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College  | Story | 1/15/2019

College Top 25: Team Capsules

Patrick Ebert
Photo: Kevin Abel (Oregon State Athletics)




Preseason College Top 25 | Preseason All-American Team | 2019 College Baseball Preview Index

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Prospect number in parenthesis is player's rank in Perfect Game's most recent ranking of the top 300 prospects eligible for the 2019 draft.


1. Louisiana State

Head Coach: Paul Mainieri
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 39-27 (15-15 SEC)
2018 finish: Corvallis Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Antoine Duplantis (.328-2-48), OF Daniel Cabrera (.315-8-54), OF Zach Watson (.308-7-34), IF Brandt Broussard (.260-0-21), 3B Hal Hughes (.221-1-20), SS Josh Smith (.250-2-5)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Ma’Khaill Hilliard (9-5, 3.79 ERA, 76 IP, 70:31), RHP Zack Hess (7-6, 5.05 ERA, 92.2 IP, 107:49), RHP Matthew Beck (4-1, 3.67 ERA, 34.1 IP, 45:23), RHP Todd Peterson (1-3, 4.40 ERA, 47 IP, 38:11), RHP Caleb Gilbert (3-5, 5.58 ERA, 61.1 IP, 42:20), RHP Devin Fontenot (3-1, 618 ERA, 39.1 IP, 44:15), RHP Eric Walker (8-2, 3.48 ERA, 95.2 IP, 78:23*)

*Injured in 2018, stats from 2017

Top newcomers: RHP Landon Marceaux, 2B Drew Bianco, C Saul Garza, DH C.J. Willis, RHP Cole Henry, 1B Cade Beloso

Top 2019 prospects: SS Josh Smith (78), OF Zach Watson (121), RHP Todd Peterson (151), RHP Zack Hess (222), OF Antoine Duplantis, RHP Eric Walker

Why they’re here: Returning talent. During the discussions for the Preseason Top 25 the one topic that was brought up numerous times was the number of returning performers for LSU. While none of the teams considered for No. 1 is without weaknesses, LSU had the best combination of talent and projected roles, from staff ace Zack Hess to closer Todd Peterson to a strong lineup one through nine. Getting Hess and two of their starting outfielders (Antoine Duplantis and Zach Watson) back was especially huge. On top of it all, shortstop Josh Smith is a potential SEC Player of the Year candidate and Eric Walker was a Freshman All-American in 2017, so healthy and productive years from them could really put this team over the top.

Difference maker: Starting outfield. The outfield trio of Dulantis (a senior), Watson (a junior) and sophomore Daniel Cabrera is arguably the best in the nation and represents the top three returning hitters from 2018. They all offer something unique, from Duplantis’ contact abilities at the top of the lineup to Watson’s Gold Glove talents in center field and Cabrera’s impact with a bat in his hand in the middle of the order.

Fun fact: Duplantis is 85 hits away from becoming LSU’s all-time leader, which would pass LSU great and College Baseball Hall of Famer Eddy Furniss. Duplantis has enjoyed an incredibly consistent career hitting .327, .316 and .328 in his three seasons for the Tigers recording 89, 90 and 89 base hits.



2. Oregon State

Head Coach: Pat Bailey (interim)
Conference: Pac-12
2018 record: 55-12-1 (20-9-1 Pac-12)
2018 finish: College World Series Championship

Top returning hitters: OF Joe Casey (.500-0-2), C Adley Rutschman (.408-9-83), C Troy Claunch (.321-2-10), OF/DH Preston Jones (.288-1-12), OF Tyler Malone (.278-8-32), 1B Zak Taylor (.274-2-22), 3B Andy Armstrong (.262-2-20)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Jake Mulholland (2-2, 2.20 ERA, 45 IP, 42:11), LHP Brandon Eisert (5-3, 2.53 ERA, 57 IP, 52:12), RHP Kevin Abel (8-1, 2.88 ERA, 81.1 IP, 108:46), LHP Jordan Britton (2-0, 3.18 ERA, 17 IP, 9:4), RHP Bryce Fehmel (10-1, 3.19 ERA, 113 IP, 64:27), RHP Dylan Pearce (2-0, 3.49 ERA, 28.1 IP, 27:7), LHP Christian Chamberlain (3-0, 3.54 ERA, 40.2 IP, 49:28), RHP Grant Gambrell (5-1, 4.40 ERA, 57.1 IP, 57:29)

Top newcomers: SS Beau Philip, 2B Jake Harvey, RHP Jake Pfennigs, 1B Andrew Walling, IF Jake Dukart, OF Carter Booth, IF Matthew Gretler

Top 2019 prospects: C Adley Rutschman (1), LHP Christian Chamberlain, RHP Grant Gambrell, SS Beau Philip, LHP Jake Mulholland, RHP Mitchell Verburg

Why they’re here: Consistency. Oregon State quite simply is one of the best college baseball programs and they’re out to defend their national championship. They have arguably the best player in the nation in catcher Adley Rutschman and quite possibly the best pitching staff. Losing so many integral pieces on offense, not to mention head coach Pat Casey, was the difference between the Beavers opening the year No. 2 and not No. 1. How several new faces to the everyday lineup adjust – mostly notably Tyler Malone, Preston Jones and Beau Philip – will be key to the team’s success.

Difference maker: Big arms back on campus. Although two-year ace Luke Heimlich is no longer with the program, two of the team’s starting pitchers, Bryce Fehmel and Kevin Abel, are back for the 2019 season. In addition, the bullpen will look almost exactly the same, including closer Jake Mulholland, who saved 16 games in 31 relief appearances. Brandon Eisert, Dylan Pearce and Christian Chamberlain were all frequently turned to, often for more than just one routine inning, pointing to a deep and experienced staff that posted a collective 3.27 ERA a year ago, which was 12th-best in the nation.

Fun fact: Abel was a workhorse in Omaha, making four appearances, two starts and twice out of the bullpen. He picked up the win in each of those games, doubling his season win total while eliminating three opponents: Washington, Mississippi State and ultimately Arkansas to secure the national championship with his 10-strikeout complete game masterpiece.




3. Vanderbilt

Head Coach: Tim Corbin
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 35-27 (16-14 SEC)
2018 finish: Nashville Super Regional

Top returning hitters: C Ty Duvall (.270-3-10), OF JJ Bleday (.368-4-15), 2B Austin Martin (.338-1-19), C/DH Philip Clarke (.294-6-36), OF Pat DeMarco (.277-11-43), OF Stephen Scott (.268-15-41), SS Ethan Paul (.237-10-44), 1B Julian Infante (.193-2-18), 3B Jayson Gonzalez (.225-5-28)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Patrick Raby (5-5, 3.57 ERA, 68 IP, 57:33), RHP Drake Fellows (7-4, 3.92 ERA, 96.1 IP, 107:35), RHP Mason Hickman (8-2, 5.21 ERA, 74.1 IP, 66:30)

Top newcomers: RHP Kumar Rocker, OF Isaiah Thomas, RHP Austin Becker, RHP Ethan Smith, RHP Chance Huff, IF Tate Kolwyck, C Dominic Keegan, 1B/OF John Malcom

Top 2019 prospects: OF J.J. Bleday (71), RHP Drake Fellows (76), C Philip Clarke (99), OF Pat DeMarco (147), SS Ethan Paul, RHP Patrick Raby, 1B Julian Infante

Why they’re here: Welcome back class. It could be a special year for Vanderbilt, as it certainly seems as though the pieces are conveniently coming together for them to have a big year. Getting five seniors back – including weekend starter Patrick Raby and everyday hitters Ethan Paul, Stephen Scott and Julian Infante –  was huge for the Commodores, and their top prospect, JJ Bleday, is healthy heading into 2019 after missing significant time last year with a severely strained oblique. The team’s sophomore class already appears to be special, and the incoming freshmen, headlined by big-bodied flamerthrower Kumar Rocker, offers the next wave of impact talent.

Difference maker: The sophomores. While the returning seniors offer reason for elevated optimism, it’s the development of a group of players that performed at a high level a year ago as freshmen that really will determine Vanderbilt’s ultimate success. Austin Martin, Philip Clarke, Pat DeMarco and Jayson Gonzalez all received significant playing time in the everyday lineup while Mason Hickman went 8-2 serving as the team’s Sunday starter with a few gems sprinkled in.

Fun fact: Each of the past two seasons Vanderbilt has eliminated Clemson, at Clemson, in Regional play. They have also beat St. John’s as part of the Regional round during that time and have now advanced to at least Super Regional play seven times in the last nine years, which includes three trips to the College World Series with a national championship (2014) and a runner-up finish (2015).



