Prep Baseball Report

IL Preseason All-State - Underclass: Preview


By: Diego Solares
Associate Scout, Staff Writer

This Saturday, Feb. 26th, the PBR Illinois staff will host the Preseason All-State: Underclass event at The MAX in McCook, IL. This is an invitation-only event that features the top freshman and sophomores (2024 and 2025 grads) across the state. This event is limited and exclusive to the top prospects in Illinois and serves as a springboard as we prepare to enter the high school season.

To see which prospects are scheduled to attend, click HERE.

EVENT HISTORY

This event has perennially been one of the most impressive events on our winter showcase calendar, but last year’s group was especially notable.

There were a multitude of high-end prospects from the 2023 and 2024 prospects in attendance at last year’s event, including RHP Zander Mueth (Belleville East, 2023; Mississippi), who is currently slotted at No. 11 overall in the country for the 2023 class. There were a multitude of nationally-ranked names from the 2023 class in attendance last year, including C Ryan Bakes (Huntley; South Carolina), C Colin Barczi (Naperville Central; Vanderbilt), RHP Matt Sauser (Normal University; Iowa), RHP Josh McDevitt (Effingham; Missouri), INF Cal Sefcik (Marist; Indiana), OF Trey Swiderski (Joliet Catholic; Louisville), and RHP Ryan Hussey (Providence Catholic; Notre Dame).

Zander Mueth

2022 ROSTER PREVIEW

Just like in year’s past, this event’s roster is already shaping up nicely. Below are a handful of names, both position players and pitchers, that are heading to The MAX on Saturday.

POSITION PLAYERS

Tyler Bell SS / Lincoln-Way East, IL / 2024

From 8/22/21:

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with plenty of room for physical projection
Hit: S. Athletic balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with controlled posture through finish.  Loose wrists, easy effort, fluid throughout. Bat stays through the hitting zone a long time, looks to create leverage out front and elevate. Steeper angle from the left side.
Power: 86.7 max exit velocity, averaged 74.7 mph. 316’ max distance.
Arm: R. INF - 80 mph. Shorter arm slot, tight window, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Nimble feet, comfortable bouncing around the infield and lower half works in rhythm. Soft sure-handed glove, clean transfer, efficient to release. Actions to stick up the middle in the long term.
Run: Did not run at the event.

Cash Campbell 3B / Montini Catholic , IL / 2024

From 2/16/22: "Ranked inside the top-25 prospects in the state’s sophomore class...gave our staff a quality up-to-date look at his skill set. Now built at a stronger and leaner 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, Campbell’s left-handed stroke showed well in BP, as he displayed loose strong hands and natural lift through contact with a max exit velocity of 97.3 mph. He worked in rhythm on the infield as well with athletic feet and an accurate arm that delivered from a high ¾ slot. He’s long been an intriguing follow for us and we’re eager to see him continue to build off this performance throughout this year."

Samuel Chapman OF / Woodstock , IL / 2024

From 3/27/21:

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Long frame, room for physical development.
Hit: LHH. Tall, balanced setup, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Short, simple swing, advanced level bat path, barrel control, line drives, used all fields.
Power: 88.98 max exit velocity, averaged 83.94 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 91 mph. Long, loose arm action, throws carry.
Defense: Advanced outfield actions, aggressive routes, quick/fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the ball athletically with crow hop.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60.

Xavier Crowder SS / Montini Catholic, IL / 2025

From 9/20/21: "...One of the biggest highlights of the weekend...came out of the bullpen for Cangelosi Sparks North, playing up a class. Crowder, only a 2025, showed off elite arm strength making him a must know name, for those looking for some of the best crop of talent entering the high school ranks this fall. Crowder, an athletic, 5-foot-10, 169-pound, right-handed pitcher was generating extremely easy velocity working slightly across his body, with a clean, quick arm action. Early on Crowder was sitting mostly 84 mph, touching 86 but continued to get loose as his outing went along. Come his second and third inning Crowder was almost exclusively sitting 86-87 mph with his fastball getting a number of swing and misses towards the top of the zone. He went primarily fastball to start, flashing one breaking ball late in his second outing of work that showed slurvy shape and depth. Also, a highly-touted position player, whose position is still to be decided, Crowder looked the part in the box and running around the diamond. High-level 2025 prospect."

