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| 2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | State Preview | 5/29/2018

State Snapshots: Great Lakes

Photo: Jarred Kelenic (Perfect Game)

 


Perfect Game 2018 MLB Draft Preview Index

South Atlantic
– FL, GA, NC, SC
Southeast – AL, KY, MS, TN
South Central – AR, LA, OK, TX
Mountain – AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY
Pacific – AK, CA, HI, OR, WA
Great Plains – IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD
Great Lakes – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Mid-Atlantic – DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
New England – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Canada and Puerto Rico


Illinois

Best College Team:
 Illinois
Best Junior College Team: Wabash Valley
Best High School Team: Neuqua Valley

Prospect on the Rise: Trey Riley, rhp, John A. Logan
Wild Card: Bren Spillane, of/1b, Illinois

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Illinois Connection:
 Zach Haake, rhp, Kentucky
Top 2019 Prospect: Quinn Priester, rhp, Cary-Grove Community HS
Top 2020 Prospect: Benjamin Wiegman, rhp, Carmel Catholic HS

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
Danny Goodwin, c, Central HS (1971, White Sox/1st round, 1st pick)
2013 Draft: Daniel Lietz, lhp, Heartland CC (Blue Jays/5th round)
2014 Draft: Jeremy Rhoades, rhp, Illinois State (Angels/4th round)
2015 Draft: Tyler Jay, lhp, Illinois (Twins/1st round, 6th pick)
2016 Draft: Cody Sedlock, rhp, Illinois (Orioles/1st round, 27th pick)
2017 Draft: Brendan Murphy, lhp, Mundelein HS (Brewers/4th round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 12/12
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 6/4
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 10/2

Prospects in the Top 500:

• Alek Thomas, of, Mt. Carmel HS (36)
• Trey Riley, rhp, John A Logan (61)
• Joey Gerber, rhp, Illinois (131)
• Bren Spillane, of/1b, Illinois (164)
• Owen Miller, ss, Illinois State (195)
• Aaron Ackerman, c, UIC (379)
• Jack Yalowitz, of/lhp, Illinois (420)
• Luke Shilling, rhp, Illinois (425)
• Jacob Maton, rhp, Glenwood HS (427)


Indiana

Best College Team:
 Indiana
Best High School Team: Roncalli

Prospect on the Rise: Jonathan Stiever, rhp, Indiana
Wild Card: Nicholas Schnell, of, Roncalli HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Indiana Connection:
 Reid Schaller, rhp, Vanderbilt
Top 2019 Prospect: Andrew Belcik, rhp, Notre Dame
Top 2020 Prospect: Ryan Lynch, lhp, Penn HS

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
 Andy Benes, rhp, University of Evansville (1988, Padres/1st round, 1st pick); Bryan Bullington, rhp, Ball State University (2002, Pirates/1st round, 1st pick)
2013 Draft: Trey Ball, lhp, New Castle HS (Red Sox/1st round, 7th pick)
2014 Draft: Kyle Schwarber, c, Indiana University (Cubs/1st round, 4th pick)
2015 Draft: Ashe Russell, rhp, Cathedral Catholic HS (Royals/1st round, 21st pick)
2016 Draft: Alex Call, of, Ball State (White Sox/3rd round)
2017 Draft: Peter Solomon, rhp, Notre Dame (Astros/4th round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 17/15
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/1

Prospects in the Top 500:

• Nicholas Schnell, of, Roncalli HS (40)
• Jonathan Stiever, rhp, Indiana (78)
• Jack Perkins, rhp, Kokomo HS (190)
• Matt Vierling, of/rhp, Notre Dame (213)
• Nick Dalesandro, c/of, Purdue (271)
• Luke Miller, 3b, Indiana (281)
• Carter Lohman, lhp, Hamilton Southeastern HS (297)
• Nick Podkul, 2b, Notre Dame (303)
• Jared Poland, 2b/3b, Cathedral HS (305)
• Hayden Jones, c, Carroll HS (313)
• Tim Borden, ss, Our Lady of Providence HS (353)
• Charlie Cerny, rhp, UIC (308)
• Zaid Walker, of, Homewood-Flossmoor HS (366)
• Tanner Andrews, rhp, Purdue (415)


Michigan

Best College Team:
Michigan
Best Junior College Team: Kellogg
Best High School Team: Bay City Western

Prospect on the Rise: William English, rhp/of, Detroit Western International HS
Wild Card: Bryce Bush, 1b/of, De La Salle HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Michigan Connection:
 Luke Shilling, rhp, Illinois
Top 2019 Prospect: Dillon Kark, ss, St. Mary's Prep
Top 2020 Prospect: Jesse Franklin, of, Michigan