4. UCLA

Head Coach: John Savage
Conference: Pac-12
2018 record: 38-21 (19-11 Pac-12)
2018 finish: Minneapolis Regional

Top returning hitters: 2B Chase Strumpf (.363-12-53), OF Jeremy Ydens (.350-6-38), 1B Michael Toglia (.336-11-58), 1B/DH Jack Stronach (.281-1-27), OF Garrett Mitchell (.280-0-31), IF Jake Hirabayashi (280-2-15), SS Kevin Kendall (.278-3-20), OF Jake Pries (.274-1-18), 3B Ryan Kreidler (.222-3-34)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Garrett Barker (0-1, 1.13 ERA, 24 IP, 20:16), RHP Kyle Mora (6-3, 1.89 ERA, 52.1 IP, 41:12), RHP Ryan Garcia (8-1, 2.23 ERA, 76.2 IP, 76:23), RHP Zach Pettway (8-4, 3.35 ERA, 96.2 IP, 78:19), RHP Holden Powell (2-1, 3.51 ERA, 33.1 IP, 22:8), LHP Nick Scheidler (1-1, 3.97 ERA, 34 IP, 32:18)

Top newcomers: IF/OF Matt McLain, C Noah Cardenas, RHP Nick Nastrini, IF JT Schwartz, IF Michael Perez, IF Jake Moberg, RHP Jesse Bergin

Top 2019 prospects: 1B Michael Toglia (31), 2B Chase Strumpf (66), RHP Ryan Garcia (124), OF Jeremy Ydens, LHP Justin Hooper, RHP Kyle Mora

Why they’re here: It’s time to click. UCLA appears ready to take another step forward after finishing 2018 with a 38-21 record and a No. 2 Regional seed. While the pitching was strong, as it always is under head coach John Savage, the offense had plenty of firepower as well, led by right-side infielders Chase Strumpf and Michael Toglia, in addition to outfielder Jeremy Ydens. That trio is back to lead a deep lineup, bolstered by another strong recruiting class. Projected staff ace Ryan Garcia, who is coming off of a strong sophomore season and an even stronger summer on the Cape, is poised for a big junior year and Zach Pettway gives the team a solid No. 2 starter. Getting towering lefthander Justin Hooper, who missed all of the 2018 season after having Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2017, back into the fold would be a huge bonus.

Difference maker: Starting infield. Joining Strumpf and Toglia on the UCLA infield are shortstop Ryan Kreidler and third baseman Kevin Kendall. In addition to Strumpf’s and Toglia’s offensive talents, this group combined to commit only 25 errors last season and as a whole UCLA finished third in the nation in fielding percentage (.982). That certainly aided their pitching staff, which finished sixth in team ERA (3.08).

Fun fact:UCLA scored 409 runs in 2018, the most since their CWS runner-up season in 2010 (469). Strumpf and Toglia became the first UCLA teammates with 50 or more RBI since 2008 (Brandon Crawford and Casey Haerther).




5. Texas Tech

Head Coach: Tim Tadlock
Conference: Big 12
2018 record: 45-20 (15-9 Big 12)
2018 finish: College World Series

Top returning hitters: 3B Josh Jung (.392-12-80), OF Gabe Holt (.348-6-44), 1B Cameron Warren (.326-10-53), 2B Brian Klein (.317-4-34), OF Cody Masters (.258-0-14)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Caleb Kilian (9-3, 3.24 ERA, 72.1 IP, 63:28), RHP John McMillon (5-3, 4.02 ERA, 62.2 IP, 73:47), RHP Connor Queen (1-0, 4.20 ERA, 30 IP, 11:17), RHP Caleb Freeman (1-0, 5.18 ERA, 33 IP, 31:18), LHP Erikson Lanning* (3-1, 3.12 ERA, 40.1 IP, 18:17)

*Missed most of 2018 due to injury, stats from 2017

Top newcomers: SS Dylan Neuse, OF Max Marusak, RHP Bryce Bonnin, C Cole Stilwell, C Mason Minzey, SS Dru Baker

Top 2019 prospects: 3B Josh Jung (22), RHP John McMillon (200), RHP Caleb Kilian (226), OF Gabe Holt (231), 

Why they’re here: Big arms, bats. The Red Raiders are going to be fun to watch this year, and while they did lose quite a few pieces to the draft, they did an excellent job quickly re-tooling their roster. That isn’t to mean they aren’t getting key contributors back, as their notable returners are highlighted by third baseman Josh Jung, who followed up a huge Freshman All-American season with national All-American campaign and a trip to Omaha. Gabe Holt hopes to follow in his footsteps after a Freshman All-American campaign of his own, while Cameron Warren and Brian Klein create further stability on the infield, and in the starting lineup. Caleb Kilian and John McMillon as expected to form a productive 1-2 punch at the top  of the weekend rotation and overall Texas Tech should have no shortage of high-octane arms to throw at their opponents.

Difference maker: Josh Jung. It’s hard not to get excited about Jung after he slashed .392/.491/.639 with 12 homers and 80 RBI in 2018, and many believe he will be even better in 2019. He walked (39) more times than he struck out (32) and showed an advanced ability to wait back on pitches and drive them to the opposite field. He also more than holds his own at the hot corner and could be a premium pick in this year’s draft as a result.

Fun fact: Eleven members from the 2018 CWS roster were drafted last June, and all but one of them (Kilian) signed.




6. North Carolina

Head Coach: Mike Fox
Conference: ACC
2018 record: 44-20 (22-8 ACC)
2018 finish: College World Series

Top returning hitters: 1B/OF Michael Busch (.317-13-63), 3B Ben Casparius (.316-0-15), SS Ike Freeman (.305-3-51), OF Ashton McGee (.257-2-28), C Brandon Martorano (.246-9-36)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Caden O’Brien (7-0, 2.63 ERA, 48 IP, 52:27), RHP Gianluca Dalatri (2-2, 3.33 ERA, 27 IP, 31:7), RHP Joey Lancellotti (3-3, 3.96 ERA, 38.2 IP, 43:18), RHP Austin Bergner (7-3, 4.25 ERA, 82.2 IP, 84:34), RHP Tyler Baum (4-1, 4.57 ERA, 65 IP, 74:32)

Top newcomers: 1B Aaron Sabato, OF Dylan Harris, 2B Danny Serretti, OF Austin Elliott, RHP Stephen Pelli

Top 2019 prospects: 1B Michael Busch (26), RHP Austin Bergner (82), RHP Luca Dalatri (108), C Brandon Martorano (158), RHP Joey Lancellotti (206), RHP Tyler Baum (245), OF Ashton McGee, SS Ike Freeman

Why they’re here: Strong junior class. UNC’s 2016-17 recruiting class was one of, if not the best in the nation, and not surprisingly much of their projected success this coming season is tied to the players that came on board that year. Michael Busch is poised for a huge year after his breakout sophomore season, projected to start the season in left field after manning first base in 2018. Busch will be joined in the everyday lineup by fellow juniors Ike Freeman at shortstop, outfielder Ashton McGee and catcher Brandon Martorano. Much is the same with the pitching staff, as the weekend trio of Gianluca Dalatri, Austin Bergner and Tyler Baum is one of the more experienced in the nation, with a combined 31-11 record and 3.57 ERA in two seasons with the Tar Heels.

Difference maker: Sophomore arms. A big reason North Carolina was able to advance to Omaha was due to the success of two of their freshman hurlers: righthander Joey Lancellotti and lefthander Caden O’Brien. The roles of both are sure to expand this coming season, with O’Brien likely to take on a swing role and Lancellotti taking over at closer, where his power arsenal will serve him well.

Fun fact: With 1,385, Mike Fox has the second-most wins of any Division I head coach in the nation behind Mike Martin, who will be coaching his last season in 2019. LSU skipper Paul Mainieri is right behind Fox with 1,376 wins.




7. Stanford

Head Coach: Dave Esquer
Conference: Pac-12
2018 record: 46-12 (22-8 Pac-12)
2018 finish: Stanford Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Brandon Wulff (.303-4-20), 3B Tim Tawa (.296-7-41), DH/RHP Will Matthiessen (.293-7-23), 1B Andrew Daschbach (.287-17-63), OF Kyle Stowers (.286-10-42), OF Alec Wilson (.272-1-15), OF Christian Robinson (.250-0-17), C Maverick Handley (.229-2-23)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Jack Little (3-0, 0.60 ERA, 45.1 IP, 58:8), LHP Jacob Palisch (4-1, 1.72 ERA, 47 IP, 36:12), RHP/DH Will Matthiessen (2-1, 2.00 ERA, 18 IP, 17:11), RHP Brendan Beck (8-0, 2.43 ERA, 66.2 IP, 38:12), RHP Zach Grech (3-0, 2.65 ERA, 34 IP, 22:11), LHP Austin Weiermiller (5-1, 3.29 ERA, 38.1 IP, 27:15), LHP Erik Miller (4-4, 4.07 ERA, 48.2 IP, 52:23)

Top newcomers: SS/RHP Brandon Dieter, OF Grant Burton, RHP Alex Williams, 3B Justin Moore, RHP Cody Jensen, SS Austin Kretzschmar

Top 2019 prospects: OF Kyle Stowers (56), LHP Erik Miller (63), 1B Andrew Daschbach (116), C Maverick Handley (228), RHP Jack Little (234)

Why they’re here: Loud lineup. Usually when you think of Stanford you think pitching and defense, and while both of those aspects should still be strong for the Cardinal, it’s the starting lineup that is expected to make the biggest statement in Palo Alto this year. First baseman Andrew Daschbach and outfielder Kyle Stowers provide a great deal of power, hitting 17 and 10 home runs, respectively, a year ago while finishing first and second on the team in RBI. Outfielder Brandon Wulff provides a third power bat, as does two-way presence Will Matthiessen, and Tim Tawa is one of the more exciting players on the West Coast. Second baseman Duke Kinamon and catcher Maverick Handley are among the best at their positions defensively giving Stanford one of the more well-rounded position player groups.

Difference maker: Back end of the bullpen. Stanford didn’t lose a lot of players, but the ones they did lose were significant, including starting pitchers Kris Bubic and Tristan Beck. One constant this year will be closer Jack Little and setup man Jacob Palisch, a right-left, 1-2 punch that was the best in the business a year ago. Little saved 16 games in 25 appearances, often toeing the rubber for more than just one standard inning while posting a teeny-tiny 0.60 ERA. Palisch was similarly effective, with a 1.72 ERA over 26 relief appearances and four saves of his own.

Fun fact: Stanford posted a 2.83 team ERA in 2018, second-best in the nation. Only Stetson (2.66) had a lower mark.




