Illinois 2018 Rankings: Newcomers

December 7, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Illinois updated and expanded the 2018 Rankings this past week and today we take a look at some of the top newcomers added to the list. Expanded from 20 to 35 there are many new prospects worth noting. It will be fun to watch these sophomores continue to develop in the coming years.

A top newcomer coming in just outside of the Top 10 is RHP Caleb Larson (Wheaton Warrenville South) who looks to be one of the top arms in the class. Larson stands a projectable 6-foot-3 and has ran his fastball into the mid 80’s this fall. Works from a high ¾ slot and repeats his delivery well.

Another RHP who catapulted themselves into the Top 20 was Jace Wallingford (Quincy Notre Dame). The imposing 6-foot-8 right-handed pitcher features a clean arm and his fastball sits in the low 80’s. It is easy to anticipate a jump in velocity sooner rather than later given his stature and the way his arm works.

1B/OF Anthony Herron (Simeon) shined late this summer at the Chicagoland Open and now sits at No. 31. Standing 6-foot-1, 220-pounds Herron moves well given his stature. Offensively, he features big juice in his right-handed bat. At the event, his round of batting practice was extremely loud and flashed present pull power.

There were several standouts at the Underclass Invitational held this October that made an impression on the new rankings. Myles Norman (Morgan Park), Sean Sinisko (Aurora Central Catholic) and Francois Castillo (Roberto Clemente) all find themselves in the Top 35 for the first time. OF/RHP Norman is a legitimate two-way prospect who possesses an impressive right arm. Norman was clocked at 89 mph from the outfield and was up to 84 mph off the mound with his fastball. With that being said he also runs a 7.18 60 and is no slouch with the bat. Offensively, he has a good feel for hitting, fluid rhythm and creates easy bat speed with his whippy hands. Sinisko is a big-bodied left-handed pitcher whose fastball sat in the low 80’s at the event with good feel for three pitches. 3B/RHP Castillo proved he could really defend. Advanced actions on the infield to go along with soft hands and an 83 mph arm across the diamond.

CLICK HERE for complete Illinois 2018 Rankings.

Illinois 2018 Rankings: Newcomers

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