Prep Baseball Report

Inside Illinois 2020 Rankings: Risers and Newcomers


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Our coverage of the 2020 Illinois Rankings concludes today with a look at the players who rose in the rankings and some players who made their debut on the list within the most recent update.

The biggest risers just outside of the top 10 were LHP/OF Payton Hutchings (Coal City) and RHP Eben Heine (Plainfield North). Hutchings, an Illinois commit, climbed 14 spots and has been lights out for Coal City on the mound so far this spring. Hutchings won the “Player of the Week” award in late March thanks to a sensational performance where he struck out all 21 batters he faced in a perfect game. Heine has also been making a big impact on varsity this spring and is the top uncommitted arm in the 2020 rankings. Heine has run his fastball up to 88 mph in the past and has feel for three pitches.

Another arm on the rise in Illinois is RHP Reece Lawler (Warren). The St. Louis commit has a long, lean frame, loose, live arm and his fastball sits comfortably in the mid-80’s climbing as high as 87 mph. Lawler climbed 15 spts and now sits in the top 20 in Illinois.

Joliet West has a talented sophomore at their disposal in RHP Dylan Wolff. Wolff continues to climb up the board, currently sitting in the top 30 and has been an impact performer at the varsity level this spring. The 6-foot-3 right-hander pounds the zone with a mid-80’s fastball and has two above-average offspeed offerings.

Dylan Wolff (2.18.18)

The top newcomer in the 2020 class is left-handed hitting catcher Logan Delgado (Antioch). Delgado slides into the top 30 thanks to multiple impressive showings this past winter. Delgado has a strong, durable frame, is 80 mph from the crouch and has bat strength. The talented sophomore should be a high-follow moving forward.

A trio of right-handed arms Drew Rudsinski (Tri-Valley), Jared Novak (Benet) and Ryan Manikowski (Providence Catholic) are the next highest newcomers that made a name for themselves this winter. Rudsinski has a strong, athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, easy arm speed and fastball in the low-to-mid 80’s. Novak has a long, projectable frame, loose, quick arm and showed feel for a swing-and-miss changeup this winter. Manikowski features has an easy arm, mid-80’s fastball and possesses one of the best slider’s in the class.  

Drew Rudsinski (2.18.18)

RHP/OF Connor Aten, who hails from Galesburg HS, is a highly-interesting two-way prospect new to the list. Aten has a quick arm and ran his fastball up to 87 mph at an event this winter. He also showed he could handle the bat and looked natural in the outfield.

More new additions to keep and eye on:

Jonathon Hanscom RHP / 2B / Mundelein, IL / 2020

Getting innings on varsity. Loose, clean arm, 3/4 slot, fastball in the mid-80's and can really spin a breaking ball. 


Mason Hsieh-Bailey OF / 2B / Oak Park-River Forest, IL / 2020

High-waisted prospect who is a true center center fielder. Can really go get it in the outfield and has a flat swing with quick-twitch.


Jack Feely RHP / OF / Normal University, IL / 2020

Sits an easy 82-86 mph and has been an impact performer on varisty this spring. Best secondary offering is currently his changeup.


Connor Hincks SS / 2B / Benet, IL / 2020

6-foot, 155-pound, left-handed hitting middle infielder. Smooth left-handed swing and natural infield actions.


Ethan Alexander RHP / 2B / Marian Catholic , IL / 2020

6-foot-2, 140-pound, long and lean, highly-projectable right-handed pitcher. Live arm, low 80's fastball with plenty more in the tank.


Breck Nowik SS / 3B / Lake Forest, IL / 2020

Long, loose-bodied prospect with a high-upside. Loose, quick swing and should be able to stick on the dirt.


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