Prep Baseball Report

Chicagoland Open: Outfield Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Sunday, August 22, the PBR Illinois scouting staff hosted the ninth annual Chicagoland Open at Triton College in River Grove, IL. Roughly 80+ prospects attended and provided our staff with an up-to-date look at their particular skill-sets or, for some, a first glance at the talents they bring to the baseball field.

Shortly after the event our staff published several content-related pieces, including a quick analysis of the day's standouts, stat leaders, and a look at the advanced data we have at our disposal. You can find all of that information by clicking HERE.

Yesterday our individual player analysis began with the catchers, and we’re continuing to work around the diamond with the outfield crop today. Before we dive deeper, here are a few standout names: 

+ OF Scott Newman (Glenbrook South, 2022) performed well in all facets, leaving the event as arguably one of its top performers. A wiry 6-foot-1, 160-pound athlete with potential for added strength, Newman kicked his day off by running a 6.82 in the 60-yard dash - the second fastest time of the day. His smooth right-handed stroke sprayed line drives to all fields in BP, working on the barrel and maintaining a level plane to contact. Newman also moved around like a natural in the outfield with easy, clean strides and fluid overall actions. He bumped an 86 mph high to home, too.

+ OF Luke Leombruni (Boylan Catholic, 2022) is a wiry 5-foot-9, 140-pound athlete with plenty of twitchy bat speed attached to his left-handed stroke. He kicked his day off by running an event-high 6.64 in the 60-yard dash and that level of athleticism is noticeable in each aspect of his game. All of Leombruni’s Blast Motion numbers rank in the upper tier percentiles, allowing him to generate whippy power with his hands and wrists. He hit a handful of baseballs at 90+ mph - his best jumping off his barrel at 93.71 mph and traveling 340.24 ft. Leombruni also showed off some of the best outfield actions on the day playing fast and with bounce. Leombruni looks the part of an above-average defensive center fielder.

+ One of the youngest prospects in attendance, OF Antonio Fawcett (St. Rita, 2025) fit in comfortably with the older crew. A 5-foot-10, 150-pound left/left athlete, Fawcett’s poise and demeanor in the box are certainly advanced for someone his age. He consistently repeated a slightly uphill path, elevating the baseball while occasionally working on the barrel to the pull-side. Defensively, Fawcett’s overall confidence and fluidity translated well to the outfield where he moves around light on his feet showing natural outfield actions and playing through the baseball in rhythm. Fawcett also showed off above-average arm strength for his age, topping at 82 mph to home.

+ OF Morgan Wachler (Palatine, 2024) made some noise in his PBR event debut, particularly in his BP, and showed an intriguing power skill-set to follow. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound incoming sophomore consistently swung with intent and rhythm in the box, hammering barrel after barrel into the pull-side gap. He recorded one of the highest max exit velocities of the day at 95.26 mph and amongst the highest average exit velocities at 89.51 mph, too.

+ OF Nathan Anderson (Lyons Township, 2024), took one of the top rounds of BP during the event. The strong-bodied left-handed hitter showed a highly-repeatable swing, advanced feel for the barrel and sprayed hard contact to all fields. 

Read below for all the outfield reports from this event.

TOP OUTFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Scott Newman, Glenbrook South (IL), 2022; Wichita State commit
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame that projects.
Hit: R. Quiet in the box, athletic stance, balanced base. Smooth hand load, short stride, controlled posture through contact.  Loose wrists, quick hands, short and level bat path, consistent line drive approach and repeats plane.
Power: 95.6 max exit velocity, averaged 84.6 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 86 mph. Arm works form a tight window, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Swift athletic feet, controlled tempo and rhythm throughout, soft hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.82 runner in the 60. 

2. Luke Leombruni, Boylan Catholic (IL), 2022; St. Charles CC commit
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 5-foot-9, 140-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, active hand waggle throughout, lead leg lifts into a long stride.  Whippy wrists with noticeable hand twitch, impressive Blast Motion metrics: 25.1 mph average hand speed, 74 mph average bat speed. Level path, barrel stays in the zone, line drive approach and swings with intent.
Power: 93.7 max exit velocity, averaged 76.5 mph. 340’ max distance. Generates power through twitchiness and rotational athleticism; peak batted distance of 340 ft.
Arm: L. OF - 81 mph. Short compact arm stroke, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Comfortable athletic actions, smooth throughout. Nimble feet that stride in rhythm, soft hands, clean to release and plays through the baseball. Centerfield type.
Run: 6.64 runner in the 60. Ran the day's fastest 60-yard dash; clear impact foot speed. 

