Kaden
Wasniewski

RHP/INF Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry) has made major strides, and continued to make a case for why he’s one of the top prospects in the 2027 class at this year’s Illinois State Games. Pitching against the ProCase team, Wasniewski struck out the first three batters he faced, predominantly using his fastball that sat 87-90 mph and topped out at 90.9 mph with clear ride through the zone and quality spin (2403 avg. rpm). He later showed a mid-70s slider with minimal induced vertical break and quality horizontal movement, averaging -17.8 inches. He rounded out his arsenal with a change-up that sat 79-81 mph with slight arm-side fade. Wasniewski has all kinds of confidence on the mound, showing minimal emotions throughout. He finished his outing with four strikeouts, one run and two hits allowed. He’s a legitimate two-way threat, beginning the showcase running 6.54 60 time, which cracks the 12th for all of the State Games events across the country, regardless of class. The right-handed hitter has a calm/confident approach at the plate with some easy juice, recording a max exit velocity of 94.3 mph and a max batted distance of 358 feet. An athletic defender on the infield with range to both sides, Wasniewski’s arm plays strong and accurate across the diamond, topping out at 89 mph in this look.

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 165.4-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled leg kick, utilizes momentum well, purely from the stretch, athletic mover, creates above-average extension, athletic movements throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm path, quick throughout its' circle into a high 3/4 release.
FB: T91, 87-90 mph. Lively fastball with run, explodes out of hand, got whiffs consistently, 2400+ rpm, carry up in the zone. T2554, 2403 average rpm.
SL: 75-76 mph. Tight break, advanced feel. T2336, 2303 average rpm.
CH: 79-81 mph. Hard changeup with some fade, profiles well with fastball, kills spin. T1693, 1646 average rpm.

Currently ranked No. 7 in the state and stands in at a sturdy 6-foot, 164-pounds. Batted in the fifth spot in the order as the designated hitter, then later came in to close out the victory for the Warriors. At the plate, Wasniewski singled in both of his first plate appearances with a simple and relaxed approach. The big moment never seemed too big for him, even when he came in to close the game out. He showed a lively fastball at 88-90 mph, while breaking off a slider for swings and misses when he needed them. Wasniewski’s final stat line from the game: 2-for-3, R; S, 1 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K.

Wasniewski has continued to find success at the varsity level this season. On the week, he went 6-for-9 with a home run, two doubles, eight RBIs, three runs scored and three walks. In their 12-9 win over Dundee-Crown, the Warriors were down by two in the sixth inning. Wasniewski came to the plate with two on and two out and delivered a base hit to tie the game. He came onto the mound in the game with the bases loaded and struck out the batter to get them out of the jam. He earned the win on the mound in that game, throwing 2.1 innings with five strikeouts, one walk and two hits allowed.

Currently ranked No. 7 in the state, Wasniewski had a big game on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. He batted out of the five spot in the lineup from the DH position and tallied three hits. Wasniewski stands in at 6-foot, 164-pounds with some present muscle in the upper body. He has a calm demeanor in the box from the right side and showed maturity in his approach throughout the game, using the pull-side/middle parts of the field. He has a simple and repeatable swing that works level and direct to the ball for consistent line drive contact. He later hopped on the mound to close out the game for McHenry. The right hander had some mixed results to begin the inning, giving up a run and putting the tying runner on second base with no outs. But the freshman showed a ton of composure and toughness, striking out the next two batters and getting a flyout to end the game and pick up the save. Wasniewski was working with an 83-86 mph fastball and a mid-70’s breaking ball as part of his arsenal on Monday night. The highly-touted freshman will be a name to continue to monitor as he gets more and more time on the varsity squad.

Wasniewski keeps trending up after a highly productive winter. He ran a 7.05 60, jumped 30.6 inches in the vertical, and he tied for the hardest throw across the infield of the entire event at 92 mph. On the mound, Wasniewski ran his fastball up to 90, pitching at 87-89 mph, with ride (18.3” VB) and run (18.9” HM) at peak. He also threw a tight, firm slider at 78-80 mph while also showing natural run and fade (17.1” HM avg) on a changeup at 80-82 mph.

