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| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 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 Team: Sinclair
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 | Prospect Scouting Reports | 10/15/2026

Beyond the Board: C/UTL Gavin Kelly

Tyler Henninger
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Beyond the Board: SS Dylan Seward As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we are diving in West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly. The Mountaineer backstop posted a .382/.477/.725 slash line with 19 home runs, 44 extra-base hits, and helped lead WVU to Omaha in ‘26. Let’s dive in.  Player: Gavin Kelly  Position: C/UTL B/T: R/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 175-pounds School: West Virginia Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pen. Physical Description: 6-0/175. Lean, athletic build. Sneaky strength throughout. Frame has room to fill out and get stronger.    Slo-mo look at the HR by Gavin Kelly (@WVUBaseball)....
Tournaments | Story | 10/15/2026

Big Offense Propels TBT/FTB to Title

Hannah Jo Groves
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Big Offense Wins TBT/FTB Phillies Scout WWBA Freshman Title Runs scoring in every inning led to the TBT/FTB Phillies Scout Team taking home the 2026 PG WWBA Freshman World Championship - winning over Canes National 15U 10-5. It had been a long week in West Palm Beach for the freshmen coming in from around the country to go up against the best of the best. While they had gotten to play on the backfields during the whole tournament, the players who made it to the championship game got to play it in the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches Stadium. TBT/FTB showed their defensive strength right away - executing quickly to retire each of the first three batters. With the bats in their hands, they also showed speed to deliver - with Luca Briggs batting Trey Vandergriff in for the first run of the game and Kingston George quickly plating Briggs with a double in the next at-bat. In the first at-bat of...
Tournaments | Story | 10/14/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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‘31 Ryan Spann (GA) obliterates this ball for a solo HR 💣. Ball jumps off barrel & shows the juice and & PS impact. 3x @PGSelectFest alum. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Georgia https://t.co/TgVGPfDRYc — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) October 10, 2026 Ryan Spann (2031, Warner Robins, Ga.) took home MVP honors after a standout weekend and finishing as the number one player on the top performers list. The top player from Georgia and number two player in the country led all performers in home runs (2) and tallied 7 RBIs on his way to a .400 average. The overall profile on Spann is super advanced for the age with electric offensive upside and one of if not the prettiest swing in the class. This will be a fun follow for years to come and I am all in. Carlo Rivero (2031, Apopka, Fla.) checks in as the number one overall player in the class and it’s easy to see why at...
Press Release | Press Release | 10/14/2026

Perfect Game Extends Turtlebox Deal

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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 EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TURTLEBOX AS OFFICIAL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER AND AUDIO PROVIDER   Sanford, Florida (Wednesday, October 14, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Turtlebox has extended its partnership as the Official Bluetooth Speaker and Audio Provider of Perfect Game. The relationship, which began in 2023, expands to include original content, player recognition and a larger presence at Perfect Game's marquee events. At the center of the extension is "Turtlebox Cage Sessions," a new series produced and distributed by Perfect Game across all its social media platforms. The 12 short-form episodes will feature...
Tournaments | Story | 10/13/2026