Conor Essenburg 1B / Lincoln-Way West, IL / 2025

From 1/6/22: "...Essenburg’s confidence and athleticism make his upside easy to bet on, and he fills out a wiry 6-foot, 160-pound frame, could see significant jumps in all facets of his game. A two-way player with a quick left arm, Essenburg has been up into the low 80s from a near ¾ slot with much more in the tank. Showcasing some aptitude for spin with both a slider and curveball, as well as feel for a faded changeup, there is some starter potential in the profile. At the plate, the right-handed hitter does not get cheated, showcasing loose wrists and quick hands with a big leg kick that separates the hands deeper into a power position. Impressively turning the barrel with aggressive use of the hips and lower-half, Essenburg’s 92 mph exit velocity should only rise in coming years as he adds strength. Overall, there is plenty to like about the future upside, and as the frame continues to mature, look for Essenburg to make an impact in the class."

Savion Flowers 3B / Kenwood, IL / 2024

From 10/14/21: "...carries considerable projection, at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, and he’s athletic enough to use his long levers to run a 7.14, recorded at the White Sox ACE Scout Day. His loose left-handed swing offers significant upside, while, defensively, his best position is not yet clear – though we’ve seen his versatility play all over, from catcher, third, to the outfield."

Kyle Hartmann C / Sycamore, IL / 2024

From 3/27/21:

Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg kick, long stride. Aggressive swing, average bat speed of 69.5 MPH, path works uphill.
Power: 88.63 max exit velocity, averaged 78.76 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.06-2.21 pop times. Steady receiver, low, athletic setup, clean exchanges, advanced block.
Run: 8.19 runner in the 60.

Derrick Holmes SS / Brother Rice, IL / 2025

 

 

Talan Hull LHP / Galva , IL / 2025

From 6/6/21: "...Physically advanced 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, proportionally strong with even more room to add muscle. Left/left athlete that started in center field multiple times for the Outlaws throughout the PBR at The Rock Championships and also toed the rubber in the quarterfinal matchup Sunday morning against Hitters 14U. Tall, slightly open stance in the box, slight pre-pitch hand rhythm, hands move back in a quick motion, rapid leg kick trigger. Advanced hip/shoulder separation at front footstrike; rubber-band like stretch. Bat head travels with some lag through the zone, inside/out type swing at times, worked the other way multiple times throughout the weekend. Still consistently trying to repeat in rhythm and on time, clear upside offensively given age and frame."

Enzo Infelise 3B / Providence Catholic, IL / 2025

From 2/21/22: "It was another loud showing from C/INF/RHP Enzo Infelise, as the former PBR Junior Future Games participant continues to look the part as one of the more physical right-handed hitters in the state’s 2025 class. Built at a leaner and stronger 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, Infelise attacked the pull-side gap with hard contact throughout BP. His 98.3 mph max exit velocity was amongst the event’s best and it’s an especially noticeable mark for someone of his age. Infelise’s ability to elevate the baseball on the barrel stood out, as he recorded an average exit velocity of 89.4 mph and average batted distance of 262 feet - both of which are above-average batted ball metrics for his age. As a catcher, Infelise showed an elite catch and release skill set behind the plate. His pop times were consistently in the 2.00 - 2.03 range. He has a very direct and fast catch and release mechanic. His armplays strong  from a short over the top arm slot. His footwork is advanced, he understands the importance of using his feet to set up his throws to second base. On the infield he continued to show advanced feel and arm strength for his age. Naturally, his arm strength works on the mound, too, where he reached an 83.0 mph high with a fastball featuring efficient backspin and carry traits, and he demonstrated authentic spin feel with his breaking ball. Enzo is a projectable 2025 and a high-follow freshman to know in Illinois."

