Prep Baseball Report

Unsigned Senior Showcase: Infield Analysis


By Illinois Scouting Staff

On Oct. 11, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the fall Unsigned Senior Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Ill. The event featured nearly 100 prospects with a plethora of them having committed to college already. Shortly after the event’s conclusion, we provided some instant analysis from the day's top performers in our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis posts. We continue our post-event analysis today, rolling out scouting reports on each position from the event. We published our reports on catchers at the start of the week, and we’re onto the infielders today.

At the top of the list are two uncommitted infielders who can play the left side; Will Henson (Lane Tech) and Jayden Gonzalez (De La Salle). Henson has an upside frame, smooth infield actions and a repeatable right-handed swing while Gonzalez has moxy to his overall game and an aggressive right-handed bat.

Read on below for an in-depth look at all of the infielders in attendance.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Will Henson, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and balanced finish. Strong quick hands, short level swing, gets extension through contact, consistently on the barrel, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 89+ mph exit velo on pitches low and away during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws flash carry.
Defense: Athletic infield actions, plays light on his feet, easy range, maintains body control and soft hands. Ability to change arm angles, athletic confident double play turn.
Run: 7.04 runner in the 60. 

2. Jayden Gonzalez, De La Salle (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Athletic, defined frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic look in the box, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Strong quick hands, advanced approach and bat speed. Simple short level path, consistently on the barrel, works gap-to-gap, fluid rhythm.
Power: 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. 93+ mph exit velo on pitches middle in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Short loose arm action, over-the-top slot with the ability to throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Athletic actions, quick fluid footwork, soft hands, clean transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60.

3. Evan Evola, Ottawa Township (IL), 2021. Webster commit.
Positional Profile: 1B/3B 
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Quiet, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Easy swing, highly-repeatable, lets the ball travel. Strong quick hands, short level swing, line-drive spray approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 92+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Clean actions, steady hands, comfortable around the first-base bag.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

4. Sam Del Valle, Mount Carmel (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup. Small leg-lift, smooth pre-pitch actions. Direct path, stays inside the baseball. Gap-to-gap approach, extension through contact. Showed bat speed at times.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 81 mph. OF - 85 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action. Ball carries out of hand at times.
Defense: Infield: Athletic infield actions. Confident feet and hands. Comfortable on the move. Smooth double play turn, ability to change arm slot. Outfield: Quick feet, works through the baseball.
Run: 7.08 runner in the 60.  

5. Sebastian Biggs, Providence Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic build. Room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Quick, loose hands, short level swing, line drive approach, uses the whole field and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 85+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws play with carry.
Defense: Bouncy defender, sure-handed, quick clean double play turn, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60. 

6. Tommy Klco, Lake Park (IL), 2021. Kishwaukee JC commit.
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds. Wide-shouldered, physical frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, small leg-lift trigger. Aggressive in the box, strong hands, present bat speed, natural lift and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 89+ mph exit velo on pitches middle in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Longarm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays with bounce and light on his feet. Athletic actions, soft hands and plays through the baseball in rhythm.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

7. Brady Hartman, Sherrard (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Aggressive swing, quick strong hands, long level swing, gets extension through contact, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 90+ mph exit velo on pitches up and in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws play accurate, flash carry.
Defense: Active defender, quick feet, sure-handed, clean exchange.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

8. Jude Sullivan, Paris (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Physical build.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow setup. Quick leg-kick trigger. Aggressive, direct swing, ball jumps off bat. Showed pull-side power, consistent hard contact during BP. Advanced bat speed.
Power: 96 mph exit velocity from the tee. Max 102.77 mph exit velo and 392 feet max distance via TrackMan. Max bat speed of 77.1 mph via Blast.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. OF - 78 mph. Short, quick-twitch, high 3/4 arm action.
Defense: Outfield: Works around and through the ball, steady hands. Infield: Active feet. Comfortable on turning double play from 1B. Showed athleticism on body control play.
Run: 7.84 runner in the 60. 