8. Louisville

Head Coach: Dan McDonnell
Conference: ACC
2018 record: 45-19 (18-12 ACC)
2018 finish: Lubbock Regional

Top returning hitters: 1B Logan Wyatt (.339-6-69), DH Danny Oriente (.331-1-41), CF Drew Campbell (.313-2-31), 2B Lucas Dunn (.303-2-11), OF Jake Snider (.300-2-32), OF Ethan Stringer (.276-3-18), SS Tyler Fitzgerald (.264-3-24), 3B Justin Lavey (.248-3-33), OF Zach Britton (.239-2-20)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Nick Bennett (8-2, 2.84 ERA, 73 IP, 72:27), RHP Bryan Hoeing (7-2, 2.88 ERA, 68.2 IP, 51:25), RHP Shay Smiddy (5-1, 2.96 ERA, 45.2 IP, 56:25), RHP Bobby Miller (6-1, 2.97 ERA, 66.2 IP, 55:21), LHP Reid Detmers (4-2, 4.85 ERA, 55.2 IP, 69:34), RHP Michael McAvene (0-1, 5.23 ERA, 10.1 IP, 15:7)

Top newcomers: IF/RHP Jared Poland, LHP Carter Lohman, RHP Jack Perkins, RHP Kerry Wright, 3B Alex Binelas, C Henry Davis

Top 2019 prospects: LHP Nick Bennett (39), 1B Logan Wyatt (55), SS Tyler Fitzgerald (93), RHP Michael McAvene (166), RHP Bryan Hoeing (280)

Why they’re here: Experienced lineup. Six of the nine projected starting regulars are juniors, with a senior and two sophomores sprinkled in, led by all-ACC first baseman and Preseason All-American Logan Wyatt. Wyatt is one of the nation’s premier run producers, driving in 69 a year ago behind 29 extra-base hits, 22 of which were doubles while nearly walking twice as much as he struck out (63 to 37). The rest of the infield looks strong as second baseman Lucas Dunn, shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald and third baseman Justin Lavey are all expected to take another step forward while mentoring the next wave of talent with a very strong freshman class waiting patiently to make their mark.

Difference maker: Hardwood hurlers. Louisville always recruits big-bodied strike throwers to make up the pitching staff, as this year’s collection of pitchers would look just at home playing for Louisville’s basketball program. It starts with 6-foot-4, 210-pound lefthander Nick Bennett and continues with fellow lefty Reid Detmers (6-2, 210) and righthanders Bryan Hoeing (6-6, 225), Bobby Miller (6-5, 220) and Michael McAvene (6-4, 200). That starting five-some combined for nearly half of Louisville’s innings on the mound a year ago.

Fun fact: No program has more wins (554) than Louisville during head coach Dan McDonnell’s time at the helm beginning in 2007. That success includes four trips (2007, 2013, 20014, 2017) to the College World Series and a record of 88-31 in four seasons playing in the ACC.



9. Florida

Head Coach: Kevin O’Sullivan
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 49-21 (20-10 SEC)
2018 finish: College World Series

Top returning hitters: OF Austin Langworthy (.290-4-29), DH Nelson Maldonado (.273-9-44), C Brady Smith (.264-2-15), OF Wil Dalton (.262-19-60), 2B Blake Reese (.253-5-43), SS Brady McConnell (.136-1-2)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Jordan Butler (6-2, 4.10 ERA, 52.2 IP, 60:26), RHP Tommy Mace (5-0, 4.16 ERA, 62.2 IP, 45:12), RHP Jack Leftwich (5-5, 4.20 ERA, 81.1 IP, 84:26), RHP Tyler Dyson (5-3, 4.47 ERA, 50.1 IP, 51:28), RHP Hunter McMullen (0-0, 4.76 ERA, 22.2 IP, 17:14)

Top newcomers: OF Jud Fabian, 3B Cory Acton, RHP Nolan Crisp, 1B Kendrick Calilao, RHP Nick Pogue, RHP Christian Scott

Top 2019 prospects: RHP Tyler Dyson (15), OF Wil Dalton (161), OF Austin Langworthy (257), SS Brady McConnell, OF Nelson Maldonado

Why they’re here: The next wave of talent. It’s easy to point to the players that are no longer with the program, but few, if any, teams recruit as well as the Gators do from year-to-year, meaning there’s a seemingly endless stream of talent. The next group of pitchers ready to assume larger roles may not be household names like Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar, but Tyler Dyson, Jack Leftwich and Tommy Mace all throw gas just the same. Jordan Butler, Hunter Ruth and Hunter McMullen will also provide valuable innings out of the bullpen and in swing roles, with Butler adding the extra element of serving in a two-way role after hitting .308 and posting a 4.10 ERA as a freshman.

Difference maker: Middle-of-the-order bats. While it’s the Florida pitchers that usually get the most attention, the Gators middle of the order will have quite a few familiar and productive faces. Preseason All-American Wil Dalton had a huge sophomore season, leading the team in homers (19) and RBI (60). Langworthy and Maldonado are more of the pure hitting variety of bats, with the lefthanded hitting Langworthy likely being sandwiched in the cleanup role by the righthanded hitting Maldonado and Dalton.

Fun fact: The Gators have not one but two players on their 2019 roster that enrolled early to school: outfielder Jud Fabian and righthanded pitcher Nolan Crisp. Fabian in particular could stand out, projected to open the year in center field while contributing at a high level on offense.



10. Mississippi

Head Coach: Mike Bianco
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 48-17 (18-12 SEC)
2018 finish: Oxford Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Ryan Olenek (.350-3-29), DH/OF Chase Cockrell (.317-9-38), OF Thomas Dillard (.310-13-59), 3B Tyler Keenan (.301-9-38), SS Grae Kessinger (.300-8-37), 1B Cole Zabowski (.300-8-37), C Cooper Johnson (.235-2-11), 2B Anthony Servideo (.226-1-7)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Parker Caracci (5-2, 2.25 ERA, 48 IP, 73:14), LHP Jordan Fowler (7-0, 3.20 ERA, 45 IP, 34:18), RHP Greer Holston (2-1, 3.27 ERA, 33 IP, 35:9), RHP Will Ethridge (3-1, 3.91 ERA, 50.2 IP, 53:14), RHP Houston Roth (5-1, 4.44 ERA, 52.2 IP, 68:25)

Top newcomers: RHP Gunnar Hoglund, LHP Zack Phillips, LHP Doug Nikhazy, LHP Kaleb Hill, RHP Tyler Myers, RHP Taylor Broadway

Top 2019 prospects: RHP Will Ethridge (57), SS Grae Kessinger (101), RHP Parker Caracci (129), C Cooper Johnson (209), OF Thomas Dillard (292), RHP Greer Holston, OF Ryan Olenek, RHP Houston Roth, 1B Cole Zabowski

Why they’re here: Potent offense. Eight of the nine projected starters in the everyday lineup received regular playing time in 2018. Getting outfielder Ryan Olenek back was huge as the now-senior has been an integral part of the offense the past three years. Fellow outfielder Thomas Dillard, third baseman Tyler Keenan, designated hitter Chase Cockrell, shortstop Grae Kessinger and first baseman Cole Zabowski all hit .300 or better last year with 47 homers hit between the quintet for a squad that claimed the SEC Tournament championship.

Difference maker: Physical, power arms. Similar to the big-bodied, power bats in the middle of Ole Miss’ lineup, the pitching staff is similarly constructed. Although Will Ethridge didn’t make a start a year ago out of his 26 appearances, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound righthander has more than enough size to maintain his mid-90s heat deep into games. Houston Roth (6-3, 225), Greer Holston (6-4, 230) and Jordan Fowler (6-4, 180) follow suit, as does freshman Gunnar Hoglund (6-4, 220), one of the highest unsigned picks from last June’s draft who is expected to make an immediate impact for the Rebels.

Fun fact: Closer Parker Caracci didn’t make the team for two years in a row opening his collegiate career at Ole Miss. However, he performed at a high level during the summers of 2016 and 2017 leading up to his breakout 2018 season. Between three summers and last spring the Preseason All-American has an 18-3 record with a 1.28 ERA and 24 saves spanning 119 1/3 innings.




11. East Carolina

Head Coach: Cliff Godwin
Conference: American Athletic
2018 record: 44-18 (14-10 American)
2018 finish: Greenville Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Bryant Packard (.406-14-50), 2B Brady Lloyd (.322-2-25), 1B Spencer Brickhouse (.298-10-50), C Jake Washer (.287-6-40), OF Bryson Worrell (.256-1-10), LHP/DH Alec Burleson (.252-0-18), SS Turner Brown (.230-4-28), OF Chandler Jenkins (.219-2-15), 3B Nick Barber (.210-0-7)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Gavin Williams (0-0, 1.15 ERA, 15.2 IP, 9:7), RHP Tyler Smith (7-1, 1.78 ERA, 60.2 IP, 34:12), RHP Trey Benton (4-5, 3.13 ERA, 69 IP, 68:13), LHP/DH Alec Burleson (5-2, 3.33 ERA, 54 IP, 49:16), LHP Jake Agnos (4-4, 4.10 ERA, 63.2 IP, 86:38)

Top newcomers: RHP Carter Spivey, 3B Thomas Francisco, OF Christian Smallwood, OF Christian Jayne

Top 2019 prospects: OF Bryant Packard (74), 1B Spencer Brickhouse (112), LHP Jake Agnos (192), RHP Trey Benton (212), RHP Tyler Smith

Why they’re here: Roster balance. No team in the American has the kind of balance East Carolina does for the 2019 season. It starts with their two impact hitters, outfielder Bryant Packard and first baseman Spencer Brickhouse, a pair of hitters that each drove in 50 and combined for 24 homers a year go. They’re strong up the middle on defense with enough team speed to make a difference on the basepaths. Additionally, ECU’s projected weekend rotation of Alec Burleson, Tyler Smith and Jake Agnos all have starting experience, combining to go 17-6 a year ago, with Trey Benton taking over the closer’s role and live-armed sophomore righthander Gavin Williams serving an important swing role.

