Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Showcase: Infield Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Sunday, October 16, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Underclass Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Illinois. The event featured just under 70 players from the 2025-2026 grad classes and brought together some of the most talented underclass prospects in the state.

We continue our post-event rollout today with the infielders from the event. 

A couple of 2025s who just missed out on the Top-10 below were 1B/RHP Keegan Luxem (Hersey) and Luke Fordonski (Downers Grove North). Luxem has an advanced 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame and advanced bat strength at the plate with a peak exit velocity of 94.8 mph and a max batted ball distance of 326’. Fordonski took a repeatable round of BP with a 80% sweet spot percentage and showed the actions to stick on the infield long term.

Peter Corthinos (Maine South, 2026) and Owen Chael (York, 2025) are a pair of catcher/infielders who swung potent right-handed bats and just missed out on the Top-10 list below.

Nico Harper (Libertyville, 2026) was another bat worth mentioning. Harper, a lean left-handed hitter, has a polished approach staying quiet, easy and balanced while staying on the barrel throughout his round of BP.

Read on below for a look at all of the infielders from the event, including the top-10.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Ethan Bass, Glenbrook North (IL), 2026; Illinois commit
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced setup, high hand load, hangs foot into a long stride. Athletic hands with bat speed and strength, rotates with aggression out of load, barrel stays in the zone with a level path. Hard off the barrel, worked gap-to-gap and looks to do damage.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 89.7 mph. 370’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Loose arm, plays from multiple slots.
Defense: Active feet, plays low and out front at times, easy and clean on the move, advanced double play turn.
Run: 7.09 runner in the 60. 

2. Jaden Fauske, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2025; Louisville commit
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 6-2, 182-pounds. Advanced strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Narrow, open setup, slightly crouched, fluid load into a controlled medium stride. Loose athletic hands, short to contact, uphill through the zone and works gap-to-gap. Effortless rhythm, ball jumps off the barrel with ease. Middle-of-the-order type bat.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 90.5 mph. 355’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. INF - 84 mph. Firm, strong arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Hands play low and steady on the infield. Quick glove-to-hand abilities, advanced release. Smooth double play turn on the infield. Athletic and quick behind the plate with advanced glove-to-hand release.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

3. Tyler Dowling, Bloomington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 160-pounds. Long-levered, highly-projectable frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, crouched setup, knee-knocks into a medium stride, simple/minimal hand load. Loose, long and uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach. Upside levers, backspin to the pull-side on occasion.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 78.9 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Athletic, easy arm, can throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Steady hands, clean glove-to-hand release, smooth infield actions. Comfortable on the move, maintains body control.
Run: 8.06 runner in the 60. 

4. Dominic Holton, Notre Dame Prep (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Wide, slightly crouched base, balanced setup, short/simple load into a short stride. Athletic hands, short direct bat path, uphill through the zone with extension to the pull-side. Backspin off the barrel to the pull-side.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 80.8 mph. 285’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Strong arm, plays over-the-top at times.
Defense: Easy, fluid defender, clean footwork and release.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

5. Logan Nagle, Lockport (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 200-pounds. Some strength throughout the frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, quiet setup, smooth hand load, short stride and controlled through contact. Quiet, strong swing, works on-plane and uphill. Sprayed hard contact to both gaps.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 86.6 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Smooth, confident defender, plays with body control and moves better than size would indicate.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

6. Aadden Guerrero, Lyons Township (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Quiet start, wide base with balance, hands work back into a strong slot at load, toe-tap trigger. Athletic swing, creates bat speed, quick hands, slight uphill path, on the barrel.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 81.2 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Quick, strong arm can play from multiple slots.
Defense: Active defender, plays with a motor, soft hands and quick release.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. 

7. Adolfo Lopez, Maine East (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Strong lower-half, strength throughout the frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open setup, hands start high and work in rhythm, high leg kick trigger. Controlled intent, strong/fast hands, on plane and on the barrel with authority.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 86.3 mph. 344’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady defender, moves well side-to-side, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60. 

