid upper body. Thick through shoulders and upper back.
Hit: RHH. Athletic and balanced in the box. Smooth, rhythmic load. Hands stay back.  Level swing. Bat speed. Line drive type hitter. Pull-side approach.
Power: 93.5 max exit velocity, averaged 87.5 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Compact arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Favors the backhand. Agile. Athletic actions.
Run: 7.63 runner in the 60. 

Marvin Guzman, Bolingbrook (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-9, 158-pounds. Compact, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box. Slightly closed stance. Bat rests on shoulder. Pre-pitch load into back hip. Short, toe-tap stride.   High effort, level swing. Drops back shoulders. Creates lift. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 86.5 max exit velocity, averaged 72.2 mph. 260’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Quick lateral movements. Plays with body control on the move.
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60. 

Cole Harris, Providence Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Lean build.
Hit: RHH. Upright stance. Loads hands high and behind head. Short stride. Arm bar. Long, level swing generated by the shoulders.
Power: 82.7 max exit velocity, averaged 76.6 mph. 271’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Waits back on the ball. Sure handed.
Run: 8.03 runner in the 60. 

Diego Huerta, Aurora Christian  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 153-pounds. Compact frame. Plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box. Short stride. No wasted movement. Short, level swing. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 86.8 max exit velocity, averaged 77.4 mph. 246’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Natural infield actions. Plays through the ball. Fringy arm strength. Second base profile.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Cole Kratzberg, Orion (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds. Strong, durable frame. Thick upper body.
Hit: RHH. Open stance. Sets up off the plate. Balanced throughout. Knee-knock stride. Aggressive, intentful swing, looks to lift the baseball, pull-side tendency.
Power: 76.9 max exit velocity, averaged 64.2 mph. 259’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Above average arm strength. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Aggressive fielder. Quick actions, light on his feet. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Derek Kubek, Oswego East (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds. Sloped shoulders. Small, thin frame.
Hit: LHH. Crouched with feet shoulder width apart. Bat held vertically. Minimal load into back hip. Short stride. Compact, level swing. Pull-side tendency. Line drive type hitter.
Power: 80.6 max exit velocity, averaged 76.7 mph. 252’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. INF - 67 mph. Catcher: Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot. Infield: Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Catcher: Soft hands. Infield: Loose and relaxed. Ability to use backhand.
Run: 8.06 runner in the 60. 

Connor Lavery, Metea Valley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. High upside frame. Length through torso.
Hit: RHH. Upright. Minimal load. Small leg lift timing mechanism. Uses the middle of the field. Line drive type hitter. Above average on-plane efficiency.
Power: 84.2 max exit velocity, averaged 78.3 mph. 279’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 64 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Aggressive fielder. Charges the ball well. Quick feet, sure handz.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Trey Lombardo, Yorkville Christian (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds. High upside frame. Length through torso.
Hit: LHH. Sets up close to the plate. Toe tap. Short stride. Drops back shoulder. Works uphill, looks to lift. Quick hands.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 82.6 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Compact arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Ranges well up the middle. Flashed ability to use the backhand. Loose.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60. 

Daniel Paige, Plainfield North (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Tall, long-limbed.
Hit: RHH. Open stance. Deliberate/fluid load. Short stride.  No wasted movement. Simple, gap to gap approach. Compact, level swing through the zone. Long at times.
Power: 82.1 max exit velocity, averaged 71.4 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Athletic and sure-handed.
Run: 8.09 runner in the 60. 

Brandon Pflomm, Hersey (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Solid, durable frame.
Hit: RHH. Rhythmic load into back hip. Short stride.  Powerful, uphill swing. Keeps hands back. Bat speed, pull-side power.
Power: 89.3 max exit velocity, averaged 79.1 mph. 341’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. OF - 76 mph. Infield: Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Outfield: Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Infield: Plays with body control on the move. Sure-handed. Outfield: Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60.

