Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2022 Outfielders


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 outfielders, SIX 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 middle infielders in the '22 class - CLICK HERE.

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.

Take a look at the top 10 corner infielders in the '22 class - CLICK HERE.

Class of 2022 Rankings Release

TOP 10 OUTFIELDERS / CLASS OF 2022 

Paxton Kling OF / SS / Central (Martinsburg), PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The physical, 6-foot-1, 180-pound Central-Martinsburg product possesses three “plus” tools and some of the best athleticism in the class. The right-handed hitter displays noticeable twitch in the hands allowing for a short, violent stroke which stays long through the hitting zone yielding bat-exit velocities of 100 mph. A true “gamer” that has dominated offensively on the national circuit vs. premiere competition, Kling has some of the better bat to ball skills in the class making him a dangerous hitter that could slot anywhere from 2-5 in a collegiate lineup. The outfielder takes fluid routes to the baseball with an elite first step and can track down mostly anything hit in the air (6.51 runner).  An advanced defender and one of the tougher outs at the plate we’ve seen in some time, Kling could warrant some draft interest down the line as the arrow continues pointing steadily north.

First Glimpse: 6/13/18 Worthington Wood Bat Tournament Showcase (PBR Ohio) - 6.92 60-yard dash, 75 mph OF velocity, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 PA/NY/NJ Procase - 6.66 60-yard dash, 92 mph OF velocity, 100 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

The Future: The Louisiana State commit will take his talents down to the bayou and could realistically push for playing time early into his collegiate career. Kling has become considerably more physical each time we’ve seen him while maintaining athleticism and flexibility, and with room to add even more strength, the ceiling is undeniable. Look for him to be a very close follow and don’t be surprised if he pops up into high school “player of the year” conversations entering what should be a monster Junior season.

 

 

Vince Fattore OF / RHP / William Penn Charter, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound outfielder demonstrates advanced feel of an uber-athletic frame with noticeable strength in the movements. The right-handed hitter stays behind the baseball extremely well and generates quality barrel whip into the hitting zone yielding bat exit-velocities into the mid-90’s. Fattore displays top notch barrel awareness at the plate and can situationally hit with the best of them suggesting top of the order run-producer projection at the next level. A 6.70 runner with a 90 mph arm from the outfield, the William Penn Charter product is an above-average defender and can impact a game in a multitude of ways. Another prospect who has shown well on the national circuit, the ceiling is still considerably high and he has a good chance of reaching it.

First Glimpse: 9/15/18 Eastern PA Fall Review - 6.87 60-yard dash, 79 mph outfield velocity, 83 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 3/02/19 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 6.81 60-yard dash, 90 mph outfield velocity, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: The Duke commit blew the doors off of the Keystone State Bombers Scout Day in ‘19 and has become more physical since. A hard worker who is always seen hustling on the field, it’s hard not to like what Fattore has to offer in all aspects of the game. The raw measurables only give you a piece of what the William Penn Charter product brings to the table and the tools will only continue to become more refined. The outfielder should be an extremely close follow entering what should be an impact Junior season in the middle of the Quakers batting order.

 

 

Caleb Sturtevant OF / SS / Cocalico, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: A freakish athlete with raw tools that jump off the page, Sturtevant has become considerably more physical in his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame and continues reaping the rewards of on field success. The right-handed hitter announced his presence with authority in the ‘19 PBR Future Games last summer with four hits over three games while being one of the younger players in attendance and stood out with some of the best footspeed (6.55 60-yard dash) at the event. If that’s not enough, the Cocalico product possesses a bat-exit velocity in the mid-90’s and an outfield arm up to 94 mph which allows positional flexibility and top of the order run producer projections at the next level. With some of the twitchiest hands we’ve seen, the right-handed hitter isn’t overpowered by velocity and plays comparably in the mold of George Springer.