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
 Mark Mulder, lhp, Michigan State (1998, Athletics/1st round, 2nd pick)
2013 Draft: Michael O'Neill, of, Michigan (Yankees/3rd round)
2014 Draft: Jordan Foley, rhp, Central Michigan (Yankees/5th round)
2015 Draft: Nick Plummer, of, Brother Rice HS (Cardinals/1st round, 23rd pick)
2016 Draft: Keegan Akin, lhp, Western Michigan (Orioles/2nd round)
2017 Draft: Oliver Jaskie, lhp, Michigan (Mariners/6th round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 21/21
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 1/1
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 5/1

Prospects in the Top 500:

• William English, rhp/of, Detroit Western International HS (169)
• John Malcom, 1b, Detroit Country Day HS (181)
• Bryce Bush, 1b/of, De La Salle HS (189)
• Riley McCauley, rhp, Michigan State (325)
• Jonathan Engelmann, of, Michigan (337)
• Will Tribucher, lhp, Michigan (341)
• Spencer Schwellenbach, rhp/ss, Heritage HS (373)
• Michael Brettell, rhp, Central Michigan
• Ako Thomas, 2b, Michigan (484)


Minnesota


Best College Team:
Minnesota
Best Junior College Team: Riverland
Best High School Team: Cretin-Derham Hall

Prospect on the Rise: Terrin Vavra, ss, Minnesota
Wild Card: Seth Halvorsen, rhp, Heritage Christian HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Minnesota Connection:
 Sean Hjelle, rhp, Kentucky
Top 2019 Prospect: Will Frisch, rhp, Stillwater HS
Top 2020 Prospect: Mac Horvath, ss/rhp, Century HS

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
 Joe Mauer, c, Cretin-Derham Hall HS (2001, Twins/1st round, 1st pick)
2013 Draft: Tom Windle, lhp, Minnesota (Dodgers/2nd round)
2014 Draft: Sam Hentges, lhp, Mounds View HS (Indians/4th round)
2015 Draft: Lance Thonvold, rhp, Minnesota (Mariners/24th round)
2016 Draft: Nick Hanson, rhp, Prior Lake HS (Reds/3rd round)
2017 Draft: Sam Carlson, rhp, Burnsville HS (Mariners/2nd round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 4/4
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 3/1

Prospects in the Top 500:

• Seth Halvorsen, rhp, Heritage Christian HS (107)
• Aidan Maldonado, rhp, Rosemount HS (226)
• Terrin Vavra, ss, Minnesota (230)
• Gus Varland, rhp, Concordia (328)


Ohio

Best College Team:
 Ohio State
Best Junior College TeamSinclair
Best High School Team: Mason

Prospect on the Rise:
Nicholas Northcut, 3b, William Mason HS
Wild Card: Austin Becker, rhp, Big Walnut HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Ohio Connection:
 Adam Wolf, lhp, Louisville
Top 2019 Prospect: Mack Anglin, rhp, Highland HS
Top 2020 Prospect: MacKenzie Wainwright, of, St. Edward HS

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
Tim Belcher, rhp, Mount Vernon Nazarene College (1983, Twins/1st round, 1st pick); Ken Griffey Jr., of, Moeller HS (1987, Mariners/1st round, 1st pick)
2013 Draft: David Ledbetter, rhp, Cedarville University (Rangers/3rd round)
2014 Draft: Cameron Varga, rhp, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (Rays/2nd round)
2015 Draft: Ian Happ, of, Cincinnati (Cubs/1st round, 9th pick)
2016 Draft: Eric Lauer, lhp, Kent State (Padres/1st round, 25th pick)
2017 Draft: Zac Lowther, lhp, Xavier (Orioles/2nd round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 15/14
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 5/1

Prospects in the Top 500:

• Austin Becker, rhp, Big Walnut HS (45)
• Nicholas Northcut, 3b, William Mason HS (73)
• Ryan Weiss, rhp, Wright State (197)
• Ryan Feltner, rhp, Ohio State (210)
• Zane Collins, lhp, Wright State (253)
• Zach Spears, lhp, Miami (289)
• Ross Adolph, of, Toledo (345)
• Conor Grammes, rhp, Xavier (365)
• Joey Murray, rhp, Kent State (368)
• Cole Ayers, rhp, Loveland HS (461)
• Lane Flamm, rhp, New Richmond HS (478)


Wisconsin

Best College Team:
Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Best Junior College Team: Madison
Best High School Team: Sun Prairie

Prospect on the Rise: Jacob Campbell, c, Janesville Craig HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Wisconsin Connection:
 Jonathan Stiever, rhp, Indiana
Top 2019 Prospect: Nathan Stevens, c, Waunakee HS
Top 2020 Prospect: A.J. Vukovich, 3b/rhp, East Troy HS

