Inside The Illinois Rankings: 2022 Newcomers
May 28, 2020
Our coverage of the Illinois 2022 Rankings continues today with an in-depth look at the top newcomers added to the newly updated Top-100. We’ve expanded our list from 45 to 100, adding more than 50 of the state’s top sophomores to the board.
If you’re just checking in on the updated rankings, make sure to check out our update story on the top ten and our look at the top risers in the state.
UNDERCLASS INVITATIONAL WINNERS
The honor of top newcomer in the 2022 rankings update belongs to C/1B Will Plattner (Glenwood). Plattner, who now sits at No. 27 in the class, took one of the more polished rounds of BP at the Underclass Invitational in February. The 6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed hitter, showed a fluid balanced swing with loose, strong hands and was consistently on the barrel with authority. Plattner is fundamentally sound behind the plate and athletic enough to handle first base when not behind the plate.
Will Plattner (2.16.20)
If you are looking for an underclassmen with an advanced combination of tools and upside, do not overlook OF Jordan Skolmar (Stevenson). Skolmar, who now sits at No. 34 in the class, made quite the impression at the Underclass Invitational; his first-ever PBR event. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound, strong, muscular right-handed hitter ran a 6.71 60, was 94 mph from the outfield and registered a 97 mph exit velocity from a tee. Skolmar has plenty of skill to go along with those eye-popping numbers. Offensively, he swings with intent, routinely making hard contact to the pull-side gap.
One of the biggest breakout arms of the Underclass Invitational was RHP Kaiser Quick (Metamora), ranked No. 41 in the state. Quick is listed at an athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pounds and features a long, quick arm action from a ¾ window. The upside right-hander throws all three of his offerings with aggression, including an 84-85 mph with life and a sharp, sweeping breaking ball with swing-and-miss potential at 75-78 mph.
Kaiser Quick (2.16.20)
Like the aforementioned Plattner, C/1B Victor Izquierdo (Lockport), looks to be a middle-of-the-order type of bat with potential to stick behind the plate or at first base. Izquierdo, fills out the uniform with his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame and has big offensive upside from the right-side of the plate. The new No. 42 ranked prospect showed a quick physical bat with pull-side power potential.
RHP Kyle Rossy (Glenbard West) was yet another prospect who used the Underclass Invitational as their breakout platform. At his first-ever PBR event, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound, live-bodied sophomore exhibited a loose, fast arm and fastball that topped at 87 mph. Rossy currently lacks overall polish but given his frame and arm action there is much more velocity to come for this high-upside arm. Rossy now sits at No. 44 in the class.
Kyle Rossy (2.16.20)
At No. 48 in the rankings is another upside arm who made his showcase debut this winter, LHP Dominic Corgiat (Fenwick). C