Prep Baseball Report

Unsigned Senior Showcase: Position Player Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Sunday, February 6th, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Unsigned Senior Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Illinois. This event served as one final look for members of the 2022 class, who are still uncommitted, to showcase their talents in front of our staff after the off-season. 

For a look at which players were in attendance, and all of the statistics from this event, click HERE.

In the week that followed this event, we produced post-event analysis that includes performance highlights inside of our Quick Hits story, a look at the traditional stats measured within our Statistical Analysis piece, batted-ball and pitch data compiled in TrackMan Files, swing metrics captured on the Blast Motion Board, and sight scores from an athletic perspective tracked on the Vizual Edge Scoreboard.

You can learn more about the state-of-the-art technologies featured at our showcases within the hyperlinks above. For now, however, we’ll begin to conclude our analysis of this event by publishing the scouting reports on each of the players who attended the Unsigned Senior Showcase, beginning with all of the position player reports. 

Before we go any further, here are a few quick nuggets on some of the day’s standouts: 

+ One of the day’s biggest winners was 5-foot-11, 165-pound OF/LHP Jaden Coleman (Lincoln Way East). Coleman started his day by bumping his fastball up to 84 mph on the mound and followed it by cruising to a 6.67 in the 60-yard dash. Offensively, Coleman displayed a loose, athletic left-handed stroke with pull-side leverage and caught barrels that way throughout, too. Coleman generates plenty of juice from his athletic profile alone and that’s evident in his batted ball profile, all of which were towards the top of this event’s leaderboard - 96 mph max exit velocity, 87.1 mph average exit velocity, and 380 ft. peak distance. Defensively, Coleman showed swift athletic feet and efficient routes with a loose, accurate arm to pair that topped at 89 mph.

+ RHP/OF Jake Kohanzo (Barrington, 2022) showed true two-way potential and will likely earn a mention when we roll our pitcher analysis from this even as well. The physical, 6-foot-2, 215-pound, two-way prospect has long been known for his arm strength on the mound but his bat showed equally as well, if not better, at the event. The right-handed hitter has a presence in the box, advanced bat speed (73.5 mph average bat speed) and repeated his short, quick swing while staying on balance throughout his rounds. Kohanzo has middle-of-the-order potential thanks to the force/whip he creates in his swing and raw power in his bat; 101.8 mph max exit velocity and his furthest batted ball traveled 386’. Kohanzo also moves with rhythm in the outfield while utilizing athletic footwork, pairing with a strong arm that delivered strong/accurate throws (topped at 89 mph).

Another physical position player on this roster is CIF Tommy Stricklin (Mundelein), who put together one of the loudest BP rounds of the day. Built at a sturdy, barrel-chested 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, Stricklin displayed advanced bat strength in BP, consistently making loud contact off the barrel. His 103 mph max exit velocity, and 90.8 mph average exit velocity, were amongst the day’s best statistical outputs. He has a short and quick swing that he is able to repeat. There’s certainly middle-of-the-order upside at the next level given the pure strength he possesses.

+ C/INF Francis Muraida (Reavis, 2022) was one of the better all-around players at this event. Offensively, the left-handed hitter works with a compact/repeatable swing, producing easy bat-speed with intent to lift the baseball. Muraida registered a max exit velocity of 93.2 mph and a max distance of 325 feet to cap off his batting session. Behind the plate, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound backstop recorded a pop-time as low as 1.98, pairing it with a strong/accurate throwing arm and clean/quick actions out of the crouch.

+ C/SS Owen Anderson (Geneva, 2022) was another catcher that showed well on both sides of the ball. At the plate, the right-handed hitter starts with a wide/crouched stance, creating separation at foot-strike and then working level through the zone with a 91.1 mph max exit velocity and 327’ max distance. Anderson possesses confident receiving actions behind the plate, transitioning into a quick/clean transfer with a strong/accurate arm and recording a best pop-time of 2.06. 

A couple other prospects who landed just outside the top five but warranted a mention were two right-handed hitting infielders Blake Stempowski (Geneva, 2022) and Mateusz Gapinski (Lake Forest, 2022). 