Sir Jamison Jones C / St. Rita, IL / 2024

From 10/14/21: "An enhanced offensive profile has pushed Jones into a high-follow category of prospect, demonstrated most recently at the White Sox ACE Scout Day as well as the PBR Fall Championship at Grand Park. Here is a note on him from the Scout Day at the end of August: “... now standing at a well-proportioned 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame. That added strength continues to enhance his impactful offensive profile. Jones made loud contact seemingly everywhere he went this summer and showed it once again at the event. Jones has a short, compact swing with feel for the barrel and makes hard contact to both gaps. Jones took one of the more polished rounds of BP on the day. Defensively, Jones has long featured above-average receiving abilities and soft hands behind the plate. The biggest takeaway for us was the improvement he has shown in his arm, topping at 74 mph. The velocity plays up as well, due to the fact that he gets on top of the baseball and throws a true ball with carry to the second base bag.”"

James Love 3B / Joliet West, IL / 2024

From 2/24/22: "An upside name-to-note from the 2024 class. Love’s lean, yet athletic, 6-foot, 180-pound frame has plenty of room for added strength and even further enhances an already intriguing offensive profile. He worked gap-to-gap in BP, flashing pull-side power and maintaining a fluid rhythm throughout with a clean right-handed stroke. Love’s batted ball profile is well advanced for his age, including a 98.6 mph max exit velocity, 93.5 mph average exit velocity, and 369 ft. peak batted distance. Defensively Love flashed high level arm strength on the infield topping out at 83mph.  He has an easy and controlled arm action and the ball jumps out of his hand.  He also showcased soft hands with quick footwork and quick exchange. His feel was advanced as he delivered the ball from many different arm angles from different areas of the field."

Beau McBride LHP / New Trier, IL / 2024

From 3/27/21:

Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Average bat speed of 70.5 MPH, level bat path, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach with intent to hit for power.
Power: 92.44 max exit velocity, averaged 87.46 mph. 314’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 89 mph. Long, loose arm action, 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Steady hands, fluid feet, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60.

Charlie Meister C / Hersey , IL / 2025

From 2/15/22: "...proved, yet again, to be one of the strongest members of the 2025 class after his impressive two-way showing on Saturday. The former PBR Junior Future Games participant did it all over the field, from one station to the next. On the mound, Meister works with a drop/drive lower-half while striding on-line, front foot landing closed and creating power down the mound with some intensity. His arm plays short out of the glove before moving into a high ¾ slot, and he easily repeated from a consistent window. Meister’s fastball played at 82-83 mph throughout the entirety of his ‘pen, mainly straight but showing life through the zone. His breaking ball plays off an 11/5 plane, occasionally 12/6, in the 72-73 mph range and it was thrown for strikes consistently. One of the more impressive aspects of Meister’s arsenal is a diving changeup thrown at 72-73 mph, which he is able to keep down in the zone repeatedly while maintaining fastball intent throughout his arm action. Offensively, the right-handed hitter is just as impressive putting up a loud, consistent round of BP, Meister takes a big, aggressive swing and when he is on time, the ball jumps off the barrel; 89 mph exit velocity on average during BP, which is a very noteworthy mark for a 2025 prospect. He also showed well on the infield and reached an 81 mph high across the diamond. Meister is a talented freshman in the state worth following closely."

Jackson Natanek SS / Brother Rice, IL / 2025

From 6/6/21: "...5-foot-8, 135-pounds, right handed hitter. Small, quick frame projectable to fill out. Profiles as a lead-off type hitter, even/balanced stance, short stride, quick and short swing. Has a 2-strike approach with discipline. Clean transfers at shortstop with quick hands and above average accurate arm, is agile and able to cover a lot of ground. Has the ability to make the big plays in the hole, up the middle and in front of him. At the plate against Chicago Elite went 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI. Offensively, he totaled 16 hits on the weekend in his team’s seven games, en route to the championship. On the mound, he showcased a clean arm with long and loose action. His arm speed is quick from a high ¾ window. Fastball sat 76-78 mph, topped at 80, and plays with life in the zone. He mixed in a breaking ball with 11/5 shape at 67-68 mph. Final line: CG, 0 R, 1 H, 4 K."

