By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The winter Underclass Invitational is one of our favorite events because it always brings the most unseen talent to the forefront. This year was no different as several prospects put their names on our big board and over the next week we will break down the top prospects at each position. Today we take a look at the outfielders from the Underclass Invitational.

2018 OF Brooks Coetzee (Mahomet Seymour HS) impressed in all facets at the event and continued to solidify himself as one of the top outfielders in the class. He moved well in the outfield, showed a big arm, with carry and was clocked at 89 mph. Offensively, showed a compact swing with bat speed and an exit velocity of 92 mph. Also, ran a 7.08 60.

Coming in at the No. 2 spot is 2018 OF Zaid Walker (Homewood-Flossmoor HS) who has been very visible at events all winter. One thing that has jumped out over that time is his frame, which has begun to fill out. His added muscle has led to electric bat speed which was on display at the event. His hands are explosive through the hitting zone and the ball jumps off his bat.

Here are the Top outfield prospects from the event.

Top Prospects                     

1. Brooks Coetzee, OF, Mahomet Seymour, 2018
One of the top outfielders in the 2018 class. Physical, put-together, athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitter. Defensively, flashed an explosive arm, ball jumps out of his hand and was clocked at 89 mph. Loose arm action from an over-the-top slot. Steady hands, plays through the baseball and clean exchange. Offensively, excellent balance at the plate. Compact swing and creates easy bat speed. Short path, gets extension through contact. Starts from a balanced, crouch setup. Registered an exit velocity of 92 mph. Also, ran a 7.08 laser-timed 60.

2. Zaid Walker, OF/3B, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
6-foot-2, 195-pound, right-handed hitting OF/3B. Offensively hits from a balanced, open stance. Smooth load with a short stride. Showed explosive bat speed. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and extension thru contact. Strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29. Defensively took drills in the outfield and at third base. In the outfield has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed carry at 84 mph. Plays thru the ball with a slower release. In the infield showed smooth actions with good body control, fielded ball close to body. Threw 82 mph across the infield. 

3. Myles Norman, OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP with an athletic frame. Defensively has a loose, live arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 87 mph from the outfield with carry. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a level path. Loose, athletic swing with some whip. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.09. Shows off raw arm strength on the mound. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Max effort with an uptempo delivery. Square landing with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 84-86 mph. Changeup sat 70-72 mph. 

4. Tyler Acosta, OF, Barrington, 2018
6-foot-1, 155-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and leg kick stride. Showed some explosion in the hips with good balance. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and an uphill path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.10. Defensively has a long loose arm action from an over the top arm slot. Online, accurate throws. Threw 81 mph from the outfield. Aggressive fielder, playing thru the ball with athletic actions and quick, fluid footwork and soft hands. 

5. Dakota Kotowski, OF, Providence Catholic, 2018
Solid, athletic build 6-foot-2, 190-pound broad shouldered right-handed hitting outfielder. Recorded an eye opening exit velocity of 101 mph. Offensively, present bat speed, aggressive swings and a lot of hard contact. Bat stayed flat through the hitting zone and a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, and leg-kick timing trigger. Defensively, in the outfield attacked and played through the baseball. Reliable hands, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, some accuracy and throws clocked at 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.62 laser-timed 60.

6. Scott Youngbrandt, OF/INF/RHP, Andrew, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way player, strong, developed build. Shows big arm strength all over the field for his age, 88 mph from the outfield, 84 mph across the diamond, over the top slot, shows accuracy, works well from the outfield with carry. Athletic defender, natural actions both on the infield and in the outfield, attacks the baseball in the outfield, plays through aggressively. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Fairly level path, ability to create backspin and found the barrel in BP. Line drive type hitter with gap to gap approach and above average bat speed. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.33 runner in the 60. Showed similar arm strength on the mound, fastball topped at 87 mph, sat 82-85 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, short action, 69-71 mph. Changeup is 72-73 mph.