8. Anthony Karbowski, Hampshire (IL), 2025; Louisville commit
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Athletic build, proportioned strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quick hand waggle to a back load, leg lift trigger, short stride. Athletic swing, on plane and natural lift throughout. Pull-side, lifted tendencies.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 85.6 mph. 307’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 84 mph. Loose/clean arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, smooth/soft hands, fluid footwork, plays around and through the baseball.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

9. Adrian Medina, Grant (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-1, 220-pounds. Some strength in the frame, evenly proportioned weight.
Hit: RHH. Tall stance, smooth simple hand load, short stride and stays balanced through contact. Short and direct with strength in hands. Flat through the zone, uses the whole field and creates backspin.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 81.6 mph. 306’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Medium draw into a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, active footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

10. Theodore Greco, Lane Tech (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, slightly open, hands start high, knee-knocks into a medium stride. Present hand speed with whippy rotation out of load, level bat path with leverage to the pull-side.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 83.1 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: Quick, active feet, plays with a motor, steady hands.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY) 

David Biede, Vernon Hills (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, balanced, drops hands slightly into footplant, short stride. Hands drop into a low slot before moving through the zone, mostly level path with a slightly uphill path at times, line-drive approach.
Power: 78 max exit velocity, averaged 70.4 mph. 225’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm circle, arm plays from multiple slots.
Defense: Plays low to the ground and in center of the body, gains ground through release.
Run: 7.80 runner in the 60. 

Owen Chael, York (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Athletic, proportioned strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, weight drifts onto back hip, minimal stride, controlled through contact. Balanced swing, minimal wasted movement, loose strong hands. On time and on the barrel working to both gaps.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 81 mph. 284’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 74 mph. INF: Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. C: Short out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: INF: Steady hands, gains ground and plays tall through release. C: Quick/clean transfer, active footwork, gains ground to second on throws.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

Peter Corthinos, Maine South (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-5, 140-pounds. Compact, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Athletic look, balanced setup, smooth and simple hand load, short stride and controlled through contact. Level swing, length through the zone, athletic hands, on plane and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 75.7 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 74 mph. Clean catch/release out of the crouch, short arm circle into an over-the-top slot. On the infield, loose arm action that can play from multiple angles.
Defense: Active defender, worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Natural catcher, quick and bouncy out of the crouch. On the infield, plays low to the ground, clean, quick release.
Run: 7.63 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Diamond, Sandburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box pre-pitch, balanced setup, hands start at midline and work back at load, leg kick trigger into a controlled finish. Stays balanced, long path, works on-plane, on the barrel and worked gap-to-gap.
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 75.7 mph. 260’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball on the infield, plays through in rhythm, steady hands, secures through body at times.
Run: 7.71 runner in the 60. 

Aidan DuRell, Plainfield North (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-5, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base with knee bend, active hands work back into a vertical barrel set, lead leg lifts to a long stride. Short path, strength in hands, uphill through the zone with a one handed finish.
Power: 72 max exit velocity, averaged 59.2 mph. 224’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 61 mph. Easy arm, can drop down and throw from multiple slots.
Defense: Plays with patience, soft hands and some length in exchange.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60. 

Adyn Edgar, Minooka (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/OF
Body: 5-9, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, narrow, lift-and-place stride, creates hand extension at footstrike. Long and uphill bat path, repeats some.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 79 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. OF - 73 mph. Short arm path, works from a loose high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy, clean footwork, plays with body control and easy release.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. 

Lucas Farabaugh, Ottawa Township (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance, bat wraps as hips rotate, rhythmic load to create separation, short stride with balance. Stays short and compact; repeats and stays on-plane, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 67.3 mph. 225’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. INF - 69 mph. INF: Long, loose arm, high 3/4 slot. C: Short arm circle into an over-the-top slot.
Defense: INF: Fields into body on the infield, looks natural on the move. C: Soft hands, clean transfer, quiet feet that work in-line with second on throws.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Brock Fearday, St. Anthony (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Narrow, tall setup, slightly open, drops hands slightly with load, knee-knocks into a medium stride. Present hand speed, short simple swing, works on top of the baseball.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 328’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm, plays from an over-the-top slot.
Defense: Steady defender, active footwork, two-hand gather out front, clean double-play turn.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Luke Fordonski, Downers Grove North (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Athletic, projectable build.
Hit: RHH. Narrow start with an open front foot, hands load back into a vertical barrel set, short stride. Simple, direct path, uphill through the zone, pull-side gap tendencies and strong wrists.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 239’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Clean defender, plays with body control and comfort on the move.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

Cayden Haugh, Huntley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced with some knee bend, hands work back at load into a vertical barrel, strides short. Long bat path, level through the zone, line drive approach, uphill at times.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 71.6 mph. 269’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Ability to throw from multiple angles, natural 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields in the center of his body, secures through release, athletic double play turn.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Nico Harper, Libertyville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 145-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, crouched setup, simple hand load into a lift-and-place stride. Balanced, repeatable swing, easy hands, short and uphill swing, worked gap-to-gap and repeated.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 72.5 mph. 277’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 76 mph. Loose/fluid arm circle into a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, fluid/active footwork, proper footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60.

