Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2022 Corner Infielders


Ted Williams
Ground Forces

With our latest rankings release for the 2022 class we decided to dive in deeper with a breakdown of the top 10 at each position. Today we continue with corner infielders, NINE of whom are currently uncommitted.

Disclaimer: Players listed below are ranked in order of their PRIMARY listed position on the website that they have chosen. A dual player that is also strong at their secondary position may carry more weight in their overall ranking.

Take a look at the top 10 right-handed pitchers in the '22 class  - CLICK HERE.

Take a look at the top 10 left-handed pitchers in the '22 class - CLICK HERE.

Class of 2022 Rankings Release

TOP 10 CORNER INFIELDERS / CLASS OF 2022 

Maddix Dalena 1B / RHP / Montoursville , PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The hulking 6-foot-3, 225-pound first baseman is extremely physical in the frame and a threat to do damage each time he steps to the plate. The left-handed hitter has a smooth, but powerful stroke which works well through the zone for a long period of time yielding 96 mph bat-exit velocities to all fields. Dalena possesses advanced pull-side pop to go along with a mature approach at the plate which suggests middle of the order run-producer projection at the next level. Has showcased very well each time we’ve seen him in game action, most notably at the 2019 Future Games where he barreled up premiere competition with ease while showing off the extra-base hit prowess and a knack for getting big time knocks. A fine athlete defensively, Dalena plays with a low center of gravity while light on his feet allowing for range to either side and good enough feel around the bag that he should stick there at the next level. 

First Glimpse: 2/16/19 Preseason All-State - 7.86 60-yard dash, 76 mph IF velocity, 91 mph bat-exit velocity, top batting practice round, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State Northeast - 7.62 60-yard dash, 76 mph IF velocity, 96 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Dalena offers a legitimate middle of the order bat with above-average feel for what he wants to do at the plate. The power in the swing has gone up each time we’ve seen him and if the trend continues, the first baseman has a chance of exploding entering what should be a huge Junior year. With light tower power to the pull-side and some of the better bat to ball skills in the class, it’s easy to see why the Montoursville product should be a very close follow once baseball activities resume in Pennsylvania.


Rueben Livingston 3B / RHP / Wilson West lawn, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: One of the best all-around athletes in the class, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound primary third baseman displays an ease in each of his movements while flashing natural raw power in all facets of the game. The right-handed hitter stays in the legs well allowing twitchy, explosive hands to work quickly into the hitting zone creating advanced barrel whip and 94 mph bat-exit velocities to all fields. You can see the athleticism and strength in the lower half with present adjustability to the offspeed pitch down in the zone. The third baseman displays active feet defensively, covering ground with long strides while showing off a noticeable 90 mph arm-strength across the diamond. If that’s not enough, the righty can step on the mound and pump it up to 88 mph from a high ¾ arm-slot, displaying solid leg drive to the plate. His best pitch is a 72-74 mph wipeout curveball with two-plane, 11/5 action across the zone that currently gives the look of a legitimate strikeout pitch at the next level. Commands a 75-78 mph changeup from the knee to thigh area demonstrating consistent arm-side fade. With three pitches commanded for strikes and a supreme confidence on the rubber, the two-way prospect potential is evident. 

First Glimpse: 4/23/19 Wilson West Lawn vs. Boyertown - Was a part in the 7-5 victory over Boyertown. 

Breakout Performance: 2/16/20 Preseason All-State Southeast - 90 mph IF velocity, 7.00 60-yard dash, 94 mph bat-exit velocity, 85-88 mph FB, 72-75 mph CB, 75-78 mph CH, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Livingston has a ready to go frame with noticeable athleticism at that size evidenced by a 7.00 60-yard dash time and above-average lateral quickness at the hot corner. With day-one impact player projection and legitimate two-way potential, the Wilson West Lawn product features one of the higher ceilings in the class and could command possible draft consideration down the line.


Andrew Ripepi 3B / 2B / Peters Township, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Peters Township product is uber-physical in that frame and showcases advanced strength in the lower half allowing for explosiveness in all facets of the game. The right-handed hitter stood out at our Preseason All-State Western event with impressive barrel awareness and eye-popping hand speed into the hitting zone. Recorded a 100 mph bat-exit velocity with a violent, but calculated swing which should suggest a future as a middle of the order run producer. The athleticism is evident at the hot corner with a quick first step and fluid movements through the ball creating powerful downhill momentum towards the target. Gets a ton out of the lower half yielding 91 mph arm-strength across the diamond which means he will have no problem handling the glove at the next level. With a proven ability to mash quality pitching and above-average defensive capabilities, Ripepi should be one of the higher right-handed bat follows in the ‘22 class. 

First Glimpse: 9/03/19 Fall Kickoff Showcase - Showed off the extra base hit prowess going 4 for 7 in game action with a double and triple. 