Difference maker: Packard and Brickhouse. ECU’s sluggers are the American Athletic Conference’s version of the Bash Brothers, similar to Wichita State’s Alec Bohm and Greyson Jenista a year ago. Packard is an All-American heading into the season after batting .406 (sixth-best in the nation) during his sophomore season in 2018, praised for his disciplined approach at the plate. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Brickhouse is more about sheer power thanks to his strength-based profile, and he too shows a more advanced approach after walking (33) almost as much as he struck out (34).

Fun fact: In addition to their challenging conference schedule, East Carolina will face several Top 25 teams as part of their non-conference slate including a three-game series at UCLA and mid-week contests against North Carolina, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.




12. Baylor

Head Coach: Steve Rodriguez
Conference: Big 12
2018 record: 37-21 (13-11 Big 12)
2018 finish: Stanford Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Richard Cunningham (.342-9-38), 1B Andy Thomas, DH TJ Raguse (.324-1-19), 3B Davis Wendzel (.310-8-49), SS Nick Loftin (.306-6-36), OF Davion Downey (.274-4-33), 2B Josh Bissonette (.269-7-39), OF Cole Haring (.255-7-32), C Shea Langeliers (.252-11-44)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Jimmy Winston (2-0, 2.25 ERA, 20 IP, 12:9), LHP Cody Bradford (7-6, 2.51 ERA, 96.2 IP, 87:26), RHP Kyle Hill (4-1, 2.62 ERA, 55 IP, 47:32), LHP Tyler Thomas (3-3, 3.38 ERA, 53.1 IP, 59:55), RHP Hayden Kettler (8-4, 3.81 ERA, 87.1 IP, 56:36), LHP Ryan Lekich (3-2, 5.62 ERA, 32 IP, 28:13)

Top newcomers: RHP Anderson Needham, SS Ricky Martinez, RHP Logan Freeman, RHP Ryan Segner, RHP Brooks Helmer, RHP Branson Wilson

Top 2019 prospects: C Shea Langeliers (9), 3B Davis Wendzel (176), LHP Cody Bradford (179), 2B Josh Bissonette

Why they’re here: Consistency. No team in the nation is returning as many starters as Baylor, with all nine regulars in the starting lineup and all three weekend starters coming back for the 2019 season. This is especially significant considering the team finished second in the conference in team batting average (.287) and first in team ERA (3.24). Six of those regulars hit over .300 and six of them had at least six dingers, led by Second Team Preseason All-American catcher Shea Langeliers, who hit 11 home runs. Cody Bradford is the team’s staff ace as he, Saturday starter Hayden Kettler and Sunday starter Tyler Thomas combined to throw nearly half of the team’s innings (237.1 out of 510.2).

Difference maker: Wendzel and Bradford.  If it weren’t for the presence of Texas Tech’s Josh Jung, Davis Wendzel would be an easy choice for the Big 12’s All-Conference third baseman. He has now enjoyed remarkably similar seasons during his first two years, slashing .306/.432/.531 with 16 combined home runs and 79 RBI. With the team’s biggest source of power, Shea Langeliers, hitting just behind him, Wendzel should enjoy another strong season. Starting with a pair of back-to-back complete game shutouts against TCU and Kansas State, Cody Bradford was dominant down the stretch, winning four of his last five contests leading up to the postseason.

Fun fact: Baylor won 22 of their last 25 games leading up to the postseason, which included their first-ever Big 12 Tournament championship in program history.



13. Arkansas

Head Coach: Dave Van Horn
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 48-21 (18-12 SEC)
2018 finish: College World Series Runner-up

Top returning hitters: SS Casey Martin (.345-13-49), OF Heston Kjerstad (.332-14-58), OF Dominic Fletcher (.288-10-49), 1B Jordan McFarland (.299-3-15), 3B Jack Kenley (.222-0-10), C Casey Opitz (.222-0-5)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Kevin Kopps (3-1, 3.31 ERA, 49 IP, 40:18*), RHP Isaiah Campbell (5-7, 4.26 ERA, 69.2 IP, 75:29), LHP Matt Cronin (2-2, 3.54 ERA, 48.1 IP, 59:14), RHP Kole Ramage (1-1, 4.00 ERA, 36 IP, 50:16), RHP Cody Scroggins (0-0, 4.60 ERA, 15.2 IP, 18:12), RHP Jacob Kostyshock (0-0, 6.43 ERA, 14 IP, 10:8)

*Injured in 2018, stats from 2017

Top newcomers: 2B Trevor Ezell, LHP Patrick Wicklander, OF/DH Matt Goodheart, OF Christian Franklin

Top 2019 prospects: OF Dominic Fletcher (28), LHP Matt Cronin (46), RHP Isaiah Campbell (174), RHP Jacob Kostyshock (180), 1B Jordan McFarland

Why they’re here: Sensational sophomores. The Razorbacks of course were one out away from winning the 2018 national championship before an unlikely turn of events during Game 2 of the CWS Finals. While many of the players from last year’s squad have advanced to pro ball, now-sophomores Casey Martin and Heston Kjerstad, are back to help lead what should continue to be a dangerous offense. Martin (.345) and Kjerstad (.332) led the team in hitting, and were also among the leaders in home runs and RBI.

Difference maker: Junior class. For as good as Martin and Kjerstad are, Arkansas will need their returning upperclassmen to enjoy big seasons to help carry this team through the always-difficult SEC schedule. Outfielder Dominic Fletcher impacts the game with both his bat and his glove in center field, while Isaiah Campbell has the stuff to serve as the staff ace but with mixed results. Closer Matt Cronin brings some serious heat from the left side while first baseman Jordan McFarland is poised to have a breakout season with regular playing time. Projected Saturday starter Kevin Kopps is expected to return after missing all of last year due to injury and tall, lanky righty Jacob Kostyshock has the stuff to succeed in a swing role.

Fun fact: Head coach Dave Van Horn has led the Razorbacks to the College World Series five times (2004, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018) during his 16 years at Arkansas.




14. Florida State

Head Coach: Mike Martin
Conference: ACC
2018 record: 43-19 (16-13 ACC)
2018 finish: Tallahassee Regional

Top returning hitters: 3B Drew Mendoza (.313-7-44), OF Reese Albert (.268-7-34), IF Cooper Swanson (.255-2-4), 2B Mike Salvatore (.244-1-27), OF JC Flowers (.218-0-14)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Drew Parrish (5-1, 2.52 ERA, 107 IP, 128:37), RHP CJ Van Eyk (7-0, 2.86 ERA, 56.2 IP, 71:30), LHP Clayton Kwiatkowski (4-1, 3.18 ERA, 45.1 IP, 49:21), LHP Jonah Scolaro (2-1, 3.43 ERA, 44.2 IP, 60:18), RHP Conor Grady (4-3, 4.34 ERA, 29 IP, 33:21), LHP Austin Pollock (4-4, 5.28 ERA, 61.1 IP, 49:31), RHP Tyler Ahearn (1-0, 5.50 ERA, 18 IP, 13:18)

Top newcomers: SS Nander De Sedas, C Matheu Nelson, OF Elijah Cabell, 1B Nico Baldor, OF/DH Robby Martin

Top 2019 prospects: 3B Drew Mendoza (45), LHP Drew Parrish (143), OF/RHP JC Flowers (294), LHP Clayton Kwiatkowski

Why they’re here: Starting 1-2 punch. Preseason First Team All-American Drew Parrish performed admirably as a sophomore, especially considering he entered the year as the team’s projected Sunday starter and finished as the staff ace. He tossed 107 innings spanning 16 starts, with an impressive 128-to-37 strikeout-to-walk ratio while masterfully changing speeds. Van Eyk was just as impressive as a freshman, going 7-0 with a 2.86 ERA, starting the year out of the bullpen and finishing it in the weekend rotation. The back end of the bullpen should also be strong with Clayton Kwiatkowski and Conor Grady getting plenty of opportunities to bridge the gap to closer Jonah Scolaro.

Difference maker: Fab freshmen. Outside of Drew Mendoza – who could have a monster junior year after slugging 17 homers with 77 RBI over his first two seasons – the everyday lineup is going to look a lot different in 2019. Freshmen Nander De Sedas, catcher Matheu Nelson, outfielder Elijah Cabell and outfielder/designated hitter Robby Martin will enter the year as projected starters and arrive on campus with significant accolades for FSU’s fourth-ranked recruiting class. Like Mendoza, all four players can really swing the bat even if some (or even all) of them don’t hit the ground running.

Fun fact: The 2019 season will be Mike Martin’s last as skipper for Florida State.  He enters the year with 1,987 wins, the most ever in the history of college baseball, passing the late Augie Garrido for the all-time mark in early May.




