Landon
Thome

2024 Future Games: Participating in his first ever Prep Baseball event, Landon Thome (Nazareth) continued to show to be one of the more advanced hitters in the class. Standing at an athletic 6-foot, 170-pounds, the left-handed hitter stood out with the bat throughout the week, both with results and his overall approach to the game. He started the week off with an impressive showing during the workout day where he posted a 6.87 60, an 85 mph infield velocity, and a max exit velocity of 94.2 mph. His bat speed metrics also impressed on the workout day with an average speed of 74.6 mph, and a max of 78.6 mph. Thome’s overall game translated even better in-game where his feel for the game shined. Offensively, he has been known to have a very mature and advanced approach, and that was no different down at LakePoint. In a tough left-on-left matchup during the last game of the week, Thome showed the ability to be patient, let the ball travel, and work the middle of the field for a hard single; which is something he did in the spring against tough southpaw arms. Defensively, he made one play in particular at third base in the same aforementioned game, where he made an advanced read on a tough ground ball, making the play look routine. Thome finished the week with three hits, including a double, two walks, and a stolen base.

Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 6 in the state, No. 250 nationally; started at second base and batted sixth for the Roadrunners. The left-handed hitter continues to impress with his overall approach to the game. His baseball pedigree shines in the box with a mature and disciplined approach for his age. His swing is simple and athletic with intent to take the ball where it is pitched. In a pivotal moment in the game, Thome swatted an RBI double to right field to give Nazareth a lead late in the game; similar to how he performed in the clutch when I saw him earlier in the season.

Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 6 in the state; No. 250 nationally. Consistently put together quality at-bats against tough left-handed pitchers, showing comfortability in those matchups. Listed at an athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, Thome has a quiet confidence about him in the box, with apparent relaxed actions. The left-handed hitter has minimal pre-pitch movement in the box with a short stride. His hands work quick and direct through the zone to make for an athletic swing with a whole-fields approach. In his first at-bat, he went the other way to the left-center gap for a triple. In another at-bat, he came up with the bases loaded and maintained his approach, ripping a 2-RBI single into right. He finished the day 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBI, making for a solid overall week at the dish.

Uncommitted. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounds left handed hitting infielder displayed why he is one of the top players in the Class of 2026. Currently ranked No. 6th in the state and No. 250 nationally, Thome went 3-for-4 from the sixth spot with an RBI. With the first at-bat, Thome displayed his bat to ball skills and zone knowledge on a seven pitch at-bat with fouling off tough pitches before lining out to the left fielder. The second at-bat comes through with a sharply hit single through the right side for a double. Third at-bat lays down a perfect bunt down to the left side for a single and comes through with another hard hit single to center fielder for his last at-bat.

5-foot-10, 150 pound frame with room to build muscle and grow. Started at second base for the state champion Roadrunners. Calm, collected presence at the plate, advanced and mature approach for age. Simple and direct left-handed swing with little swing-and-miss in our looks. Limits zone expansion and selective in hitters counts. Advanced bat-to-ball skills for age, fluid hands that stay through the zone on a level plane, controls the barrel. Knack for consistent contact, will start to hit for more power as he mature physically. Soft glove that works out front, rhythmic feet, comfortable mover on the dirt. A high-end prospect in the Illinois’ 2026 class, currently No. 4 overall, who’s skill-set is seemingly capable of positively impacting the game in multiple ways. 

Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 4 in the Illinois’ 2026 class. 5-foot-10, 155-pound, left-handed hitting middle infield with strength in the lower half. Defensively, showed smooth, natural infield actions throughout the day at second base, including pre game, where he flashed soft confident hands and the ability to change platforms with his arm that plays loose and accurate. At the plate, hit in the eight-hole. Advanced approach and presence in the box, especially for his age. Stays within himself, uses the whole field, keeps his hands inside the baseball and highly-advanced bat-to-ball skills; very minimal swing and miss and features a heavy barrel. Natural loft through the zone, looks to elevate the baseball and ball jumps off the bat, given his age and stature. High-follow left-handed hitter in the class. 

Athletic left-handed hitting shortstop with an advanced approach at the plate. Showed patience and refused to extend the strike zone. Sets up in a balanced, slightly open stance with a short stride and smooth loading actions. Thome has a short and compact swing that he is able to repeat easily. His barrel works on a slight uphill path through the zone to lift the baseball to all fields. 

A 5-foot-4, 122-pounds, left-handed hitter. Simple, balanced setup, hands resting on his shoulder, squared feet, controlled load to a short stride. Athletic hands, compact swing through the zone, whole field approach, fluid rhythm.