Randall Nauden C / Brother Rice, IL / 2024

From 10/14/21: "...was one of the only underclassmen to earn an invitation to the PBR Future Games this past summer to represent Team Illinois. His performance inside the 15U division at June’s PBR National Program Invitational helped get him there: “5-foot-10, 175-pound frame with broad shoulders, strong lower half and present strength throughout. Turned in a stellar performance for Top Tier during its 10-1 victory, driving in half the team’s runs with five RBI. Nauden spun on a fastball for a home run in his first at-bat, and followed it with a double down the left-field line. Flashed above-average arm strength for age behind the plate. High-follow in the 2024 class.”"

James Novakovic SS / New Trier, IL / 2024

From 8/22/21:

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 182-pounds. Wiry, high-waisted frame.
Hit: L. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with an occasional toe-tap trigger.  Loose hands with bat speed, short and uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach and repeats.
Power: 86.9 max exit velocity, averaged 79.5 mph. 292’ max distance.
Arm: R. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Present pre-pitch bounce, nimble feet, smooth lower half that works in rhythm around the baseball, athletic on the move. Soft hands, ultra-quick hand transfer, savvy actions.
Run: 7.38 runner in the 60.

AJ Putty 3B / Huntley, IL / 2025

From 7/7/21:

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 200-pounds. Extra large/strong frame.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, high leg-kick into a drop-and-drive lower-half, moves efficiently down the mound with aggression at release.
Arm Action: RH. Short, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 76-82 mph. Generally straight with occasional horizontal break, ability to fill up the zone. T2029, 1780 average rpm.
CB: 62-66 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape with downer break. T1681, 1592 average rpm.

Hit: RHH. Starts in a slightly open setup, leg-kick timing trigger into a long/gliding stride, creates separation with load. Loose arms with a level path to the ball, swings with intent, quick/strong hands.
Power: 95.84 max exit velocity, averaged 84.74 mph. 311’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short/quick high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60.

Khamaree Thomas OF / Kenwood, IL / 2024

From 5/7/21: "...Uncommitted. 5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletic, left/left outfielder. Started in left field and hit in the two-hole as a freshman. Finished 2-for-4 with a stolen base and run scored. Confident look in the box, ready to hit when he steps in, ability to cover the entire plate. Athletic setup, fluid rhythm and loose hands. Works on top of the baseball and uses the whole field. Follow 2024 left/left prospect."

Peter Visconti II C / St. Joseph, IL / 2025

From 6/6/21: "...5-foot-9, 168-pound right handed hitting catcher. Impressed on both sides of the ball. He looked the part as a confident receiver with sound blocking skills defensively. At the plate, his swing is compact and strong, lifting a long home run over the tall Fenway replica fence in left field during the PBR at The Rock Championships. Showed off gap-to-gap power against STiKS Black, hitting an inside-the-park home run to left-center field and a bases clearing triple to right-center field. Finished that game 2-for-3 with 5 RBI."

Jack Wheeler SS / Morris, IL / 2025

From 7/7/21:

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Long, lean, projectable frame.
Delivery: Athletic, up-tempo delivery, drop-and-drive lower-half with aggression throughout his delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm with a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Arm-side movement with the ability to locate in the zone. T1708, 1648 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Thrown with fastball arm-speed, fading action towards arm-side.
CUT: 73-77 mph. Gradual cutting action. 

Hit: RHH. Athletic setup with a leg kick trigger. Path works slightly uphill, on plane from a lower hand position, pull-side approach.
Power: 90.11 max exit velocity, averaged 82.77 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Well above average arm strength, high 3/4 slot, arm showed ability to play athletically.
Defense: Soft hands with athletic infield actions, fluid footwork, covers ground easily.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60.


