THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,586 MLB PLAYERS | 16,394 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,586 MLB PLAYERS | 16,394 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
College  | Rankings | 1/21/2020

2020 Preseason JUCO Top 25

Photo: Jalen Battles (McLennan Athletics)




2020 College Baseball Preview Index | @PGCollegeBall | @B_Sakowski_PG |  PG College Facebook Page

As I sit here and write this intro to the JUCO rankings, it's currently 8 degrees with a windchill lower than that and nearly a foot of snow accumulated after last weekend's blizzard rolled through the Midwest. To sum it up...I, and likely all of you reading this, am ready for baseball season. 

Welcome back to Perfect Game's coverage of JUCO baseball, spanning nationwide and including every level of JUCO baseball played, from all three divisions of the NJCAA, to the CCCBA (California) and the NWAC (Pacific Northwest). It's another loaded year in JUCO ball, with high-end clubs scattered across the country, as well as scores of legitimate draft prospects making up these clubs. 

As it usually goes, we start thinking about these rankings in the fall, with JUCO's playing a lot of fall games and getting in front of a ton of pro scouts and college recruiters. That's the genesis of how we start formulating these rankings: Talking to scouts and coaches who saw these teams play and getting their opinions. When asked about who should be No. 1 heading into the 2020 season, the answers were nearly unanimous: It's McLennan. 

Mitch Thompson's club is absolutely loaded, with the kind of depth throughout the lineup and the pitching staff not often seen at this level. In fact, at least 2-3 of the coaches we asked likened this McLennan club to the Chipola team of 2017, the one who went wire-to-wire at No. 1, won the NJCAA World Series, and had double-digit players drafted off of it. With a potential first rounder in Connor Phillips in the rotation and a pair of potential top five rounders in Jalen Battles and Brett Squires in the lineup, McLennan will have the star power for sure, but the aforementioned depth is what stands out. They'll have somewhere around a dozen players in the Top 300 JUCO Prospects List, which releases this coming Friday. 

Regionally, JUCO baseball looks like it's as strong as it's ever been, at least through my somewhat limited scope. Texas and Florida are absolutely loaded per usual, and one can say the same for Arizona, California, the Midwest in general, as well as the Northeast in some respects. In fact, speaking strictly of the Midwest, Iowa Western and Wabash Valley check in at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in these preseason rankings, which could end up being an absolutely mammoth matchup for the right to go to Grand Junction later on this year, much like it was last spring. 

The depth overall is impressive across the entire JUCO scene, which makes not only for exciting on-field battles throughout the country, but also makes for a fascinating case study from the perspective of the draft, which is what we focus on primarily throughout the entire Perfect Game College Baseball coverage as a whole, anyways. Over 100 JUCO players were drafted in 2019, and by the looks of things 2020 could eclipse that mark (other factors such as sign-ability notwithstanding). 

The season starts at a staggered pace for clubs around the country, but the earliest starters will begin play in just a few short days, so, as I say every year in this space, welcome back baseball season, you've been sorely missed. Good luck to all of the clubs participating across the country, we're looking forward to following along.

See also: Reloaded McLennan Tops in JUCO


2020 Preseason Junior College Top 25

Rk. Team State '19 Rec. '19 Rk.
1 McLennan TX 42-17 13
2 Iowa Western IA 52-11 2
3 Wabash Valley IL 55-4 5
4 Central Arizona AZ 50-20 1
5 Chipola FL 38-20 20
6 San Jacinto TX 43-11 NR
7 Southern Nevada NV 46-12 21
8 Northwest Florida State FL 44-12 7
9 John A. Logan IL 44-13 NR
10 Walters State TN 54-11 4
11 Sacramento City CA 35-15 15
12 Grayson TX 42-14 NR
13 Cowley KS 47-14 9
14 Johnson County KS 46-12 23
15 Hinds MS 26-20 NR
16 Seminole State OK 39-14 NR
17 Crowder MO 47-16 NR
18 LSU-Eunice LA 51-8 22
19 Central Florida FL 46-9 NR
20 Howard TX 32-35 NR
21 San Joaquin Delta CA 39-9 11
22 St. John's River FL 37-19 NR
23 JeffCo MO 47-10 NR
24 Kirkwood IA 33-20 NR
25 State College of Florida FL 38-20 NR