9. Tony Rath, St. Rita (IL), 2021. Mary Hardin-Baylor commit.
Positional Profile: SS/3B 
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide balance setup, smooth load, short leg-lift trigger. Long level swing, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. 90+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Clean arm action, H 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

10. Joey Rattin, Fremd (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Simple and quiet in the box; slightly open, balanced setup, minimal load, short stride, relaxed hands and finishes on balance. Long uphill path, line drive approach.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. 92+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-up during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short loose arm action, multiple arm slots.
Defense: Natural infield actions, confident hands, clean release.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60.

11. Blake Hickey, De La Salle (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP 
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Lean frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, slightly open, minimal load, short stride. Quick hands, long uphill swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Above 86 mph exit velo on pitches middle middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short loose arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, soft hands, quick glove-to-hand transfer at times, plays through the baseball. Athletic double play turn.
Run: 6.88 runner in the 60. 

12. Nathan Rodriguez, Sandburg (IL), 2021. St. Norbert commit. 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-8, 160-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Flashes bat speed, short level swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 86+ mph exit velo on pitches middle middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short loose arm action, H 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic double play turn, fluid footwork, clean transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.62 runner in the 60. 

13. Justin Janowski, Providence Catholic (IL), 2021. South Suburban JC commit. 
Positional Profile: 3B/1B 
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. Athletic, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Swings with intent, fast bat, strong hands, short level swing, line drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 89+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-up during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws flash carry.
Defense: Steady defender, fluid footwork, fields out in front, clean release.
Run: 7.43 runner in the 60. 

14. Mason Coyle, Madison Lafollette (WI), 2021. Saint Mary’s commit.
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Quiet balanced setup, toe-tap stride and hits off front foot. Aggressive swing, present bat speed, short uphill path, and works gap-to-gap in rhythm. 
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 87+ mph exit velo on pitches middle middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60.  

15. Justin Gutierrez, Nazareth (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Open balance setup, small leg kick. Aggressive swing, long uphill path, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 89+ mph exit velo on pitches middle in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid active feet, steady hands, length in transfer at times.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nicholas Bibian, Minooka Community (IL), 2021. Concordia (WI) commit.
Positional Profile: 2B/C 
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Athletic compact body.
Hit: RHH. Open, crouched setup, short stride and finishes on backside. Strong hands, short uphill swing, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, flashes accuracy. 
Defense: Fluid active feet, maintains body control, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Oscar Calhoun, Grayslake North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-8, 175-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open crouch setup, short stride. Strong quick hands, short level swing, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. OF - 80 mph. Long loose arm action, H 3/4 slot.
Defense: Outfield: Fields ball in the center of his body from a square, wide position. Infield: Steady hands with the ability to change arm angle on double play turn.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60. 

Zach Cantu, Huntley (IL), 2021. Kishwaukee JC commit.
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 5-10, 190-pounds. Durable, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, slightly crouched setup, smooth load, long stride. Aggressive in the box, strong hands, quick level swing, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. 86+ mph exit velo on pitches low and away during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Steady hands, plays through the baseball in rhythm and clean transfer.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60. 

Nick Clarkson, Lake Forest (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup in the box, tall open setup, long stride to square. Short level swing, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Avery Evans, Goode STEM Academy (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. Athletic frame, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Tall balanced setup, minimal load, short stride. Long level swing, line-drive pull approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 86+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Active feet, clean exchange.
Run: 7.49 runner in the 60. 

Caleb Feilen, Marian Catholic  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 225-pounds. Physical, strong build.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, crouched setup, minimal load, small leg lift. Short uphill swing, line drive pull approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 93+ mph exit velo on pitches low and in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Reliable hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60. 

Joshua Flores, Lockport Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-2, 161-pounds. Long, lean frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall open setup, stride varies. Short level swing, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. OF - 80 mph. Short loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Outfield: Smooth feet, plays through the ball, confident hands. Infield: Active feet, fields the ball deep, showed body control at times.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60. 

