Uncommitted Spotlight - 2023 Top Uncommitted
December 16, 2022
Earlier this Fall we updated and expanded our 2023 class rankings for Oregon. While a good portion of the class has made their commitment, there are several talented players left on the board.
Class rankings are updated multiple times throughout the year with the goal of helping coaches/evaluators identify players in the area.
Today we're spotlighting 3 uncommitted prospects who impressed last year and will be pivotal contributors as seniors in 2023.
For more information on a player, click their name to go to their individual profile page.
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UNCOMMITTED SPOTLIGHT
2023 - TOP UNCOMMITTED
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Buddy Brands RHP / 3B / Tigard, OR / 2023Rankings StateRank: 6 / POS: 3
Currently our 6th overall player in the class, Brands has been on the scene for a while now since he had a breakout 2021 season which culminated with a terrific showing at the ‘21 PBR Future Games. A polished righty with mature pitchability and consistent command, Brands was pitching 87-90 late this summer at Area Codes and has flashed similar velocity across multiple looks in both game and bullpen settings. At 6’2, 200 lbs, he has a starter build and pitches with sustainable effort. He uses a firm SL/Cutter as his main secondary and it flashes tight, late darting action at 79-81. Doesn’t need to use his CH often but its a quality 3rd offering with arm-side run at 77-80. Given his velocity, stuff and track record of throwing strikes, Brands is set for another strong season on the mound and is likely to have several suitors in the market for his ability.
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Kellen Segel RHP / 2B / Grant, OR / 2023Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 8
A multi-sport athlete who has 2-way potential at the next level. Segel capped off a strong year with his performance at the 2022 West Coast Games in Las Vegas, NV. A 6’2, 195 lb athlete, Segel has a quality combination of size and athletic ability which allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. As an INF, he can hold it down on the left-side of the INF with solid footwork and a plus arm. At the plate, he works aggressively uphill and looks to do damage with above average bat speed. On the mound, he was up to 87 in August and has routinely held his velocity in the 85-87 range for the last year and change. He pairs the FB with a quality SL with late shape and depth at 77-78. Also flashes a splitter with hard tumble but rarely needs it. Overall, Segel is one of the best overall athletes on the diamond in the ‘23 class and should fill the stat sheet in a lot of ways this season.
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Erik Hoffberg RHP / OF / Lakeridge, OR / 2023Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 9
At 6’3, 185, Hoffberg combines present stuff with considerable projection to tap into. This spring, we saw Hoffberg dial it up to 85-87 with his FB while continuing to use his above average CB at 76-77. The CB especially is a true weapon at 2,450-2500 rpm with 10/4 shape and depth. He throws it with conviction and will consistently rip it off during big spots in-game. He keeps it simple on the bump, working from the stretch exclusively with clean direction and a simplified delivery. Hoffberg allows his extra whippy arm to work freely and easily. As he matures, it’s fair to envision an uptick in velocity and pure stuff. Some of the best upside and arm talent in the class.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Seattle Preseason ID | OR | 01/28 | EL1 Sports - Puyallup, WA |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/05 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
| Pacific Northwest Preseason ID | OR | 02/05 | NW Sports Hub - Centralia, WA |
| Central Washington Preseason ID | OR | 02/11 | The SIX Athletic Training Facility - Moses Lake, WA |
| Boise Preseason ID | OR | 02/12 | Northwest Nazarene University - Nampa, ID |
| Pacific Northwest Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) | OR | 02/21 | NW Sports Hub - Centralia, WA |
| Oregon Preseason ID | OR | 02/25 | PK Park - Eugene, OR |