Impact Spotlight: Three Ranked & Uncommitted Infielders

The Impact Spotlight series began in early October, working to profile uncommitted players that have a chance to move to the next level.  Since the inception 8 of the 17 profiled players have committed to play for a school in the coming years.  Several others have opportunities on the table and may make a decision soon, or wait until the spring, as they continue to work to develop their game. 

As the early signing period has come and gone, North Carolina has over 215 players committed from the 2018 class.  Based on the class of 2017 numbers, nearly 40% of the players that will commit have yet to commit.  The winter off-season and spring high school season will be big for many in the 2018 class as coaches and schools are still working to fill out their 2018-2019 rosters. 

This past week PBR of North Carolina unveiled the updated Class of 2018 Rankings.  The rankings expanded to the Top 300 players in the state.  Of the Top 300, as of the release of the rankings, approximately 129 of the players have not committed.  Some of these players have been profiled on the Impact Spotlight in past weeks.  Jonathan Jagielski (LHP/OF, Charlotte Christian), Nicholas Caldwell (3B, Wesleyan Christian Academy), and Ryan Taylor (C/RHP, Hoke County HS) are three of the players that performed well at a PBR Event or a PBR covered Scout Day.  Each has a bright future and their information can be seen by following the link in their name or by sifting through some of the past Impact Spotlight segments.

Today we are highlighting three infielders that have a chance to make an impact in the coming years.  Jake Christman (SS, Western Alamance HS) is a very good athlete who may earn an opportunity to play football at the college level.  Christman was invited to and attended the PBR Preseason All-State event last January.  A good athlete, Christman has run a 6.75 sixty for PBR and recorded an exit velocity of 86 mph off the barrel.  Raw on the field at times, the tools may develop should he decide to concentrate on baseball.

Will Palinkas (3B/RHP, Providence HS) made a splash this summer at the PBR Top Prospect Games in July.  The physical right hander stands 6-foot-4, 200 pounds.  Long levers work to create some energy through the ball, recording an exit velocity of 98 mph off the barrel.  On the mound he works from some lower angles with an 83 mph fastball that does create some swing and miss. 

Third baseman Reed Hedberg (3B/RHP, South Mecklenburg HS) has worked through a tough year that saw him miss the high school and summer seasons.  As the fall season approached, Hedberg was cleared for offensive activity, while still working to get through a throwing program.  Long and lanky, he is listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds with room to continue to add strength.  The ball jumps when on the barrel, with an exit velocity of 90 mph. 

Full reports, with video on each player are below.