The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.

This week’s topic: As State Games events wrap up across the country, we're highlighting the top performers from these events. Please submit a State Games standout (or a few) from your state who caught your eye. Include what stood out in their performance or evaluation and why they're a name to follow heading into the fall and next spring.

+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.

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♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (9/3):

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California

+ Matthew Herrera, 1B/3B (Corona HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Starting for one of the premier programs in SoCal, Herrera was a well known prospect to our staff coming into the California State Games in July. Known for his consistent left-handed power bat, Herrera continued his onslaught on good pitchers during the event where he launched a mammoth home run that gave his team the lead while also finishing with a triple and two other base hits in his two games played. Herrera should continue to be a middle of the order bat for the Panthers next spring, where he will be relied on for his consistency and leadership as Corona looks to make another deep run. Defensively he's an above average defender at first base and showed over the course of the State Games that he can handle the hot corner as well at this level. While his future defensive position is likely over at first base, it's the power bat that is the carrying tool currently and one that will provide him the opportunity to play the game beyond high school. ”

– Les Lukach, State Scouting Director

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Colorado

+ Brody Duran, 3B/OF (University HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Two home runs in two games, MVP honors.”

+ Shane Christy, SS (Thuderridge, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Good showing all around. 106 EV, 6.81 60, 85 from SS in the showcase. Several barrels and solid defensive plays in game.”

– Brandon Wakefield, State Director

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Illinois

+ Keegan Crabtree , RHP/INF (Lincoln-Way East HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“Crabtree came away the event's biggest winner on the mound, earning MVPitcher honors after firing two shutout innings with no hits or walks, striking out four. The movement patterns are how you draw it up with athleticism and looseness throughout, and he made a notable jump with the fastball from the Future Games, reaching back for 92 mph on his best bullet. He has a true three-pitch mix with a slider and splitter to pair, and he is confident throwing all his pitches in any count. ”

+ Luke Potter , OF (Downers Grove South HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“Potter was one of the event's biggest winners with the bat, going on a tear and finishing 5-for-7 with two doubles and a home run. He has shown minimal swing and miss across all our looks, and the swing is loose more impact coming as he continues to add strength. He has some tools to pair with a 6.92 in the 60 and a strong arm in the outfield (T85 mph), making a well-rounded and athletic profile. ”

+ Colton Francisco, OF/INF (Minooka HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“Francisco was the biggest standout at the plate in the entire event, earning MVP honors after he went 7-for-8 with three doubles, two RBIs and four runs scored. The swing is whippy and flat with loose wrists, showing an innate ability to adjust and control the barrel. He's making a jump in our rankings up to No. 66, and deservedly so as he's a bat to follow closely this fall. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director, Illinois/Wisconsin

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Iowa

+ Owen Gilbert, OF/RHP (Des Moines Christian HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Owen Gilbert arrived at the Iowa Top Prospect Games coming off a standout high school summer, hitting .422 with a 1.282 OPS. In 109 at-bats he collected 46 hits, including 24 extra-base knocks, while also logging 24.1 innings on the mound with 41 strikeouts. He is a well-rounded two-way piece who can hit for both average and power.He backed that production up with a strong showing at the event and reinforced his chance to play both ways at the next level. Gilbert ran a 6.93 in the 60-yard dash and posted a 102.4 mph exit velocity in batting practice. The swing is simple, with raw power and flashes of bat speed. From the outfield he threw 85 mph with usable actions and solid accuracy to the target.In game action he was on the barrel in three of four at-bats, finishing with a single plus a hard lineout to left and a deep fly ball to center. On the mound he worked one inning, touching 89.8 mph and averaging 86.7. He flashed three off-speed pitches: a changeup at 78.3, a slider at 75.6, and a curveball at 72.9. He works primarily from the stretch, the fastball jumps out of the hand, and the overall delivery is fluid.”

