On Feb. 18, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff traveled to the Pullman Community Center in Chicago to host the Chicago Preseason ID. This event provided us an ample opportunity to check in on some of the area’s top high school prospects and identify several new names to know as we prepare for the IHSA season, as well as future invite-only events on the Prep Baseball Illinois calendar.

Today we are taking a look at the top pitchers scouting reports from the day, including a top-10, ranked below.

Christian Lott (Simeon) and Lucas Espinosa (Taft) are two 2026 right-handed pitchers to note, who just missed the Top-5 below. Both touched 80 mph and showed a three-pitch repertoire. 2027 RHP Cooper Johnson (Lincoln-Way East) also just missed the cut. The 6-foot-2, 174-pound, freshman has a clean arm and was up to 81 mph with upside to his profile.

Read on below for a look at all of the pitchers.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

No. 1 Jack Gianikos RHP / 1B / Maine South, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 75 / POS: 21 Positional Profile: RHP/1B Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Highly-projectable, long, high-waisted frame. Delivery: Compact, clean, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and on balance. Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, 3/4 slot, plays loose and quick out front. FB: T84, 83-84 mph. Clean and easy out of the hand, late running action at times. PLayed around the zone. T2067, 1942 average rpm. CB: 65-67 mph. More 11/5 shape than slider, distinct action. T2185, 2114 average rpm. SL: 68-71 mph. Plays with arm speed and intent. Tight spin, late sharp action and feel. T2394, 2161 average rpm. CH: 73-74 mph. Quality offering, kills spin, late sink and run at the bottom of the zone. T1129, 923 average rpm.

No. 2 Matthew Jackson OF / RHP / Prospect , IL / 2026 Positional Profile: OF/RHP Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic frame, continues to tick up every time we see him. Delivery: Compact, directional, tall and fall delivery, repeated and pounded the zone throughout. Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot, plays quick out front. FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Played in and around the zone, lively with late arm-side-run. Flashed heaviness down in the zone. T2005, 1948 average rpm. SL: 72-74 mph. Firm, late action, short horizontal shape. T1718, 1553 average rpm. CH: 71-72 mph. Above-average feel, played in the zone, late fade. T1595, 1455 average rpm.

No. 3 Logan Nordentoft 3B / RHP / Prospect, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 76 / POS: 6 Positional Profile: 3B/RHP Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame. Delivery: Fluid, tall and fall delivery, works on-line with regular effort and lands square. Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot. FB: T86, 81-85 mph. Plays easy and clean out of the hand, flashed late running action. T2051, 1941 average rpm. CB: 65-66 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action at times, landed for strikes. T1874, 1793 average rpm. CH: 76-77 mph. Creates angle, flashed late/heavy run and sink. T1603, 1498 average rpm.

No. 4 Nathan Cera 3B / RHP / Maine South, IL / 2026 Positional Profile: 3B/RHP Body: 6-0, 150-pounds. Lean, wiry frame. Delivery: Fluid, uptempo delivery, tall and fall, works closed down the mound and lands square. Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, 3/4 slot. FB: T83, 80-82 mph. Lively out of the hand, late run and sink. T1966, 1934 average rpm. SL: 70-71 mph. Late horizontal action, tight spin. T2433, 2388 average rpm. CH: 75-76 mph. Thrown with arm speed, heavy run and sink at times. T1623, 1551 average rpm.

No. 5 Renzo Sansonetti RHP / SS / Jones College Prep High School, IL / 2026 Positional Profile: RHP/SS Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Delivery: Fluid, tall and fall delivery, works with tempo and directional. Lands Square. Arm Action: RH. Loose, clean compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. FB: T85, 82-84 mph. Easy out of the hand, late life through the zone. Occasional arm side run. T2139, 2013 average rpm. SL: 73-74 mph. Thrown with intent, late horizontal 10/4 shape. T2388, 2318 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Jalen Allen, Marian Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-4, 165-pounds. Long-levered, upside frame.
Delivery: Calm, fluid, tall and fall delivery, stays closed down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm action, long on the backside, quick out front, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 74-77 mph. Clean out of the hand, controlled the zone, late run at times. T1692, 1549 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual sweeping action. T1931, 1887 average rpm.
SL: 67-68 mph. Similar shape to the curveball; tighter, firmer action. T1861, 1809 average rpm.
CH: 66-67 mph. Kills spin, locates at the bottom of the zone, occasional tumble. T1588, 1491 average rpm.

