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College  | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
Photo: Ryan Tayman (Romeo Galvan/Cal Poly Athletics)
California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in.

Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN 
Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base through improved swing decisions. The swing is balanced and he turns the barrel extremely fast on a leveraged path consistently producing loud contact at good angles. The raw power comfortably grades as plus and will flash higher, backed by impact exit velocities and frequent damage in the air. Defensively, he’s split time between corner outfield and DH, but there’s enough athlete in there to keep him in the corner until he proves otherwise. Currently sits at #193 on our most recent board where our staff believes there will be a number of teams in on the eye-catching juice. 



Paul Contreras - OF - Cal State Fullerton Titans

A breakout campaign at the plate has defined Contreras’ spring, as he’s delivered a .346/.441/.6133 slash with 14 home runs and more walks (33) than strikeouts (31). The biggest development has been in his approach, cutting his strikeout rate significantly while nearly doubling his walk rate, pointing to real gains in pitch selection and zone control. Physically built like a linebacker at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, the strength is evident and translates into above-average exit velocities. The swing is relatively simple and efficient, with minimal pre-pitch movement and a controlled gather into launch. He stays compact to contact and does his best damage when he gets the ball out front, where he can elevate and drive it with authority. A steadily improving offensive profile that has pushed him onto our draft board in the 300 range.

Max Bayles - RHP - Santa Clara Broncos

Bayles first jumped onto the radar last spring after posting one of the more dominant strikeout seasons in the country (105 K in 66 IP), and he carried that momentum into this year with 104 strikeouts over 71 innings and a 2.54 ERA. He’s a physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-hander with an athletic delivery that features some effort through release. The arm action is longer with a slight plunge, working quickly up to an over-the-top slot. His calling card is a plus slider, a firm mid-80s gyro with sharp, late bite that generates consistent swing-and-miss (51% whiff rate). He shows advanced feel to land it for strikes and expand it for chase against both righties and lefties. The fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch mid-90s with some cut/ride characteristics, while a developing changeup shows occasional depth and fade. The swing-and-miss profile gives him real intrigue, currently sits at #167 on our most recent board. 

Michael Malki - RHP - California Baptist Lancers

Malki was one of the more statistically dominant arms in the WAC this season, posting a 3.12 ERA with a strikeout rate among the national leaders (~37%). He operates from a 6-foot, 180-pound frame with a clean, repeatable delivery and a loose arm working to a high three-quarter slot. The separator here is his ability to spin the baseball. His mid-to-upper 80s slider added more prominently this year has become his go-to pitch, often used more than the fastball and was effective against hitters from both sides (60% whiff) where he can land it and bury it. The fastball sits in the low 90s (touching 94) with solid carry (~18+ inches of IVB), while he’ll also mix a deeper low-80s curveball with strong vertical break and above-average spin (52% whiff). A low-RPM changeup with some fade rounds out the mix. The frame and velocity point toward a likely bullpen role, but the pitch data and bat-missing ability will draw interest. Currently sits at #247 on our most recent board.

Trevor Hansen - RHP - UC Irvine Anteaters

Hansen has been a reliable arm for UC Irvine over the past couple seasons, he didn’t finish this particular one strong as he accumulated a 4.94 ERA with 96 strikeouts across 78 innings. While the overall stuff is solid, his performance tends to hinge on execution, when he’s locating, the stuff plays up and can look comfortably above average. He features a clean, repeatable delivery with a compact arm action and a standard three-quarter release. The fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch 94, showing enough carry to miss bats at the top of the zone. His best secondary is a spike curveball in the low 80s with sharp, downward action, generating strong swing-and-miss rates (~39%). He’ll also mix a changeup with late fade and tumble. Currently in the 300 range on draft boards where our staff thinks there will be teams that believe in some of the starter traits and the intriguing present stuff where there could be some optimizaiton. 

Rohan Lettow - RHP – San Diego State Aztecs

Reliability has been Lettow’s calling card this spring, anchoring the San Diego State staff with consistent outings. Logged a quality 3.79 ERA over 78.1 innings with 92 strikeouts. He’s an athletic mover on the mound, utilizing a drop-and-drive lower half and a compact arm action. He operates with a deep, versatile five-pitch mix that he sequences effectively against both right and left-handed hitters. The fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s with solid carry (pushing 20+ inches of IVB at times). Will mix in a mid-upper 80s CT a ton as that aided in getting hitters off the heater. He complements it with two distinct breaking balls, a slider with significant horizontal sweep (15+ inches) he leans on against righties, and a curveball with more vertical depth (~12 inches) used more frequently versus lefties. A changeup rounded out the arsenal, showing particularly good depth off the fastball. The pitchability and deep mix give him the chance in a starting role at the next level if the stuff is able to uptick. 