+ Stempowski displayed a relatively loud skill-set in multiple areas of the event. A strong 6-foot, 185-pound athlete, Stempowski started his day off by running his fastball up to 83 mph and followed it up with a 6.66 mark in the 60-yard dash, good for the event’s best time. He found the barrel often in BP, reaching a peak exit speed of 98.2 mph and an average exit speed of 89.9 mph to pair. Stempowski’s max batted distance was also amongst the event’s leaders, sending his furthest ball 364 ft., per TrackMan. Stempowski’s Blast Motion metrics were also really impressive, averaging 26 mph of hand speed and 75.6 mph of bat speed, too.

+ Gapinski showcased some physicality and bat strength during his round of BP. The right-handed hitter starts with a wide base before moving into a loose/level path through the zone, creating extension after contact. The Lake Forest senior recorded a max exit velocity of 92 mph with a max distance of 348’, a top-five distance in the entire event. At first-base, Gapinski moves well around the base for his size, showing feel for the position and fluid footwork around the bag.

Read below for all of the position player scouting reports from this February event. 

TOP POSITION PLAYERS

1. Jaden Coleman, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 166-pounds. Lean, Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Loose and relaxed. Sets up back in the box. Fluid load. Short stride.  Smooth, easy swing. Quick hands. Bat speed. Consistent hard contact. Easy pull-side power.
Power: 95.6 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 379’ max distance. 2nd farthest batted ball at the event.
Arm: LH. OF - 89 mph. Advanced arm strength. Quick, clean arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Athletic. Quick, clean footwork. Good instincts.
Run: 6.67 runner in the 60. 

2. Jake Kohanzo, Barrington (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF Legitimate two-way prospect. One of the top remaining unsigned seniors in the state.
Body: 6-2, 215-pounds. Strong, durable frame. Broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Open setup. Balanced. Knee-knock stride. Fluid load. Hits with rhythm throughout. Quick, strong hands. Bat speed. Hip drive. Easy pull-side power.
Power: 101.8 max exit velocity, averaged 94 mph. 386’ max distance. Highest average exit velocity and farthest batted ball at the event.
Arm: RH. OF - 89 mph. Strong, above-average arm. Quick, compact arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Reads hops well. Quick first step. Plays through the baseball.

3. Daniel Alworth, Geneva (IL), 2022 McHenry County JC
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds. Projectable frame. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Loose, fluid actions in the box. Feet start shoulder width apart. Quick, strong hands. Stays connected. Worked on the barrel to all fields. Balanced throughout.
Power: 91.2 max exit velocity, averaged 84.3 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Above average arm strength. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Good instincts. Active feet. Clean and Balanced footwork. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.10 runner in the 60. 

4. Francis Muraida, Reavis  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Sloped shoulders. Strength throughout the upper body.
Hit: LHH. Upright, open set up. Hands held low and close to body. Short stride. Rhythmic load. Maintains balance throughout. Works uphill. Pull-side tendency. Extension after contact.
Power: 93.2 max exit velocity, averaged 80.1 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. INF - 81 mph. Average arm strength. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Flashed accuracy.
Defense: 1.95-2.04 pop times. Athletic and agile in crouch. Receptive hands. Efficient foot work. Quick, clean exchange.
Run: 8.10 runner in the 60. 

5. Tommy Stricklin, Mundelein (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/1B One of the top remaining unsigned seniors in the state.
Body: 6-2, 215-pounds. Broad shoulders. Thick upper body. Durable frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base. Short stride. Simple, efficient movements in the box. Plus bat speed. Strong, quick hands, whips the bat head through the zone with ease on a level plane. Easy power.
Power: 102.9 max exit velocity, averaged 90.8 mph. 369’ max distance. Top max exit velocity at event.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Above average arm strength. Short arm action, natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Plays through the baseball. Agile and athletic for his size. Fits the third base profile.
Run: 7.16 runner in the 60. 