3. Antonio Fawcett, St Rita (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, hands start high, smooth bat tip load, tempoed leg lift trigger.  Hands work direct to contact, mostly level path but works uphill occasionally, elevates. Worked in rhythm throughout.
Power: 90.4 max exit velocity, averaged 82 mph. 302’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 82 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends with some pre-pitch rhythm, feet work around the baseball. Steady hands, plays through with an athletic finish.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

4. Morgan Wachler, Palatine (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. Well-proportioned frame that projects.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride.  Simple swing, short to the baseball, level path and works on top, sprayed line drives throughout.
Power: 95.3 max exit velocity, averaged 89.5 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 79 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Quick first step, feet work in rhythm around the baseball, steady exchange to release.
Run: 6.99 runner in the 60. 

T5. Michael Boyce, Naperville Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 170-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame with room to add mass.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with balance through contact.  Loose wrists, short and uphill bat path, repeats with ease, fluid throughout.
Power: 87.3 max exit velocity, averaged 80.5 mph. 310’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 87 mph. Compact arm swing, high 3/4 finish.
Defense: Lower half works around the baseball, patient tempo. Steady hands, plays through release.
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60.

T5. Nathan Anderson, Lyons Township (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-foot-9, 175-pounds. Thick lower half.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Short and level path, simple swing and repeats. Some pull-side leverage.
Power: 90.5 max exit velocity, averaged 85.8 mph. 316’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 80 mph. Longer arm swing on the backside, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active to the baseball, feet work around and in rhythm, steady hands, clean to release.
Run: 8.37 runner in the 60.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Anthony Bagnole, East Leyden (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, bat wraps at load, high lead leg lift into a long stride.  Long and level bat path, swings with intent.
Power: 83.8 max exit velocity, averaged 74.4 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 69 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Works direct to the baseball, plays through release.
Run: 6.96 runner in the 60. 

Jack Brault, Geneva (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 159-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, simple load, strides short into a strong lead leg block.  Short hand path, flat barrel through the zone, line drive approach, simple.
Power: 83.3 max exit velocity, averaged 76.1 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 78 mph. Long arm swing, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Active feet that creates momentum to target, stays in line, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.98 runner in the 60. 

Carlito Collins, Notre Dame College Prep (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-foot, 167-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: R. Tall stance, smooth hand load, short stride.  Noticeable hand twitch (22.4 mph avg). Short and level bat path, looks to elevate to the pull-side.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 82 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 77 mph. Arm plays with some length on the backside, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic feet that work around the baseball in a fluid rhythm, steady hand transfer, plays through release.
Run: 6.95 runner in the 60. 

Cole Freeman, Christopher (IL), 2022; Kankakee CC commit
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-foot-2, 207-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, hands load back, front arm bars, short stride.  Strong wrists, noticeable hand (25.5 mph avg.) and bat (74.3 mph avg.) speed. Level bat path, works out front with intent to the pull-side.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 89.2 mph. 340’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 87 mph. Long arm swing finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft feet, lower half works in a fluid rhythm, secure transfer with an occasional two-hand gather.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

William Glenn, Barrington (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lanky, long-levered frame.
Hit: R. Crouched setup, slight back load, short stride.  Short and uphill path, two-hand finish.
Power: 85.1 max exit velocity, averaged 70.6 mph. 258’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 75 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet work around the baseball, plays through release.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Mitchell Hall, St. Rita (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-foot-3, 225-pounds. Physical frame with strength attached throughout.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride, simple throughout.  Short and level path, hands work direct to the baseball. Line drive approach, repeats.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 280’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 71 mph. Arm plays long on the backside, near over-the-top finish.
Defense: Patient tempo, feet work direct to the baseball.
Run: 6.91 runner in the 60. 

Max Herring, Highland (IN), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, back load, leg kick trigger.  Level path.
Power: 72.4 max exit velocity, averaged 72.4 mph. 209’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 77 mph. Long arm swing, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet that create momentum to target, lower half works around the baseball, plays through release.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Luke Holstrom, Nazareth (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 135-pounds. Lanky, thin-levered build.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, slightly open base, bat wraps at load, toe-tap trigger.  Flat path through the zone, middle-away approach.
Power: 76.8 max exit velocity, averaged 65.6 mph. 183’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active defender, fluid feet that work around the baseball, steady hand transfer to release.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Huerta, Von Steuben (IL), 2022; Morton JC commit
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-8, 165-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, active hands pre-pitch, leg kick trigger.  Long and flat bat path, pull-side approach.
Power: 86.7 max exit velocity, averaged 75.3 mph. 276’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 88 mph. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Advanced arm strength for age.
Defense: Quick feet that attack the baseball in rhythm, steady hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Johnson, Batavia (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 161-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, hands start back with minimal motion throughout, short stride, balanced posture.  Level bat path, some occasional length to contact, line drive approach.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 78.5 mph. 290’ max distance.
Arm: R. INF - 79 mph. OF - 86 mph. Some length on the backside, high 3/4 finish. More arm strength from the outfield.
Defense: Took reps in the infield and outfield. Active on the infield, plays low to the ground, comfortable on the move. Steady hands that work out front, secure transfer to release. Comfortable in the outfield as well, steady foot rhythm, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.89 runner in the 60. 