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 Preseason All-State Western - 91 mph IF velocity, 100 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Ripepi took a meteoric rise up the rankings with multiple standout performances along the way. A high floor, high ceiling candidate, Ripepi was one of our favorite players from this winter with a lot to like in the movements and ability to get even better on the backend. Looking at the big picture, the right-handed hitter easily slots into a collegiate lineup from day one with the ability to impact the game defensively. That puts him into the “must follow” tier entering what will be a busy summer once baseball activities resume.

 

 

Jake Books 1B / OF / Spring-Ford, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitting first baseman is a quality at-bat machine with a smooth and dangerous stroke at the plate while featuring rare bat to ball skills. Gets a ton out of a physical lower half allowing him to get on plane early with the baseball creating natural backspin to both gaps. Has recorded a 93 mph bat-exit velocity and the tools show extremely well when the lights come on. A true all-around hitter in the Joey Votto mold, Books won’t strikeout often and has no issues getting on base with above-average vision at the plate. Couple that with a soft glove hand and advanced lateral quickness and the first baseman will have no trouble sticking there at the next level. The Spring-Ford product looks like one of the most polished bats in the class and should be considered a plug-and-play recruit early in his career with ability to hit anywhere from 2-5 in the order.  

First Glimpse: 3/02/19 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 80 mph OF velocity, 83 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 2/15/20 Preseason All-State Southeast - 80 mph IF velocity, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: A common theme among corner infielders in the class, Books is currently uncommitted and will command a large following entering the summer.  The left-handed hitter is extremely trustworthy at the plate evidenced by his dismantling of opposing pitching each time we’ve seen him, and more power could be on the way giving Books one of the higher ceilings in the class and one of the best bets to reach it.

 

 

Matthew Williams 1B / RHP / Warwick, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-5, 220-pound first baseman certainly looks the part and has rapidly risen up the rankings due to noticeable progression over the past couple years. The right-handed hitter continues to get better and more physical over time and features an explosive lower half allowing for bat-exit velocities nearing 100 mph. The swing is short & direct to the baseball and should work at the next level meaning Williams possesses both a high floor and high ceiling due to the frame. Has recorded a 7.19 60-yard dash demonstrating quality athleticism in a long limbed body and showcases well around the bag at first with more than capable feel to stick there long term. The Warwick product projects as a middle of the order thumper moving forward and could reasonably turn into a 15+ HR mauler in a collegiate lineup. 

First Glimpse: 3/02/19 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 7.60 60-yard dash, 76 mph IF velocity, 87 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 7.19 60-yard dash, 83 mph IF velocity, 99 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Williams announced his presence with authority this March at the Keystone Bombers Scout Day in what was one of the more impressive batting practice rounds this winter. The righty showed off legitimate pull-side juice with signs of more on the way and becomes intriguing when you watch the ease at which he moves in the frame. The Warwick product will warrant considerable interest once baseball activities resume and could reasonably end up being the steal of the class.

 

 

Ryan Davis 1B / OF / Malvern Prep, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-1, 190-pound first baseman is noticeably athletic and physical in the frame allowing for extremely likeable qualities across the board. A left-handed hitter, Davis generates strong hip rotation creating advanced hip/shoulder separation yielding present pull-side pop and 90+ mph bat-exit velocities. Has shown a natural ability to create backspin to both gaps and consistently finds the barrel in game action. Moves athletically around the bag at first and can pick it with a soft glove hand suggesting a comfortable stay there at the next level. The Malvern prep product still has room to add strength onto the frame which means more power should be on the way to go along with some of the more advanced bat to ball skills in the ‘22 class. 

First Glimpse: 2/16/19 Preseason All-State - 7.30 60-yard dash, 81 mph OF velocity, 90 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 6/18/19 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase - 88 mph bat-exit velocity, top round of batting practice. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Davis was initially going to be a part of the 2019 PBR Pennsylvania Future Games team due to multiple strong showings earlier in the year. A hitter that understands his approach and doesn’t miss pitches in the zone, the lefty projects as a future middle of the order run producer and could be an impact bat if he adds strength. The question is not “if” he will get better, just “when,” meaning the '22 first baseman may not be done shooting up the rankings yet and should likewise command a herd of interest once baseball activities resume.

 

 

Nick Barone 1B / Loyalsock Township, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot, 215-pound Virginia Tech commit is extremely physical in the frame and utilizes a powerful lower half to create violent intent in the hands. The right-handed hitter possesses advanced pull-side pop, contacting the ball out in front of the plate with regularity and has featured a particularly strong reputation for in-game success from day one in his high school career. With strong wrists at the plate and a barrel that stays in the zone a long time, the righty can adjust to offspeed pitches and hit tough pitches out of the park. The first baseman is athletic and light on his feet with a low center of gravity and should have no issues handling himself there at the next level. With legitimate home run and RBI potential at the collegiate level, it’s easy to see why scouts are bullish on the Loyalsock Township product. 

First Glimpse: 7/18/18 Recorded 3 hits on the national scene in a win for the Keystone War Eagles over “Game on Stealth 15U.”

Breakout Performance: 5/07/19 Loyalsock Township vs. Lewisburg - Went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s in the 11-6 loss.