Victor Rodriguez Jr., Hampshire (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-9, 154-pounds. Wiry, well-proportioned. Plenty of room for continued growth.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base. Hands start high and behind head. Big leg lift into front hip coil. Weight stacked over back leg at load. Well-sequenced swing. Creates separation. Hands stay back. Strong hip drive. Bat speed. 
Power:  max exit velocity, averaged  mph. ’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Fringy arm strength. Compact arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Profiles as a second baseman. Fluid actions. Clean two-handed gather. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.95 runner in the 60.  

Michael Scarpelli, Libertyville   (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Athletic build. Tall and lean.
Hit: RHH. Sets up with feet shoulder width apart. Hands held high and close to the body. Back hip load into athletic hitting position. Lets the ball travel. Center/right-center field approach. Long, level swing.
Power: 89.3 max exit velocity, averaged 85.6 mph. 297’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Ranges well up the middle. Waits back on the ball. Average hands.
Run: 8.06 runner in the 60. 

Austin Siddon, Yorkville Christian (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-6, 120-pounds. Plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Active feet in the box pre-pitch. Sets up in an athletic position. Quick load into back leg. Aggressive approach. Short, level swing. Uses the whole field. Keeps head on the baseball.
Power: 75 max exit velocity, averaged 63.6 mph. 234’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 62 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot. Accuracy on throws.
Defense: High energy player. Active feet.
Run: 8.57 runner in the 60. 

Alex Simios, Huntley  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Thick, muscular upper body. Strength throughout entire frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup with a pre-loaded back hip. Segmented/paused leg lift into short stride. Strong, uphill swing. Raw pull-side power.
Power: 86.9 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Average arm strength. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop. Athletic ready position. Average hands.
Run: 8.36 runner in the 60. 

Zachary Spengler, Bolingbrook (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Developed lower-half. Solid throughout upper body.
Hit: RHH. Closed front side, with hands held high. Short stride. Maintains balanced throughout. Gap to gap approach.
Power: 77.9 max exit velocity, averaged 68.4 mph. 181’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long, loose, easy arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Plays loose and relaxed. Sure-handed fielder.
Run: 8.92 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Stringham, Oswego (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 150-pounds. Narrow frame. Tall and thin.
Hit: RHH. Sets up back in the box in an athletic position. Quiet, simple pre-pitch actions. Minimal load into back hip. Power potential. Consistently lifts the ball to the middle of the field. Compact, level swing path.
Power: 85.8 max exit velocity, averaged 79.4 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Long arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Average hands.
Run: 8.30 runner in the 60. 

Eric Strom, Morris (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Tall, thin build.
Hit: RHH. Up on the plate. Front toe tap trigger into a short stride.  Bat on-plane early and through the zone. Short to the baseball.
Power: 81.1 max exit velocity, averaged 73.9 mph. 252’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Quick feet. Average hands.
Run: 8.42 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Voegele, Columbia (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP One of the top remaining unsigned seniors in the state.
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Long athletic frame. Strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup. Loose and easy at the plate. Compact swing. Line drive type of hitter. Consistently on the barrel. Uses the middle of the field. 
Power: 90.6 max exit velocity, averaged 85.2 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Above-average arm strength. Flashed accuracy on throws. Short, loose arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Easy, athletic actions. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

Thomas Walla, St. Edward (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 130-pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open setup off the plate and in the back of the box. Smooth load into back hip.  Pull-side tendency. Looks to lift. Some barrels.
Power: 73.6 max exit velocity, averaged 68 mph. 248’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Compact arm action, low 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Clean two-handed gather out front. Loose. Plays with confidence.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Jake Williams, West Aurora  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds. Durable, physical frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup. Quiet pre-pitch actions. Weight rests on back leg. Fluid hand load. Strides toward the plate. Strong uphill swing. Long path to the zone.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 82.7 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Average arm strength. Flashed accuracy. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Average range and hands.
Run: 7.90 runner in the 60. 

Ian Zarnick, Yorkville Christian (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-1, 150-pounds. Lean build. Small frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup. Toe-tap stride.  Rolls the top hand over at times. Short and level through the zone. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 79.4 max exit velocity, averaged 67.1 mph. 215’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. OF - 75 mph. Short arm action, natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Natural infield actions. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.97 runner in the 60. 

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