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Though we have not been able to scout players in this strange and difficult spring, there is still plenty to talk about, including an update to the 2021 Kansas Rankings. This talented group had 6 players represent the state in the recently released PBR Overall Rankings. After some successful events this winter and a massive amount of new information gathered by our scouts with their boots on the ground, we have completely overhauled the 125 player rankings. Along with some talented newcomers, the rankings also see some big risers throughout. 

Click here to check out our ranking process.

Top Prospects

Maintaining the top spot in Kansas is Arkansas commit Kendall Diggs. Here is what National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, had to say about Diggs after seeing him multiple times at multiple events last summer, "Diggs built a strong reputation as one of the better hitters in the class last summer, and has only gotten better. His 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame is noticeably more mature with some proportional strength, and provided for a more fluid load from left side with gap to gap power continuing to be present. The barrel remains in the zone forever, and his keen eye and patient approach allow for quality at-bats on a consistent basis. It says a lot about his ability to hit, when on one of the days, his three-hit performance felt like a normal day at the park. He played third base, and has the arm strength to stick there at the next level, although the stroke is a bit long in the back. He profiles best as an offensive second baseman or utility infielder, although he has shown impressive ability to range the outfield in the past. No matter what position he fills, the bat will play, and as he continues filling out, expect the power to continue increasing."

‘21 SS Kendall Diggs has been very impressive so far. Elite barrel awareness with a flat path. Has already collected two hits today for @RoyalsScoutTeam #OKLimitedSeries @PBRKansas pic.twitter.com/r37zUd2c7n

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) July 28, 2018

Moving up to the No. 2 spot is Louisville recruit Carson Liggett (Blue Valley). We last got to see Liggett for extended innings at the NPI last summer. Here is what Hunt had to say about the right-hander, "Liggett started the morning with a bang, punching out 10 batters against a loaded Louisiana Knights club to lead the team to victory. Liggett pounded the strike zone with a fastball that sat 86-87, topping at 88, with hard, late arm-side life. He also shuffled in an advanced 76-77 changeup that he throws aggressively. Liggett’s arm is highly athletic and works fast coming out of a high-3/4 slot."

‘21 RHP Carson Liggett (@LouisvilleBSB) is getting a host of swings and misses with his 85-87 fastball this morning. Riding through the zone & countering w/ 76-77 changeup that dives. Physical, workhorse frame w/ strong arm. @BCbaseballtoday #PBRNPI@PBRKansas @PBRTournaments pic.twitter.com/JmlMECn5hD

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) June 21, 2019

Moving up to the No. 3 spot is Ben Kudrna (Blue Valley SW). The Louisiana State commit is a well built 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher with big upside. On the mound, Kudrna has an athletic delivery, high three quarters arm slot, loose arm action, repeats release, throws with some effort, finishes in athletic position, fastball at 87-89 mph and has been reported up to 91 mph. The curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp and late at times at 75-78 mph. The changeup sits 78-79 mph, throws with fastball arm speed, commands for strike. 

Risers

Over the last few months with many events and boots on the ground scouting, our staff have identified some players throughout the state that have made big strides forward. Below, we highlight a few of those players. 

Kevin Mannell, RHP/C, Jefferson West HS
Mannell moved up over 120 spots in this rendition of the rankings. He has a long, lean, and projectable 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame. The right-hander is currently uncommitted, but won't be for long with his recent velo jump to 86-88 mph with heavy and late arm-side run. The arm action is clean, fluid, and loose in the back coming through a low-3/4 slot with advanced arm speed out front. Slider shows sharp 10/4 shape with tight spin and late depth at 78-79 mph. The right-hander also mixes in a serviceable changeup at 83-84 with some late fade. Mannell is also a capable infielder and catcher, but his future shines the brightest on the mound. 

 

Chandler Miller, RHP/OF Basehor-Linwood HS
Up nearly ten spots, jumping into the top 20 after his outstanding performance at the MOKAN Preseason All State Showcase is RHP/OF Chandler Miller. In the outfield, Miller shows athleticism running his best 60 at 6.81 and slinging balls at 88 mph. Offensively, the right-handed hitter bats from a narrow set-up with rhythm in his low set hands before striding and hitting from his front foot, finding consistent barrels with some juice (91 mph exit velo). Miller is a legitimate two-way prospect, jumping on the mound and filling up the zone with a fastball that sits 80-84 mph and touches 86. Also spins an advanced breaking ball at 67-71 mph. 

Newcomers

The PBR Kansas staff is always on the lookout for talented players across the state, and we pride ourselves on constantly evaluating and discovering new players. Below are three new players that made jumps this fall and winter.

Devin Neal, OF, Lawrence HS
A physically impressive and elite athlete who recently committed to Kansas to play football and baseball. Neal has high end pop at the plate that will play more as he polishes his swing and offensive approach. Defensively, Neal will be able to run down the ball with a 60 time reported in the mid 6s. Already in the top 20, Neal could climb even higher in the rankings if he continues to polish his game. 

Gavin Peterson, LHP/OF, Shawnee Mission West HS
A long and uber projectable 6-foot-5, 170-pound left-hander. Peterson shows a smooth delivery with some athleticism, using a short arm stroke in the back before bringing it through a near over the top slot with little effort. The fastball shows consistent downhill tilt and arm side run in the zone at 78-80 with more left in the tank. Peterson also mixes in a curveball and changeup for strikes. With more strength, Peterson could develop into a two-way prospect showing a clean swing from the left-side with an 84 mph exit velo and running a 4.31 home-to-first. 

 

Petersen (2.15.20)

Carlos Vasquez, SS, Lawrence HS
A physical 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame strength throughout. Defensively, Vasquez has a real chance at sticking at short for Missouri State when he arrives on campus. He shows advanced hands and feet with enough arm strength. He also shows a high motor and baseball IQ. Offensively, the switch hitter is currently more comfortable from the right side flashing some pop with barrel control. 

See the full list HERE.

Top 10

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