Jace Binion, Kenwood Academy (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 178-pounds. Strong frame, thick lower half.
Delivery: Clean, directional delivery, works down the mound with easy pace.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T79, 75-78 mph. Clean out of the hand, plays straight and with carry through the zone. T1993, 1919 average rpm.
CB: 62-65 mph. Plays with arm speed, 12/6 shape, occasional downer action. T2012, 1949 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Aggressive arm action, plays mostly straight. T1283, 1243 average rpm.
CUT: 69-70 mph. Fastball arm speed, late, horizontal wrinkle.

Javon Carter, Kenwood Academy High School (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-10, 145-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Delivery: Clean, quiet, repeatable, tall and fall delivery. Upright and directional down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, quick out front.
FB: T70, 67-69 mph. Plays straight, creates tilt at times. T1686, 1576 average rpm.
CB: 56-59 mph. 12/6 gradual action, landed for strikes. T1519, 1436 average rpm.
CH: 55-57 mph. Cutting action at times. T1081, 1002 average rpm.

Fred Chandler, Leo Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 144-pounds. Athletic, lean frame.
Delivery: Segmented, tall and fall delivery, upright at foot plant.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T72, 71-72 mph. Plays straight with occasional ride up in the zone. T1929, 1745 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Works off a short 12/6 plane. T2111, 2057 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. Short, tight, late wrinkle. T2071, 2016 average rpm.

Derrick Davis, Leo Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Clean, athletic, tall and fall delivery. Works on-line down the mound and lands front toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-78 mph. Clean out of the hand, works mostly straight. T2065, 1988 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. Works off an 11/5 plane, thrown aggressively. T2313, 2258 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. Sharp, late horizontal action. Flashed tight spin and swing and miss action. T2347, 2241 average rpm.
CH: 70-73 mph. Thrown aggressively, flashed sinking action. T1585, 1526 average rpm.

Lucas Espinosa, Taft (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-6, 130-pounds. Lean, wiry frame.
Delivery: Fluid, athletic delivery, slight drop and drive action, lands on balance.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, athletic arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Clean and easy out of the hand, controlled the zone, late running action. T1991, 1873 average rpm.
CB: 63-64 mph. 11/5 shape, consistently worked to the arm side. T2384, 2261 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Advanced action for his age; plays with confidence, arm speed and late run/sink. T1860, 1755 average rpm.

Keenan Harrell, Ogden Int High School (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 130-pounds. Wiry frame.
Delivery: Uptempo, drop and drive delivery. Works down the mound with pace and on-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 70-73 mph. Mostly straight action. T1949, 1834 average rpm.
CB: 52-54 mph. 11/5 shape, depth at times, landed for strikes. T1560, 1430 average rpm.
CH: 56-58 mph. Played around the zone, sells the pitch. T1382, 1327 average rpm.

Christopher Hicks, Homewood-Flossmoor High School (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-7, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery; high front side, works directional down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Short, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 76-78 mph. Worked mostly straight. T2086, 1936 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. Plays with 11/5 shape, gradual action. T2171, 2112 average rpm.
CH: 71-74 mph. Played down in the zone with late fade and feel. T2144, 1811 average rpm.

Cameron Ingram, Marian Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, simple delivery, works tall and fall down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T70, 68-70 mph. Mostly straight, plays at the top of the zone. T1602, 1392 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. Inconsistent action, short wrinkle. T1560, 1429 average rpm.
SL: 65-67 mph. Late wrinkle. T1510, 1487 average rpm.
CH: 65-69 mph. Played around the zone, T1478, 1414 average rpm.