15. Auburn

Head Coach: Butch Thompson
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 43-23 (15-15 SEC)
2018 finish: Gainesville Super Regional

Top returning hitters: SS Will Holland (.313-12-52), OF Steven Williams (.291-12-51), 3B/DH Edouard Julien (.275-17-69), 1B/DH Conor Davis (.268-2-34), OF Judd Ward (.250-0-8)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Cody Greenhill (6-3, 2.30 ERA, 58.2 IP, 55:19), RHP Tanner Burns (7-4, 3.01 ERA, 86.2 IP, 77:37), LHP Elliott Anderson (5-0, 3.64 ERA, 29.2 IP, 32:15), RHP Davis Daniel (3-4, 4.86 ERA, 66.2 IP, 70:32), LHP Jack Owen (2-2, 5.97 ERA, 34.2 IP, 35:16)

Top newcomers: 2B Ryan Bliss, LHP Garrett Wade, C Matt Scheffler, 1B Rankin Woley, OF Kason Howell, RHP Richard Fitts

Top 2019 prospects: SS Will Holland (12), RHP Davis Daniel (203)

Why they’re here: Star power. Similar to Auburn’s ace a year ago, Casey Mize, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, this year’s roster will have no shortage of star players. Shortstop Will Holland is ready to make a bigger name for himself, coming off of a big sophomore campaign with exciting five-tool talents. Live-armed righthander Davis Daniel passed on the opportunity to go pro to return for his junior year of eligibility. Projected staff ace Tanner Burns, closer Cody Greenhill, outfielder Steven Williams and third baseman/designated hitter Edouard Julien were all Freshmen All-Americans that made significant contributions.

Difference maker: Greenhill. Much of Auburn’s success from 2018 can be attributed to the dominance of their bullpen, with Calvin Coker (now a member of the A’s franchise) standing out during the first half of the season and Greenhill really flourishing during the second half. What made Greenhill especially valuable was the fact that he usually threw multiple innings, averaging nearly three innings per appearance, making him that much more valuable of an asset coming in to secure victories like a closer of old.

Fun fact: It was Burns, not Mize, that was stronger down the stretch in 2018, pitching Auburn to wins over LSU (this year’s preseason No. 1 team) to close out the regular season, Ole Miss (the eventual SEC Tournament champion) in the SEC Tournament, Northeastern in Regional play and Florida (the postseason No. 1 seed) in the Super Regionals.



16. Texas Christian

Head Coach: Jim Schlossnagle
Conference: Big 12
2018 record: 33-23 (10-13 Big 12)
2018 finish: Did not play in postseason

Top returning hitters: OF Josh Watson (.305-8-32), OF Johnny Rizer (.231-3-13), 3B/SS Adam Oviedo (.228-0-25), C Zach Humphreys (.225-0-27), 3B Conner Shepherd (.208-7-26)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Cal Coughlin (2-2, 1.44 ERA, 31.1 IP, 22:8), LHP Augie Mihlbauer (1-1, 1.59 ERA, 22.2 IP, 29:16), RHP Jared Janczak (1-1, 3.00 ERA, 42 IP, 41:12), RHP Charles King (2-2, 3.12 ERA, 40.1 IP, 30:13), RHP Jake Eissler (5-1, 3.24 ERA, 41.2 IP, 58:5), LHP Haylen Green (2-2, 4.29 ERA, 42 IP, 41:19), LHP Nick Lodolo (7-4, 4.32 ERA, 77 IP, 93:28), RHP Caleb Sloan (3-0, 4.60 ERA, 31.1 IP, 27:17)

Top newcomers: SS Hunter Wolfe, LHP Brandon Williamson, 2B Austin Henry, 1B Jake Guenther, OF Andrew Keefer, C/DH Alex Isola, RHP Marcelo Perez

Top 2019 prospects: LHP Nick Lodolo (18), RHP Jared Janczak (240), LHP Brandon Williamson (261), RHP Charles King (291), SS Hunter Wolfe, RHP Jake Eissler, RHP Cal Caoughlin, OF Josh Watson

Why they’re here: Ready to bounceback. Last year’s disappointing season was unexpected as TCU entered the year ranked third and looked prepared to return to Omaha for a fifth straight season. Getting three-year weekend starter Jared Janczak back healthy will be key to pick up in 2019 where they left of in 2017, as he and talented lefthander Nick Lodolo will front the rotation. The team boasts its usual depth of arms with Jake Eissler, Cal Coughlin, Charles King, Caleb Sloan and Augie Mihlbauer all poised to throw meaningful innings after combining for 84 appearances, mostly out of the bullpen. Senior outfielder Josh Watson has also returned to lead an offense hoping to get increased production out of fellow outfielder Johnny Rizer, infielder Adam Oviedo and catcher Zach Humphreys.

Difference maker: Juco injection. It isn’t uncommon for TCU to mine the junior college ranks harder than most, but this year’s group of newcomers is much bigger than usual. Nearly half of the everyday lineup could be represented by juco transfers, a group highlighted by shortstop Hunter Wolfe, who hit a video game-esque .419-9-66 last year with 41 stolen bases. Lefthander Brandon Williamson is the headline pitcher of this group, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound lefthander who can work in the low- to mid-90s and is expected to follow Lodolo and Janczak in the weekend rotation.

Fun fact: Pitching wasn’t the problem for TCU in 2018, finishing second in the Big 12 with a 3.45 ERA. They return nearly two-thirds (329.2 out of 503 innings) of the production from last year’s staff.




17. Mississippi State

Head Coach: Chris Lemonis
Conference:SEC
2018 record: 39-29 (15-15 SEC)
2018 finish: College World Series

Top returning hitters: OF Jake Mangum (.351-3-33), OF Rowdey Jordan (.321-7-37), OF Elijah MacNamee (.309-8-42), 1B/2B Tanner Allen (.287-5-45), 1B Josh Hatcher (.259-3-16), SS Jordan Westburg (.248-2-30), 3B Justin Foscue (.241-3-20), C Dustin Skelton (.238-1-13)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Spencer Price (4-1, 2.91 ERA, 34 IP, 40:19*), LHP Ethan Small (5-4, 3.20 ERA, 101.1 IP, 122:33), RHP Riley Self (5-0, 3.51 ERA, 25.2 IP, 20:12), RHP Peyton Plumlee (6-1, 4.01 ERA, 74 IP, 54:31^), RHP Cole Gordon (4-3, 4.26 ERA, 61.1 IP, 68:32), RHP Keegan James (1-2, 4.34 ERA, 47.2 IP, 45:19), RHP Denver McQuarry (2-2, 5.54 ERA, 39 IP, 31:26)

*Injured in 2018, stats from 2017
^Suspended in 2018, stats from 2017

Top newcomers: RHP/IF JT Ginn, C Hayden Jones, LHP Christian MacLeod, 2B Gunner Halter, 1B/DH Landon Jordan, RHP/IF Brandon Smith

Top 2019 prospects: OF Jake Mangum (207), LHP Ethan Small (263), RHP Keegan James, RHP Spencer Price, RHP Riley Self, C Dustin Skelton

Why they’re here: Going bananas in Starkville. Mississippi State’s season took quite a few turns in 2018, a season that ended with them advancing to the Final Four in Omaha. Much of the headlining talent is back for this year, including seven of nine starting regulars in the everyday lineup. The pitching staff looks to just as strong, as staff ace Ethan Small is one of the favorites for SEC Pitcher of the Year honors heading into the season after fanning 122 batters in just over 100 innings of work as a sophomore. Getting closer Spencer Price back healthy is key to team up with Riley Self at the back end of games, and freshman JT Ginn, the 30th overall pick from the 2018 draft, looked very strong in the fall and could make a loud, immediate impact.

Difference maker: Jake Mangum. Mangum is one of those players who personifies the program he plays for, a team captain who opted to return for his senior year rather than begin his professional career. Mangum, like LSU’s Antoine Duplantis, is chasing Eddy Furniss’ all-time hits record (349). With 74 more to go and arguably the best bat-to-ball skills in all of college baseball, getting there would seem to be a matter of when and not if.

Fun fact: Spencer Price (14) and Riley Self (8) saved 22 combined games in 2017 when each made 31 relief appearances for a team that advanced to the Super Regional round.



18. Oklahoma State

Head Coach: Josh Holliday
Conference: Big 12
2018 record: 31-26-1 (16-8 Big 12)
2018 finish: Deland Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Colin Simpson (.280-18-51), DH Carson McCusker (.271-8-18), OF Trevor Boone (.270-10-33), 3B Christian Funk (.245-7-33), C Jake Taylor (.231-1-11), OF Cade Cabbiness (.132-3-7)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Jensen Elliott (9-3, 3.50 ERA, 87.1 IP, 71:35*), LHP Noah Sifrit (2-0, 4.32 ERA, 25 IP, 18:25), RHP Joe Lienhard (5-3, 5.30 ERA, 69.2 IP, 62:40), LHP Brady Basso (2-5, 8.27 ERA, 37 IP, 29:26), RHP Ben Leeper (1-2, 12.69 ERA, 27.2 IP, 34:23)

*Injured in 2018 and most of 2017, stats from 2016

Top newcomers: SS Huey Morrill, RHP Logan Gragg, C Bryce Carter, 1B Alix Garcia, 2B Andrew Navigao

Top 2019 prospects: RHP Jensen Elliott (220), OF/1B/C Colin Simpson, RHP Joe Lienhard, 3B Christian Funk

Why they’re here: Stable of horses. The Cowboys are excited about the return of Jensen Elliott, who hasn’t pitched since early in the 2017 season after being an integral part of their run to the College World Series in 2016. Junior college transfer Logan Gragg went 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA for Connors State last season, while Mitchell Stone red-shirted a season ago after making a pair of brief outings. Joe Lienhard is the primary holdover from the 2018 staff, and this quartet has some impressive size with the ability to throw hard and challenge opposing hitters. Sophomore lefthander Parker Scott also missed all of 2018 due to injury and is expected to be a significant contributor out of the bullpen this coming season.

Difference maker: Colin Simpson. Simpson has hit .277-11-40 and .280-18-51 the last two seasons in the middle of Oklahoma State’s lineup and he has returned for his senior season. While he has played catcher and first base, he expected to play regularly in left field this season where he’ll be able to focus on his hitting exploits as part of a physical lineup that includes 25 returning home runs from the bats of Carson McCusker, Trevor Boone and Christian Funk.