Highest Draft Picks

Draft History:
 Kevin Brandt, of, Nekoosa HS (1979, Twins/1st round, 11th pick)
2013 Draft: Josh Uhen, rhp, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Brewers/5th round)
2014 Draft: J.P. Feyereisen, rhp, Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Indians/16th round)
2015 Draft: Justin Langley, lhp, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Marlins/16th round)
2016 Draft: Gavin Lux, ss, Indian Trail Academy (Dodgers/1st round, 20th pick)
2017 Draft: Daulton Varsho, c, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Diamondbacks/2nd round)

2017 Draft Overview

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 3/3
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 1/0

Prospects in the Top 500:

• Jarred Kelenic, of, Waukesha West HS (5)
• Jacob Campbell, c, Janesville Craig HS (180)




Draft | Mock Draft | 4/3/2026

PG Staff Mock Draft

Jheremy Brown
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Welcome to another Perfect Game Mock Draft. This is not your typical mock draft as it features 15 different GMs drafting the first two rounds of the draft. Each member of the mock draft was assigned two teams and as such will be drafting all of the picks in the first two rounds for each responsible team. The actual draft order will be presented below and we will dive into how teams made their selections and how they feel about the players drafted. It is important to note that this is not how we think the draft will play out in almost any capacity. This is simply an exercise 4 months ahead of time with a large portion of the scouting staff and some picks fall under personal favorites, best available, and a multitude of other factors. Chicago White Sox 1:1 Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA | 1:41 Jack Radel, RHP, Notre Dame The White Sox don’t overthink here and select Roch Cholowsky, who has...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

High School Notebook: April 2

Steve Fiorindo
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Lennex Minor (‘28 CA) absolutely destroys this offering to the PS for a 2-run shot. 2-4 on the day w/ 4 driven in. Athletic in the box w/ a quick stroke and strength throughout the frame. Also closed out the game running the FB up to 88 in a St. Bernard win #PGHS @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/KF7BsKGcm7 — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) March 29, 2026 Lennex Minor, MIF/P, St. Bernard (2028) Minor had a massive day in my look this past Saturday in a game being played at the University of San Diego.  The sophomore had a pair of hits, one which was a no-doubt homer, and drove in four.  Minor’s athleticism jumps out on the field with twitchy actions both at the dish and in the dirt.  He features a 6-foot, 170-pound frame with room to add and generates from a strong lower half and exceptionally quick hands.  Showing two-way potential, he made an...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

NHSI Scout Notebook

Cam McElwaney
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An extended look at ‘26 RHP Wilson Andersen… 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K. @HailStateBB signee. #NHSI26 @JesuitBaseball @Florida_PG @PG_Draft @PGAllAmerican https://t.co/VLwECd2qZ8 pic.twitter.com/JbTFR3Gd2l — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 30, 2026 Wilson Andersen, RHP, Tampa Jesuit  Andersen got the ball on day two of the event and showed a quick tempo, pounding the zone with a power mix. He ran the fastball up to 97 mph, working comfortably in the mid-90s, with a power curveball/changeup mix he showed confidence in. He’s one of the top right-handers in the class that saw his stock rise in Cary. Andersen is signed with Mississippi State.    An extended look at ‘26 RHP Cooper Sides… 5 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. @LSUbaseball signee. #NHSI26 @olubaseball @PG_Draft @California_PG https://t.co/Ag1MfBAR5a pic.twitter.com/5wSszVjBn8...
All American Game | Story | 4/2/2026

All American Classic Heading to Citizens Bank

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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 DICK’S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC HEADED TO CITIZENS BANK PARK IN 2026   Perfect Game makes debut at iconic Phillies venue during America’s 250th birthday celebration   Former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel named Honorary Chairman of All-American Classic   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Thursday, April 2, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that the 2026 Perfect Game DICK’S All-American Classic will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking the first time a Perfect Game event has ever been held at the iconic home of the Philadelphia Phillies.   The game will take place on...
College | Rankings | 4/1/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 1

Nick Herfordt
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Welcome to another week of Perfect Game Small School baseball — and if you're looking for clarity at the top, you've come to the wrong place. Across all three classifications, the No. 1 spot is very much an open question, and nobody is sleeping comfortably right now. In NCAA Division II, Pittsburg State is stumbling at precisely the wrong moment, leaving the door cracked wide open for hungry challengers to come knocking. In the NAIA, defending national champion LSU Shreveport has dropped four straight and suddenly looks far more vulnerable than a program of their pedigree ever expects to be. And in NCAA Division III, the race for the top ranking is less a competition and more a ten-car pileup of elite programs, none of whom have done enough to pull away — and all of whom have done plenty to deserve it. Three classifications, three vacancies at the top, and a whole lot of...
Juco | Story | 4/1/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 1