PITCHER ANALYSIS

Tom Ford RHP / Lisle, IL / 2024

From 10/26/21: "...One of the highest ceilings of the event belongs. The 6-foot-5, 175-pound, long-limbed, extra-large bodied sophomore emerged as an arm to pay close attention to moving forward. Ford works with a stretch-only, directional delivery that should only become more repeatable/synced up as he gains control and feel for his long-limbs. The arm projects for more velocity down the road, thanks to a loose, quick, whippy arm action from a high ¾ slot. The fastball jumps out of the hand at 80-83 mph, touching 84 with an average of 2188 rpm. The curveball and changeup are still developing but both are thrown with arm speed and show the proper action and shape when right. The frame, arm action and raw upside on the mound should be fun to watch moving forward."

Conor Essenburg 1B / Lincoln-Way West, IL / 2025

From 1/6/22: "Essenburg’s confidence and athleticism make his upside easy to bet on, and he fills out a wiry 6-foot, 160-pound frame, could see significant jumps in all facets of his game. A two-way player with a quick left arm, Essenburg has been up into the low 80s from a near ¾ slot with much more in the tank. Showcasing some aptitude for spin with both a slider and curveball, as well as feel for a faded changeup, there is some starter potential in the profile. At the plate, the right-handed hitter does not get cheated, showcasing loose wrists and quick hands with a big leg kick that separates the hands deeper into a power position. Impressively turning the barrel with aggressive use of the hips and lower-half, Essenburg’s 92 mph exit velocity should only rise in coming years as he adds strength. Overall, there is plenty to like about the future upside, and as the frame continues to mature, look for Essenburg to make an impact in the class."

Cody Freitas RHP / Bradley-Bourbonnais, IL / 2025

From 6/15/21:

Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 5-foot-10, 158-pounds.
Defense: Hands are soft, exchange is fluid and footwork is fluid. 
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. His arm is very strong.  He has a short quick arm action that is loose and delivers from a high 3/4 slot. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wide base, athletic setup. Simple, loose repeatable swing. Short, quick and direct to contact. Utilized the entire field with a gap to gap approach. His swing is strong and athletic and projects.
 Power: 75.00 mph exit velocity from the tee. Line drive pull hitter.  Consistently barrelled the ball to the pull side.  Very projectable swing with advanced bat speed for his age.
 Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Tall and fall delivery that stays on-line and lands square.
 Arm Action: RH. His arm is very strong with easy effort.  He has a long arm action and delivers from a 3/4 slot. 
 FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Fastball has armside run and advanced velocity for age.
 CB: 65-69 mph. 11/5 shape with gradual break.
 CH: 76-77 mph. Straight change with near fastball armspeed.

Michael Furmanek RHP / Plainfield East, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Long-levered frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, full windup, lands square to target, level shoulders, strong front side, delivery could make for uncomfortable at bat.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 arm slot, whippy, quick action.
FB: T85, 84-85 mph. Jumps out of the hand, flashed heavy action, ability to throw for strikes.
CB: 64-66 mph. 12/6 shape, gradual action, ability to land for strikes.
SL: 66-71 mph. Tighter 2/8 like shape, plays to glove-side of the plate, average spin rate of 2,148RPM via TrackMan.
CH: 64-65 mph. Flashed downward action, ability to throw for a strike.

Jacob Gimbel LHP / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2024

From 3/27/21:

Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Easy, drop and drive delivery, repeatable, smooth tempo, leg kick works slightly across body, lands square, works in line to target, starts slightly closed out of stretch.
Arm Action: LH. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Slight arm side run, 2-seam type. T2230, 2148 average rpm.
CB: 60-63 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual action. T1970, 1888 average rpm.
CH: 66-69 mph. Fading action, occasional strikes. T2690, 1715 average rpm.