The Future: The aforementioned Virginia Tech commit displays both physicality and sneaky athleticism in the frame allowing for some of the better power amongst his peers in the class. A legitimate bat that projects to enter a collegiate lineup sooner rather than later, Barone seems nothing short of a "sure thing" offensively and should be an interesting name to follow as he looks to continue building on what should be considered a prolific high school career.

 

 

Trystan Crawford 3B / RHP / Central Columbia, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-11, 205-pound primary third baseman demonstrates off the charts strength and raw power to the pull-side evidenced by a loud batting practice at our Preseason All-State Northeast event featuring bat-exit velocities of 100 mph. Showed noticeable twitch in the hands allowing him to get on plane early with the baseball creating backspin to all fields with regularity. The hit tool is there and if you combine that with a 7.06 60-yard dash time and 85 mph velocity across the infield, you can start to see the buzz surrounding the Central Columbia product. Moves well laterally making plays with ease on the run yielding advanced range to either side and more than enough feel to stick at the hot corner moving forward. The right-handed pitcher was up to 83 mph from a long and whippy high ¾ arm-slot with an 11/5 hammer breaking ball at 60-61 mph when arm speed was kept up. The third pitch, a 68-71 mph changeup will need slight improvement, but Crawford still possesses real two-way projection at the next level. 

First Glimpse: 7/18/18 Keystone Diamondbacks vs. Huntingdon Patriots - Went 3 for 4 in game action and was an integral part in the win.  

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State Northeast - 7.06 60-yard dash, 85 mph IF velocity, 100 mph bat-exit velocity, 81-83 mph FB, 68-71 mph CH, 60-61 mph CB, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Crawford really jumped out at us at the Preseason All-State event in late February with a combination of natural feel for the game and the present hit tool. The above-average defense he gives you should be seen as a bonus in what should be an impact starter down the line at the next level. A player who's stock should be expected to explode over the coming months, the overall tools are there to suggest he won't be on the open market much longer. 

 

 

Aidan Quinn 3B / OF / Central Bucks West, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot, 187-pound left-handed hitter creates advanced barrel whip at the plate with violent hip rotation allowing for natural backspin and present pop to both gaps. The Central Bucks West product recorded a bat-exit velocity north of 90 mph at this year’s Preseason All-State and absolutely terrorized pitching at our PBR Limited Series in Lebanon Valley over the summer. A hitter that does not miss against velocity and can adjust to the offspeed with above average balance and strength in the lower half, Quinn makes for a tough out at the plate and racks up extra base hits at a higher rate than his peers. The first baseman is a solid defender at the hot corner with active footwork and confidence in his glove hand while routinely playing through the baseball yielding accurate 83 mph arm-strength across the diamond. 

First Glimpse: 2/09/19 Bucks County Generals Scout Day - 79 mph IF velocity, 86 mph bat-exit velocity. 

Breakout Performance: 2/15/20 Preseason All-State Southeast - 7.44 60-yard dash, 83 mph If velocity, 90 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Quinn possesses innate rhythm in the hands, confidence at the plate, and raw power which is the perfect combination to be a force in a collegiate lineup early into his playing career. With a track record of hitting everywhere he’s been, the lefty should be an extremely close follow and will most likely continue trending further north entering what should be a monster Junior season at Central Bucks West.

 

 

AJ Wenrich 3B / 2B / Central Dauphin, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot, 175-pound third baseman is one of the better athletes in the class to go along with legitimate strength and twitch in the hands at the plate. Showcases a direct swing path to the baseball with an advanced feel for the barrel in game action, yielding bat-exit velocities in the low 90’s. Uses the whole field foul line to foul line and stays within himself at the plate suggesting a mature hitter capable of handling a sizable role early into his collegiate career. The Central Dauphin product is light on his feet at the hot corner (6.89 60-yard dash) and features a quick first step allowing him to utilize downhill momentum towards the target and create range to either side with relative ease. A total package that checks all the boxes, there is a lot to like in that frame with a high ceiling and room to add strength on the backend. 

First Glimpse: 11/02/19 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase - 6.89 60-yard dash, 80 mph IF velocity, 82 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

Breakout Performance: 2/16/20 Preseason All-State - 6.94 60-yard dash, 83 mph IF velocity, 91 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Wenrich leaves 9 of the top 10 corner infielders in the ‘22 class open on the market in what should be a very competitive and packed end of the summer for scouting talent. The right-handed hitter has tools in the box that are intriguing and with above-average footspeed and impact level defensive contributions, you can see the excitement surrounding the Central Dauphin product. With one of the higher floors in the class, Wenrich should be seen as an important piece to any recruiting board and could realistically see his stock skyrocket in the coming months accordingly.

COMING THIS SUMMER

Trackman Partnership
Blast Motion Partnership
Driveline Partnership
Vizual Edge Partnership


JOIN OUR FREE VIDEO SCOUT BLOG

Ready to join the family? Click the image below and get your start today.

> Spring Video Scout Blog: Edition One
> Spring Video Scout Blog:
Edition Two
> Spring Video Scout Blog: Edition Three