Joey
Ireland

Another high-end prospect from the 2026 class that was in Rantoul for this event: MIF Joey Ireland (Mount Carmel; Illinois commit). The 6-foot-1, 155-pound sophomore has one of the higher athletic ceilings in the class, and he ran a 6.66 60 at this event while reaching 21.1 mph at peak. In BP, Ireland showed a flat right-handed swing with some barrel length, elevating his furthest ball 340 feet, per TrackMan. Defensively, Ireland showed a fast, loose arm, peaking at 85 mph across the infield. 

Joey Ireland (Mount Carmel) is another Illinois commit who in-state fans should be excited about. Ireland has an upside 6-foot, 140-pound frame and flat projectable swing with a whole field approach and a feel to hit. He also has the tools to stick on the left-side of the diamond while topping at 81 mph and running a 7.20 laser-timed 60.

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 140-pounds. Lean, athletic build with plenty of room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance, upright posture, slight knee lift. Loose, fast swings off an uphill path. Balanced and athletic throughout; high upside offensive profile.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 87.4 mph. 311’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Athletic, loose arm, 3/4 slot, can play on the move.
Defense: Quick, athletic actions, soft hands, plays through the ball with rhythm and feel, clean double play turn, controls body on the move.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60. 

SS Joey Ireland (Mount Carmel, 2026) is an early name to know in the freshman class. The former Junior Future Games participant continues to impress our staff with his ability. Ireland is an elite defender on the infield with soft hands, quick feet and uncanny instincts that allow him to make the toughest plays look relatively routine. Ireland moves with long strides and agile movements and is as sure handed as they come at his age. Offensively he has a line drive gap to gap approach with some occasional pop to the pull side.  As his frame fills out he has a chance to have some sneaky juice for a middle infielder. High-follow 2026 in the state.

Junior Futures Games: Leadoff hitter Joey Ireland reached base with a walk and single. Ireland is an elite defender in the middle infield and possess quick, clean footwork and a strong arm with the ability to make all of the plays. Ireland is a top-of-the-order hitter with an advanced feel for the barrel and strike zone. He has advanced bat speed and is ultra confident in the batter's box. He looks to do damage during every plate appearance but is willing to take the a walk to help the team.

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet. Balance and rhythm throughout. Short stride.  Loose athletic hands with bat speed. Barrel stays in the zone, works on an uphill plane to contact. Easy gap-to-gap juice off the barrel, plenty of power projection to come. Easy, fluid all-around operation and stayed in sync throughout.
Power: 86.8 max exit velocity, averaged 80.6 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short/quick arm from an over the top slot, backspin with carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid feet, plays through with easy range to both sides.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Controlled leg-lift into balance point, slight drop/drive lower-half, controls body well down the mound, strides in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Short draw out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.3, 72.4-75.2 mph. Arm-side run.  T2171, 2040 average rpm.
CB: 65.0-66.5 mph. 11/5 downer action.  T2008, 1899 average rpm.
CH: 66.1-70.2 mph. Mostly straight, fastball arm-speed, slight fading action at times.  T1753, 1503 average rpm.

INF Joey Ireland (Mount Carmel, 2026) is a name that we’ve become familiar with over the last calendar year, having represented Team Illinois at the PBR Junior Future Games this past summer. The 5-foot-10, 140-pound highly projectable middle infielder was amongst the top prospects in attendance at last week’s event, starting his day off with a 7.23 in the 60-yard dash and showcasing a high-ceiling skill set at the plate. Ireland worked gap-to-gap with ease in BP, displaying loose athletic hands and an uphill plane to contact while keeping his barrel in the zone. Ireland’s fluidness transferred to the infield, where he displayed soft hands and rhythmic footwork, ranging easily to both sides. He also featured a quick arm that produced backspin with carry across the diamond, topping at 72 mph on his hardest bullet. Ireland’s quickly emerging as a high-follow prospect in the Illinois’ 2026 class.