David Leung LHP / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2025

From 2/16/22: "One of the last arms of the day was Leung and the lean, high-waisted 5-foot-11, 155-pound southpaw put together an impressive showing. Leung worked efficiently down the mound, maintaining rhythm and posture throughout. His fastball played from a loose clean arm at 79-80 mph with nearly 18 inches of vertical break on average and plenty of untapped velocity in the tank. Leung’s curveball showed flashes of above-average downer spin at 63-67 mph and his cutter was his best secondary pitch on this day, showing late horizontal action at 73-76 mph. His ceiling, especially should his body physically fill out, is arguably one of the highest we saw at this event."

Beau McBride LHP / New Trier, IL / 2024

From 3/13/21:

Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery, shoulders stay level, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: LH. Long loose arm action, low ¾  to ¾ slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Heavy arm-side run. T2287, 2235 average rpm.
CB: 64-66 mph. Gradual 1/7 break.  T1828, 1782 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Arm-side action, flashed sink. T1948, 1922 average rpm.

Charlie Meister C / Hersey , IL / 2025

From 2/15/22: "...proved, yet again, to be one of the strongest members of the 2025 class after his impressive two-way showing on Saturday. The former PBR Junior Future Games participant did it all over the field, from one station to the next. On the mound, Meister works with a drop/drive lower-half while striding on-line, front foot landing closed and creating power down the mound with some intensity. His arm plays short out of the glove before moving into a high ¾ slot, and he easily repeated from a consistent window. Meister’s fastball played at 82-83 mph throughout the entirety of his ‘pen, mainly straight but showing life through the zone. His breaking ball plays off an 11/5 plane, occasionally 12/6, in the 72-73 mph range and it was thrown for strikes consistently. One of the more impressive aspects of Meister’s arsenal is a diving changeup thrown at 72-73 mph, which he is able to keep down in the zone repeatedly while maintaining fastball intent throughout his arm action. Offensively, the right-handed hitter is just as impressive putting up a loud, consistent round of BP, Meister takes a big, aggressive swing and when he is on time, the ball jumps off the barrel; 89 mph exit velocity on average during BP, which is a very noteworthy mark for a 2025 prospect. He also showed well on the infield and reached an 81 mph high across the diamond. Meister is a talented freshman in the state worth following closely."

Cole Noreuil 3B / Delavan , IL / 2024

From 2/24/21

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 168-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tempo, drops into back leg, lands square, works efficiently in line to target.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 arm slot, long arm action.
FB: T85, 82-84 mph. Mostly straight, intent to play at top of zone. T2026, 1964 average rpm.
CB: 67-70 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action, located on both sides of plate. T1392, 1323 average rpm.
CH: 76-79 mph. Arm side fade. T2030, 1961 average rpm.

Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, long stride to a wide base.  Long, level bat path, looks to make contact out front.
Power: 82.38 max exit velocity, averaged 67.87 mph. 283’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Fields from a wide base, uses two hands, works toward target at times.
Run: 7.83 runner in the 60

Joe Olson LHP / St. Laurence, IL / 2025

"Is a young arm to keep close tabs on in the 2025 class. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound, strong-bodied left-hander impressed during his bullpen at his first-ever PBR event. Olson has a compact, clean arm action that plays out of a high ¾ slot with minimal effort throughout. The fastball plays clean out of the hand with occasional jump through the zone, spinning at a max rate of 2,128 rpm. Olson also landed his 68-70 mph slider for strikes and showed a changeup that played mostly to his arm side. Consider the St. Laurence lefty to be a talented pitcher to follow inside this 2025 class."

Malachi Paplanus RHP / Huntley, IL / 2024

From 7/20/21:

Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Polished delivery, showed the ability to repeat, drop and drive lower-half, explosive down the mound, throws with intent, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove with a loose high 3/4 slot, quick arm.
FB: T83.9, 82.3-83.6 mph. T2256 rpm, jumps out of the hand with ride through the zone, some arm-side life at times.  T2256, 2197 average rpm.
CB: 69.4-70.5 mph. Tight spin, 10/4 shape, advanced feel for age, showed the ability to locate for strikes, T2482 rpm with a 2425 rpm average.  T2482, 2425 average rpm.
CH:  72-73 mph. Thrown with intent, showed some arm-side fade, able to command for strikes.  T1848, 1848 average rpm.

