Preston
Yaucher

INF/RHP Preston Yaucher (Edgewood, 2025) came away a winner from the weekend with a strong two-way showing. Currently ranked No. 6 in the state, the right-handed hitter moves with a quiet hand load into an uphill path, showing easy jump off the bat with a polished approach, repeating the swing with ease. On the infield, Yaucher took perhaps the best round of defense on the day; utilizing a quick first step with intent through the ball and soft hands. Yaucher also impressed on the mound, working his fastball up to 81 mph to pair with a 68-69 mph curveball and 76-78 mph changeup. 

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds. Athletic looking build throughout.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, drop/drive lower-half that moves in-line to the plate, front foot lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.4, 76.2-78.8 mph. Generally straight, life out of the hand.  T2225, 2137 average rpm.
CB: 65.4-67.1 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape, shows potential with added arm-speed, some feel. T2054, 1943 average rpm.
CH: 72.0-74.0 mph. Clean out of the hand with running action to the arm-side.  T1896, 1859 average rpm.

Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup. Methodical, balanced load. Aggressive, long stride. Vertical entry, tight hand action. Inconsistent contact quality.
Power: 83.5 max exit velocity, averaged 75.6 mph. 279’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph.
Defense: Soft hands out front, cushions the baseball, athletic actions, moves well and confidently.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60.

Arguably the best infield defender of the day came from freshman prospect, Yaucher, as he showed advanced defensive actions as a soft-handed defender who looks like a true shortstop at the next level, with the body control to make all the non-routine plays. He’s currently a 7.03 runner with a 78 mph arm across the diamond, with all indications that both numbers will continue to improve. That profile matches his right-handed swing, with long levers in a thin 5-foot-9 frame, Yaucher has an athletic swing that projects as he continues to mature and develop. He made consistent on-the-barrel contact while favoring the pull-side.

Yaucher's dependable defense up the middle of the infield served as an anchor for the Team Wisconsin's effective pitching during the Junior Future Games. Yaucher is a lean, high-waisted athlete with smooth, fluid actions defensively that helped him stand out as a prospect, though his competitive work in the right-handed batter’s box was one of our staff’s biggest takeaways from the event. Yaucher has a keen eye at the plate and he swings selectively, which complements his natural feel for the barrel. He was responsible for igniting key moments of offense for Team Wisconsin and he should only grow into more strength that will help him impact the ball with greater authority long-term.

5-foot-7, 135 pounds; athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, top-tap stride; loose hands, whippy bat speed, hit a triple to left against STiKS Academy Black during the PBR at The Rock Championships. Flashed quick feet, soft hands, and quick transfers on throws across diamond from shortstop. Athletic defender with middle infield actions.

5-foot-1, 120 pounds; lean, lanky athlete. Right-handed hitter, rhythmic pre-pitch, balanced setup, fluid leg hang helps him sync up contact simply. Fluid, short bat path with athletic finish. Defensively, smooth, fundamental actions up the middle, ranges well; quicks hands and overall actions on defense.