See also: Final 2019 Junior College Top 25


 

College | Story | 8/5/2026

Coppy's Corner: August 5 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
Article Image
The amateur players in the Cape Cod Baseball League are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and position player each week from the Cape. And, who knows, maybe somewhere out there Jessica Biel is reading it.  Player of the Week: Armani Guzman – Chatham Anglers  Guzman went 8-for-20 this week with 9 Stolen Bases. If that seems like a lot for one week, it is. Guzman has 18 Stolen Bases in the Cape, so half that total came this...
Tournaments | Championship | 8/6/2026

643 DP Last Team Standing at East WS

Will Dembo
Article Image
Following a dominant week at the 17u PG East World Series, No. 34 ranked 643 DP Cougars 17u capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating No. 2 ranked East Cobb Astros 17u, 3-2, in the championship game to claim the title. The Cougars earned the tournament's No. 1 overall seed after outscoring opponents by an absurd 59-6 throughout the week before completing their championship run with a hard-fought victory in the finale. “Always feels great to finish the year playing your best ball, especially when going up against strong competition,” 643 Head Coach Danny Pralgo said. “We did so many of the little things right: on the mound with location, clean on defense, bunting, 2 strike approach leading to long at bats, getting hit-by-pitches, and we had so many good outs offensively that led to moving a runner or scoring a runner. And when those things all come together in...
Press Release | Press Release | 8/6/2026

PG Extends Partnership With Yeti

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH YETI   Sanford, Florida (Thursday, August 6, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced an extension of its existing partnership with YETI, the premium outdoor gear brand and the Official Cooler and Drinkware Provider of Perfect Game Baseball and Softball. The partnership between Perfect Game and YETI began in 2021.   The expanded partnership will bring YETI’s products and brand to Perfect Game athletes, families and fans through a variety of activations across Perfect Game’s events and digital platforms. YETI will have a prominent presence both on-site and online, including exposure...
Tournaments | Story | 8/6/2026

Tournament of Champions Notes: Part 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘27 RHP/SS Carson Hailey (KY) Dominant 5.1 IP + 14 K’s‼️ 2 ER on 3 H + 1BB. 69% strikes. FB lived 88-89 T92 w/ ASR + maintained velo. SL 77-80 w/ late sharp break. Throws downhill w/ good extension. Pitches tunnel well out of 3/4 slot. #TOC @carsonhailey_8 @2027TTKY @JGatesPG pic.twitter.com/UoL7newgi6 — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 29, 2026 Carson Hailey (2027, Louisville, Ky..) turned in a dominant outing, striking out 14 across 5.1 innings while allowing two earned runs on three hits and one walk. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-hander owns an athletic frame and worked with a controlled tempo on the mound. Hailey used a big leg kick and long stride with an easy lower half, creating downhill action and good extension toward the plate. He finished through his pitches well and maintained his velocity deep into the outing. The fastball lived at 88-89 mph...
Tournaments | Story | 8/6/2026

East Coast Pro All Prospect Teams

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
1st Team C: Quincy Pratt (‘27 MS)-Max EV: 92- Put together a strong showing with multiple knocks; exits of 92/88/88. In-game pops right around 2 flat, 2.01 on a caught stealing and a 1.97. Swing plays and still a bunch of room to add muscle mass. Trending really nicely. 1B: Teagan Leach (‘27 VA)-60-yard: 7.02 Max EV: 105-On the barrel throughout ECP. Everything comes off hard and doesn't whiff much for a power led profile. 101 F8, 99 double left on left with a 4.72 turn, 105 double through the gap, and a 96 exit knock to his credit. Certified hitter that has plus strength now. IF: Isaiah Snavely (‘27 IN)-60-yard:6.71 Max EV: 96-Early attendance for the draft cycle rocket ship is always appreciated and Snavely is on it. 96/366 shot on a breaking ball to go with an 89 exit double and his other couple of hits on the week. 4.26 down the line and a 4.47 turn. Should stick in...
Draft | Story | 8/5/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Northeast Recap

