On Sunday, October 10, the PBR Illinois staff returned to The MAX Sports Complex to host the Class of 2023 Showcase. This annual event served as an opportunity for prospects in the state’s current junior class to display their talents in front of our scouting staff prior to the start of the off-season. There were more than 60+ prospects that made the trip to The MAX on Sunday and participated in a pro-style workout in front of our evaluators.

Shortly after the event’s conclusion we published several post-event content related pieces, highlighting some of the day’s biggest winners while also looking at the data we collected throughout the day. You can find those by clicking HERE.

Last week we began our position-by-position analysis with the catchers and outfielders, and we finished all the position players earlier today with the infielders. We’ll wrap this event roll-out up now by heading to the mound with the event’s pitcher analysis. Before we do so, here are a few names that stood out:

+ LHP Tate Roley (Morton) toed the rubber towards the end of the event and made an emphatic impression on our scouting staff in his PBR showcase debut. A lanky 6-foot-3, 185-pound southpaw, Roley showcased a high-upside arsenal paired with an equally projectable frame. Roley’s fastball sat at 85-87 mph throughout his pen, topping at 87.17 mph from a whippy ¾ slot. Though he’s still fully developing his secondary pitches, Roley’s slider did flash some sweeping action created from the angle at which his arm releases the ball. He’ll be a follow throughout the winter and into the IHSA season as a potential key contributor for Morton this spring.

+ The final ‘pen on Sunday was amongst the day’s best, as RHP Joseph Martin (Newark) solidified our preconceived notions of him with an impressive showing. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-hander bumped his fastball up to 87 mph, sitting at 85-86 mph throughout. Martin’s fastball characteristics are extremely analytically friendly, as he averaged roughly 19 inches of vertical break from a low release angle (4.71 ft. average) naturally creating upward vertical carry through the zone. Martin ripped off his mid-70s slider with fastball conviction and threw his changeup at arm speed, killing spin and averaging 17.6 inches of horizontal movement.

+ 3B/RHP Alex Day (Andrew) showed a relatively intriguing ceiling on the mound, standing at a lanky and projectable 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. Though he’s still fully harnessing his arsenal, Day’s fastball played at 83-85 mph in his ‘pen from a loose, whippy arm. His ability to spin his heater was noteworthy, as it averaged 2,300+ RPM while peaking at 2,510 RPM, per TrackMan. Day’s breaking ball also flashed late, sharp spin off an 11/5 plane when his wrist worked out front.

+ A huge winner from today’s event was RHP/INF Josh Katz (Lane Tech), as he stood out on both sides of the ball. Built at an evenly distributed 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame, Katz made a strong impression with one of the best bullpen sessions on the day. The right-hander works from a loose ¾ slot with present arm-speed. Down the mound, Katz maintained direction to his target with a slight drop-and-drive lower half movement pattern. His fastball sat comfortably in the 86-87 mph range (T2493 rpm) with life through the zone and also flashed a tight 11/5 breaking ball at 73-77 mph (T2693 rpm) with the ability to land it for strikes. He also featured a changeup at 79-81 mph with swing and miss action when thrown at the bottom of the zone. Katz also ran a 6.97 in the 60-yard dash and led the entire event in max throwing velocity on the infield, firing two 89 mph strikes across the diamond to first base during his workout.

+ RHP Xzavier Vargas (Lyons Township) appeared as an intriguing arm to follow moving forward. The right-hander possesses a quick arm that works from a high ¾ slot, while also moving athletically down the mound with a drop-and-drive lower-half. Vargas displayed a lively fastball that sat 80-84 mph and topped at 85 mph (T2352 rpm) with arm-side life and feel for the corners of the plate. Vargas featured two distinctly different breaking balls; an 11/5 curveball in the 66-68 mph range (T2393 rpm) and a slider with 10/4 action at 69-71 mph (T2359 rpm). To finish off Vargas’ four-pitch mix, he featured a fading changeup with feel for the bottom of the zone in the 73-75 mph range.

Below you’ll find the individual pitcher reports from this event. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Tate Roley, Morton (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, shoulder close off, long stride, lands open.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T87.2, 84.91-86.67 mph. Four seam fastball with command. T2164, 1919 average rpm.
SL: 73.57-75.03 mph. 2/8 movement, late break. T2013, 1945 average rpm.
CH: 72.39-74.80 mph. Late arm-side run, flashes sink at times. T1760, 1644 average rpm.

2. Joseph Martin, Newark (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate tall-and-fall delivery with effort, high point of balance, long stride, lands in line with home.
Arm Action: R. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.8, 84.73-86.49 mph. Throws four seam and two seam with command. T2121, 1912 average rpm.
SL: 76.32-77.24 mph. Slurve type of action. T2058, 2024 average rpm.
CH: 80.73-83.31 mph. Hard, arm-side run, with sink, down in th zone command. T1767, 1625 average rpm.

