By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff

Within hours of the 2017 MLB Draft ending, teams began their work on 2018. The next class looks to be loaded with talent and will certainly be exciting to follow over the next 11 months. For The Hotlist, state directors in PBR’s coverage area submitted a top prospect for the 2018 draft. Be sure to keep an eye on these names as we head toward next June.

Cayden Aldridge, C, Tahlequah HS, OK
An Oklahoma recruit, Aldridge boasts a strong arm with carry and excellent accuracy on defense. He shows pop times in the 1.89-1.95 range in between innings to go along with good blocking skills. At the plate, the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has high-end bat speed, producing extra bases with a pull approach and some lift in his swing.

Austin Becker, RHP, Big Walnut HS, OH
Becker, a Vanderbilt recruit, has a very projectable frame at 6-foot-6, 185 pounds. He works quickly down the hill, utilizing a quick arm that can produce a fastball up to 96 mph, while sitting in the 90-93 range. He flashes a slider at 74-78, which shows good shape and depth at times. His changeup has run and dive at 84-86.