7. Steven Sanchez, OF, Mundelein, 2018
Extra-large frame 6-foot-7, 220-pound well-proportioned and projectable left-handed hitting outfielder. One of the top two-way players in the 2018 class. At the event he only worked out as a position player. Offensively, compact, simple swing with excellent balance throughout his swing. Present bat speed, natural lift in swing and extension through contact. Fluid rhythm, gap-to-gap approach with occasional pull power. Balanced, wide setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 84 mph. Defensively, in the outfield, moves well, with body control, given his imposing frame. Reliable hands, plays through the baseball and a clean exchange. Long and loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws were clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran an 8.01 laser-timed 60.

8. Anthony Deconcilis, OF/SS/RHP, Lake Park, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Excellent balance with simple mechanics. Line driver hitter with a long, level swing path. Fluid rhythm, creating whip with the barrel. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29. Defensively in the outfield projects for a corner spot. Has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Quick footwork with a clean transfer. Throws showed carry at 80 mph. In the infield showed fluid footwork with good body control and an accurate arm. Threw 78 mph across the infield. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Drop and drive delivery with some effort. Level shoulders with a closed landing. Fastball sat 75-77 mph. Curveball showed sweeping action at 65-69 mph. Changeup sat 68-70 mph.

9. Andrew Wiegman, SS/OF, Carmel Catholic, 2019
Long and lean 6-foot-2, 170-pound, plenty of room for continued physical development, right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Offensively, produced one of the best exit velocities of the day and well above-average for his age, 95 mph. Also, ran a 7.02 laser-timed 60. Present bat speed with a gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Loose hands and bat stays flat through the zone at times. Balanced setup and occasionally bars during load. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and at shortstop. Long and loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Showed better as an outfielder. Played through the baseball well, quick, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Throws were clocked at 82 mph from the outfield and 71 mph from shortstop.

10. Cameron Robinson, OF, Champaign Central, 2018
Long and lean, extremely projectable 6-foot-3, 175-pound, plenty of room for continued physical development, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, loose hands and incorporated his lower half into his swing. Fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, a level bat path and a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance throughout. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, plays through the baseball and showed reliable hands in the outfield. Clean exchange, loose, short arm, from an over-the-top slot, comes out of his hand relatively easy with some accuracy and clocked at 80 mph. Also, ran an 7.52 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

Matt Brenneisen, LHP/OF, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2019
Advanced frame and strength for a freshman, 6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, showed strength in swing. Although still a bit raw, he found the barrel often during his round of batting practice. Balanced setup, loads pre-pitch and short stride. Looked to lift with an uphill path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, in the outfield worked through the baseball at times. Throws from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph. Also, ran a 7.63 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, long arm action out of a high ¾ window. Slow paced, repeatable delivery. Fastball was clocked at 72-74 mph, touching 75. Curveball, worked 12/6, depth at times and ranged between at 57-61 mph.  Changeup was clocked at 67-69 mph.

Francois Castillo, 3B/RHP, Clemente, 2018
5-foot-11, 205-pound, right-handed hitting 3B/RHP with a strong, athletic frame. Arm strength is best tool. Defensively at third base has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork while playing thru the ball. Had the top infield velocity of the event throwing 84 mph across the infield. Took drills in the outfield to show off arm strength, threw 85 mph form the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and toe tap stride. Gap to gap hitter with a long, uphill path and fluid rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.38.  On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Slow paced delivery with a square landing. Fastball sat 81-82 topping out at 83 mph. Calls breaking ball a cutter, sat 79-82 mph with no action. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 77-79 mph.

Austin Ehren, OF, Carmel Catholic, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and leg kick stride. Showed excellent balance and a fast bat. Gap to gap hitter with a short path and extension thru contact. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.07. Defensively has short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork and a quick, clean transfer. Threw 76 mph from the outfield.

Andrew Golde, OF/LHP, Lake Forest, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Smooth, athletic actions while playing thru the ball. Soft hands with a clean exchange. Throws showed carry at 77 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a smooth load and short stride. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from tee. Ran the 60 at 7.50. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a slightly closed landing. Smooth rhythm with a soft landing. Fastball sat 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with gradual action at 65-68 mph. Changeup sat 67-68 mph.