Fun fact: Huey (Hueston) Morrill, a talented and versatile athlete, can literally play anywhere on the field while throwing from the low-90s off the mound. He’s expected to be Oklahoma State’s shortstop and leadoff hitter from Day 1.




19. Michigan

Head Coach: Erik Bakich
Conference: Big Ten
2018 record: 33-21 (15-8 Big Ten)
2018 finish: Did not play in postseason

Top returning hitters: OF/DH Dominic Clementi (.368-4-29), OF Jordan Nwogu (.349-6-29), OF Jesse Franklin (.327-10-47), 2B Ako Thomas (.272-0-22), OF Christian Bullock (.262-1-18), 3B Blake Nelson (.248-0-19), C Harrison Salter (.247-1-12), SS Jack Blomgren (.216-1-18)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Angelo Smith (.1-0, 1.14 ERA, 23.2 IP, 20:12), RHP Jeff Criswell (3-2, 2.23 ERA, 32.1 IP, 32:10), RHP Karl Kauffmann (6-3, 3.08 ERA, 79 IP, 78:32), LHP Tommy Henry (7-3, 3.09 ERA, 81.2 IP, 77:26), RHP Troy Miller (0-1, 3.37 ERA, 34.2 IP, 29:20), RHP Jack Weisenberger (1-0, 3.58 ERA, 27.2 IP, 27:22)

Top newcomers: RHP Willie Weiss, OF Jordan Brewer, LHP Steve Hajjar, RHP Dillon Nowicki, C Jordon Rogers, SS Riley Bertram

Top 2019 prospects: LHP Tommy Henry (249), RHP Karl Kauffmann, OF Jordan Brewer, OF Dominic Clementi, RHP Jack Weisenberger

Why they’re here: Talented, young roster. As Michigan fielded a young team a year ago not surprisingly they had a streaky, up-and-down season. With more experience, the Wolverines return six regulars to the everyday lineup and two weekend starters. Juniors Tommy Henry, a lefthander, and Karl Kauffman, a righthander, had nearly identical seasons as sophomores and they’re expected to be joined in the starting rotation by freshman Willie Weiss, who was impressive in the fall, painting 88-93 mph fastballs at the knees. Jeff Criswell’s successful freshman year has him poised to take another weekend spot or possibly serve as a valuable long man out of the bullpen and making mid-week starts. Fellow hard-throwing righthander Jack Weisenberger will also toss meaningful innings out of the ‘pen as the team’s closer. Ako Thomas and Dominic Clementi will set the tone at the top of the batting order with Jordan Nwogu and Jesse Franklin poised to have big sophomore seasons as the team’s Nos. 3 and 4 hitters.

Difference maker: Franklin. As a freshman Franklin played first base, somewhat based on team need but also due to an ailing shoulder. Now healthy, he’s going to spend 2019 as the team’s starting center fielder where he combines stellar defense with a lofty offensive upside. That points to a potential breakout season for the young star in the making.

Fun fact: From mid-March to the end of April, Michigan enjoyed a 20-game win streak in 2018, sweeping their first four Big Ten opponents: Michigan State, Northwestern, Maryland and Penn State.




20. Connecticut

Head Coach: Jim Penders
Conference: American Athletic
2018 record: 37-22-1 (14-10 American)
2018 finish: Conway Regional

Top returning hitters: SS Anthony Prato (.324-2-23), 2B Michael Woodworth (.302-4-22), OF John Toppa (.283-1-30), 1B Chris Winkel (.264-4-33), C Thad Phillips (.257-2-20), DH Christian Fedko (.255-1-33), 3B Conor Moriarty (.222-4-19)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Mason Feole (9-2, 2.50 ERA, 100.2 IP, 120:49), RHP Jacob Wallace (1-0, 3.95 ERA, 43.1 IP, 63:21), LHP Chase Gardner (4-2, 4.00 ERA, 69.2 IP, 63:31), RHP Jeff Kersten (4-3, 4.66 ERA, 73.1 IP, 44:23), RHP Colby Dunlop (2-3, 4.76 ERA, 34 IP, 19:18), RHP CJ Dandeneau (2-1, 4.97 ERA, 25.1 IP, 24:14), RHP Joe Simeone (1-0, 5.91 ERA, 21.1 IP, 17:11)

Top newcomers: C Pat Winkel, IF Kyler Fedko, RHP Jake Sanderson, SS Will Lucas, RHP Leif Bigelow, OF Adam Schwartz

Top 2019 prospects: LHP Mason Feole (68), SS Anthony Prato (264), 1B Chris Winkel, RHP Jacob Wallace

Why they’re here: Returning arms. The Huskies get back most of their top starters from a year ago: lefthanders Mason Feole and Chase Gardner in addition to righthander Jeff Kersten. Add in several other productive arms, including Jacob Wallace, Colby Dunlop, CJ Dandeneau and Joe Siemeone, and you have a deep and experienced overall staff. Gardner is moving to the bullpen to become the team’s bullpen ace leading up to Wallace, the team’s closer, while Dunlop is expected to take a step forward as a sophomore in a starting role. Feole is the headliner here, continuing a tradition of hard-throwing young UConn lefthanders with a big-breaking curveball.

Difference maker: Strong up the middle. On offense, and defense, UConn will be led by shortstop Anthony Prato and center fielder Michael Woodworth, the team’s second baseman last year. Sophomore Christian Fedko, the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2018 who has a knack for coming up with a big hit, will be the team’s everyday second baseman. Expected to start at catcher on an everyday basis is Pat Winkel, first baseman Chris Winkel’s younger brother and the team’s prized freshman recruit who looked great in the fall and could make an immediate impact both at and behind home plate.

Fun fact: The team has two sets of brothers on their roster, as Kyler Fedko is another one of the team’s prized freshman recruits. The younger Fedko has impressive raw power packed into his 6-foot-2, 212-pound frame and should see time at third base and in right field.




21. North Carolina State

Head Coach: Elliott Avent
Conference: ACC
2018 record: 42-18 (19-11 ACC)
2018 finish: Raleigh Regional

Top returning hitters: C Patrick Bailey (.321-13-40), SS Will Wilson (.307-15-53), 1B Evan Edwards (..297-15-48), OF Terrell Tatum (.271-0-10), 3B Dillon Cooper, .256-0-24), DH Brad Debo (.253-1-14), 2B JT Jarrett (.225-0-8)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Kent Klyman (8-2, 2.34 ERA, 61.2 IP, 67:25), RHP Reid Johnston (7-1, 3.06 ERA, 64.2 IP, 49:15), RHP Nolan Clenney (3-0, 3.43 ERA, 44.2 IP, 54:26), LHP Nick Swiney (4-0, 3.52 ERA, 30.2 IP, 37:18), RHP Mathieu Gauthier (0-0, 4.01 ERA, 42.2 IP, 34:15), Michael Bienlien (3-3, 5.35 ERA, 33.2 IP, 30:11), LHP David Harrison (1-4, 5.72 ERA, 39.1 IP, 30:22), LPH Evan Justice (2-0, 6.83 ERA, 27.2 IP, 28:16)

Top newcomers: RHP Alec Barger, OF Jonny Butler, OF/IF Tyler McDonough, LHP Canaan Silver, 3B Vojtech Mensik, RHP Logan Whitaker, RHP Jason Parker

Top 2019 prospects: SS Will Wilson (23), RHP Dalton Feeney (244), RHP Michael Bienlien (275)

Why they’re here: High-octane offense. The Wolfpack boasted one of the ACC’s better offensive units a year ago, and while a few key pieces have moved on, the trio of catcher Patrick Bailey, shortstop Will Wilson and first baseman Evan Edwards will ensure runs continue to be scored in bunches. The outfield will have a new look but the team is excited about the trio of Terrell Tatum, Jonny Butler and Tyler McDonough.

Difference maker: Bailey. Bailey’s role is crucial given the role he will play on both sides of the ball. He combines advanced catch-and-throw skills with equally advanced bat-to-ball skills as a switch hitter. Managing the pitching staff will be his biggest task, as the team has plenty of options to turn to but lack experience in defined roles. Sophomore righthander Reid Johnston is expected to be the team’s staff ace after serving a swing role as a freshman, while junior lefthander Kent Klyman will take over as the closer.  Junior college transfer Alec Barger should assume one of the other weekend starting roles. Righthanders Dalton Feeney, Michael Bienlien and Mathieu Gauthier all have the potential to take significant steps forward after struggling with consistency and/or injuries in recent years.

Fun fact: NC State is counting on three productive junior college transfers for the 2018 season: Jonny Butler, who hit .372-8-55 with 39 stolen bases at Heartland CC, Alec Barger, who went 7-3 with a 3.56 ERA at Polk State, and Canaan Silver, who went 6-3 with a 3.72 ERA at Spartanburg Methodist.