Charlie Jury, West Chicago (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Lean frame, high waist.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, minimal load, slight leg kick timing trigger.  Advanced Blast Motion metrics; 23.2 mph average hand speed, 24.1 g of rotational acceleration on average. Uphill path to contact, pull-side leverage with intent to elevate that way.
Power: 95.5 max exit velocity, averaged 82.7 mph. 343’ max distance. Advanced raw power to the pull-side.
Arm: L. OF - 76 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Some lower half rhythm, strides cover ground laterally, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60. 

John Marchetti, Oak Lawn (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 190-pounds. Strong, physical frame.
Hit: R. Slight knee bend, hands load back, vertical barrel, short stride with an occasional toe-tap timing trigger.  Long and level bat path, repeats.
Power: 89.9 max exit velocity, averaged 75.9 mph. 321’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 78 mph. Long arm swing, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active pre-pitch actions, attacks the baseball and plays through release.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

Brady Marques, Maine South (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Proportionally strong frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, open base, smooth load, short stride and stays balanced through contact.  Strong quick hands, short and simple swing, slightly uphill path to contact with some leverage to the pull-side.
Power: 93.4 max exit velocity, averaged 87.8 mph. 343’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 87 mph. Long arm swing that finishes from a high 3/4 slot. Advanced arm strength for age.
Defense: Patient tempo, lower half works around the baseball, some length to release. Corner outfield profile.
Run: 7.09 runner in the 60. 

Lucio Mockler, Fenwick (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-3, 165-pounds. Lean, lanky frame.
Hit: R. Slight knee bend, open base, hands load back, short stride.  Flat path, top spins the baseball.
Power: 81.9 max exit velocity, averaged 72.9 mph. 293’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 77 mph. Long arm swing, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, feet breakdown prior to gather.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60. 

Chris Morgan, DePaul College Prep (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, bat wraps at load, leg lift trigger, short stride.  Level bat path, pull-side approach.
Power: 85.7 max exit velocity, averaged 80.2 mph. 330’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 74 mph. Am plays with some length on the backside, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gains momentum towards target, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.07 runner in the 60. 

Joseph Murray, St. Rita (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, hands start and stay back throughout, short stride.  Long and flat bat path.
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 69.6 mph. 233’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet gain ground towards the baseball, steady exchange, pla
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60. 

Patrick Murray, St Rita (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, minimal load, quick leg lift trigger.  Some hand speed, level bat path, worked the other way.
Power: 78.3 max exit velocity, averaged 68.5 mph. 236’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 69 mph. Short arm stroke, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays to the baseball, steps behind to release.
Run: 7.83 runner in the 60. 

Daniel O'Brien, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, hands load back into a high slot, minimal stride.  Flat bat path, barrel head works on top of the baseball.
Power: 86.3 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 231’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 77 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Feet work around the baseball, packs to release.
Run: 7.08 runner in the 60. 

Joseph Perona, Lane Tech (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. Athletic frame that projects.
Hit: L. Slightly upright stance with some lower half bend, open base. Hands coil some at load, short stride.  Loose wrists, present hand speed, short and uphill path to contact, pull-side approach.
Power: 88.9 max exit velocity, averaged 82.2 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: R. C - 79 mph. OF - 82 mph. Shorter, compact arm action that finishes from a slightly elevated 3/4 slot.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and in the outfield. Athletic stance in the crouch, soft hands, clean transfer, plays through the baseball to target. Active feet in the outfield, crow hops to release.
Run: 6.86 runner in the 60. 

Rigo Quinonez, St. Rita (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, hands coil at load, short stride, balanced through contact.  Level bat path, line drive approach, repeats.
Power: 87.2 max exit velocity, averaged 71.4 mph. 265’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 74 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gains ground towards target, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.07 runner in the 60. 

Ryker Small, Hoopeston Area (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds. Lean, lanky frame; thin levers.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, hands load back and coil, short stride.  Long and level bat path, pull-side approach, some rhythm.
Power: 80.7 max exit velocity, averaged 75.8 mph. 280’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 73 mph. Long arm circle, finishes from a high 3/4 window.
Defense: Active feet, attacks the baseball, steady hands, clean exchange to release.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Ian Solger, Huntley  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-10, 168-pounds. Well-proportioned frame that projects.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, simple load, toe-tap timing trigger.  Flat bat path, pull-side approach, repeats and stays on plane.
Power: 81.9 max exit velocity, averaged 77.2 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: L. OF - 71 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, clean exchange to release.
Run: 8.08 runner in the 60. 

Shaw Stukel, Providence Catholic (IL), 2022; Saint Ambrose commit
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic frame with room for added mass.
Hit: R. Balanced setup, slight arm bar, short stride.  Short and simple swing, level path to contact, line drive approach and repeats.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 83.2 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: R. OF - 82 mph. Quick arm circle with some arm speed, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Lower half works behind the baseball, clean hand transfer, plays through release.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

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