Steve Hamer, OF/LHP, St. Charles North, 2018
5-foot-8, 155-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with easy effort. Short leg lift to balance point with smooth rhythm and an athletic finish. Showed feel for three pitches throwing them down in the zone for strikes. Fastball showed slight running action at 78-80 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball showed 2-8 shape with tight rotation and sharp action at 69-71 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 70-72 mph. Offensively hits from a tall, open stance. Short stride back to even with good balance. Short, level swing path with fluid rhythm. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.10. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Throws showed carry at 79 mph. Plays thru the ball with a slower exchange.

Sean Hebreard, RHP/OF, Plainfield East, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with an athletic finish and smooth rhythm. Fastball showed some late life at 78-80 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 64-66 mph. Drops arm angle on changeup slightly, showed slight sinking action at 69-71 mph. Offensively hits from a tall, open stance with a short leg kick stride. Long, uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.63. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Uphill throws with fluid footwork. Threw 79 mph from the outfield.

Tyler Horvath, OF/LHP, Romeoville, 2018
6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitting OF/LHP. Offensively hits from a balanced open setup with a leg kick stride. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.60. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot with some accuracy with carry on throws. Threw 79 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with slower actions. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing. Some rhythm with good balance throughout. Fastball Sat 80-81 topping out at 82 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 65-69 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 69-70 mph.

Will Jackson, OF/RHP, Loyola, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP with an athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 81 mph from the outfield with carry. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a drop load and short toe tap stride. Line drive hitter with a long swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.62. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a high leg kick and some rhythm. Slight recoil at finish. Fastball sat 78-79 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 65-67 mph. Threw changeup for strikes with fastball armspeed at 72-73 mph.

Isaac Kaufmann, LHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
6-foot-1, 165-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/OF with an athletic frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Full over-the-head delivery with good tempo and easy effort. Delivery works in line with home plate, square landing with an athletic finish. Commanded fastball well at 78-80 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with sharp breaking action for strikes at 65-68 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup for strikes at 65-69 mph. Should be a strong follow in the 2018 class. Defensively has a long, loose arm action. Throws showed carry at 78 mph from the outfield. Took drills at first base and showed slower actions with fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a wide base with a smooth load and short stride. Good balance throughout swing with a slight collapse on the backside. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a long, uphill swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.92.

Floyde Kinds, 3B/RHP, Harlan, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. Defensively at third has a short, loose arm action. Threw 77 mph across the infield. Has solid actions with good body control. Took drills in the outfield as well. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced setup with a low hand set. Line drive hitter with a level swing path. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.54. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and upright finish. Fastball sat 75-78 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with early action at 64-67 mph. Cutter sat 69 mph. Changeup sat 72-76 mph. 

Simon Lane, RHP/OF, Hinsdale Central, 2019
5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Hides the ball well. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing and some rhythm. Fastball flashed some running action at 77-78 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape with tight rotation, occasionally got under it at 65-67 mph. Changeup sat 70-72 mph. Offensively hits form a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Pull hitter with a long swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.76. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Threw 72 mph from the outfield.

Danny Machaj, OF/C, Lyons Township, 2019
5-foot-9, 140-pound outfielder/catcher, slight lean build. Defensively arm is loose and works well, over the top slot, works best from the outfield, flashing carry. 79 mph from the outfield, 69 mph out of the crouch. Pop times recorded at 2.19-2.26. Offensively hit from a balanced stance, short stride, good balance. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.17 runner in the 60.

Giuseppe Mattera, LHP/OF, Pleasant Plains, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Threw 79 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with quick, fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced setup with a high hand set and short stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed foot landing. Some rhythm with an athletic finish. Threw fastball for strikes at 78-81 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 63-65 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup for strikes at 68-71 mph.