22. Georgia

Head Coach: Scott Stricklin
Conference: SEC
2018 record: 39-21 (18-12 SEC)
2018 finish: Athens Regional

Top returning hitters: LHP/OF CJ Smith (.300-1-9), OF Tucker Bradley (.299-3-26), 3B/RHP Aaron Schunk (.299-3-38), C Mason Meadows (.289-3-25), 2B LJ Talley (.276-6-30), SS Cam Shepherd (.244-5-37)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Will Proctor (3-2, 2.42 ERA, 26 IP, 26:13), LHP/OF CJ Smith (1-2, 2.48 ERA, 36.1 IP, 27:13), 3B/RHP Aaron Schunk (2-2, 3.00 ERA, 30 IP, 31:5), RHP Zac Kristofak (4-2, 3.83 ERA, 42.1 IP, 58:22), RHP Tim Elliott (1-0, 3.86 ERA, 21 IP, 17:13), RHP Tony Locey (7-2, 4.28 ERA, 54.2 IP, 60:30), LHP Ryan Webb (1-5, 4.50 ERA, 54 IP, 48:29), RHP Emerson Hancock (6-4, 5.10 ERA, 77.2 IP, 75:34)

Top newcomers: RHP Cole Wilcox, DH/1B John Cable, C Shane Marshall, RHP Hunter Goodwin

Top 2019 prospects: SS Cam Shepherd (88), 2B/RHP Aaron Schunk (201), RHP Will Proctor, RHP Tony Locey, RHP Zac Kristofak, C Mason Meadows

Why they’re here: Building for this future. The 2018 season was indicative of the team Scott Stricklin and his staff are building with an increased emphasis on recruiting and development, culminating in a 39-21 season that included an 18-12 mark in SEC play. While Duke got the best of them in the Athens Regional there’s plenty of young talent to point to for a repeat in 2019. It starts with a hard throwing weekend staff that could represent three classes with junior Tony Locey, sophomore Emerson Hancock and freshman Cole Wilcox and continues with a bullpen led by two-way talent Aaron Schunk. Schunk pulls double duty on offense, one of five returning regulars, three of whom play key up-the-middle positions on defense: catcher Mason Meadows, second baseman LJ Talley and shortstop Cam Shepherd.

Difference maker: Schunk and Shepherd. Schunk does it all on the diamond, closing games and hitting cleanup for the Bulldogs. Shepherd may not pitch but he too does it all, from hitting in the No. 3 slot to playing stellar defense at shortstop, a position he’s been manning since the 2017 season.

Fun fact: Don’t let Hancock’s 5.10 ERA as a freshman fool you, he has legitimate stuff with a low-90s fastball that touches the mid-90s, a slider and a changeup, all of which he can throw for strikes when he’s at his best. At 6-foot-4, 205-pounds it’s no surprise he’s one of the top prospects for the 2020 MLB Draft.




23. UC Irvine

Head Coach: Ben Orloff
Conference: Big West
2018 record: 32-24 (13-11 Big West)
2018 finish: Did not play in postseason

Top returning hitters: IF/OF Konnor Zickefoose (.306-5-27), OF Jake Palmer (.298-0-17), OF Mikey Filia (.289-0-4), SS Christian Koss (.287-1-17), DH Jacob Castro (.247-0-12), 2B Brendan Brooks (.308-1-23)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Andre Pallante (10-1, 1.60 ERA, 101.1 IP, 115:30), RHP Trenton Denholm (4-8, 4.72 ERA, 74.1 IP, 48:25), LHP Dylan Riddle (0-0, 2.25 ERA, 12 IP, 10:6), RHP Taylor Rashi (3-4, 2.97 ERA, 63.2 IP, 47:26), RHP Jordan Bocko (5-2, 2.98 ERA, 45.1 IP, 47:18), RHP Louis Raymond (1-3, 3.48 ERA, 31 IP, 19:7), RHP Alonzo Garcia (1-0, 4.81 ERA, 24.1 IP, 18:11)

Top newcomers: 3B Brandon Lewis, RHP Tanner Brubaker, OF John Jensen, LHP Darius Garcia, 2B Sam Ireland

Top 2019 prospects: RHP Andre Pallante, SS Christian Koss, RHP Tanner Brubaker, 3B Brandon Lewis, OF Mikey Filia, OF John Jensen

Why they’re here: Big West’s best staff. The Big West is usually won by the team with the best pitching staff and this year that honor goes to UC Irivne. Led by ace Andre Pallante, who went 10-1 with a 1.60 ERA a season ago, UCI’s staff took another step forward with the addition of junior college transfer Tanner Brubaker, who went 13-3 with a 1.70 ERA at Saddleback College. Additionally the back end of the bullpen is led by a pair of senior righthanders, Taylor Rashi and Jordan Bocko. Each posted an ERA below 3.00 and combined for over 100 innings, giving the ‘Eaters enviable front-end talent and depth throughout.

Difference maker: Dynamic duo up the middle. Supporting UCI’s deep pitching staff is a very solid middle infield tandem of shortstop Christian Koss and second baseman Brendan Brooks. Brooks led the team in hitting a year ago (.308) while Koss was named one of the top prospects in the Cape Cod League last summer thanks to his superior defensive tools and bat-to-ball skills. With junior college transfer Brandon Lewis at third, along with Jake Palmer and Mikey Filia roaming the outfield, this team has intriguing pieces on offense as well.

Fun fact:Ben Orloff was the Big West Player of the Year in 2009 while a member of the UCI’s baseball team. He served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator prior to being named the program’s head coach in July of 2018, taking the reigns from legendary skipper Mike Gillespie.




24. Clemson

Head Coach: Monte Lee
Conference: ACC
2018 record: 47-16 (22-8 ACC)
2018 finish: Clemson Regional

Top returning hitters: C Kyle Wilkie (.324-5-40), SS Logan Davidson (.292-15-46), 2B Jordan Greene (.250-5-21), 1B Grayson Byrd (.243-9-26), 3B Sam Hall (.239-2-7), 3B/DH Justin Hawkins (.200-2-8), OF Kier Meredith (.195-1-5), OF Bryce Teodosio (.165-4-9)

Top returning pitchers: LHP Mat Clark (4-0, 1.69 ERA, 21.1 IP, 23:4), RHP Carson Spiers (2-2, 2.08 ERA, 43.1 IP, 39:19), RHP Brooks Crawford (8-2, 3.24 ERA, 80.2 IP, 58:18), LHP Jacob Hennessy (4-3, 3.91 ERA, 71.1 IP, 54:14), RHP Holt Jones (2-0, 4.41 ERA, 16.1 IP, 18:10), RHP Spencer Strider (5-2, 4.76 ERA, 51 IP, 70:35), RHP Travis Marr (6-2, 6.04 ERA, 44.2 IP, 33:21)

Top newcomers: OF Michael Green, LHP Justin Wrobleski, C Adam Hackenberg, RHP Carter Raffield, RHP Davis Sharpe, LHP Keyshawn Askew

Top 2019 prospects: SS Logan Davidson (35), C Kyle Wilkie, LHP Mat Clark, RHP Carson Spiers

Why they’re here: Pitching, defense intact. Moving on from the Seth Beer era won’t be easy, but helping the transition will be a familiar pitching staff and two key pieces up the middle on defense. Weekend starters Brooks Crawford and Jacob Hennessy return with significant experience from a season ago and both do a very good job limiting damage and not giving up free passes. Now sophomore Spencer Strider may move to the weekend rotation full-time, the staff’s hardest thrower who can sit in the low-90s, regularly peaking higher, particularly when used in shorter stints. Mat Clark and Carson Spiers give the staff even more depth, and they’ll be aided by the return of shortstop Logan Davidson, an ACC Player of the Year favorite, and catcher Kyle Wilkie, two of the team’s top three hitters from a season ago.

Difference maker: Sophomore class. Monte Lee and his staff always do a nice job welcoming talented new recruits in, and while the freshman class from a season ago didn’t get much on-the-job training they will get a much greater taste this coming season. In addition to Strider, who did get significant time on the mound, outfielders Kier Meredith and Bryce Teodosio, as well as versatile utility man Sam Hall, all figure to see more regular action in 2019.

Fun fact: Logan Davidson is the son of six-year big league outfielder Mark Davidson, a standout for the Tigers back in 1982 who took classes at Clemson last season and served as a student assistant coach.




25. Coastal Carolina

Head Coach: Gary Gilmore
Conference:Sun Belt
2018 record: 43-19 (23-7 Sun Belt)
2018 finish: Conway Regional

Top returning hitters: OF Parker Chavers (.323-7-42), 1B Zach Biermann (.302-13-57), C Kyle Skeels (.301-5-28), 2B Cory Wood (.296-0-22), OF Kieton Rivers (.285-5-50), 3B Keaton Weisz (.238-3-33)

Top returning pitchers: RHP Matt Eardensohn (7-0, 2.18 ERA, 57.2 IP, 51:14), LHP Jay Causey (2-2, 2.28 ERA, 43.1 IP, 39:20), RHP Bobby Holmes (5-3, 2.51 ERA, 43 IP, 38:21*), RHP Zach McCambley (3-0, 3.14 ERA, 48.2 IP, 50:25), LHP Dylan Gentry (0-0, 3.31 ERA, 16.1 IP, 18:11), LHP Anthony Veneziano (7-1, 3.81 ERA, 59 IP, 61:36), LHP Austin Kitchen (2-2, 4.04 ERA, 35.2 IP, 30:19*), RHP Davie Inman (2-2, 4.19 ERA, 43 IP, 47:25), RHP Shaddon Peavyhouse (2-3, 6.00 ERA, 27 IP, 32:17)

*Injured in 2018, stats from 2017

Top newcomers: LHP Garrett McDaniels, OF Jake Wright, DH Jared Johnson, SS Scott McKeon, 3B Nick Lucky, RHP Jacob Maton

Top 2019 prospects:2B Cory Wood, 1B Zach Biermann, LHP Anthony Veneziano

Why they’re here: Sun Belt dominance. Since joining the Sun Belt in 2017, Coastal Carolina is 45-14-1 in conference play, and their overall success a year ago led to them hosting a Regional. While their top two starting pitchers have moved on almost every other notable arm is back, along with reinforcements and a pair of hurlers who haven’t thrown since 2017: Bobby Holmes and Austin Kitchen. Zach McCambley and Anthony Veneziano did receive starting experience in 2018 while closer Jay Causey and Matt Eardensohn combined to save 11 games. On offense center fielder Parker Chavers, first baseman Zach Biermann and second baseman Cory Wood are the standout run producers with Biermann being a preseason favorite for Sun Belt Player of the Year honors.

