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2,577 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | Rankings | 5/19/2017

2017 MLB Draft: Top Tools

Photo: Perfect Game




2017 MLB Draft Preview Content | Mock Draft Version 1

An annual exercise as part of Perfect Game's MLB Draft content, PG's staff of draft experts combined to assemble a list of the top individual tools available for this year's draft.

Contributing to this compilation were PG's David Rawnsley, Brian Sakowski, Greg Sabers, Jheremy Brown, Vincent Cervino, and Mike Rooney. 


2017 Top Tools: Hitter

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Royce Lewis SS/CF JSerra (Calif.) 1 Keston Hiura 2B/OF UC-Irvine
2 Jacob Pearson OF West Monroe (Lous.) 2 Pavin Smith 1B Virginia
3 Daniel Cabrera OF Parkview Baptist (Lous.) 3 Brendan McKay LHP/1B Louisville
4 Drew Waters OF Etowah (Ga.) 4 Adam Haseley CF
Virginia
5 Nick Pratto 1B/LHP Huntington Beach (Calif.) 5 JJ Matijevic 2B Arizona


2017 Top Tools: Power

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Hunter Greene RHP/SS Notre Dame (Calif.) 1 Jake Burger 3B/1B Missouri State
2 Jordon Adell OF/RHP Ballard (Kent.) 2 Brent Rooker OF Mississippi State
3 Conner Uselton OF Southmoore (Okla.) 3 Gavin Sheets 1B Wake Forest
4 Austin Beck OF North Davidson (N.C.) 4 Greg Diechmann OF Louisiana State
5 Jacob Gonzalez 3B/1B Chaparral (Ariz.) 5 Pavin Smith 1B Virginia


2017 Top Tools: Speed

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Quentin Holmes OF Monsignor McClancy (N.Y.) 1 Kevin Merrell SS/2B South Florida
2 Jordon Adell OF/RHP Ballard HS (Kent.) 2 Brian Miller OF North Carolina
3 Austin Beck OF North Davidson (N.C.) 3 Jeren Kendall OF Vanderbilt
4 Cole Brannen OF Westfield Schools (Ga.) 4 Jake Mangum OF Mississippi State
5 Kier Meredith OF Glenn (N.C.) 5 Ernie Clement OF/IF Virginia


2017 Top Tools: Arm

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Hunter Greene RHP/SS Notre Dame (Calif.) 1 Donovan Casey OF/RHP Boston College
2 Jordon Adell OF/RHP Ballard (Kent.) 2 Mike Rivera C Florida
3 MJ Melendez C Westminster Christian (Fla.) 3 Joe Dunand SS North Carolina State
4 Drew Waters OF Etowah (Ga.) 4 Jeren Kendall OF Vanderbilt
5 Ricardo De Da Torre  SS Puerto Rico BB Academy 5 Jake Mangum OF Mississippi State


2017 Top Tools: Defender

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Nick Allen SS Francis W. Parker (Calif.) 1 Evan White 1B/OF Kentucky
2 MJ Melendez C Westminster Christian (Fla.) 2 Brian Miller OF North Carolina
3 Drew Waters OF Etowah (Ga.) 3 Jeren Kendall OF Vanderbilt
4 Garrett Mitchell OF Orange Lutheran (Calif.) 4 Dalton Guthrie SS Florida
5 Quentin Holmes OF Monsignor McClancy (N.Y.) 5 Joey Morgan C Washington


2017 Top Tools: Athlete

High School College
Rk. Name Pos. School Rk. Name Pos. School
1 Bubba Thompson OF McGill-Toolen Catholic (Ala.) 1 Jeren Kendall OF Vanderbilt
2 Jordon Adell OF Ballard (Kent.) 2 Michael Gigliotti OF Lipscomb
3 Austin Beck OF North Davidson (N.C.) 3 Bryce Johnson OF Sam Houston State
4 Hunter Greene RHP/SS Notre Dame (Calif.) 4 Ernie Clement OF/IF Virginia
5 Garrett Mitchell OF Orange Lutheran (Calif.) 5 Stuart Fairchild OF Wake Forest


2017 Top Tools: Fastball

High School College
Rk. Name Throws School Rk. Name Throws School
1 Hunter Greene RHP/SS Notre Dame (Calif.) 1 Nate Pearson RHP College of Central Florida (JC)
2 Shane Baz RHP Concordia Lutheran (Texas) 2 Bryce Montes de Oca RHP Missouri
3 Alex Scherff RHP Colleyville Heritage (Texas) 3 J.B. Bukauskas RHP North Carolina
4 Hans Crouse RHP Dana Hills (Calif.) 4 Riley Otteson RHP Utah
5 Trevor Rogers LHP Carlsbad (N.M.) 5 Drew Rasmussen RHP Oregon State


