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Class Of 2016 Rankings Updated

September 30, 2015


Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Louisiana

After the conclusion of the summer circuit, and Prospect ID Showcase, Prep Baseball Report Louisiana has updated, and expanded its class of 2016 player rankings.

Although much of the list remains intact, there was slight shakeup throughout, as well as the list expanding to 60 players.

LSU commits, SS Jake Slaughter (Ouachita Christian HS) and LHP Blair Frederick (Brother Martin HS) retain their number one and two rankings, respectively. As both prospects had solid showings at events throughout the summer.

Texas commit, and high school teammate of Slaughter, INF Ryan Reynolds (Ouachita Christian HS) comes in at number three after an impressive showing at the Prospect ID Showcase. A switch hitter that has legitimate juice from both sides the plate, Reynolds paired with Slaughter should make the Ouachita Christian lineup a feared one in class 1A. Not to mention, the ace of the staff, RHP Aaron George (Ouachita Christian HS) climbs all the way to number ten after his showing at the Prospect ID Showcase where he sat 89-91 mph and flashed an above average breaking ball.

Another LSU commit, INF Josh Smith (Catholic(BR) HS) comes in at number four. The left-handed hitting middle infielder has been a staple for Cathlolic(BR), and Marucci Elite, as both programs have had enormous success during Smith’s career. While the tools may not be flashy, Smith has been incredibly consistent and will eventually find a way to beat whoever he is playing.

Keep with the LSU commit trend, INF/OF Zach Watson (West Ouachita HS) comes in at number five. The toolsy, fast twitch athlete is one to watch in Louisiana this upcoming spring season. After posting a sub 6.4 60 yard dash at an event this summer, Watson could get significant draft buzz heading into next June’s MLB draft.

Coming in at numbers six and seven is high school teammates and Tulane commits, INF Michael Kirsch (Brother Martin HS) and RHP Keagan Gillies (Brother Martin HS). Kirsch is another infielder to watch closely this spring, as he has a physical, athletic frame and posted a 6.6 60 yard dash, in addition to plus arm strength. Gillies had a solid summer that saw a spike in velocity. The 6-foot-8 right-hander was up to 91 mph with outstanding angle which only enhanced the ability of the solid breaking ball he possess.

Rounding out the top ten are a pair of LSU commits in INF Mason Templet (St. Thomas More HS) and RHP Matthew Beck (Alexandria HS). Beck had a wildly successful summer for Team Louisiana, as he went from a relatively unknown commodity to a member of the national power’s recruiting class. He sat 88-90 mph for much of the summer and flashed feel for sharp, tight slider from an athletic, 6-foot-5 frame.

Too see the rest of the class of 2016 rankings, click HERE.

On October 18, 2015 PBR Louisiana will host the Unsigned Senior Showcase at the Louisiana Baseball and Softball Academy. Space will be limited, so if you remain uncommitted, this is an event you will want to attend!

This list will most undoubtedly evolve and change over the coming months, as players from all across the state improve and develop. But for now here is a look at the top 15.

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Jake Slaughter LA Ouachita Christian 2016 SS Louisiana State
2 Blair Frederick LA Brother Martin 2016 LHP Louisiana State
3 Ryan Reynolds LA Ouachita Christian 2016 2B Texas
4 Josh Smith LA Catholic (BR) 2016 SS Louisiana State
5 Zachary Watson LA West Ouachita 2016 2B Louisiana State
6 Michael Kirsch LA Brother Martin 2016 SS Tulane
7 Keagan Gillies LA Brother Martin 2016 RHP Tulane
8 Mason Templet LA St. Thomas Moore 2016 3B Louisiana State
9 Matthew Beck LA Alexandria Senior 2016 RHP Louisiana State
10 Aaron George LA Ouachita Christian 2016 RHP
11 Trey Morgan LA West Feliciana 2016 C Southeastern Louisiana
12 Keelyn Johnson LA Pineville 2016 C
13 Johnny Johnson LA Runnels 2016 SS
14 Tre Turner LA Holy Cross 2016 OF Arizona State
15 Christian Leonard LA St. Thomas Moore 2016 C

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