5. Owen Anderson, Geneva (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Developed lower half. Sloped Shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Poised and athletic in the box. Simple, controlled actions. Short stride. Works behind the baseball. Highly repeatable swing. Pull-side power, with the ability to go the other way.
Power: 91.1 max exit velocity, averaged 82.3 mph. 327’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short to release. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot. Consistently around the second base bag.
Defense: 2.01-2.08 pop times. Athletic receiver. Soft block. Compact/efficient footwork. Works in line with the bag.
Run: 7.67 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Miguel Cantu, St. Rita (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Length through torso. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Efficient, compact movements in the box. Quick, rhythmic back hip load. Strong, athletic look. Compact, direct bat path to the ball. Used the whole field. Line drive hitter. Quick hands. Bat speed. Lets the ball travel.
Power: 94.9 max exit velocity, averaged 87 mph. 283’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot. Average arm strength.
Defense: Aggressive, athletic ready position. Pre-pitch hop. Active feet.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Shawn Coy, Lindblom (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 220-pounds. High-waisted. Thick lower half. Strength throughout frame.
Hit: LHH. Upright, open stance. Quiet in the box. Deliberate, fluid load. Short, compact bat path. Hip drive. Quick hands. Bat speed. Pull-side power.
Power: 87.5 max exit velocity, averaged 81.3 mph. 331’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 71 mph. Short armer. Throws from a high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Average hands. Profiles as a DH.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Jake Cummins, Sandburg (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Broad shoulders. Thick through shoulders and chest.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box. Open set up. Compact load into back hip. Toe-tap stride. Swings from the shoulders. Works uphill. Pull-side tendency.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 82.1 mph. 330’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Quick lateral movements. Athletic. Active feet. Plays with body control on the move. Confident.
Run: 7.09 runner in the 60. 

Nolan Decker, Jacksonville (IL), 2022 Illinois College
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Athletic look. Balanced set up. Smooth, efficient load into back hip. Swing on-plane early and through the zone. Stays tight. Looks to lift. Extension after contact.
Power: 90.5 max exit velocity, averaged 80.7 mph. 297’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, natural over-the-top with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Loose, natural actions on the infield. Clean exchange. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.77 runner in the 60. 

Mateusz Gapinski, Lake Forest (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 215-pounds. Thick upper body. Round shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Balanced. Wide base. Short, quick load.  Bat strength. Works uphill. Looks to lift. Pull-side power.
Power: 91.9 max exit velocity, averaged 83.4 mph. 347’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Compact arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Average hands, clean exchange.
Run: 8.41 runner in the 60. 

Brandt Garcia, Conant  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Long-limbed. Lean build. Projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Upright. Smooth, compact load into back hip. Short stride. Uphill, inside-out swing. Opposite field approach.
Power: 78.9 max exit velocity, averaged 75 mph. 228’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Loose, compact arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Good first step. Quick reads.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Jack Hoh, Lincoln Way-East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. High-waisted.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box. Sets up on the plate. Slightly open, wide base. Minimal load. Strides to even.  Short, level bat path through the zone. Quick hands. Gap-to-gap approach. Head stays on the ball.
Power: 89.8 max exit velocity, averaged 78.8 mph. 324’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Quick to release. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.12-2.18 pop times. Works to present pitches in and around the zone. Receptive hands. Feet work in line.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Logan Lott, Belvidere North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Stocky build.
Hit: RHH. Stands crouched down with feet shoulder width apart. Bat rests on back shoulder. Small load into back hip. Pull-side tendency. Out on front foot at times. Direct bat path to the ball.
Power: 80.2 max exit velocity, averaged 69.3 mph. 250’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Presents glove early. Fields ball low to the ground.
Run: 8.48 runner in the 60. 

