Dylan
Kassab

C Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central, 2026) is coming off a strong summer and he showed no slowing down at the Chicagoland Open. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound, physical right-handed hitter swings with controlled intent and well above-average bat speed for his age; averaged 80.9 mph, T84.1 mph bat speed according to Blast. Kassab stayed on the barrel with authority for much of his round with a highly-impressive 93.7 mph average exit velocity, 100% hard hit percentage and also launched his furthest batted ball 350’. The 7.08 runner (led the event) also got behind the plate and was on the bag out of the crouch at 71 mph and a low pop time of 2.11. Right-handed bat to follow closely in the 2026 class. 

C Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central, 2026) took a notable round of BP and has made some significant strides to his game, adding seven mph to his catcher velocity (now T78 mph) and reducing his pop-time down to 2.07 seconds. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound, solidly-built, right-handed hitter was also creating loud, consistent hard lifted contact off the bat, registering a 351’ max batted ball with a 96.7 mph peak exit velocity. The most impressive stat however was the frequency he was on the barrel, resulting in a 93.4 average exit velocity. If Kassab’s big tools translate to the field, he will be a name to know in the 2026 class.

Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall open stance, short toe-tap stride.  Strong, fast swing, present bat strength, ball jumps off the barrel and flashed big power potential.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 93.4 mph. 351’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Tight short arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.07-2.12 pop times. Square start, gathers out front with a steady transfer to release. Received on one knee in bullpens, flexible hips.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60. 

Junior Future Games: Kassab finished the game with a walk and a hit that included two RBIs. He is a strong-bodied catcher/pitcher with a strong arm behind the plate.

Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-9, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright. Slightly open setup. Quick/strong hands, uphill path to the ball with intent to lift, easy bat-speed with juice.
Power: 87.4 max exit velocity, averaged 73.6 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short and loose arm swing, carry.
Defense: 2.14-2.31 pop times. Clean transfer, athletic hop.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60.

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Smooth tall and fall delivery, minimal stride, lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.2, 76.7-80.2 mph. Plays straight, finish through the zone at times. T1811, 1742 average rpm.
CB: 62.8-64.3 mph. 11/5 shape, tight spin, depth. T1971, 1908 average rpm.
CH: 65.5-66.3 mph. Fade action, down in the zone. T1087, 1050 average rpm.

Another member of the 2026 class that showed well in multiple aspects was Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central). Kassab started his day by running a 7.42 60-yard dash; then proceeded to hop behind the plate and lead the event in pop-time (2.14) as well as catcher velocity (71 mph). His arm strength translated easily to the mound, where he reached up to 81.3 mph, third best in the event. The right-handed hitter also impressed with an 87.4 mph max exit velocity to pair with his quick/strong hands at the plate.

Position: C/3B
Body: 5-foot-7, 145-pound athletic proportional frame.
Hit: (RHH) Athletic. Begins in an open balanced stance with a quick arm bar load, then uses a short stride. Flashed bat speed. Long uphill swing. Gap to gap approach.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity.
Defense: (C) 2.29-2.62 pop times. Sure hands, in control footwork, clean quick exchange. 
Arm: 67 mph catcher velocity. Long loose arm action, high ¾ slot, consistent accuracy.
Speed: 7.92 (60-yard dash).