Matthew
Hietpas

INF/OF/RHP Matthew Hietpas (Appleton North, 2026) is another PBR Junior Future Games player who we were looking forward to seeing again at this event. Listed at an athletic 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Hietpas is an intriguing two-way prospect in the class of ‘26 who is currently ranked No. 12 overall in the state – which is saying something, considering this class has the makings of being a memorable one in the state’s history. During batting practice, Hietpas showed quick hands with direct contact through the ball. He recorded a max exit velocity of 94.0 mph (83.9 mph average), with some barrel feel for his age. From the infield, he recorded a max velocity across the diamond of 83 mph, and he showed smoothness in his actions; in the outfield, he recorded a max velocity to home of 85 mph from a quick release. On the mound, Hietpas’ talent is starting to shine brightest, and it’s where he reached an 86.4 mph high at this event, which leads all freshmen we’ve seen to this point in the winter. The fastball has life and arm-side run through the zone, and it leaves a complementary lower release height which should develop well as he continues to grow and mature. He spins his curveball at an above-average rate (2,264 rpm), and he has feel for the changeup as well. Consider him another high-follow two-way player to know in the Midwest’s freshman class.

Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic build, some projection.
Delivery: High leg lift into aggressive downhill move, slight closed leg leg lift.
Arm Action: RH. Medium, loose arm arc, 3/4 slot, whippy arm.
FB: T86, 83-86 mph. Life through the zone with run. T2252, 2173 average rpm.
CB: 71-72 mph. Feel for the pitch, 11/5 action, maintains arm speed. T2209, 2163 average rpm.
CH: 76-79 mph. Some feel, buried in the zone T1568, 1494 average rpm.

Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic build, some projection.
Hits: RHH. Stock set up slightly open. Lands centered and loaded into strong hitting position, hands work quick and direct through the ball can drive the ball to all fields.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 83.9 MPH. 299' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-83 mph.OF-85 mph. INF: 3/4 slot, whippy. OF: High 3/4 slot, quick arm, power.
Defense: INF: Two-hand gather out front, shuffle step to target, smoothness to actions. OF: Shuffle step, quick release.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 73.21 Edge Score

Hietpas showed well both at the Green Bay Rising Stars ID at the beginning of the year, and represented Wisconsin at the Junior Future Games in July, putting him at No. 12 in the 2026 rankings. At a 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame, the righty brings a mature body with room to continue to grow as he enters high school. Hietpas was all over the bases during the Junior Future Games, scoring runs and driving in teammates for Team Wisconsin. In his first game in Georgia, against Team Georgia, he finished 3-for-3 with four RBI’s, showcasing his offensive talent on the biggest stage. Hietpas provides a future middle-of-the-order bat and complements it with his outfield defense, where he topped out at 91 mph, giving him a chance to contribute to Appleton North right away as a freshman. He can bring it on the mound as well, topping out at 83 mph during one of his performances at The Rock this past summer.

Standing 5-foot-11, 175-pounds is an advanced talent both at the plate and in the field. He hits from a stock set up getting to a consistent hitting position on time. Hietpas delivers the barrel to and through the ball with a flat path allowing him to drive the ball to all fields. In defensive work, he impressed with smooth and aggressive actions working through throws with a quick release.  His throws displayed strong carry and accuracy and provided the catcher with an easy to handle long hop. Hieptas is a top talent for the 2026 class and had a great start to his week during the workout.

Strong athletic frame, offensively has a very advanced approach for his age. Showing present bat speed and barrel control. While the results weren’t always in his favor, all of his swings had intent behind them. Defensively showcased an advanced arm for his age group in center field, follow for 2026 class and this weekend.