First Glimpse: 8/02/18 PBR Jr. Future Games - 7.06 60-yard dash, 84 mph OF velocity, 85 mph bat-exit velocity, stood out offensively for team PA in game action.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 6.55 60-yard dash, 94 mph OF velocity, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

The Future: The University of Pittsburgh commit continues becoming better and better each time we put eyes on him and has the raw tools and athleticism to put his ceiling somewhere in the draft discussion down the line. A quality in-game performer who impacts the game in a multitude of ways, Sturtevant puts considerable pressure on defenses with his speed. He can take bags on even moderate jumps and the left and right centerfield gaps become a graveyard with him patrolling in the outfield. The high ceiling prospect now has a high floor as well, meaning his stock should continue soaring entering what should be a huge Junior season.

 

 

Dallas Griess OF / Williamsport Area, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-11, 170-pound outfielder combines a solid blend of top notch speed and sneaky strength allowing for extra base hit prowess at the plate (LHH) and advanced defender projection. A player that has dominated on the national scene with the East Coast Sandhogs, Griess has made his rounds competing favorably against some of the better competition in the eastern part of the country. The Williamsport Area product is a quality athlete and showcases a quick first step and above-average straight line speed, (6.60 runner) which suggests a stay in centerfield at the next level. Griess is well rounded in all facets of the game and can continue to get more physical as he matures. With some of the better bat to ball skills in the class and a track record for in game successes, the primary outfielder offers an extremely high ceiling.

First Glimpse: 4/22/19 Williamsport vs. St. Mary’s - Had two knocks in the 13-3 win over St. Mary’s.

Breakout Performance: 7/02/19 National Scene - Recorded two hits for the Sandhogs and was a key cog in the victory.

The Future: The North Carolina commit oozes potential as a top of the order spark plug and should have a chance to enter the lineup accordingly, earlier rather than later. With room to fill out and continue to get better on the backend, Griess is a name to remember and could keep climbing north if things break the right way. A hitter that displays both advanced barrel awareness and pop in the stick while getting down the line in a hurry, the Williamsport product possesses the ability to hit 5-10 HR and steal 20 bags at the next level.

 

 

Nikolas Rubendall OF / RHP / Pope John Paul II, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 6-foot-1, 190-pound two way prospect is extremely physical in the frame and generates noticeable raw measurables accordingly. The right-handed hitter has registered bat-exit velocities as high as 92 mph with high intent to do plenty of damage at the plate. A strong lower half allows for him to use the ground well yielding above-average hip/shoulder separation and loud contact out in front of the plate. The outfielder runs decently well (7.29 60-yard dash) with a strong 90 mph throwing arm from his position suggesting a stay in left or right field moving forward. Rubendall can also chuck it on the mound, as the righty has been up to 85 mph out of a repeatable, high ¾ arm-slot. Mixes in a tight, low 70’s curveball featuring two-plane action at times and an 80 mph changeup thrown with quality sell out in front. The two-way projection is real and makes Rubendall the total package in terms of a player who can influence a game in a multitude of ways.

First Glimpse: 9/23/17 Eastern PA Fall Review - 80-82 mph FB, 63-66 mph CB, 69-71 mph CH, 82 mph OF velocity, 82 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 7.38 60-yard dash, 88 mph OF velocity, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Rubendall features above-average strength in a frame that plays right now at the next level. The right-handed hitter possesses consistent pull-side pop generating natural backspin to all fields which bodes well for the middle of the order run producer he projects as. A guy that will swing and miss, but will also catch it out in front and hit it 400 feet, the Pope John Paul II product should be in for monster power numbers entering what should be a largely followed Junior campaign and the versatility on the mound is an added bonus. 

 

 

Brandon Coughlin OF / RHP / Hempfield Area, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: A 5-foot-8, 165-pound spark plug, Coughlin contains noticeable twitch in actions across the board allowing for eye popping measurables in multiple categories. The right-handed hitter is extremely athletic in the box and uses quality rhythm in the hands to generate top-notch bat speed into the hitting zone. Stays through the ball well peppering both gaps and showcases some of the better barrel awareness amongst his peers in the ‘22 class. Has recorded an impressive 90 mph bat-exit velocity in that frame, and with added strength coming soon, more power should follow. It doesn’t stop there, as the Hempfield Area product is a burner (6.72 runner) and possesses a more than adequate (88 mph) outfield arm. Mix in the fact that he can blow hitters away with an 87 mph fastball on the bump and tight 68-71 mph curveball with two-plane shape and you’re talking about a “high-level mover” in all aspects of the game who can benefit a team in a lot of ways.