Brandon Schultz LHP / Stevenson , IL / 2024

From 1/31/21:

Positional Profile: LHP/OF; Emerged as one of the top 2024 left-handed arms we have seen to-date.
Body: 5-foot-8, 151-pounds. Strength in the lower half.
Delivery: Uptempo hurried windup into balance point; works clean and in rhythm coming out of balance point. Slight drop and drive action, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Short, lively arm that plays quick out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 84-86 mph. Jumps out of the hand, late life and finish through the zone. Showed control, works mostly straight. T2141, 2083 average rpm.
CB: 72-74 mph. Separator offering. Flashed slider action with wipeout, out-pitch potential. Showed feel, ability to back-foot right-handed hitters. 1/7 to 2/8 shape, late bite. Quality offering for a 2024. T2416, 2316 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut. T2261, 2068 average rpm.

Simon Skroch LHP / Yorkville , IL / 2024

From 7/22/21: "Came out of the pen for ESP Red 2024 at LakePoint with some swing-and-miss stuff. Long fluid arm path, attacking with the fastball at 81-84 mph. Works the outside corner with arm-side run. Tall frame at 6-foot with more room to grow.

Ryan Sloan RHP / York, IL / 2024

From 6/10/21: "Wake Forest recruit, currently ranked No. 69 nationally. 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame with strong lower half for age. Advanced feel to pitch, true starter profile, and will only continue to get better. Fills up the zone with his three-pitch mix, which includes a highly advanced 74-77 slider that is a present swing/miss offering at any high-school level, much less for a freshman. Arm path is clean and quick out of a 3/4 slot; tunnels all three pitches well. Operates with confidence and moxie, works fast, calm demeanor; has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Fastball sat 85-87 with arm-side life and plenty more in the tank. Also shuffled in a high-70s changeup with late fade for good measure during his six-inning masterpiece during Top Tier’s victory. Sloan got better as the game progressed, holding his velo for the most part, as he struck out nine with no walks and four hits."

Tanner Spangler RHP / Morton , IL / 2024

From 8/22/21:

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. Physically advanced for his age with room for added strength.
Delivery: Hands rock over head to initiate a simple tall/fall type delivery, high front side, lands slightly closed off from target, downward finish through release.
Arm Action: R. Clean arm circle that finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.2, 81.1-83.1 mph. Lively out the hand, averaged 19.3 inches of IVB, per TrackMan. Potential to be effective up in the zone, plays from a high slot. T2175, 2102 average rpm.
CB: 65.6-67.0 mph. Spins off a 12/6 plane. Primarily played gradual with early break off a high plane, did flash late downer action and fastball conviction. T2269, 2203 average rpm.
CH: 72.9-75.6 mph. Thrown from fastball slot with fastball intent. Plays straight. T2086, 1958 average rpm.

Luke Teschke RHP / Monticello, IL / 2024

From 7/20/21:

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery down the mound, drops into his back leg as he reaches his balance point, leads with front hip down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Loose/quick high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85.6, 83.4-85.2 mph. Mostly straight, plays at the top of the zone.  T2164, 1983 average rpm.
CB: 68.2-70.3 mph. Sharp bite at times, 11/5 shape, kept down in the zone, showed the ability to land for strikes and bury as a put-out pitch.  T2027, 2013 average rpm.
SL: 71-72 mph. Sharp 10/4 action, thrown with fastball intent, showed some feel for the zone and the ability to locate low and away to RHH. T2111, 2111 average rpm.


CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Saturday's event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smartphone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that Form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their PBR profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.

ITINERARY

+ Check-in Times: (Subject to Change)

  • All Position Players: 8:30 am

  • All Pitchers-only: 11:00 am

  • Catchers will stay for both sessions.


MORE EVENT DETAILS 

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Blast Motion, and Vizual Edge have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports – and they're also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data, that can be applied to improve upon their game.

Finally, masks are strongly encouraged during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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