3. Alex Day, Andrew (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Lean, long limb.
Delivery: Deliberate tall-and-fall delivery with some effort, quick point of balance, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T85.2, 82.06-85.19 mph. Clean, four seam fastball with command. T2510, 2375 average rpm.
CB: 70.22-72.68 mph. 11/5 shape with late action. T2185, 2135 average rpm.
CH: 71.84-73.47 mph. Arm-side movement, glove side command. T1803, 1757 average rpm.

4. Josh Katz, Lane Tech (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Compact tall-and-fall delivery with smooth rhythm, shoulder stay level, lands closed with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T87.3, 86.17-87.29 mph. Clean, four seam type, fills the strikes zone. T2493, 2391 average rpm.
CB: 73.41-77.04 mph. Minimal 12/6 break, down in the zone command. T2693, 2562 average rpm.
CH: 79.23-81.11 mph. Arm-side run with some sink. T1715, 1605 average rpm.

5. Xzavier Vargas, Lyons Township  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/RHP
Body: 5-8, 152-pounds.
Delivery: Tilt-and-topple, strong balance point, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84.6, 79.47-83.80 mph. Throws four seam and two seam. T2325, 2138 average rpm.
CB: 66.02-67.75 mph. 12/6 shape with tight spin. T2393, 2315 average rpm.
SL: 69.42-70.72 mph. 10/4 movement, gradual action. T2359, 2291 average rpm.
CH: 73.20-74.96 mph. Arm-side run, arm-side command. T1597, 1530 average rpm.

5. Bryan Bergman, Lake Park (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only with effort, high balance point, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84.0, 81.93-83.66 mph. Throws four seam and two seam with command. T2055, 1901 average rpm.
CB: 66.87-68.74 mph. 11/5 shape with sharp action at times. T2002, 1921 average rpm.
CH: 75.03-76.01 mph. Late arm-side run. T1696, 1604 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Blake Binkowski, Lincoln-Way East  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-2, 225-pounds.
Delivery: Tall-and-fall delivery with effort, high point of balance, uphill shoulder plane, falling forward finish.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.7, 78.24-79.60 mph. Late two seam action. T1813, 1734 average rpm.
SL: 71.78-74.12 mph. 2/8 movement, flashed sharped action. T1759, 1679 average rpm.
CH: 69.59-71.94 mph. Plays straight, maintains arm speed. T1214, 1090 average rpm.

Ben Carlile, Manteno (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 225-pounds. Strong legs.
Delivery: Uptempo tall-and-fall, colapse the front leg, long stride, lands sqaured to home.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.0, 75.44-76.63 mph. Four seam type. T1818, 1783 average rpm.
CB: 64.38-65.25 mph. Early, 1/7 breaker, thrown down in the zone. T1745, 1651 average rpm.
CH: 69.63-70.25 mph. Slight sinking action. T1610, 1512 average rpm.

Patrick Gardner, Lemont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 230-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth, compact tall-and-fall delivery, long stride to home, lands squared with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.7, 76.69-79.11 mph. Two seam action, around the zone command. T1580, 1411 average rpm.
CB: 63.14-66.37 mph. 1/7 shape, down in the zone. T1645, 1376 average rpm.
SL: 65.54-68.32 mph. 2/8 movement, gradual action. T1574, 1497 average rpm.
CH: 70.51-72.81 mph. Arm-side run, late sinking break. T1135, 1077 average rpm.

David Holmes, Thronton Fractional North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-9, 182-pounds.
Delivery: Tilt-and-topple delivery, works directionally to home, lands open.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T66.2, 63.33-66.05 mph. Straight fastball. T1405, 1351 average rpm.
CB: 48.90-50.43 mph. Early 12/6 break. T1548, 1523 average rpm.
SL: 55.36-58.03 mph. 2/8 movement, gradual break. T1578, 1487 average rpm.
CH: 53.06-58.56 mph. Plays straight. T1412, 1216 average rpm.

Jaime Izaguirre, Riverside Brookfield (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 135-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate tall-and-fall delivery with some effort, high point of balance, shoulder close off, lands squared to home.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.5, 73.78-75.13 mph. Straight four seam, around the zone command. T2037, 1980 average rpm.
CB: 63.70-64.56 mph. 11/5 break, throws arm side. T2117, 2026 average rpm.
CH: 69.83-70.84 mph. Late arm-side run with some sink. T1286, 1238 average rpm.

Aris Kosiek, Montini Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 162-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo tall-and-fall delivery, shoudlers close off to home, lands closed with an tall finish.
Arm Action: R. Long, winged arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.6, 80.51-82.42 mph. Straight four seam fastball. T2234, 2152 average rpm.
CB: 67.02-67.72 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual break. T1545, 1453 average rpm.
SL: 69.28-70.49 mph. 10/4 movement with command. T1817, 1756 average rpm.

