Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2021 OF

Matthew Canizares OF / Monsignor McClancy , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Lean, athletic build with a high contact/average approach at the plate. Plus arm (Consistent ranges of 90-93 MPH). 6.95-7.04 runner.

First Glimpse: Preseason All-State - Long Island/NYC (Feb. 2019). Ran a 7.11 and was 85 MPH from the OF. Showed fast twitch actions at the plate with the ball jumping off the bat.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: Canizares had a huge 2019 between the NYS Games and Future Games. The uncommitted NYC resident will have plenty of eyes on him this summer (NYS Games). As he gets stronger there will be some gap-to-gap power starting to show through.

Nicholas Vega OF / Fordham Prep, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Physical 6-foot-3 188 pound RHH with some present pop to his pull side. Offensive RF projection at the next level with arm up to 87 MPH; 7.22 runner.

First Glimpse: 2019 NYS Games. Put on a show during BP coming off a strong weekend performance of a tournament scouted by our Ground Scouts.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: The Fairfield commit has the physical tool set and the offensive projection. Look for his foot speed and arm strength to both continue to progress. Continued game play and experience against upper level pitching will push his game forward.

Jay Pichardo OF / North Rockland , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Pichardo has the the most impressive skill set, quite possibly in the entire 2021 class. Above average arm and runner; explosive actions at the plate. Always puts on a show during his workouts.

First Glimpse: Last Chance Preview - Downstate (October 2019). Ran a blazing 6.65 and was 81 from the OF with a balanced round at the plate.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: Pichardo is an incredible talent that with continued game play against upper level players (and pitching) he will start to separate himself on a state wide and national level. Huge summer ahead.

Coltrane Calloway OF / Bay Shore, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Long, lean and athletic...Coltrane has demonstrated barrel control since day one. 

First Glimpse: ENY All-Star Games (September 2017).  Showed off an elastic swing at the dish with some punch to the pullside. Fundamentally sound in the OF.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: It was never a question of Calloway's abilities, it was a matter of when we would see a physical break through. The 6-foot-1 175 pound LHH saw a bump in his numbers and had impressive line-to-line approach during his BP at the 2019 NYS Games. Seton Hall commit. 

Jovani Wiggs OF / Shaker , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Another elite athlete that's been on our radar since early on. A devastating injury in football (broken fibia & tibia) created a minor setback but we feel like Wiggs will be hungry for game play when everyone gets back on the field.

First Glimpse: 2018 NYS Games. Showed some of that blazing speed with a 6.72 60 and some raw juice in the bat with a 94 MPH exit velo.

Breakout Performance: 2018 Future Games (August 2018)

The Future: The uncommitted Wiggs put up one of the top 60 times at the 2018 Future Games (6.48), a year later in some of his first action since his injury he was still impressive with a 6.80. Tremendous fastball hitter who continue to thrive on game play with 2 consecutive seasons disrupted.

Sean Evangelista OF / Holy Cross, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: A steady riser in the rankings and deservedly so. Strong arm (88 MPH) and a 6.61 runner along with a strong skill set puts him in a position to continue to climb the ladder. 

First Glimpse: Long Island Preview (October 2018). Showed a steady foundation that has only gotten stronger every time we've seen him.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: Evangelista's numbers and skill set continue to improve each time out. One of the top performers this winter with a big bump in his numbers. Uncommitted but after a big summer ahead, we don't see that lasting.

Ethan Diaz OF / All Hallows, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Compact, athletic build at 5-foot-9 165 pounds with some quick twitch actions at the plate; arm shows plenty of easy carry. 6.89 runner.

First Glimpse: Preseason - Downstate (February 2018). Showed quick hands at the plate from a spread stance. Fundamental approach in the outfield.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Downstate (February 2019).

The Future: Diaz, who's twin brother Ethan recently committed to NJIT, will be sure to follow that route in the near future. Can handle all 3 outfield spots and will be a welcome addition to any college roster.

Jackson Tucker OF / St. Joseph's by the Sea, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Quick twitch, lean athlete with a strong arm. 

First Glimpse: Maryland Top Prospect Games II (August 2018). Spread stance with a balanced approach. Athletic actions.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Downstate (February 2019).

The Future: The St. John's commit will continue to develop physically and that will directly impact his ability to find the gaps from the right side of the plate. 

Brendan Tierney OF / Trinity-Pawling , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: The recent reclass from 2020 to 2021 (Burke Catholic to a post grad year at Trinity Pawling). 6.80 runner; 86 MPH arm.

First Glimpse: Preseason All-State - Hudson Valley (February 2019). Ran a 7.00 and was 81 MPH from the OF. Explodes through the ball; middle of the field approach.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games.

The Future: One of the top uncommitted 2020's will be transferring to Trinity-Pawling Prep and is committed to USMA at West Point for sprint football.

Gunnar Meland OF / Pine Bush , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Physical build at 5-foot-9 180 pounds; 7.10 runner, 84 MPH arm, 94 MPH exit velocity. Strong through the middle of the field.

First Glimpse: Preseason All-State - Hudson Valley (February 2019). Balanced approach at the plate; accurate arm.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Hudson Valley (February 2019). 

The Future: Meland missed the 2019 NYS Games due to injury but has bounced back with no restrictions, including a strong HS football season this past fall. Looking forward to seeing him again this summer at the 2020 NY Games.