Cole Tryba - LHP - University of California Santa Barbara

Quietly putting together a really strong season for the Gauchos, Tryba has emerged as one of the more dependable arms on the West Coast. He has consistently shown an ability to miss bass and limit walks. In 38.1 innings this spring he holds a 3.29 ERA and has struck out 52 and has walked just 13. Brings a deceptive operation from the left side. It’s not overpowering velocity but there is some quality stuff here. Real loose arm that works to a lower release with great extension. It’s a low 90s running heater that plays above the velocity and above barrels as well because of the release height. His sweeper stands out as a true weapon especially against left-handers generating a ton of horizontal break and showing feel to land it . A fading changeup complements the arsenal, giving him a reliable option against opposite-handed hitters. It’s a solid floor as a strong left-handed reliever but the two quality secondary offerings give him some starter potential. #261 on the board presently but I’d expect to climb a bit higher before the season is done. 

Calvin Proskey - RHP - University of California Santa Barbara
Proskey returned from injury in the second half of the season and quickly found his footing, stringing together a strong run since early April with a 2.25 ERA across 28 innings, paired with a crisp 20:4 K:BB. The underlying data supports the performance, and the visual look matches with his aesthetic, starter-type operation with traits that translate. The 6-foot-3 UC Santa Barbara right-hander leans on pitch shape, feel, and execution more than raw velocity to work through lineups. His fastball operates in the low 90s and will grab a bit more when needed, playing up due to quality induced vertical break that regularly pushes beyond 20 inches. The life through the zone allows it to miss barrels and establish the foundation for his mix, even without elite extension. The changeup is the most advanced secondary, showing consistent fade with occasional depth and the ability to generate whiffs both in and out of the zone. It’s a clear weapon against opposite-handed hitters and a separator within the arsenal. His mid-80s slider features more vertical action than sweep, flashing some chase but projecting closer to average in terms of a pure stuff grade. He’ll also incorporate a high-70s curveball to steal strikes early and keep hitters off balance. Proskey’s calling card is his strike-throwing ability and overall pitchability. The delivery is loose, athletic, and repeatable which aids him in being able to land all four pitches. While the profile lacks a true overpowering offering, the combination of stuff traits, command, and feel creates a high-floor look. With even marginal velocity or breaking ball improvement, Proskey fits as a dependable rotation piece at the next level and a strong Day Two candidate with the potential to outperform his slot.

Carson Turnquist - RHP - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Turnquist has seen a bit of increased attention in the 2nd half of the spring. Got in an in-person during conference play vs. the Anteaters where he went five shutout innings and struck out five. Currently having one of the better Big West pitching seasons with his 3.50 ERA in 69 innings with 68 punchies. Immediately stands out with his XL 6-foot-5, 235 frame where there’s noticeable strength throughout. Real big and loose arm stroke in the back working to a slightly lower ¾ slot that plays into some lower launch because he gets down the mound well and creates above avg. extension. The heater in my look worked in the mid 90s early, T97 early and settled low 90s flashing some decent ride/run type shape with some inconsistent command and leakage to the glove side but when he executes it is able to get quality whiff (30%). Mixes in three secondaries, a low-mid 80s CH with good fade and fine depth that he mixed into LHHs that produced a few whiffs, a slurvy CB at 77-80 and an effective shorter CT/SL at 83-86. There will be some draft hesitancy because of the 2023 TJ and some of the command/control inconsistencies but he’s trending in a slight upward direction for the Mustangs as we enter regional play this weekend. 