– Tyler Cropley, State Director

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Nebraska

+ Levi Anthony, OF (Westside HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Smooth low effort athleticism (6.64-Sixty, 97.2 avg Exit velo) with plenty of room to add to his 6'2 185 lb frame ”

+ Madden Schwager, RHP (Lincoln Southwest HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“6'4 / 210 lb build with room still to fill out. Fastball is in the high 80s with a sharp/firm CB that has quality traits. Compact arm action with quality layback, there is plenty to dream on for the Silverhawk product has his future”

– Pascal Paul, State Director

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New Jersey

+ Kevin Gallagher, RHP (DePaul Catholic HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“The 5-foot-10 RHP flashed his advanced strike throwing ability during his 2 innings of work. Gallagher flashed an upper 80s fastball and a short 78 mph slider that broke out of the zone as it reached hitters. Reliable and confident are two ways to describe this Northeast arm. ”

– Nate Goranson, Northeast Scout

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New York

+ Cole Harris, OF (Canandaigua Academy HS, 2027) | Uncommitted':

“The 5'11" - 193 lb outfielder has firmly placed himself as a must watch going into his senior year with an impressive state games performance with the bat going 4-5 with 4 XBHs including a HR earning MVP honors in the process. At the plate, Cole has a squatted and slightly closed off setup with low quiet hands. During load, he takes a short stride before firing the back hip exploding through impact with an aggressive level swing getting his bat speed up to 75 MPH, creating backspin upon impact, and generating a 99 MPH Max EV. ”

+ Evan Fallon, OF (P27 Baseball Academy HS, 2028) | Uncommitted':

“The 6'0" - 168 lb outfielder, now calling New York home after relocating from South Carolina, quickly made his presence felt with one of the standout performances at the NY State Games. The athletic outfielder combines a 6.74-second 60-yard dash with a 94 MPH arm, giving him the tools to impact the game defensively. While the glove provides a high floor, it's the offensive profile that raises the ceiling, showcasing legitimate middle-of-the-order power potential. At the plate, Evan starts from a rhythmic, slightly open stance with a narrow base and high hands. He creates leverage with a long stride before rotating aggressively through the lower half, allowing the back hip to drive an uphill swing path that produces a 105.2 MPH Max EV and 378’ Max Distance.”

+ Maykel Jimenez, SS (The Stony Brook School HS, 2030) | Uncommitted':

“The 5’9” - 184 lb middle infielder is a rising freshman who continues to separate himself with present-day tools on both sides of the ball, highlighted by his ability to impact the game as a switch-hitting shortstop. During defensive workouts, Maykel flashed an athletic middle-infield profile, producing throws up to 85 MPH across the diamond while running a 7.11-second 60-yard dash. As impressive as the defensive tools are, the switch-hitting bat is what truly sets him apart. From the right side (his natural side), Maykel works from a quiet, upright setup. During the load, he utilizes a controlled front-leg lift before firing the back hip through the baseball, creating a whippy barrel that accelerates through the zone. The efficient lower-half sequence produces loud contact, highlighted by a 101 MPH Max EV from the right side. From the left side, Maykel features a more rhythmic setup, incorporating a subtle bat waggle to help his timing before the swing. Compared to the right side, he works with a slightly more outward stride during the load and a firmer back side before firing the back hip through impact generating a 92 MPH Max EV. The combination of present offensive tools, switch-hitting ability, and defensive upside at shortstop gives him the profile of one of the premier prospects in New York's 2030 class.”

– Matthew Laurentino, Northeast Regional Scout

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North Carolina

+ Brax Thompson, RHP/SS (Providence HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Fresh off a strong showing at the 2026 Prep Baseball Future Games, Thompson carried that momentum into the Tobacco Road State Games. Participating as a RHP/SS, he showcased the athleticism and versatility that continue to make him an intriguing two-way prospect. While Thompson produced two barrels during his opportunities as a position player, it was his performance on the mound that ultimately separated him.
Thompson worked two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. More impressive than the final line was the combination of big stuff and advanced pitch-ability he displayed throughout the outing.
The fastball worked up to 91 mph with heavy, explosive arm-side action, spinning upwards of 2600 rpm with over 18 inches of arm side run at times. Thompson showed an ability to command the pitch to both sides of the plate while changing hitters' eye levels, attacking both the top and bottom of the zone. The fastball's movement and his ability to locate it allowed the pitch to play throughout counts.
His slider served as the primary secondary offering and gave hitters a completely different look. The pitch featured late, hard, darting horizontal action, averaging 2881 rpm. Thompson showed confidence landing it in the strike zone, where it generated freezes and swing-and-miss. In advantage counts, he showed the ability to expand the slider off the plate and create chase. The fastball and slider worked off similar lines before separating late, consistently creating uncomfortable decisions for hitters.
Thompson also flashed a changeup as a legitimate third weapon, giving him another option to change speeds and attack hitters. More than simply possessing three pitches, he showed an advanced understanding of how and when to use each offering, attacking different areas of the zone and adjusting his plan based on the hitter.
The combination of athleticism, a fastball up to 91 mph, a high-spin slider, a usable changeup and an advanced feel for attacking hitters made Thompson's outing the most impressive performances of the weekend. His ability to pair the raw stuff with pitch-ability earned Brax Thompson the Most Valuable Pitcher honors at the inaugural Tobacco Road State Games.”