Joey Glickman, Highland Park (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-1, 220-pounds. Thick, physical frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup, short stride. Long uphill swing, ball jumps off the barrel and made consistent hard contact to the pull-side gap.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. 95+ mph exit velo on pitches middle away during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.99 runner in the 60.

Christian Green, Crete-Monee (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-2, 225-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, minimal loading action, short stride. Simple, easy swing, quick hands, level swing, line drive approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. 85+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-up during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady defender, showed feel around the bag, clean exchange.
Run: 8.61 runner in the 60. 

LeRoy Jordan, Plainfield Central  (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: 1B/OF 
Body: 6-1, 157-pounds. Lean, high-waisted, projectable frame.
Hit: LHH. Tall narrow setup, minimal load, leg-kick trigger. Long level swing, line-drive approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Long loose arm action, H 3/4 slot.
Defense: Smooth footwork, steady hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Wayne Karlstedt, Saint Viator (IL), 2021. Carthage commit. 
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds. Lean build.
Hit: RHH. Tall open setup, minimal load, short quick toe tap.  Short level swing, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 86+ mph exit velo on pitches middle down during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long loose arm action, multiple arm slots.
Defense: Active feet, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.04 runner in the 60. 

Danny Lack, Centennial  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide balance setup, smooth load, short toe-tap stride. Utilizes lower half, uphill swing, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 90+ mph exit velo on pitches middle down during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays from the ground up, sure-handed, long to release.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60. 

Caleb Mayes, Bloomington  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-2, 225-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, minimal load, short stride. Strong hands, long uphill swing, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 96+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-up during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 64 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Active feet, clean exchange.
Run: 8.33 runner in the 60. 

Dane McDonald, Stagg (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Athletic frame with well-proportioned strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, long stride. Quick hands, flashed bat speed at times and uses the middle of the field.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 91+ mph exit velo on pitches middle away during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Reliable hands, funnels into release, clean transfer.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. 

Bobby Nickrand, West Chicago  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Athletic, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Wide balanced setup, smooth load, short leg lift. Short uphill swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Active feet, steady hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.30 runner in the 60. 

Joe Perez, IMG Academy  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Simple balanced setup, short stride. Simple, easy swing, short/direct to the ball, line-drive approach and finishes on balance.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 90+ mph exit velo on pitches middle middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Zachary Porter, Lake Forest  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Athletic build with well-proportioned strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, toe-tap stride. Long path, line drive approach, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 87+ mph exit velo on pitches middle-middle during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, steady hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.59 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Procajlo, York (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds. Athletic, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Closed balanced setup, minimal load and short leg-kick trigger. Quick hands, long level swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 91+ mph exit velo on pitches middle up during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, steady hands, plays through the baseball with length through release at times.
Run: 7.10 runner in the 60. 

Spencer Ruch, Plainfield Central  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-8, 125-pounds. Lean frame.
Hit: RHH. Open balanced setup, minimal load, short stride. Long level swing, line drive approach with opposite field tendencies.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short loose arm action, multiple arm slots.
Defense: Steady hands, clean double play transfer and showed body control on the move.
Run: 7.79 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Tomaras, Lemont (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP 
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, leg-kick timing trigger. Strong hands, short level path and line-drive approach.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. 85+ mph exit velo on pitches middle in during BP, per Trackman.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws flash carry.
Defense: Reliable hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Tyshawn Washington, Kennedy (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Small athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, small stride. Long level swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 63 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Long loose arm action, H 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.71 runner in the 60.

Will Wojtasiak, Hoffman Estates (IL), 2021. Kishwaukee JC commit.
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Crouched, open setup. Small load, toe-tap stride. Simple swing, stays level through the zone. Line-drive approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. OF - 81 mph. High 3/4 arm slot. Loose arm action.
Defense: Outfield: Smooth feet, plays through the ball. Steady hands, clean transfer. Infield: Fields in the center of his body. Quiet double play turn.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60.

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