Ricky Ojeda - LHP - UC Irvine
Ojeda’s season featured some inconsistency but he finished strong. Listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he lacks imposing size, but makes up for it with an athletic and deceptive operation. He generates strong extension from a lower release height, allowing the fastball to outperform its raw velo. The pitch typically sits in the low 90s and reaches 95, showing late life up in the zone, where it’s especially effective. His slider comes in the low 80s with tight late-breaking shape that can resemble a cutter at times. He’ll also deploy a split-change in a similar velocity range with more downward action, giving him another look to keep hitters off balance. A slower curveball in the upper 60s adds a fourth option, often used early in counts for strikes but capable of generating some unexpected out front whiff. The profile is built around command, deception, and feel for sequencing, with the raw offerings grading near average. When he’s executing locations and mixing effectively, the delivery and fastball traits help everything play a tick better.

Ryan Tayman - C - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Tayman put together arguably the most productive offensive season among Big West catchers, slashing .355/.444/.664 with 16 home runs this spring. A physical 6-foot-2, 210-pound backstop, he brings present strength with roughly average raw power that consistently plays in games. The operation is controlled and efficient where he works with a simple, low-effort lift into launch with quiet hands, allowing the barrel to get on plane early and stay connected through the turn. From there, it’s a direct path through the zone with a flatter entry that produces consistent hard contact, while still showing the ability to create lift out front. There’s been a sneaky shift in his batted-ball profile this year, elevating more frequently (42% to 53% fly ball rate), which has translated into increased impact. Currently sitting at No. 278 on our latest Draft Board, Tayman has positioned himself as a potential riser as the season closes.
 
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College | Story | 7/7/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stripes

Craig Cozart
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Collegiate National Team: Stars Notes Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stripes Position Players  Nico Partida ...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

Windy City Invite & Open Scout Notes: Part 1

Donovan May
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’28 RHP Jack Potsma (IL) went 4.0 IP w/ 4 K, running the FB up to 91 mph. Quick, whippy arm w/ a tall, projectable frame. FB had quality arm-side run, while adding a SL. Good control in the delivery w/ the ability to fill up the zone. FB: 87-91 | SL: 68-73 #WCOpen @RaysIllinois pic.twitter.com/8HfMEeamIC — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 6, 2026 Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, Ill.) is a tall, projectable 6-foot-5, 195-pound pitcher with a quick, whippy arm and loose, athletic actions. The GRB Rays 16U Illinois Green right-hander ran his fastball up to 91 mph with heavy arm-side run while filling up the zone and inducing weak contact. Postma complemented the fastball with a slider and mixed in a fading changeup, giving him a quality three-pitch mix to build upon. Over 4.0 innings, Postma struck out 4, allowing 4 hits while throwing 66% strikes.  ’27 RHP...
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Press Release | Press Release | 7/9/2026

SHIVERSTICKS NAMED OFFICIAL POPSICLE OF PERFECT GAME

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   SHIVERSTICKS NAMED OFFICIAL POPSICLE OF PERFECT GAME   Former MLB All-Star Vernon Wells to Make Select Appearances at Perfect Game Events to Promote the Partnership   Sanford, Florida (Thursday, July 9, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with ShiverSticks, naming the Texas-based company the Official Popsicle of Perfect Game. Throughout the travel baseball season, ShiverSticks products will be featured across Perfect Game’s premier events and facilities, with onsite activations, concession integration, digital promotions and social media content designed to introduce players and fans to the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
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16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carlos Acuna (2028, Sylmar, Cal.) turned in an impressive start on Wednesday, tossing four shutout innings with six strikeouts and just one hit allowed. The 6-foot-1 right-hander filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone with his fastball, which lived in the 86-87 mph range and touched 88 a couple of times. He mixed in a true 12-6 curveball with huge depth down in the zone, and showed comfortability doubling up on the breaking ball. ‘28 Francis Conners-Schmid (NY) was dominant out of the ‘pen, 6 Ks in 2 hitless inn of work. Lived 88-89 & touched 90 multiple times. Sharp horz break to the SL w/ teeth & tight spin (clip). Athletic mover w/ serious 2-way upside. @JKselectBSB #WWBA @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/z859j3UCEq — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 8, 2026 Francis Conners-Schmid (2028, East Chatham, N.Y.)...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

Future Stars Take Center Stage at 14U BCS

Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 14U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida this Thursday through Monday, bringing many of the nation’s top teams to compete for one of the summer’s premier titles. Seven nationally ranked teams, featuring some of the top prospects in the class of 2030, will take the field looking to prove why they rank among the country’s elite. Headlining the field is No. 25-ranked outfielder James Watson of Canton, Georgia. The No. 9 outfielder in the nation has been one of the most productive hitters in the field this season, posting a 1.227 OPS while batting .394 with eight home runs, 69 RBI and 32 stolen bases over 84 games. Watson has also excelled on the mound, recording a 3.50 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 44 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .181 batting average. The athletic two-way player owns a 94 mph exit velocity, an 88-mph outfield...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