Ashton Janowski, Oak Forest High School (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Simple, stretch-only delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands upright.
Arm Action: RH. Long full arm swing, over-the-top slot.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Played around the zone, late running action. T1821, 1754 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. Aggressive with it, 11/5 shape, short wrinkle. T1998, 1949 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Works straight, creates angle to the bottom of the zone. T1710, 1650 average rpm.

Cooper Johnson, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 174-pounds. Long-levered frame with plenty more physical development to come.
Delivery: Stretch-only delivery, works uptempo, slight drop and drive action.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, full arm stroke, over-the-top slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Late jump through the zone, flashed arm-side-run with occasional tilt/angle. T1631, 1510 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. Thrown with intent, 11/5 shape, gradual action. T2020, 1801 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Pronates, above-average run and sink; advanced offering with feel. T1627, 1591 average rpm.

Dallan Krewatch, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Wiry frame with more physical development to come.
Delivery: Easy athletic mover. Tall and fall delivery, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, plays quick and from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T79, 76-79 mph. Lively and clean out of the hand, straight action. T2367, 2185 average rpm.
CB: 66-70 mph. Thrown aggressively, short wrinkle. T2063, 1969 average rpm.
CH: 66-68 mph. Plays with late run. T1928, 1880 average rpm.

Christian Lott, Simeon (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-4, 212-pounds. Extra-large, strong, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Smooth, rhythmic, tall and fall delivery. Plays directionally down the mound and lands square and balanced.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 77-80 mph. Plays straight, intent to work down in the zone, creates angle. T1933, 1873 average rpm.
CB: 64-70 mph. Thrown with intent, short, tight 12/6 type action. T1811, 1717 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Plays with arm speed, feel and creates tilt to the bottom of the zone at times. T1101, 1040 average rpm.

Henry Malarski, Taft High School (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Fluid, uptempo. drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Short, compact arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 72-74 mph. Plays around the zone, lives at the bottom of the zone when at its best. Late run and sink. T1618, 1538 average rpm.
SL: 61-64 mph. Matches his arm slot, plays with sweeping 2/8 action. T2292, 2180 average rpm.
CH: 67-69 mph. Inconsistent action, maintains arm speed. T1379, 1262 average rpm.

Evan Mantas, Prospect High School (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo delivery, works fast. Athletic down the mound, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Short, compact quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Clean out of the hand, worked towards the bottom of the zone with late running action. T2033, 1809 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. 2/8 shape, thrown with intent. T2405, 2282 average rpm.
SL: 67-69 mph. Maintains arm speed, sweeping 2/8 shape. T2300, 2297 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Fastball arm speed, above-average feel to the arm side. T1590, 1409 average rpm.

Bren Milburn, Crete-Monee (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Delivery: Quiet, calm delivery, intent and tempo at foot strike.
Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T84, 80-83 mph. Works mostly straight, clean out of the hand. T2115, 1792 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. Aggressive arm action, short wrinkle 11/5 shape. T2073, 1970 average rpm.
SL: 76-77 mph. Tight, late breaking short bite. Cutterish tendencies T2226, 2102 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Fastball arm speed, works mostly straight. T1792, 1685 average rpm.

Elias Nanos, Taft High School (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Segmented, controlled, tall and fall delivery, works upright and with relative ease throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 73-74 mph. Around the zone, late running action to the arm side at times. T1829, 1732 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. Works on an 11/5 plane, feel to land for strikes. T1823, 1685 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Fastball arm speed, late, short wrinkle. T1731, 1711 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Thrown with intent, pronates through release, occasional fade. T1636, 1538 average rpm.

Greg Zaber, St. Rita (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 210-pounds.
Delivery: Fluid, linear delivery, tucks and coils at balance point.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Works mostly straight, plays with carry up in the zone. T1977, 1877 average rpm.
SL: 67-70 mph. 11/5 shape, short, late wrinkle. T1963, 1881 average rpm.
CH: 67-73 mph. Maintains arm speed, creates angle to the bottom of the zone, late run. T1585, 1431 average rpm.
CUT: 80-80 mph.

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