Hayden Lowe, Laporte (IN), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/OF
Body: 6-1, 215-pounds. Durable frame. Strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Simple set up. Pre-loaded back leg. Short stride. Chops down at the ball at times. Short, direct bat path. Line-drive hitter. Center/right-center field approach.
Power: 91.9 max exit velocity, averaged 85.5 mph. 295’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. High effort, average arm strength. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop. Watches the ball into the glove. Good hands. Long to release.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Martinez, DePaul College Prep (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced set up. Loose, easy actions in the box.  Quick hands. Used the middle of the field. Hits with rhythm throughout.
Power: 89.7 max exit velocity, averaged 78.7 mph. 328’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Feet work around the bag. Balanced and athletic actions on the infield. Plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60.

Daniel Minks, Princeton (MN), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-2, 150-pounds. Projectable frame. Plenty of room to grow.
Hit: RHH. Wide base. Open front side. Balanced.  Gap-to-gap approach. Short to the baseball. Head stays still. Keeps hands back.
Power: 80.9 max exit velocity, averaged 74.1 mph. 259’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Feet work around the ball. Clean two-handed gather out front.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

Brody Parten, Grayslake North (IL), 2022 Olivet College
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Upright, narrow set up. Closed front side. Hands held high and close to body. Fluid pre-pitch load. Highly repeatable swing. Bat on-plane early. Pull-side tendency. Quick hands.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 77.3 mph. 265’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Fringy arm strength. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Fields the ball out front. Ranges well both left and right. Plays loose.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. 

Andrew Pipala, St. Rita (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Loose and relaxed in the box. Shoulder width base. Compact hand load.  Stays inside the baseball. Simple, highly repeatable swing. Gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88.5 max exit velocity, averaged 85.7 mph. 288’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 78 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Plays with confidence. Quick, easy exchange. Aggressive routes to the baseball.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Joe Rudolph, Northridge Prep (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Sloped Shoulders.
Hit: SH. RH: Sets up on the plate. Closed front side. Narrow base. LH: Sets up on the plate with a slightly wider base. Arm bar. Chops down at the ball. Inside-out swing.
Power: 88.1 max exit velocity, averaged 74.2 mph. 236’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Average hands.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

Jack Severino, Pleasant Plains  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 195-pounds. Strength throughout. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Sets up back in the box. Wide base. Compact load. Short stride. Raw power. Keeps hands back. Long, uphill bat path. Looks to lift.
Power: 93.7 max exit velocity, averaged 83.6 mph. 341’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Average arm strength. Short arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Average hands. Clean exchange.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

Ian Solger, Huntley  (IL), 2022 Kishwaukee JC
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Round shoulders. Thick upper body.
Hit: LHH. Simple actions in the box. Knee-knock stride. Used the middle of the field. Hits with rhythm throughout.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 76 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 79 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Aggressive outfielder. Clean Exchange.
Run: 7.97 runner in the 60. 

Blake Stempowski, Geneva (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Athletic build. Strength throughout frame.
Hit: RHH. Toe-tap into a short stride. Rhythmic load into back hip. Hits with rhythm throughout. Level bat path through the zone. Quick hands. Pull-side tendency. Flashed opposite field power.
Power: 98.2 max exit velocity, averaged 89.9 mph. 364’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Above average arm strength. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Ranges well up the middle. Fields the ball out front.
Run: 6.66 runner in the 60. Fastest time at the event.

Nathan Suksengdow, St. Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-6, 155-pounds. Short, compact frame.
Hit: SH. RH: Sets up toward the front of the box in a slightly open, balanced stance. Smooth, quick hand load. LH: Open setup with wide base. Smooth, compact hand load. Short stride to even. Highly repeatable, short swing. Gap-to-gap approach from both sides of the plate.
Power: 85.5 max exit velocity, averaged 77.7 mph. 266’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. Compact arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Active feet. Clean exchange.
Run: 7.30 runner in the 60. 

Jack Tobin, Prairie Ridge  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-5, 225-pounds. Long, lean build. Developed lower half.
Hit: RHH. Closed front side. Stiff in the box. Short stride. Short, direct bat path to the ball. Simple, highly repeatable swing.
Power: 93.6 max exit velocity, averaged 85.4 mph. 340’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Agile for his size. Athletic footwork. Plays with body control on the move. Good hands. Clean exchange.
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.

RELATED CONTENT