+ Owen Eudy, 3B (Athens Drive HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“After two days of workouts and live game action in Charlotte, Owen Eudy, 3B/SS, Athens Drive HS (2028) separated himself with one of the weekend's most complete offensive performances, earning Most Valuable Player honors.
Standing 6-foot, 175 pounds, Eudy entered the game portion of the event after putting together a solid showing during the pro-style workout. The athletic right-handed hitter produced a 93.1 mph max exit velocity and 87.8 mph average exit velocity, consistently finding the barrel throughout his BP round. His best ball traveled 325 feet, providing another look at the developing impact within the frame.
While the workout provided a glimpse at Eudy's offensive ability, his performance against live pitching ultimately separated him.
Eudy was consistently on time, balanced and in position to impact the baseball throughout his two games. He produced four barrels in five at-bats, showing both present impact and the ability to use the entire field. His weekend started with a bang as he drove a ball over the left-field wall for a home run in his first at-bat. Later, he stayed through a pitch for a double to right field and added a single back through the middle.
The ability to produce hard contact to left, center and right field was a separator. Rather than relying solely on pull-side impact, Eudy showed an ability to stay balanced, recognize pitches and manipulate the barrel while maintaining authority to different parts of the field. Prep Baseball scouts noted that he was on time throughout his two games of action, with the barrel feel showing up consistently against live arms.
Eudy finished game play 3-for-5 with a double, home run and four barrels, carrying the consistency from his workout directly into competition. His combination of athleticism, barrel accuracy, hard contact and production against live pitching made him one of the biggest standouts from a talented field.
In an event built to bring many of North Carolina's top prospects together in one setting, Eudy performed when the competition went live. That performance earns Owen Eudy the Most Valuable Player Award at the inaugural Tobacco Road State Games.”

+ Gunnar Johnson, SS (Alexander Central HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“The athletic infielder continued to impress throughout the weekend, carrying a strong workout into live game action. He produced three barrels across two games, showing strength in the hands and an ability to drive the baseball to all fields against quality pitching.

The offensive performance followed a workout in which he reached a 94.0 mph max exit velocity, while his athleticism stood out with a 3.87-second 30-yard dash. That athletic ability also translated defensively, where he showed consistent actions, good lateral range, and a clean exchange and release across the infield.

Key Stats: 3.87s 30-Yard Dash | 88.0 mph Infield Velocity | 94.0 mph Max Exit Velocity | 3 Barrels in Live Game action.”

+ Brayden English, C (Palisades HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“English turned in one of the stronger offensive performances of the weekend, making an immediate impact during game action. He doubled into the right-center field gap in his first at-bat before driving a home run over the left-field wall in his next trip to the plate. English consistently showed good barrel feel, getting on time for fastballs early in counts and putting himself in position to produce hard contact.

That offensive production followed a solid workout in which he generated firm contact throughout his round, reaching a 94.0 mph max exit velocity. Behind the plate, English showed solid arm strength and accuracy, getting vertical quickly out of his crouch and delivering consistent throws to the bag.

Key Stats: 94.0 mph Max Exit Velocity | 85.8 mph Average Exit Velocity | 4.13s 30-Yard Dash”

+ Ryder Sheffield, SS (East Rowan HS HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“Sheffield continued to showcase a high-end combination of athleticism and production throughout the event. An advanced defender at shortstop, he played with pace, anticipation, and rhythm while showing the arm strength and carry needed to remain on the left side of the diamond.

His athleticism translated to the offensive side, where Sheffield showed impressive strength and quickness with a direct path to the baseball. He reached a 93.0 mph max exit velocity during the workout before making an immediate impact in game action, driving a triple off the center-field wall in his first at-bat. The combination of athleticism, defensive ability, and offensive upside continues to make Sheffield one of the more intriguing players in the 2029 class.