East Cobb/Padres Explode Late for Jupiter Win

Hannah Jo Groves
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East Cobb/SD Padres ST Explode Late for WWBA Worlds Win A hard-fought, crazy ending resulted in the East Cobb/SD Padres scout team coming back and winning the 2026 PG WWBA World Championship over the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028. The score was 8-7 after the championship was won with a walk-off balk. After going against some of the most talented, highly-ranked players in the country for the past couple days, it was finally time for the championship game at Roger Dean Complex Stadium in Jupiter, FL. The WWBA World Championship, or, as it’s more commonly and lovingly referred to as, “Jupiter,” has become a favorite for all who have been part of its iconic, golf-cart infested, electric atmosphere. This championship game was sure to entertain. The first two innings were scoreless for both teams as they got settled. Both defenses were making plays - SBA/Marlins executed a...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 James Watson (2030, Canton, Ga.) showed the two-way upside to start bracket play for East Cobb Astros 15u. On the mound the right-handed pitcher went three innings and with three strikeouts and spread five hits and two walks for three runs. Watson works from a hybrid windup from the middle-of-the-rubber into a small heel-turn and an around-the-belt leg lift before using drop-and-drive back leg mechanics into a longer, in-line stride down the mound. Showed some feel to get extension down the mound. The hands separate into a moderate arm action before accelerating through from an over-the-top arm angle. The fastball ran up to 86 with arm-side run and life. Paired it with a curveball with 11-5 shape and solid two-plane break. Mixed in a change-up in the upper- 70s with some vertical depth. Competed at the top of the zone well. Athletic...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 Mark Susa (WI) picked up 3 Ks thru 2 inn of work. 4SFB topped at 90 mph early on; 2S lived 85-86 w/ good run & sink down in the zone. Spun a 2600 rpm SLV w/ sharp traits (clip). Got up to 7’1” of extension. 6’4/200lb frame w/ more to come. #IUBase #WWBAWorlds @PG_WiscMinn https://t.co/uXfjVSSSZF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 11, 2026 Mark Susa (2027, Hudson, Wisc.) put together a quality outing on Sunday, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 200-pound left-hander ran his fastball up to 90 mph, pairing it with a two-seamer that lived in the 85-86 mph range with heavy sink and arm-side run. He also showed great feel for spinning and locating his slurvy breaking ball, which read spin up to 2600 rpm. Susa utilizes his length to his advantage, creating...
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘28 Alan Zimmerman (FL) racked up 5 Ks w/ just 1 H allowed thru 3 shutout frames. Lived 89-90 T91 w/ lots of life thru the zone & some ASR. Dropped in a 12/6 breaker for Ks (clip). Projectable 6’3” mold. #Uncommitted @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/KTDFpGK49y — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2026 Alan Zimmerman (2028, Winter Garden, Fla.) was dominant in his start on Saturday, collecting five strikeouts through three shutout innings while allowing just one hit. The uncommitted 6-foot-3 right-hander showed out in front of a lot of scouts, running his fastball up to 91 mph. The heater plays up with lots of life through the zone and short arm-side run. Zimmerman sat comfortably in the 88-90 mph range, pairing his fastball with a late-acting 12/6 curveball that was landed...
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 3

Jheremy Brown
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carson Garzaniti (2029, Jupiter, Fla.) showed the barrel feel all game for West Boynton Cobras. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with his weight shifted forward and in-line feet with a high handset and an even back elbow, utilizes a heel lift weight transfer trigger. Creates some separation in the back shoulder and uncoils the lower half with a short, direct hand path and extension out front from a slightly uphill bat plane. Good bat speed in the swing with some feel to impact. The catcher has shown the barrel accuracy all event with three hits, including a double and triple, to drive in four RBI and has come around to score five runs. Lean, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with feel to generate power working ground up from the back leg. Exciting player that has been swinging a hot stick through pool play.  ...
Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 ‘27 C Joshua Digulio (TX) opened the morning in Cacti Park with a bang. In his first at-bat of the morning, Digulio crushed an 0-2 fastball. The right-handed hitter powered a fly-ball through the Florida morning humidity off the back wall of the left field bullpen for a no-doubt solo shot. Everybody in the stadium knew it was gone as soon as he made contact. The catcher also worked a walk in his only other plate appearance. His home run was the only hit in the game, providing Texas Brigade 2027 a 1-0 win.  ‘27 MIF Xavier Martin (IL) woke up the stadium with an electric swing. The right-handed hitter was sitting dead-red on a 2-0 heater, got it, and torched it. Martin scorched a line drive all the way over the left field bullpen, as the ball cleared a near 20-foot wall and bounced onto the concourse. It was a two-run shot for the...
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