INF/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) continues to establish himself as a legitimate two-way follow in the state. Currently ranked No. 9 in Illinois, the right-handed hitter displayed a loose swing with whippy hands through the zone, creating extension out front while maintaining balance through impact; reaching up to 90.2 mph for his max EV with a max distance of 324’. He has well above-average arm talent, reaching up to 92 mph on the infield. Wasniewski has some notable upside on the mound, listed at 6-foot, 161-pounds and equipped with obvious arm-strength, the right-hander cruised with his fastball in the 87-89 mph range, topping out at 89.8 mph with carry and heavy run to his arm-side. He showed some feel for his slider at 77-79 mph, playing with tight shape and 9/3 action, kept at the bottom of the zone. His final offering was a changeup that displayed heavy arm-side run, tumbling towards the bottom of the zone at 80-82 mph.

OF/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) was far and away one of the event’s biggest winners, especially on the mound. Currently ranked No. 9 in the state, he’s added noticeable strength to his 6-foot, 160-pound frame, and there’s still much more in the tank physically. The right-hander has a simple operation with some effort through release, creating a fastball in the 87-90 mph range with carry and run through the zone, spinning consistently over 2,300 RPM. He showed feel for the zone with his changeup, playing around 79-81 mph with fading action and fastball arm-speed. His final offering was a short, 10/4 slider with late bite, 78-79 mph. He stood out on the other side of the ball as well, reaching up to 91.7 mph for his max EV with loose arms and rhythm in his hands. He looks to elevate the ball up the middle of the field, working with an uphill path that finishes with extension out front. In the outfield, Wasniewski has steady actions and hands, transitioning into a clean release with a well above-average arm (T92 mph). High-level two-way prospect to monitor moving forward.

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic build, trim frame, plenty of room to add on strength.
Delivery: Stretch-only, medium leg-lift, drop/drive delivery, works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Athletic, quick arm action, 3/4 arm slot. 
FB: T90, 87-90 mph. Clean out of the hand with slight run. T2385, 2354 average rpm.
SL: 78-79 mph. Sharp, 10/4 shape, sweeping action. T2188, 1781 average rpm.
CH: 80-81 mph. Noticeable deceleration with slight drop, feel for zone. T1613, 1534 average rpm.

Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic build, trim frame, plenty of room to add on strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, slightly open, small leg lift with minimal stride. Loose arms, some rhythm in the hands, looks to lift the ball up in the zone, uphill path with extension. 66.7 mph bat speed with 8 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 310’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 92 mph. Short, quick arm action, throws have carry. 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Steady actions, sure hands and clean release.
Run: 3.86 30-yard dash.

One of three 2027 grads in attendance, 3B/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry) held his own against a talented and older crop of competition. The 6-foot, 155-pound right-hander pitched in the low-80s with his fastball (T2327 RPM) from a long, clean, and loose arm draw. Off that, Wasniewski spun a tight 70-72 mph slider for strikes and mixed in a changeup at 71-75 mph, too.

One of three 2027 grads in attendance, 3B/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry) held his own against a talented and older crop of competition. The 6-foot, 155-pound right-hander pitched in the low-80s with his fastball (T2327 RPM) from a long, clean, and loose arm draw. Off that, Wasniewski spun a tight 70-72 mph slider for strikes and mixed in a changeup at 71-75 mph, too. 

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 157-pounds. Delivery: Stretch-only, medium leg lift into drop and drive delivery, works in-line, foot lands on-target.
Arm Action: RH. Full arm circle, quickness out front. high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 80-82 mph. Some life to the arm side. Plays with carry at times. T2327, 2204 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. Tight spin, short 11/5 shape. T2137, 2047 average rpm.
CH: 71-75 mph. Maintains arm speed, fade with some depth. T1605, 1511 average rpm.

Started at third in both games for GRB on Saturday. In the first game, he flashed some power hitting a solo home run to deep left field. In the second game, he showed his power to all fields. He hit an opposite field double over the right fielder's head in the first, crushed a line-drive single into center, pulled a hard-hit single into left and finally in his last at bat he hit his second home run of the day to left field. On the mound, Wasniewski showed a clean arm with projection.  

OF/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) continued to impress once again with a well-above average skill set. Ran a 7.25 60, showed advanced bat speed at the plate and clean outfield actions with a big arm that topped at 87 mph. The former Junior Future Gamer, has also shown well on the mound this winter.

