CLASS OF 2027

+ RHP Holden Hughes, New Palestine: I caught a conference start from Hughes where he went six strong innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and striking out 7. The durable 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-hander works with a quick lift to a moderate balance point before a simple, repeatable move down the slope. The arm action is loose and quick to a low ¾ slot. The fastball showed sink at 87-89 mph through the first four innings before settling in at 85-87 mph late. He consistently filled the zone and pitched ahead, continuing a trend we’ve seen from him over multiple looks. His 74-78 mph sweeping slider was the reliable pitch as he landed it at will and he occasionally manipulated the shape depending on count/intent. He also showed a sinking 81-83 mph splitter that looks the part of an above average offering. Overall, it was a quality look in total with his strike-throwing ability and solid three pitch mix on display. Hughes is a high-floor uncommitted right-hander still on the board.

3/15/26

Hughes ended our winter showcase season with a loud showing, sure to be one of the biggest winners in the 2027 class as they head into their junior season. The advancements were loud for the durably-built, 6-foot-2, 210-pounder. Showing big improvements in his stuff, Hughes pitched at 89-90+ with moderate effort and a familiar, loose, slingy arm action that releases from low 3/4. There is true sinker/4S manipulation to the FB, though the sinker fits the profile more. The slider is a solid average pitch, an upper-70s offering that averaged 2327 RPM and 11" of sweep, but the splitter he showed has swing-and-miss pitch written all over. Killing spin on it while creating devastating arm-side sink, Hughes threw the split at 82-84. A traditional strikethrower showing huge jumps, look for Hughes to rise in a major fashion in our next 2027 rankings update.

10/11/25

Clean mover w K-throwing history. Sturdy strong 6-3, 205. Clean mover w efficient lower half. Loose sling to mid-3/4 arm action, sinks 82-85 fasball that T 86. Has feel for SW at 71-74. High-floor arm.

6/24/25

Higher-floor arm with durable, 6-foot-2, 195 pound frame. Filled the zone with a 5-pitch arsenal, highlighted by low-to-mid 80s FB (t 85) that played with sink, and late-biting spin in the low-70s. Good mover, gets down the mound well. Clean arm works from a low 3/4 slot that provides a more-unique look. Quality follow.

3/02/25

Hughes stands 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with a strong, durable build and athleticism on the mound. He works from a tucked lift into an inward turn at balance point, creating a rotational move down the slope. The arm is loose from a low ¾ slot, producing a fastball at 84–85 mph (T85) with some late sink and up to 2148 rpm. His 72–74 mph breaking ball shows sweeping, slider-like action with quality spin, and he rounds out the mix with an 80–81 mph changeup that plays with arm-side fade. A physical right-hander with a competitive three-pitch mix and athletic delivery.

6/14/22

Holden Hughes, New Palestine, 2027, IN

Position: RHP/1B

Body: 5-foot-7, 165-pound sturdy frame.

Hit: (RHH) Above average. Started in a crouched wide stance with a compact load, then used a leg kick. Flashed present bat speed. Back foot finish, on top uphill swing. Line drive gap to gap approach.

Power: 70.7 mph exit velocity, average 58.7 mph.

Defense: (IF) Sure hands, choppy footwork, packing exchange. Capable. Fields the ball to the side, movements laterally were late.

Arm: 65 mph infield velocity. Short arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy.

Speed: 9.70 (60-yard).

Pitching: Confident. Slow-tempo delivery, some effort. High ¾ arm angle, developing arm speed, compact arm action. Strong balance point, downhill shoulders, lands square, balanced finish.

FB: 66-68 mph. (Max spin 1687; Avg 1604). Around the zone accuracy, slight action.

CB: 56-57 mph. Tight action. (Max spin 1495; Avg 1481).

SL: 56-57 mph. (Max spin 1428; Avg 1417).

CH: 62 mph

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