As we prepare for our preseason events, we continue to look back at various prospects who impressed throughout the 2022 year and project to have big 2023 seasons.

Since its inception in 2005, the Prep Baseball Report has evolved into one of the country’s biggest and most respected independent scouting services, with a singular focus of providing comprehensive year-round coverage in every state we are in. The mission of the Prep Baseball Report is to scout and promote amateur baseball - high school, junior college and college - and, ultimately, help athletes achieve their dreams of playing baseball at the next level. 

Today we're spotlighting 5 uncommitted arms in the 2024 class who all performed well both at events as well as some in-game looks. 

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uncommitted spotlight

2024 arms to watch

‘24 LHP Jonah Barkoff (Lake Oswego)

 Coming off an impressive sophomore campaign, we expect Barkoff to make a lot of big starts in 2023 and rack up significant innings. A classic pitchability lefty, Barkoff is comfortable pitching to all parts of the zone with his full repertoire and understands how to disrupt timing with his delivery. He moves easily down the slope with body control and loose actions. The arm path is tight at hand break then gets more extension out front from a ¾ slot. Ball jumps with his late hand speed. We saw 80-82 on the FB early in the summer & gathered reports that the velo has crept up to 84-85 at times. CB carries into the zone with depth and 11/5 shape & he really kills the spin on his CH and lets it run off the table. Polished arm with a mature feel for the game.

‘24 LHP Blake Crawford (West Linn)

6’3, 180 lbs with a high waist and long levers. Crawford possesses the physicality and actions to make a substantial jump in 2023. Pitches with simple, mechanically sound delivery that flows throughout. Has length in the stride that helps him get extension out front at release. Long loose arm path with a low ¾ slot release helps him create a tougher angle on both RH & LH bats. FB was 79-80 when we had him in a bullpen setting in July with late arm-side run and sink when down in the zone. The low release height gives his breaking ball sweeping shape at 67-68. CH has considerable run/movement at 75-76. With reports of Crawford getting into the mid 80’s with his FB now, he could add a nice piece to an already strong West Linn staff.

‘24 LHP Luke Fulkerson (Tigard)

6’3, 195 with a large frame and room for additional strength. Fulkerson has a strong profile as a LHP/1B with a L/L skill set. The size and arm action really stands out on the mound for us. With his length, he creates a tough downhill angle on the ball that you normally don’t see from a ¾ release. The delivery is simple with consistent direction and easy effort. Arm path is loose and continuous & has a whippy finish out at release. Velo sat at 77-79 last year with a super low spin rate at 1300-1500 rpm and consistent arm-side run. Expect to see more raw velo this season. SL has tight shape and cutter like action at 63-66.

‘24 Lucas Plenert (Mountainside)

Strong framed with a sturdy lower half at 6’2, 205 lbs. Plenert gives a unique look from his sidearm slot on the mound and pairs the tough angle with quality offerings. Uses a deliberate pace throughout delivery. Drop and drive move with his lower half as he separates and gets down the mound. FB showed life into the zone at 79-80 in a bullpen setting at our July workout. Also mixed in more of a true sinker as well which showed more run/horizontal movement than his FB. Uses a tightly spun 11/5 breaker that consistently found the zone as his main secondary. Overall, Plenert pitches with a unique skill set that helps differentiate himself amongst other arms in the class.

‘24 RHP Justin Schramm (Wilsonville)

A riser in our 2024 class rankings, Schramm is coming off a highly successful HS season and finished up the Fall season showcases polished command and a velo jump. At 6’6, 185, the frame has significant projection and allows him to pitch downhill with consistent leverage. Stays on top of the ball from a high ¾ slot and drives his FB downhill at 80-83. Given the size in the frame and ability to hold more strength, we’re likely to see bigger numbers from him this season. He throws a reliable CB/SL combo as well as a consistent CH with fading action. Looks poised for another big spring and will likely be one of the more complete starters in the state next season.

 

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
Portland Rising Stars ID	OR	03/05	Sherwood High School - Sherwood, OR
Boise Rising Stars ID	OR	05/07	Capital High School - Boise, ID