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: Last week, we kicked off our ‘Summer Awards’ series by highlighting the M.I.P. (Most Improved Prospect). This week, we’re turning our attention to defense — looking for the top defensive prospects from the summer, regardless of class. 

+ 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’ (8/22):

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Alabama

+ Rocco Maniscalco, SS (Oxford High School HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“It doesn’t take long to identify the premier defensive prospect in Alabama, with SS Rocco Maniscalco (Oxford, 2026) standing out thanks to his smooth actions and advanced glove work at shortstop. The newly classified senior, who continues to earn national recognition, is arguably the best defensive shortstop our staff has evaluated since our start in 2018. A former Future Gamer, Maniscalco shows rangy, athletic movements that allow him to make tough plays look routine, complemented by a strong arm that has touched 92 mph at past events. While the switch-hitter draws plenty of attention for his offensive ability, his elite work in the field further solidifies him as one of the top MLB Draft prospects for next summer.”

– Austin Sharp, Scouting Director

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California

+ Jrue Hurd, OF (St. John Bosco HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Heard first caught our attention at the OC Summer ID where he earned his invitation to the 2025 California State Games where his full tool set was on display from the jump. The L/L outfielder was one of the top performers in just about every statistical category including a 6.73 60 and an 81 mph outfield velocity. That speed and arm strength were on display during the gameplay portion of the event where he cut off several balls in the gaps to limit the advancement of baserunners. He made one throw on the bag where he was moving to his right before doing a spin and firing a strike to second base that forced a runner to retreat back to first base. The defensive skillset has improved to the point where he should compete for more playing time in the spring on what is a loaded St. John Bosco team. Heard's defensive improvements, along with his sneaky power at the plate (had a big HR in Game One) have him trending in the right direction as he heads towards what should be a big spring for him. ”

– Les Lukach, State Director

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Canada

+ Zachary Lépine, C (Reds Florida Academy HS, 2027) | Uncommitted :

“Lépine was an under-the-radar prospect coming into the 2025 Future Games that not many schools knew about, and that changed in a hurry. On workout day, Lépine stepped up and ran a 6.87 sec 60 and had a 97 mph exit velocity, but he really impressed behind the dish with a 1.81-1.90 pop-time and a 79 mph C velocity. It's a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound build with athletic movements while blocking, a strong/accurate arm, and a commanding presence. In gameplay, he threw out two runners both with sub-2.00 pop-times and led one of the deepest pitching staffs Canada has ever brought down to the Future Games. Lépine is a name that came up frequently on August 1st and shouldn't be on the board much longer. ”

– Josh Arce, Scouting Director

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Florida

+ Lucas Farrar, SS (Berkeley Prep HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Lucas Farrar had a big summer defensively and showed off one of the best arms in the country. Looks the part at shortstop with plenty of range and athleticism. Slows the game down when fielding and uses a big arm to get outs. Showcased that arm at the 2025 Future Games, where he tied the infield velo record of 96 mph. During the games, Farrar made plenty of tough plays look easy, especially with his backhand.”

– Rocco Iervasi, Director of Operations

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Illinois

+ Kameron Cox , MIF (Montini HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“Cox has long been one of the top defenders in the state for his age, and he showed well on numerous occasions throughout the summer. He was at some prestigious events with the likes of the Super Sophomore Games and Illinois State Games - and he routinely showed natural and comfortable actions on the dirt. His hands are soft and crisp with clean transfers, pairing with fluid footwork and range with proper angles to the ball. He also will impress with a quick and short release that gets rid of the ball quickly with strength across the diamond. He's a true middle infield prospect that our staff continues to be high on and he should only continue to get better as he ages. ”

+ Omar Avalos , OF (Father McGivney HS, 2027) | Uncommitted :

“Avalos was one of the biggest defensive winners this summer without a doubt, proving to be one of the best defenders at both the Future Games and Illinois State Games from an in-state standpoint. He's a sparkplug type that will change the game with his legs, and his speed/explosiveness really plays up in the outfield. The range comes easy for him, but it's also the reads off the bat and his first step that help make him a high-level defender. ”

+ Patrick Connors , OF (Hinsdale Central HS, 2026) | Boston College :

“Connors has some of the most game-changing speed we have seen in some time, setting a school record this past spring for stolen bases and even winning National Player of the Week at one point for it. Unsurprisingly, his speed allows him to be a premium defender in the outfield, tracking down nearly anything and everything hit in his general direction. He's a true centerfield profile at the next level, and also just recently committed to Boston College. ”

+ Braden Fournie , C (Belleville West HS, 2026) | Lindenwood :

“Fournie was a common winner amongst our staff from the summer. Quality defense is a huge plus at a premium position like catcher, and his numbers speak for themselves - reaching as low as 1.80 for his pop-time with a peak velocity from the chute of 81 mph. His hands are strong, yet soft and allow him to present pitches around the zone subtly. Pairing this with his aforementioned arm-strength makes him one of the more well-rounded defensive catchers in the state. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director, Illinois/Wisconsin

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Massachusetts

+ Patrick Bryan, C/3B (Dexter Southfield HS, 2027) | Stanford:

“Above average defender behind the dish. He showed a very good feel for receiving and handling higher level pitching. The arm has plenty of strength and accuracy to it. ”

– Dennis Healy, State Director

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Mississippi

+ Landon Swinney, OF (Tupelo HS, 2027) | Uncommitted :

“Landon turned plenty of heads at the plate at the Future Games while collecting 6 hits (all barrels) in 7 at bats, but don’t overlook his defensive abilities. A 6.5 runner with instincts and a strong and accurate arm. Playing centerfield in Game 1 in Atlanta the rising junior caught a fly ball in the right center gap, quickly turned and nailed a runner trying to advance to third base giving recruiters a taste of what he brings with him to campus.”