2017 Top Tools: Curveball

High School College
Rk. Name Throws School Rk. Name Throws School
1 Blayne Enlow RHP St. Amant (Lous.) 1 Alex Lange RHP Louisiana State
2 D.L. Hall LHP Valdosta (Ga.) 2 Brendon Little LHP State College of Florida (JC)
3 MacKenzie Gore LHP Whiteville (N.C.) 3 Kyle Wright RHP Vanderbilt
4 Tanner Burns RHP Decatur (Ala.) 4 Colton Hock RHP Stanford
5 Seth Corry LHP Lone Peak (Utah) 5 Griffin Canning RHP UCLA


2017 Top Tools: Slider

High School College
Rk. Name Throws School Rk. Name Throws School
1 Shane Baz RHP Concordia Lutheran (Texas) 1 J.B. Bukauskas RHP North Carolina
2 Bryce Bonnin RHP Barbers Hill (Texas) 2 Alex Faedo RHP Florida
3 Trevor Rogers LHP Carlsbad (N.M.) 3 Clarke Schmidt RHP South Carolina
4 Hunter Greene RHP Notre Dame (Calif.) 4 Seth Romero LHP Houston
5 Hans Crouse RHP Dana Hills (Calif.) 5 Corbin Martin RHP Texas A&M


2017 Top Tools: Changeup

High School College
Rk. Name Throws School Rk. Name Throws School
1 Alex Scherff RHP Colleyville Heritage (Texas) 1 Ricky Tyler Thomas LHP Fresno State
2 Hunter Greene RHP/SS Notre Dame (Calif.) 2 Brigham Hill RHP Texas A&M
3 Sam Carlson RHP Burnsville (Minn.) 3 Charlie Barnes LHP Clemson
4 Kevin Abel RHP James Madison (Calif.) 4 Kyle Wright RHP Vanderbilt
5 Kyle Hurt RHP Torrey Pines (Calif.) 5 Alex Troop LHP Michigan State


2017 Top Tools: Command

High School College
Rk. Name Throws School Rk. Name Throws School
1 Hunter Greene RHP Notre Dame (Calif.) 1 David Peterson LHP Oregon
2 MacKenzie Gore LHP Whiteville (N.C.) 2 Keegan Thompson RHP Auburn
3 Logan Allen LHP University (Fla.) 3 Luke Heimlich LHP Oregon State
4 Alex Scherff RHP Colleyville Heritage (Texas) 4 Brendan McKay LHP Louisville
5 Jordan Butler LHP Alonso (Fla.) 5 Darren McCaughan RHP Long Beach State



Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
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With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

A Look Ahead: 16U PG West WS

Emily Hicks
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Another exciting week of Perfect Game baseball is on the horizon as the 16U PG West World Series brings together some of the top travel baseball programs for a highly competitive tournament. Taking place July 23 - 26 at Riverview Complex in Mesa, AZ, the event will feature talented teams looking to make a statement as they compete for one of the summer's most prestigious titles. The tournament will welcome clubs from across the West, creating a talented field filled with nationally recognized organizations, rising contenders, and some of the top 16U prospects in the country. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will provide an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent while pursuing a World Series championship. With high-level competition expected throughout the week, fans can look forward to quality pitching, explosive offenses, and outstanding defensive...
Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 2

Jordan Gates
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UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1 ‘27 RHP Alexander Kakach (MN) displayed present arm strength and some feel to spin. The #Creighton commit was up to 93 mph with the FB (89-93), while the SL showed two plane break at 79-84 mph. Mixed in CT at 84-86 with tight action in the zone. #UBCMW @MNIcemen @PG_WiscMinn pic.twitter.com/TlrOnNDIcd — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 18, 2026 Alexander Kakach (2027, Plymouth, Minn.) of MN Icemen 17U Gominsky displayed intriguing upside on the mound, striking out five over 4.0 innings while running the fastball up to 93 mph with ride. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander and Creighton commit paired the fastball with a low-80s slider that flashed two-plane break and a cutter that played well off the mix. Kakach worked with a loose, quick arm from a high three-quarter slot, creating quality movement across his mix while displaying...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
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Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

Battle for the Windy City Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Tyler Osmanski (2027, Frankfort, Ill.) a 5-foot-11 160-pound right-handed pitcher worked a 7 inning complete game shutout to start off Chicago Elite’s 6-0 weekend. On top of going the distance he allowed only three base runners and one hit. Osmanski has lots of athleticism in his delivery. He keeps his body under control while still being able to have good arm action and great hip to shoulder separation. He works from the third base side of the rubber with a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball was up to 84mph multiple times and sat 80-83mph. He used two offspeed pitches, a good 12-6 breaking ball 65-68mph, and a changeup in the low 70’s.     ‘27 RHP Brett Alkire (IL) punched out everyone across his 5.2 inning masterful outing. He struck out 13 batters and did it on 66% strikes. Has an active arm action and kept the ball on the corners. FB T92 early w/...
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Florida Burn Cruise to 17U BCS Crown

Alyssa Golden
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Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
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17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
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With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
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