First Glimpse: 9/21/19 Fall Limited Series (Wright State) - 83-86 mph FB, 68-71 mph CB.

Breakout Performance: 2/22/20 Preseason All-State SW/Central - 6.72 60-yard dash, 88 mph OF velocity, 90 mph bat-exit velocity, 84-87 mph FB, 68-71 mph CB, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Coughlin reminds us a good bit of ‘21 SS Derek Cease (Nanticoke Area / Penn State commit) with the flexibility and explosiveness in the movements. The outfielder has a track record of in-game success with sneaky pop to the pull-side and can run the ball out of the park if pitched out over the plate. A top of the order extra-base hit machine or middle of the order run producer most likely suits Coughlin the best at the moment with a chance to step on the mound depending on which level he decides to play at.

 

 

Nick Matson OF / LHP / Greater Nanticoke Area, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The 5-foot-11, 160-pound primary outfielder features premiere athleticism and is another high ceiling, two-way prospect to keep an eye on due to the ease at which he moves in all phases of the game. Matson exploded onto the scene at the Northeast Pride Scout Day in February and took a meteoric rise up the rankings accordingly. The right-handed hitter is very balanced at the plate allowing for high-level barrel awareness and loud contact at the front of the plate. Has recorded bat-exit velocities as high as 94 mph and works primarily gap to gap with natural backspin during ball flight. The fact that he’s a good runner (4.08 home to first / 6.85 60-yard dash) and has more than enough arm-strength (85 mph) to play any of the three outfield positions at the next level is intriguing and should warrant significant interest moving forward. Not to mention, the LHP can run it up to 85 mph out of an easy, high ¾ arm-slot with room to add velocity while mixing in two quality secondary offerings including a sharp 69-71 mph curveball featuring 1/7 shape. All together, Matson gives you the complete package and has more than a few ways to get on the field at the next level, which puts him into the “must follow” tier once baseball activities resume in the state. 

First Glimpse: 1/20/18 Jr. Future Games Trials - 7.19 60-yard dash, 81 mph OF velocity, 79 mph bat-exit velocity, 77-79 mph FB, 66-69 mph CB, 64-66 mph CH.

Breakout Performance: 2/15/20 Northeast Pride Scout Day - 6.85 60-yard dash, 4.08 home-to-first, 85 mph OF velocity, 94 mph bat-exit velocity, 83-85 mph FB, 69-71 mph CB, 70-72 mph CH, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Matson projects as one of the higher ceiling players in the class and has a good chance of reaching it. Another addition of 10-15 pounds would mean that more velocity and power at the plate will come too and would put the Greater Nanticoke Area product over the top, shooting him up the rankings. A jack of all trades who should be an early entrance into a collegiate lineup, Matson has all the makings of being the steal of his class and could realistically warrant draft interest down the line if he makes a few more considerable jumps.

 

 

Elijah Dunn OF / RHP / Norwin, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The extremely projectable 6-foot-1, 170-pound outfielder is an advanced athlete and sees high-level measurables posted across the board accordingly. With a bat exit velocity nearing 90 mph, Dunn possesses a quick and twitchy lower half allowing for above-average barrel whip out in front of the plate. The right-handed hitter knows how to situationally hit and demonstrates some top notch barrel awareness amongst his peers in the box enabling him to drive any pitch hard to all fields. A good runner at 6.87, the Norwin product combines off the charts athleticism with a next level ready throwing arm which could reasonably slot him at any of the three outfield positions at the next level. A high level IQ hitter who attacks early in counts, Dunn has the makings of a late bloomer who could shoot up into the top five at any point in the ‘22 OF rankings. The only advice we have is that if you’re not on him now, you should be before his stock jumps through the roof.

First Glimpse: 7/12/19 Recorded a hit in game action for Flood City elite vs. the Richmond Braves 15U.