– Matt Miller, State Director

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North Carolina

+ Jakub Mudd, OF (Cardinal Gibbons HS, 2026) | North Carolina A&T:

“A good athlete, Mudd took advantage of his time with Team Carolinas at the Senior Future Games. The event started with Mudd running a 6.48 sixty, solidifying his prospects in the middle of the field. In the live game action, Mudd's first step and ability to get on-line with his route allowed him to take away 4-5 hits during the 3 game set. The instincts are aggressive and Mudd profiles as an advanced center fielder that will allow his arms to challenge hitters.”

+ Evan Burroughs, SS (Watauga HS, 2026) | Duke:

“Burroughs capped off a terrific summer with the Prep Baseball Senior Future Games. While he was very good at the plate, Burroughs saw his prospect rise with his defensive efforts at shortstop. Sure handed, Burroughs flashed advanced arm strength in game play, making several plays in the 6-hole look routine while also showing an ability to be accurate, with carry, on throws from different platforms and arm angles. ”

– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director of Scouting

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Oklahoma

+ Brady Holliday, INF (Stillwater HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“The Future Games alum has shown to be one of the the top defenders in the state with both his ability and high baseball IQ on the infield. Sure-handed in the middle of the field, Holliday has shown the ability to play with pace and catch the baseball out front while completing the routine play, but also looking to the 'next play' with a backpick or taking control in the middle of the diamond when needed. Switch hitting Holliday is a name to know with advanced defense, IQ, and savvy play in the middle infield.”

+ Maverick Gardner, SS (Moore HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Gardner showed an advanced skillset at shortstop throughout the spring for the Moore Lions. An athletic frame at 6'1" and 170 pounds, he has shown the ability to make every place necessary on the left side as shown reaching up to 90 mph across the infield. Steadily developing, the sure-handed infielder has shown the tools and current skillset to be a name to know as one of the top defensive players in the state.”

– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director

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Oregon

+ Teagan Scott, C (South Salem HS, 2026) | Oregon State:

“Scott has stood out for quite some time defensively now, and is currently the top ranked prospect in our Oregon '26 player rankings. The backstop is a wall in terms of blocking and limits the run game well with a quick fire release. He also shows maturity and poise in calling games, to pair with high-end framing ability. Scott's defensive prowess has been seen in high school in-game looks for several years as well as last weekend's recent NW Scout Games event, which brought together some of the best talent in the PNW.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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Texas

+ Charlie Heard, C (The Woodlands Christian HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Elite defender behind the dish that always puts his throws on the bag. We have seen him play plenty and haven’t seen him miss. Blocks well and consistently wins pitches. No surprise that he won the best defensive catcher award at Future Games this year.”

+ Dax Price, CF/LHP (Mount Pleasant HS HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“The young CF is still developing into his athleticism but catches everything hit his way. Made a diving play going back on a ball at Super Sophomore Games earlier this month that was a sure 3B off the bat. Has a strong arm (90 at SSG) to pair with the range & reads.”

+ Lubin Rincon, SS (Shadow Creek HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“About as smooth as they come at SS. Has excellent range both ways and really uses his athleticism to get throws off with ease. Made a play up the middle with a glove side spin & throw look effortless. Has fun with it.”

+ Sebastian Castillo, SS (Byron Nelson HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Very natural defender at SS. Plus arm across with ability to manipulate his arm angle. Made a barehand play at Future Games on a chopper that looked liked a sure INF hit off the bat. Fun to watch.”

– Ben Green, State Director

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Washington

+ Brayden Landry, SS (Puyallup HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Landry, our number two ranked prospect in Washington's 2027 class, has consistently shown top-end defensive skill up the middle. The shortstop features incredible range that comes from 6.6 speed, moving quickly in either direction. Pairing this with exceptional hands and an ultra-quick release, and he already has all the makings of a D1 shortstop defensively. We've seen Landry make multiple standout plays in high school looks this spring and as recently as the NW Scout Games event this past weekend.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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Wisconsin

+ Jace Mataczynski, SS (Hudson HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Twitchy and athletic defender with plenty of arm strength and range to stick at shortstop long term. Arm strength up to 98 mph across the diamond and plays both on the move and from multiple slots. ”

+ Cayden Burtness, MIF (Pewaukee HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Compact athlete with smooth and easy actions that has consistently made high-end plays in front of out staff all year. Plenty of arm strength with up to 87 mph with the ability to maintain body control make plays on the move. ”

– Josh Fields, Area Scout

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