Premier Invite Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Tripp Merren (‘29 TX) with a pair of missiles off the barrel today including a no-doubt 2-run 💣 and triple later both to RCF. Electric bat speed with easy strength off the barrel. Can really scoot around bases. #PremierInvite pic.twitter.com/VUEHQZ0bmM — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 3, 2026 Tripp Merren (2029, Houston, Texas) took home MVP honors enroute to a big championship win for the Houston Texans Astros Scout Team. Merren stands in at 6-foot-0 from a pretty physical frame at this age. He has the athleticism to go with it and already looks like he has filled out a good bit. Merren fits the mold as a true power hitting corner guy but can play all over on the dirt. He finished the week going 9-15 that included two doubles, a triple, and two homers. He also drove in seven runs and scored nine times. Talk about a complete week and Tripp was simply in the heart of...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 ‘28 Rylan Jenkins (GA) hits the bottom of the CF wall for a 2-RBI double; great rhythm to the stroke w/ lots of easy strength in the barrel. 6.46 runner. @BravesScout16u #WWBA @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/oxSt7fvsUw — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 7, 2026 Rylan Jenkins (2028, Tennille, Ga.) found a few loud barrels Tuesday morning, sending a pair of hard liners off the outfield wall. He drove in four runs and crossed home three times himself. The 5-foot-9 lefty hitter takes a smooth path to the baseball with excellent rhythm to the operation. He generates lots of easy strength at the point of contact and consistently produces high exit velocities to the pull-side and middle of the field. Jenkins is extremely twitchy and gets down the line in a hurry. He runs a 6.46 sixty and turns doubles into triples often. Tripp Sapp (2028, Loganville,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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13u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Chaysten Fuentes (2030, Ewa Beach, HI) worked really well from the right side of the plate ending up with five hits and a double in the last two days. The right handed hitting Hawaiian has a ton of strength to the body. The hands work directly to the ball and can hit to all fields in the approach. Has done an incredible job getting the barrel to almost everything and gets on plane in the turn.  Triston Valdez (2031, Castaic, CA) was electric on day four batting .500 with a double, triple, and five rbis. The barrel is really quick to the ball and works with a level path. Against NY Gotham 13u Ghost, Valdez would not be denied demolishing the bases clearing triple way back into the RCF gap. Stays inside the baseball consistently with the hands and torques it hard.  Christopher Julian Leija (2031, Weslaco, TX) really showed out the last two...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

Two Day Rewind at 15u National Elite

Kinley Kitchens
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Two days into the 2026 Perfect Game 15U National Elite Championship, the storylines are already beginning to take shape. As one of the summer’s premier invite-only events, the tournament annually brings together many of the nation’s top 15U clubs, with 100 elite teams traveling to Hoover in pursuit of a championship. While there is still plenty of baseball left to play, the opening rounds have already produced breakout performances, dominant team victories, and plenty of excitement heading into bracket play. Several nationally recognized organizations entered the week as favorites, including MTBA Dawgs, ranked No. 3 nationally, Wildcatters Baseball at No. 10, and 5 Star Mafia, ranked No. 12. Meanwhile, newer programs like Jason Kidd Select Team have quickly shown they are capable of making noise against the nation’s best. One of the biggest storylines through the first...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

15u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Troy Sutherland
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Tristan Barton (‘29, TX) has struck out three over three scoreless innings of work, getting a lively FB up to 89. Mixed in a sharp vt CB w/ late bite. Operates from a projectable RH frame w/ length + room to fill. #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/LXfkLOtxdo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 5, 2026 Tristan Barton (’29, Gunter, TX) turned in a strong start on Sunday, lasting four innings of one run ball, striking out four. Barton operates from a bigger lengthy right-handed frame with considerable room to fill. He starts with a mid-body handset before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift. Barton fires down via a compact arm action and high three quarters slot. The Texas native got a run/ride fastball up to 89, living in the mid-80s throughout the outing. He mixed in a sharp 12-6 curveball with vertical depth and late bite. Jack Graviss...
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