Breakout Performance: 2/22/20 Preseason All-State SW/Central - 6.88 60-yard dash, 87 mph OF velocity, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the Norwin product is long-limbed and should add considerable strength in the coming year. This gives him plenty of upside and should suggest a high floor as well in the meantime with fluidity in the actions & advanced feel for the barrel at the plate. An all-around impact player on every side of the ball, Dunn is another ‘22 prospect that we recommend keeping close tabs on entering a loaded summer.

 

 

Luke Zeisloft OF / SS / Central Columbia, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The lean and athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound outfielder blew us away with a standout performance at the Preseason All-State NE/Central event late this past February. The hit tool jumps out the most at the moment as the right-handed hitter connects to ground extremely well, always ready to launch a high intent, powerful swing into the hitting zone. Bat-exit velocities have been up to 96 mph at the plate and allow for present pop towards the middle of the field. Continuing to make his case, Zeisloft runs extremely well (6.66 60-yard dash) and can put pressure on defenses on the basepaths. Switching gears to defense, the Central Columbia product can steal hits away in either gap and uses one of the better drop-step techniques we’ve seen in the class yielding a quick first step to either side. The 81 mph outfield arm strength projects to place him in center or left field moving forward, but with added strength could come improved measurables across the board. The ceiling and upside is there and could catapult Zeisloft into the limelight of the ‘22 class viewing him as an offensive force first and foremost.

First Glimpse: 10/08/18 PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase - 7.44 60-yard dash, 76 mph IF velocity, 73 mph OF velocity, 82 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State NE/Central - 6.66 60-yard dash, 81 mph OF velocity, 96 mph bat-exit velocity, 4.27 home-to-first, top performer.

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Zeisloft will be a very hot topic at the State Games a couple of weeks from now. Another player that could see his stock head north in a hurry, the primary outfielder should see more power on the way in the near future which could push bat-exit velocities into the 100 mph range and could see the arm-strength play at any of the three outfield positions accordingly. The increased positional flexibility would only give the quality prospect more options to get on the field at an early time into his collegiate playing career and should suggest that the outfielder warrants a close following entering a busy upcoming summer schedule.

 

 

Charles Evans OF / RHP / Pennsbury, PA / 2022


Quick Hits: The twitchy and athletic 5-foot-9, 160-pound primary outfielder continues to get better each time we see him and has seen his stock jump quickly north in the rankings due to his intriguing playstyle in-game. A competitor that will play hard and run around with his pants on fire, Evans patrols both gaps making the outfield a graveyard for any balls hit in the air. A 6.72 runner, he can change direction sharply and is extremely light on his feet allowing for consistent, routine, and advanced routes to the baseball. With a 90 mph arm-strength from the outfield, the Pennsbury product should slot in at any of the three outfield positions although he projects the best in centerfield where he can track the ball down. The right-handed hitter has top of the order prowess with extra base hit ability evidenced by a 90 mph bat-exit velocity allowing for hard contact in front of the plate and quality bat to ball skills. Able to impact a game significantly on the basepaths, Evans creates many fastballs for hitters at the plate and utilizes an advanced first step generating consistent, solid jumps in any count. With room to add more strength onto a pretty lean frame at the moment, the outfielder possesses one of the higher floors in the rankings and should accrue a large following in the coming months.

First Glimpse: 2/09/19 Bucks County Generals Scout Day - 7.19 60-yard dash, 84 mph OF velocity, 78 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 2/15/20 - 6.91 60-yard dash, 87 mph OF velocity, 89 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Evans dominated at our PBR Limited Series last summer in game action and hasn’t taken the foot off the gas pedal since. The Pennsbury product stands out on the playing field and is a “gamer” in every sense of the word while following in the mold of teammate and ‘21 OF Danny Ciotti (Pennsbury) for the Bucks County Generals. The floor is there and with room for additional strength, Evans gives recruiters a low risk, high reward prospect that can blow the doors off of an event with impressive raw measurables. A hard worker who continually seasons his game, it would not be out of the question for Evans to take another meteoric rise up the rankings with a big performance at the PA State Games in the next couple weeks.


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