Troy Sutherland
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Another week of JUCO baseball and another week full of wins for No. 1 ranked Johnson County . The Cavaliers have won 18 games in a row and have swept through the Jayhawk Conference to this point, setting a new school home run record along the way. Walters State returns to the top 5 this week on the strength of a 12-game winning streak. Both McLennan and Pearl River are coming off of undefeated weeks and look like strong top 10 caliber teams, while Midland (now 30-3) continues to climb in the rankings for the third consecutive week. For the first time all year this ranking will feature 4 California schools as Palomar joins Ohlone, Fresno City and Santa Ana in the JUCO rankings. Check back in next week for an update as most of JUCO baseball is now past its halfway point in the 2026 season. RK School Week Overall 1 Johnson County (KS) 4-0 34-2 2 Gaston (NC) 2-1 35-3 3 Walters State (TN) 3-0...
College | Story | 4/1/2026

Collegiate Midseason All-Americans

Vincent Cervino
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Collegiate Midseason Awards * denotes Midseason Award Winner - All-Americans chosen based on statistics, prospect status, future projection, among other factors - Only true freshmen considered for Freshmen All-American teams - All Statistics as of Monday, March 30th First Team Hitters Pos. Name School Class AVG OBP SLG R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB C Vahn Lackey Georgia Tech JR .423 .541 .845 36 41 9 1 10 36 7 1B Quinton Coats Cincinnati SO .360 .441 .896 38 45 8 1 19 46 7 2B Jarren Advincula Georgia Tech JR .411 .489 .563 31 46 2 0 5 30 5 3B Ace Reese Mississippi State JR .330 .417 .661 32 36 12 0 8 37 1 SS Roch Cholowsky UCLA JR .350 .493 .730 39 35 8 0 10 32 1 IF Dee Kennedy Kansas State JR .430 .549 .910 44 43 10 1 12 43 15 OF Will Gasparino UCLA JR .351 .468 .794 31 34 5 1 12 38 1 OF AJ Gracia Virginia JR .350 .504 .650 37 36 7 0 8 24 1 OF Landon Hairston* Arizona State SO .469 .551 1.027 44...
High School | Rankings | 3/31/2026

High School Top 50: March 31

Tyler Russo
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Another pair of weeks has gone by this high school season and with that we have another High School Top-50 Update. Southern states are within a few weeks of the end of the season while some northern states are just getting started this week. Through the end of the spring, we will be bringing you updates to the Top-50 along with state rankings updates coming soon. For the first time in 2026, we have a new #1 in the country as Orange Lutheran (CA) takes over the top spot after winning the NHSI. Venice (FL) came in second place at the NHSI after a thrilling game against Orange Lutheran and comes in at #2. Previous #1 team in the country St. John Bosco (CA) rounds out the top-3 and will have a big showdown against Orange Lutheran starting tonight. Barbe (LA) boasts a 26-1 record and comes in at #4 while Corona (CA) continues to string together wins and holds down the #5 spot in this update....
College | Story | 3/31/2026

PG Collegiate Midseason Awards

Vincent Cervino
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Midseason Awards  Perfect Game Midseason Player of the Year:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The season sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston is putting together is generational, even amongst the Hall of Fame talent Arizona State has fielded over the years.  Hairston, the 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ has his club on track for another postseason appearance and they will make plenty of noise in the Big 12 regular season.  To put things in perspective on Hairston’s season, he is currently 5th in the nation in batting average, 3rd in hits, 8th in hits per game, tied for 2nd in home runs, tied for 5th in runs scored and is 4th in runs batted in so far.  He holds a batting average of .469 while slugging 1.027 and reaching base over half the time with an OBP of .551.  Hairston walks more than he strikes out and has 12 doubles, 17...
Tournaments | Story | 3/31/2026

14u East Spring Opener Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Roman Keister (2030, Dade City, FL) Could not miss the barrel this weekend tallying 6 hits including 2 triples and 4 RBI. Starts the load early and controls his body well, the up the middle approach really plays in game. Also worked from off the mound for an inning and picked up a punch out.  Colton Russo (2030, Coral Springs, FL) Showed off the power burning outfielders all weekend. 5 hits including two triples that carried over the CF and RF heads. Has a good understanding about using the lower half in the swing and the bat to ball skills really impressed.  Karson Blakney (2030, St. Augustine, FL) Made his impact in a big way this week, collecting the win in the quarterfinals. In his outing he went 5 shutout innings and struck out 5 while only allowing 2 hits. Worked in the mid 70s with the FB and topped out at 78. Also produced on offense driving in 5 RBI on 4 hits. ...
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