Initial Class of 2016 Rankings

By Mike Penn
Michigan Director of Scouting

At this rate, with the weather not cooperating, it seems that the high school debut of the Class of 2016 will never come.  However, it is never too early to give a preview of good things to come.

The Class of 2016 is has some high end talent already starting to emerge.  In fact several players figure to be highly sought after around the region.  

Checking it at No. 1 is Karl Kauffman (Brother Rice HS) leading a talented up and coming class. Kauffmann is a good athlete all-around but his best upside may be on the mound. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound righty has been up to 88 mph multiple times and shows a clean easy delivery.  His breaking ball has a chance to be a plus pitch.  Putting the pitching aside for a moment, Kauffmann has great actions in the field, a strong arm (80 mph) and a solid offensive toolset. Kauffmann is already talking to some high level schools.

At No. 2 is Michael Mokma (Holland Christian HS, RHP).  Mokma has the prototypical frame for a pitcher.  The already 6-foot-4, 180-pound Mokma will draw a ton of attention to small Holland Christian. Mokma sits between 82-84 mph and he still has a lot more in the tank.  As he progresses and learns to use his lower half better the velocity will jump. His secondary stuff has a good start to it as well.

Bryce Kelley (Rockford HS) is No. 3 are our list.  Kelley Is a funky left up to 82 mph this winter and 84 mph last summer.  He has feel for three pitches as well and filled up the strike zone plenty.  Kelley will fit right in on a talented Rockford HS team.  He should compete early on for innings.  Kelley has good movement on everything and a tighter breaking ball.


Here is a look at the top 10.