Carlos McFadden, INF/OF/RHP, 2018
5-foot-7, 140-pound multi-positional player, lean athletic frame. Defensively plays fast aggressive defender tends to attack the baseball, plays through it. Showed actions to play on the infield or outfield. Arm played at 86 mph from the outfield, 80 mph across the diamond, flashed carry. Right-handed hitter, open stance, toe tap stride. Average bat speed, line drive type approach, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound, Fastball worked at 77-80 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup played at 73-74 mph.

Jaylen Patterson, RHP/OF Kenwood, 2018
Long, athletically built 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Plenty of room to add strength to his frame. Fluid athlete had some of the best outfield actions at the event. Defensively, soft hands, fluid movements, quick and clean exchange. Athletic fielding position and played through the baseball. Loose, athletic arm action. Throws were true, with plus carry at times and clocked at 82 mph. Offensively, balanced, open stance, smooth load and slight leg-kick timing trigger. Fluid rhythm, loose hands at times and gap-to-gap approach during his round of batting practice. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Also, ran a 7.13 laser-timed 60. On the mound, features a quick, loose arm. Comes out of a high ¾ slot, in-line direction and athletic finish. Curveball was a plus offering with sharp action and worked 12/6 at 67-71 mph. Fastball was clocked at 78-81 mph, touching 82 mph. Changeup ranged between 73-76 mph. Legitimate two-way prospect in the 2018 class.

Kyle Salley, OF/LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
5-foot-8, 143-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a small, athletic frame. Defensively has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Threw 84 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. Offensively hits from an open stance with a leg kick stride. Long, uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.30. On the mound has a loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Tall and fall delivery, in line with home plate. Athletic finish with smooth rhythm. Threw fastball for strikes at 80-82 mph. Threw curveball for strikes that showed 12-6 shape at 62-64 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 72-73 mph. 

Brett Selke, OF/RHP, Brother Rice, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride. Long, level swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.33. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork. Threw 79 mph from the outfield. Will continue to improve as he fills out. On the mound works form an over the top arm angle with a long, high draw out of the glove. Tall and fall, online delivery with some effort. Fastball sat 75-76 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 56-59 mph. Changeup sat 68-70 mph.

Nico Shadid, OF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short leg kick stride. Short path with average batspeed. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.62. Defensively plays thru the ball with quick footwork. Long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 71 mph from the outfield. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Joseph Tello, OF/LHP, East Peoria, 2018
5-foot-11, 201-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced setup with a short leg kick stride. Collpase on the backside, showed strength thru contact in batting practice. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.06. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Slower actions. Threw 76 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tilt and topple delivery with a square landing and some rhythm. Fastball sat 75 topping out at 76 mph. Curveball showed 2-8 shape at 63-66 mph. Changeup sat 68-69 mph.

Braeden Wegner, OF/RHP, Jacobs, 2018
6-foot-1, 157-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.75. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 74 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Slow paced tall and fall delivery, in line with home plate. Fastball sat 71-73 mph. Curveball showed sweeping action at 57-61 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 64-68 mph.

Riggs Wilkinson, OF/LHP, Morton, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitting OF/LHP. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Fluid footwork with slower actions. Threw 74 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a narrow setup with a short stride and arm bar load. Line driver hitter with fluid rhythm and a level swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.72. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with an open landing and slight recoil. Struggled with command in bullpen session. Fastball sat 69-71 mph. Curveball showed slurve action at 62-65 mph. Changeup blended with fastball at 67-68 mph.

RELATED CONTENT

• IL - Feb 4, 2016
  Super 60 Spotlight: Dalton Parker
• IL - Feb 4, 2016
  Super 60 Spotlight: Danny Gleaves
• PBRPlus - Feb 4, 2016
  Super 60 Preview: Draft Perspective
• IL - Feb 3, 2016
  Underclass Invitational: Middle Infield Analysis
• PBRPlus - Feb 3, 2016
  The Hotlist: Potential Super 60 Breakout Players
• IL - Feb 3, 2016
  Super 60 Spotlight: Drake Fellows
• IL - Feb 2, 2016
  Preseason I.D.- Illiana Showcase: Stats Posted