Ben
Thierauf

One of the biggest risers in Missouri’s 2026 class this winter, RHP Ben Thierauf (St. John Vianney) emerged from this event as a must-know arm with considerable upside. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-hander offers more than just velocity — he showcased advanced command of a deep, five-pitch arsenal and spun two elite breaking balls. A fluid, athletic mover, Thierauf sat 88-89 mph with his fastball, touching 90, and showed occasional arm-side run. His curveball is a true weapon — spinning north of 2,800 RPM at 75-77 mph with sharp downer break (-23.3” IVB). He also featured a wipeout slider at 75-78 mph with heavy horizontal action (-24” HM, 2,600+ RPM), a fading changeup at 78-79 mph, and a developing splitter at 81-82 mph.