Ryan Jackson, St. Viator (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-9, 135-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall start with an open front foot, hands drift back at load, strides short and in line to target. Easy swing, stays short, hits off front foot, middle/pull-side approach.
Power: 79 max exit velocity, averaged 74.1 mph. 252’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic feet, plays with body control and bounce at times. Soft hands, plays with rhythm and a clean release.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

Chase Lockwood, Libertyville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 145-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, slightly crouched, short stride. Long, flat path to contact worked the other way.
Power: 79 max exit velocity, averaged 71.6 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays under control, low to the ground, steady hands.
Run: 7.97 runner in the 60. 

Angelo Lundeen, Lyons Township (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 166-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, hands start high and work back into a subtle bat wrap, lead leg lifts into a short stride. Strong hands, direct to contact, jump off the barrel and creates backspin to the gaps.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 75.1 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. INF - 78 mph. INF: Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. C: Short to the ear, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: On the infield, Fluid exchange, plays into center of body, clean double play turn. Behind the plate, clean exchange with directional footwork out of the crouch, works to deaden the ball out front on blocks.
Run: 7.96 runner in the 60. 

Keegan Luxem, Hersey (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 200-pounds. Athletic, strong lower-half, long limbs with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall start, bat wraps, creates separation at load, long stride. Long path, strong levers, advanced bat strength for his age, hard gap-to-gap contact.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 84 mph. 326’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, active footwork, moves well for size.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Conor McCabe, Lincoln-Way Central (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 6-1, 155-pounds. Wiry, long limbs, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup with some knee bend, bat wrap load, short stride. Balanced finish, simple swing, quick/direct hands, uses the middle of the field.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 79.7 mph. 274’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Clean release, fields in the center of body.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

Danny Morinec, Lincoln-Way Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Room to add strength, evenly distributed weight.
Hit: RHH. Upright start, open setup, hands start tight to back shoulder and load back, front foot hovers into a short stride. Loose, easy hands, uses the whole field, finishes on balance.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 78.5 mph. 269’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Clean arm, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Clean footwork, plays low, steady hands.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

AJ Neargarder, Zion Benton (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds. Wiry, compact frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, bat wrap load, high back elbow, closed stride. Balanced swing, lets the ball travel, minimal wasted movement and repeats. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 72.3 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. OF - 79 mph. Long arm draw from the glove, finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid defender, plays low to the ground, clean release.
Run: 7.43 runner in the 60. 

Cole Pittman, Metea Valley (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/C
Body: 5-9, 135-pounds.
Hit: SH. Crouched setup, weight on back knee, short/minimal stride. Long and level bat path, line drive approach.
Power: 76 max exit velocity, averaged 72 mph. 266’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. OF - 75 mph. Long arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: OF: Quick release, plays directional, steady hands. On the infield, clean footwork, maintains body control on the move.
Run: 8.21 runner in the 60. 

Nick Szalony, Mundelein (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall stance, open base, hands tip as bat wraps at load, even stride. Lets the ball travel, hits off backside, easy hands, stays on-plane and works uphill through contact.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 76.2 mph. 261’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short, easy arm, plays from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy actions, smooth hands and easy release with length at times.
Run: 7.06 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Szwedo, Niles West (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 135-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow start, drops into a slight crouch and short stride. Direct path to contact, flat and works on top of the baseball.
Power: 78 max exit velocity, averaged 73.5 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, clean transfer on double-play turn.
Run: 8.35 runner in the 60. 

Eddie Zuniga, Mundelein (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-8, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup with slight knee bend, slight bat waggle to load, short stride. Level path, loose handsy swing, uses the middle of the field.
Power: 75 max exit velocity, averaged 64 mph. 184’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 66 mph. Firm arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Clean release, fields into body, gains ground through exchange at times.
Run: 8.17 runner in the 60. 

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