Key Stats: 23.5 in Peak Jump Height | 93.0 mph Max Exit Velocity | 86.0 mph Average Exit Velocit”

+ Dean Colston, SS (Hickory Grove Christian HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Colston carried a strong workout performance into game action, consistently finding the barrel from the left side. He opened the event with hits in each of his first three at-bats and finished with four barrels in five trips to the plate, using the entire field throughout the weekend. His handsy swing allowed him to manipulate the barrel while maintaining a repeatable path and producing consistent hard contact.

The athletic infielder also showed well during the workout, reaching a 93.0 mph max exit velocity with an 86.5 mph average. With an athletic frame that continues to mature, Colston's combination of barrel feel, offensive consistency, and developing physicality stood out throughout the event.

Key Stats: 23.7 in Peak Jump Height | 93.0 mph Max Exit Velocity | 86.5 mph Average Exit Velocity | 4 Barrels in Live Game action”

+ Nicholas Trogdon, RHP (Northwest Guilford HS HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Trogdon emerged as one of the bigger winners from the weekend, turning in two clean innings while retiring all six hitters he faced. The right-hander attacked the strike zone with confidence, trusting a two-pitch mix that allowed him to work efficiently and finish hitters early in counts.

His fastball reached 89.0 mph with arm-side run from an over-the-top release, while a short, late slider consistently disrupted timing. The breaking ball generated awkward swings and soft contact, giving Trogdon a reliable complement to the fastball. His ability to flood the zone, limit hard contact, and work through the lineup without allowing a baserunner highlighted an impressive outing.

Key Stats: 89.0 mph Fastball | 2134 rpm Slider Spin | 15.5 in Fastball IVB”

– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director

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Oregon

+ Ryder Carpenter, C (Mountain View HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Carpenter was exceptional in Ridgefield at the PNW State Games this summer. At the workout, he displayed improved defensive work with a best pop time of 1.90 seconds. The 6.77 runner also delivered mature BP rounds, staying within himself well and shooting the gaps with balls hit up to 95.6 MPH. In-game, Carpenter blasted a double and a triple in his two plate appearances. The versatile rising senior can make an impact in a variety of ways at the college level.”

– Dylan Grenz, Assistant Scouting Director

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Pennsylvania

+ Jimmy Clark, RHP (Council Rock South HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Jimmy Clark was a notable standout from the third session of the Pennsylvania State Games. The 6-foot-2 RHP displayed advanced athleticism and twitch on the mound. He topped 88mph while sitting 85-87 during his 2 innings of work. Clark collected numerous whiffs on his 2 breaking pitches which both sit mid-upper 70s. Player to know in the Northeast!”

– Nate Goranson, Northeast Scout

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Washington

+ Rhyse Elder, RHP/INF (West Valley HS, 2027) | San Francisco:

“Elder regularly posts some of the louder metrics at any showcase, and this was similarly the case at State Games this year. The physical righty begun his week with an eye-popping round of BP, carrying massive bat speed and leading the event with a 106.4 MPH peak exit velocity. Elder can consistently backspin the ball high in the air and drive pitches north of 400 feet. A corner INF as a position player, he has also delivered throws up to 85 MPH across the dirt previously. On the hill, the stuff took a step forward in this look, topping out at over 90 MPH while sitting 87-89 in his stint. He also features a wipeout, high-spin breaker that generated some ugly swings at times. Elder has been dominant on the hill the past two springs and his State Games performance helped secure a commitment to the University of San Francisco.”

– Dylan Grenz, Assistant Scouting Director

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Wisconsin

+ Cole Clarke , LHP (Oshkosh West HS, 2027) | University of Illinois-Chicago:

“Illinois-Chicago commit. Listed at a wiry 6-foot-2, 173-pounds frame with long levers. Impressed on the mound with his loose, minimal effort movement patterns and clean, quick arm path that worked out of a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 86-90 mph in this look with over 2500 rpm (avg. 2274), while playing with sink. He mixed in a mid-70s slider that played with sharp, sweeping action that showed swing-and-miss upside, peaking at 2628 rpm. The movement patterns, frame, and current repertoire helped place Clarke as one of the biggest winners from the event, and he’s seemingly one of the top arms in the Badger State.”

– Will Calcaterra, Area Scout & Content

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