Ryan Miller
Article Image
The Northeast region once again produced a deep class of 2026 draft selections, headlined by outfielder AJ Gracia and right-hander Cameron Flukey going in the first round. Both landed in southern states to compete in college, skyrocketing their value from talented preps to established talents. Until the last round, region players were selected throughout this year’s draft, with a deep bag of individual profiles. Many talented prospects went unselected or failed to sign due to their college commitment, betting on themselves for an upcoming class. Below we look at some of the trends and landing spots for the Northeast’s top players in the draft.  College Arms Throughout the Draft Each spring, an abundance of Northeast high school pitchers makes their way to campuses throughout the power four level. Many in recent memory have drastically changed their draft stock, hearing...
Tournaments | Story | 8/5/2026

17u South World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Alex Hernandez (‘27 TX) sends a rocket to the gap for a double. Now 6-7 on the week with 4 XBH’s. Certainly looks the part out at short; has made it look easy. #SouthWS @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/xPXL42Y3WU pic.twitter.com/xKmJS9u01l — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 31, 2026 Alex Hernandez (2027, Cypress, Texas) closed out the Summer with a bang and looked like one of the best players out there on the week. Hernandez put on a clinic on both sides of the ball throughout the week. A mainstay out at short, Hernandez made every play look easy moving to his left and right. Lateral range was on full display paired with footwork, arm strength, and a clean slot. He can really do it all on the dirt and made a statement this week making a plethora of ridiculous plays. There is no doubt that Hernandez can play short at the next level and should be getting a ton of interest....
Press Release | Press Release | 8/4/2026

PG & Dick's Expand Partnership

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME AND DICK’S EXPAND PARTNERSHIP, INCLUDE NAMING RIGHTS AT EAST COBB COMPLEX   Marietta, Georgia (Tuesday, August 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the renewal and expansion of its longstanding partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods.   As part of the expanded agreement, the iconic East Cobb Complex in Georgia will officially be renamed DICK’S Sporting Goods Park at East Cobb, reinforcing the retailer’s long-term investment in youth sports and enhancing one of the most recognized destinations in all of amateur baseball. The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Perfect Game 11U...
College | Story | 8/3/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: August 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Angel Cervantes | RHP | UCLA | Chatham Anglers  Angel Cervantes has lived up to the hype since arriving at UCLA after turning down a second-round selection (50th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2025 MLB Draft. Following a strong freshman campaign that helped power the Bruins to the No. 1 ranking in the country for much of the season, Cervantes has taken another step forward this summer, emerging as arguably the Cape Cod League's top arm. Through 23.2 innings with the Chatham Anglers, he owns a 1.14 ERA with 24 strikeouts and just five walks. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-hander attacks hitters with a polished five-pitch mix featuring a low-90s fastball, an 86-88 mph cutter, a low-80s slider and changeup, and a 78-80 mph curveball. He pounds the strike zone, sequences his arsenal with advanced feel, and consistently keeps hitters off balance, giving him the profile of a...
Tournaments | Story | 8/2/2026

Battle For The Midwest Scout Notes

Brayden Powell
Article Image
Bryce Urban (2027, Kaukauna, Wis.) An athletic 5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitter, who handled the bat well throughout the weekend while showing feel for the barrel and quality bat speed. Stays balanced throughout the operation while showing direct hands to the baseball. There is feel to rotate through the zone and keep the barrel working for an extended period, helping him consistently produce hard-hit contact. He showed the ability to impact the baseball to all fields and remained productive throughout the event. Urban finished the weekend with five extra-base hits and continued to be a reliable offensive contributor whenever his club needed him. He is currently uncommitted.  Landon Clements (2027, McHenry, Ill.) University of Illinois-Chicago commit put together an outstanding weekend at the plate, finishing 10-for-15 while drawing five walks and consistently finding ways to...
Loading more articles...