Patrick Loftus, Loyola Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, quick balance point, lands open with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: L. Long, wing arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T70.0, 68.43-69.57 mph. Four seam type. T1595, 1553 average rpm.
CB: 54.85-55.76 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual action. T1456, 1414 average rpm.
CH: 63.15-64.71 mph. Arm-side run, flashes sink at times. T1204, 1160 average rpm.

Caleb Martinez, Wheeling (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Tall-and-fall delivery with some effort, short stride, works in line with home, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.2, 73.56-76.73 mph. Mostly straight, occasional arm-side run. T2219, 2152 average rpm.
CB: 63.02-64.99 mph. Gradual 11/5 action. T2212, 2147 average rpm.
CH: 68.61-69.41 mph. Late fading break. T1799, 1745 average rpm.

Kaelen Natyshok, Coal City (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 210-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch-only, slight drop and drive, rotational delivery, lands front-toe square.
Arm Action: R. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.4, 76.9-79.1 mph. Straight four seam action. T1838, 1807 average rpm.
CB: 61.3-64.2 mph. 11/5 break, depth at times. T1831, 1826 average rpm.
SL: 64.9-67.3 mph. Similar action, slightly tighter spin. T1901, 1798 average rpm.
CH: 68.6-71.6 mph. T1655, 1563 average rpm.

Brooks Neuhoff, Morton (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-11, 168-pounds.
Delivery: Tall-and-fall delivery, strong point of balance, works directionally with home, lands slightly open.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.3, 72.89-74.90 mph. Plays straight, glove side command. T1976, 1918 average rpm.
CB: 65.47-67.76 mph. Early break, 11/5 shape. T2012, 1932 average rpm.
CH: 68.32-69.42 mph. Plays straight. T1675, 1465 average rpm.

Ryan Norkus, Downers Grove South (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate tall-and-fall delivery with some effort, shoudlers stays level, works directionally with home, lands open.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T70.0, 67.63-69.24 mph. Plays straight. T1815, 1706 average rpm.
CB: 56.25-60.83 mph. Gradual 1/7 break. T1671, 1577 average rpm.
SL: 58.81-61.62 mph. 2/8 movement, gradual action. T1664, 1631 average rpm.

Mario Recio, UIC College Prep (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo tilt-and-topple, shoulders close off to home, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T67.5, 66.61-67.26 mph. Mostly straight, occasional arm-side action. T1844, 1824 average rpm.
CB: 60.56-61.73 mph. Slurve type of movement. T1785, 1714 average rpm.
CH: 62.74-63.59 mph. Plays straight, maintains arm speed. T1681, 1421 average rpm.

Luke Richker, New Trier (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Drop-and-drive with some effort, high balance point, lands squared to home.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.4, 78.85-79.97 mph. Mostly straight, occassional late arm-side action. T2173, 2106 average rpm.
CB: 66.47-69.05 mph. Slurve type movement.  T2200, 2134 average rpm.
CH: 71.37-72.95 mph. Arm-side run, with sink. T1619, 1556 average rpm.

Brody Stonecipher, Champaign Centennial (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, works directionally with home, lands squared.
Arm Action: R. Long, wing arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.3, 77.44-79.73 mph. Straight, late arm-side run at times. T2208, 1992 average rpm.
CB: 60.32-61.80 mph. 11/5 shape, flashed 12/6 with depth at times. T2166, 2074 average rpm.
SL: 67.14-69.98 mph. 10/4 movement. T2336, 2162 average rpm.
CH: 68.43-69.94 mph. Arm-side run, flashes sink at times. T1467, 1300 average rpm.

Jason Sullivan, Sandburg (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate drop-and-drive delivery with some effort, works in line with home, lands squared, falling forward finish.
Arm Action: R. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.7, 81.78-83.25 mph. Clean, four seam type. T2184, 2109 average rpm.
CB: 65.99-67.74 mph. 11/5 shape with sharp action at times. T2161, 2112 average rpm.
SL: 65.47-68.36 mph. 10/4 movement. around the zone command. T2015, 1980 average rpm.
CH: 71.65-72.72 mph. Arm-side run with sinking action. T1592, 1501 average rpm.

Travis Tiernan, Oakwood (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-11, 215-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate tall-and-fall delivery, shoulder work uphill, lands squared with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.0, 78.82-79.97 mph. Four seam with occasional fade. T1681, 1509 average rpm.
CB: 70.38-71.74 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action. T2114, 2087 average rpm.
SL: 69.45-73.37 mph. 10/4 movement, glove side command. T2024, 1994 average rpm.
CH: 72.23-74.90 mph. Plays straight. T1493, 1388 average rpm.

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