Difference maker: Juco offenders. Coastal has successfully recruited junior college players under the watch of skipper Gary Gilmore and the 2019 everyday lineup could receive everyday contributions from three notable transfers. Outfielder Jared Johnson hit .447-18-54 at North Arkansas a year ago and could be the team’s designated hitter. Fellow outfielder Jake Wright hit .361-8-26 at Seminole State (Fla.) and looks like the team’s left fielder. Manning shortstop for the Chanticleers will be Scott McKeon, who hit .399-3-40 at Brunswick CC (N.C.).

Fun fact: Whatever the team gets out of righthander Bobby Holmes and lefthander Austin Kitchen is a huge plus. Both missed the entire 2018 due to injury and played integral roles with the team in 2016 when they won the national championship.
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College | Recruiting | 12/22/2025

Recruiting Notebook: December 22
Jheremy Brown
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Lucien Saint Cyr, INF, Class of 2026 Commitment: Bucknell Saint Cyr announced his pledge to Bucknell, giving the Bison an interesting blend of present tools and projection. Saint Cyr stands 6-foot-1 and offers room to fill in his medium frame, profiling in the middle infield defensively. The New York product starts wide at the base in the right-handed box, keeping his hands high behind the ear. He works into a subtle outward step load, firing through a compact barrel that showcases bat speed and gap-to-gap impact. For head coach Scott Heather and Bucknell, they land a high-quality Northeast infielder in the ’26 cycle, adding to a class that takes the quality over quantity approach. Patrick Diaz ('26, NY) 102 EV off the bat. Impact to the pull side. #PGNational @PGMidAtlantic @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/NN0L3FRdO9 — PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) July 9, 2025 Patrick Diaz,...
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Draft | Rankings | 12/23/2025

Top 2028 Collegiate Draft Prospects

Vincent Cervino
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The college players in the 2028 draft class have yet to step on campus, but they're positioned to make an immediate impact. Several high end talents either turned down significant money last year or honored strong college commitments, resulting in their arrival on campus this fall. The class is currently led by a trio of high-upside arms in Jack Bauer, Angel Cervantes, and Cameron Appenzeller. They are followed by a deep group of bats that rounds out a strong, high end Top-10. Rk. Name Level Pos. B-T School Hometown State 1 Jack Bauer C LHP L-L Mississippi State Frankfort IL 2 Angel Cervantes C RHP R-R UCLA Lynwood CA 3 Cameron Appenzeller C LHP L-L Tennessee Springfield IL 4 Brayden Jaksa C C R-R Oregon Fremont  CA 5 JD Stein C SS R-R Wake Forest Carmel IN 6 Mason Ligenza C OF L-L Pittsburgh Brockton PA 7 Ty Peeples C OF L-R Georgia Lavonia GA 8 Lucas Franco C SS L-R TCU Katy TX 9...
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Juco | Story | 12/23/2025

2025 Year in Review: JUCO

Blaine Peterson
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Looking Back at the 2025 Top 10  Matt Barr (‘25 Niagara, ‘26 Minnesota Twins) Bursting onto the scene last winter, footage of an indoor bullpen rocketed Barr onto the radar of many. Explosive fastball reaches near triple digits with incredible spin numbers across the secondaries. Huge numbers at Niagara earned him the title of the first Juco player drafted in 2025. JC Vanek (‘25 Chipola, ‘26 Kansas City Royals) Just a professional hitter. Vanek for two years at Chipola was an impossible out. While there are questions if the power will ever reach what it takes to play first base at the big league level, the bat and quality defensive skillset at first base may carry. Donovan Becerra (‘25 New Mexico, ‘26 Texas Tech) One of the more high octane arms anywhere in the country last year. Can reach back for upper 90’s and has shown serious swing and...
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Draft | Story | 12/22/2025

2025 Year in Review: Draft

Isaiah Burrows
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2025 Year in Review: Draft We’ve reached the end of the 2025 calendar year, and while we’ve already jumped in on the 2026 cycle with some of the fall events and post-draft content we’ve had here at Perfect Game, there’s still one more piece on the docket, and that’s the 2025 Year-In-Review piece here from the PG Draft staff.  The 2025 MLB Draft took place in July, when many highly talented players heard their names called and continued their journey through the game to the next level. There’s already been some of those names making noise in the minors and guys who are moving up prospect lists and becoming names to know for MLB fans digging deep into the future of their organizations. While we are going to “close the book” on 2025 with this article, these players still have many years ahead of them, and many blank pages to continue...
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High School | General | 12/19/2025

Huntington Beach HS World Series Recap

Steve Fiorindo
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MVPitcher: Duncan McLeod The uncommitted junior toed the slab in three of the four games for Team Mick, tossing 3 2/3 innings.  Zero walks, zero hits and 6 punchouts for the lefty who was used both as a starter in the series clinching game 4 and he closed out game 3 on Friday in quick fashion.  McLeod was very efficient as well, needing just 42 pitches over all his outings.  In the game 4 start, over two innings he punched out 3, with one strikeout with all of his offerings.  The mid 80’s fastball regularly played up, set up with efficient use of the secondaries, with the breaking ball 73/74 and fading change-up 72-74.   Owen Bone (2026) at it again... Solo shot in the 5th to tie things up. Back to back days with a home run for Bone. #PGHS pic.twitter.com/2JC9qETI5h — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) December 13, 2025 MV Hitter: ...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/19/2025

13u Tourney All-American Team

Jheremy Brown
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What a year it was in 2025 on the national landscape at the 13u level as Perfect Game continues to expand its reach around the country, providing an even bigger schedule of events coast-to-coast which has allowed players all over show out and gain their deserved recognition. Whether in Texas for the Houston 1000 or the 13u WWBA in West Palm Beach, we saw huge, eye opening performances from the players placed below, knowing that we could EASILY build a third team and likely a fourth without much effort.  As we do every year with this exercise, it's worth pointing out the trickiness of this age group and putting the teams together with the 13u group. While the players are all members of the Class of 2030, some are younger for the grade, which allowed them to play at the 12u level where's it's a smaller field, shorter mound distance and different bats, so we'll separate them out and...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/18/2025

14u Tourney All-American Team

Tyler Russo
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Player of the Year: Asher Williams It was an incredible year for Williams that was rewarded with a trip to the 14U Select Fest, before some more impressive play in the fall. He came to the plate almost 250 times in PG tournaments throughout 2025 and reached base in well over half of them, hitting to a .500 AVG while slugging a 14U circuit best 12 bombs and driving in 113 runs. The numbers on the surface are ridiculous, but when you look at the high-level events he put them up in, it makes it even more impressive. Pitcher of the Year: Tristan Blalock Blalock earns this honor after a dominant 2025 where he struck out 85 batters in just 48.2 innings of work with a minuscule 1.58 ERA. This included several strong performances at many national level tournaments and showcases where he was able to bully some of the best hitters in the country. It’s hard not to fall in love with...
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Draft | Story | 12/18/2025

PG Draft: Gut Feel Guys

Tyler Henninger
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While we are nearing the turn of the calendar to the 2026 year, that means we are just inching closer to the beginning of the season for many high school players and college baseball is on the horizon. We are prepping for a reshuffle of the 2026 MLB Draft Board as well here amongst the PG Draft staff. But before we get to that, we sat down and have each picked a couple of players who are in the mix to get selected in a couple of different buckets.  We have prospects who could go into the Top 30 picks or so, prospects who could be selected in the Top 5 rounds, and prospects who could go inside of the Top 10 rounds. With the draft quite far down the road and a lot of re-shuffling to be done as these players play themselves into certain spots on the draft board, our scouts picked some players who fit into these “buckets” who are gut-feel guys. These are the guys that our PG...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/17/2025

15u Tourney All-American Team

Jason Phillips
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Hitter of the Year: Landon Bonner The 2028 class saw many players from across the country take the next step in their development as they entered the High School ranks. There were huge performances from highly ranked players on the PG circuit as well as some under-the-radar guys who burst onto the scene. Landon Bonner came into Sophomore National as a Top 500 ranked player and after an impressive showing, left with all eyes on him as a rankings riser in the class. The left-handed hitting shortstop from The Colony, Texas, had a summer to remember with All-Tournament Team selections in three of his next four events culminating with a historic performance at the 2025 PG 15U WWBA National Championship. The Hebron High School prep went 20-for-24 in nine games for 5 Star Mafia 15U Black with four homeruns and 12 runs batted in. He also scored 17 runs and finished with a mind-boggling 2.500...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/16/2025

16u Tourney All-American Team

AJ Denny
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Hitter of the Year: Koa Romero is the Hitter of the Year for the 16u group, as he would come to every premier event of the summer and earn All-Tournament honors (Beast of the East, 16/17u WWBA, Jupiter) in every single one. Over 82 plate appearances, Romero would pump ten homeruns with forty two RBI and sixteen walks, good for a .378 average and 1.339 OPS. The performance on volume at the best events of the year pushed Romero over the edge here, as he’d hit a pair of homeruns in Jupiter (one of them at 112 EV) as an underclassmen and collect double digit hits in BOTH WWBA events with a combined six jacks over the two tournaments. It was a summer that combined performance and winning on the biggest stages for Romero. It’s a quiet left-handed swing that packs a punch. He would reap the benefits of his performances, earning a commitment to LSU and jumping to the #74 prospect in...
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