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 154-pounds. Lean frame with room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Stock setup, small leg lift, hands load back slightly, creates separation. Quick hands through the zone, uphill path with intent to lift, uses the whole field.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 80.7 mph. 244’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 87 mph. Long, loose, quick arm, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, confident, plays through the ball.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

INF/RHP Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) and INF/RHP Kash VanHouten (Canton, 2027) were two of the top, two-way, prospects in attendance at the event. 

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. High waisted, long levers, room to fill.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open setup, short stride. Athletic swing, present bat speed, on-plane and on the barrel with authority.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 248’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 91 mph. OF - 85 mph. OF: 3/4 slot, with life. INF: Loose, quick arm, 3/4 slot.
Defense: OF: Choppy feet to the ball, moves well laterally, steady hands. INF: Athletic actions, fluid, soft hands, clean transfer, moves well laterally.
Run: 4.05 30-yard split. 

Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall, repeatable delivery, works on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose, quick arm, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Mostly straight, plays with life out of hand. T2214, 2147 average rpm.
CB: 70-71 mph. 11/5 shape, tight spin, late break. T1964, 1905 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Tight, horizontal action, advanced feel and thrown aggressively. T1984, 1618 average rpm.
CH: 71-74 mph. Maintains arm speed, fade action, locates to arm side. T1807, 1746 average rpm.

Junior Futures Games: 3B Kaden Wasniewski went 3-for-3 with two singles and a double. Joshua Morgan came up big for the team with a RBI ground-rule double the day after he hit a monster 400-foot home run. 

Ending pool play 1-1-1, Illinois snuck into the Gold Bracket as the eighth seed and faced off with Team Tennessee. On the mound for Team Illinois was RHP Kaden Wasniewski, whose clutch work on the mound helped Team Illinois secure a playoff victory. Instead, Wasniewski's RBI double in the top of the eighth was enough to keep Team Illinois in the lead permanently, following Dabe's heroics in the outfield in the half-inning that followed. Wasniewski's solid performance on the mound for Team Illinois, pitching four scoreless innings and providing some clutch at-bats, helped keep Team Illinois' hopes alive within the JFG tourney.

3B Kaden Wasniewski went 2-for-3 with two singles. C Myles Broome went 2-for-3 with a triple and one RBI. CIF Elijah Lewis also went 2-for-3 with two singles and an RBI. CF Joshua Morgan hit two singles with two RBIs.

Wasniewski showed well for the GRB-Illinois squad at the 13U PBR at The Rock Summer Championships. At his young age, Wasniewski already has an athletic build with room to fill out the future. At the plate, Wasniewski utilized a quiet set up with loose hands to drive a hard hit ball up the middle. He is also an aggressive infielder who plays well through the baseball. Later on in the weekend, Wasniewski toed the rubber and was equally impressive. Wasniewski is a quick-armed right-hander for GRB-Illinois that we came away impressed with during the Saturday nightcap. On the mound, Wasniewski reached highs of 75 mph on a fastball that jumped out his hand. He also showed feel for a sharp, spinning breaking ball that earned many swings-and-misses. 

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-7, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup, long stride.  Whippy swing, level path with bat-speed, ultra loose throughout.
Power: 78.4 max exit velocity, averaged 74.2 mph. 213’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Quick arm, advanced arm speed for age, dynamic release, loose action out of high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick feet working to first, gets around the baseball, average hands, clean exchange.
Run: 4.77 runner home-to-first. 

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Stretch only, starts closed off to home, high hand placement, lands squared with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.5, 74.4-75.5 mph. Firm four seam type, above average spin rate for age. T2031, 1922 average rpm.
CB: 62.9-65.1 mph. 11/5 vertical plane, gradual break. T1750, 1710 average rpm.
CH: 65.2-66.3 mph. Late sinking action. T1593, 1494 average rpm.

Arguably, the top 2027 prospect in attendance looked to be Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry). Wasniewski showed an advanced tool set and ability across the board. On the mound, the right-handed pitcher opened eyes, thanks to a live, quick arm and advanced velocity for his age; fastball jumped out of the hand and sat at 74-76 mph. He also flashed a sharp, tight breaking ball and advanced changeup with sinking action. Offensively, he also impressed. He utilizes his levers in his right-handed swing, creating whip and bat speed for his age; he gets extension through contact and works gap-to-gap throughout his round.