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High School  | Rankings | 11/6/2020

2021 Prep Class Rankings Risers Part 2: Pitchers

Photo: Jackson Wentworth (Perfect Game)
2021 Prep Class Rankings Risers: Hitters

There was no shake up in the top ten as far as arms are concerned with Andrew Painter (2021 Pompano Beach, FL) still with arguably the best combination of polish plus projection in the class and Chase Petty (2021 Somers Point, NJ) with that 100 mph fastball. Carter Holton (2021 Guyton, GA) and Shane Panzini (2021 Spring Lake, NJ) both make a jump and really finished about how they started. That is the impressive part. Holton and Panzini held their “stuff” throughout the 2020 showcase tour. Holton, a left-hander, showed consistent 91-95 mph stuff the entire summer and fall. He has a slider and changeup that are solid pitches that will continue to grade better as he refines them, as well as his command. Panzini sat in the same 91-95 mph range with his fastball from start to finish. He throws a curveball and slider, with the slider potentially being a consistent plus offering. His changeup is still developing but shows enough to give him a true four pitch mix that could have all offering at solid-average or better. The right-hander already throws a ton of quality strikes as well.



Irving Carter (2021 Boynton Beach, FL) is as intense and competitive as they get. The righty sat 92-95 mph at the WWBA with his normal hard biting slider that peaks in the mid-80s. He was a bit more erratic than normal. But a lot was the extended look and most likely with a low workload that came with the strange 2020 year, as we have seen him hold his stuff and command late in outings. His consistency with his two-pitch mix is well documented at this point and his changeup is showing more promise.

Thatcher Hurd (2021 Manhattan Beach, CA) and Jackson Baumeister (2021 Jacksonville, FL) you can file in the same drawer. They are athletic righties with a catching background, and both seem to be tapping into their enormous potential on the mound. Hurd has a great frame, a super quick shoulder, and his performance in Fort Myers was stellar. He ran his fastball up to 93 mph, sitting around 90. Both his curveball and slider had very high spin rates and entertain swing and miss traits. Baumeister sat 91-94 mph at the WWBA and has good command to the glove side and great extension at release. The breaking stuff is trending up and his changeup gives him another solid offering. The right-hander battled an injury in the spring. Now fully healthy, this is the Baumeister we expected to see. Putting up zeros against top competition and having all the components to make big jumps this spring.

Gage Jump (2021 Aliso, CA) continues to produce some of the best fastball quality in the class. It’s a tough, two-plane heater, that he commands when at his best. His curveball has made strides as he is throwing harder which in turn has added depth. The swing and miss is the most notable aspect, as he struck out thirteen batters during his two outings in Fort Myers.

Drew Christo (2021 Elkhorn, NE) may be one of the hardest throwers in the class when it is all said and done. He has a low effort delivery, with a clean arm action, sitting in the 88-91 mph range and peaking at 93 mph. He has a four pitch mix and the 6-foot-4 frame is still filling out. He threw four-plus shutout innings at the WWBA and all things being calculated, he has riser written all over him.

Anthony Solometo (2021 Sicklerville, NJ) has a lightning quick shoulder, utilizing a unique delivery and arm stroke. The body control and timing in his process helps him harness the sometimes over-whelming stuff as he sat 90-93/4 mph with a high spin rate slider. The pure ceiling may rival any arm in the class.

Mason Marriott (2021 Tomball, TX) The competitiveness and ability to work through an absolutely loaded line up at the WWBA makes it hard to ignore the type of potential Marriott conceivably owns. He held 90-93 mph over the entirety of his complete game performance. The ability to manipulate the breaking ball and pitch backwards was a sight-to-see.

Travis Smith (2021 Walton, KY) has a tall and long frame that hasn’t come close to physical maturity. The effortless velocity he showed in Florida in the 88-92/4 mph range, and his ability to repeat, are unique for his stature. That ability to repeat allows Smith to throw four pitches for strikes and as he learns to design his pitches he should continue to see an uptick in the swing and miss department.

Greysen Carter (2021 Louisville, CO) makes one of the biggest jumps and it was expected from how he ended his 2019 summer. Due to Covid and travel issues making things understandably difficult, Fort Myers was the PG staff's first look at the righty in 2020. The 92-96 mph fastball and hard breaking and high spin rate curveball in the 80 mph range were enough to remind everyone of the vast potential that Carter possesses.

Daniel Brooks (2021 Mount Pleasant, SC) has the frame, arm action, and delivery that have always given him the potential to be a big-time prospect. He held low-90s and reached back to grab a 94 in Fort Myers with at least an average curveball right now. The middle of the rotation projection with a higher ceiling if it clicks, makes Brooks very intriguing. His monster outing at his PG finale might be start of everything coming together.

Calvin Ziegler (2021 Heidelberg, ON) was nails in his first Perfect Game event this fall. He sat in the 93-95 mph range with a sharp slider in the low-80s. His fastball shows sink and typically missed barrels even if that was soft contact. He showed the characteristics to be a solid workhorse starter.

Joshua Stewart (2021 Georgetown, TX) worked up to 95 mph with his fastball and repeated his athletic delivery over the course of his outing in Florida. There is real helium potential as he gets consistent with his slider and curveball that show big promise. The peripherals in the profile are ones that typically makes jumps. The jump could come soon from what he showed late in the fall.

Martin Gair (2021 Concord, SC) is 6-foot-6 and has a fast shoulder and whippy arm that sat in the low-90s and topped at 94. Enough to make your eyes get big in itself. The upside, from a velocity standpoint, is incredibly high. The development of his secondary offerings and ability to hold the velocity deep into games will be the separator moving forward.

Tanner McDougal (2021 Henderson, NV) should check a lot of the data driven boxes. He had a high spin rate on fastball and curveball and conversely turns the changeup over hard to get very low spin rates. The changeup got empty swings and he reached back for 94 mph while sitting in the low-90s with his fastball with plenty of hand speed at release. It was a loud statement heading into spring.

Jackson Wentworth (2021 Urbandale, IA) continued to tick up over the summer and culminated with him showing his best stuff the PG staff has witnessed down in the Fort. He held velocity in the 90-93/4 mph range with the fastball. The upper-70s curveball gets tough vertical break and is already a swing and miss pitch. His third offering, a fading changeup gives him a third above average offering. This could easily be the next Iowa prep righty that flies up draft boards as Carter Baumler did in June 2020.

Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (2021 Trujillo Alto, PR) is a skinny framed and quick armed righty from the Island that posits big unharnessed stuff as he isn’t quite strong enough to repeat it yet. His fastball sat in the 88-92 mph range and he popped 94’s early. He has a slurvy breaking ball that will need to firm up but has the elements that should make it an above average offering. With a solid Winter in the weight room, he could rise as fast as anyone in the class.

Andrew Woods (2021 Monroe, LA) has had his moments over the years as a two-way prospect and is widely considered a very good athlete for a pitcher. The power arm is the biggest attraction and he proved that with 95 mph bolts late in the fall. His curveball is more of a force contact type pitch now, but it should develop as he understands the intent required.

Timothy Williams (2021 Shenandoah, VA) ran his fastball up to 93 mph from the left side at the WWBA. This was his first outing of the year at a Perfect Game event and he did not disappoint. He has two different breaking balls with a curveball and slider that he seems confident throwing. If he can hold the firm stuff in longer outing’s he will make a splash this spring.

Erian Rodriguez (2021 Statesboro, GA) has some of the best pure arm talent of anyone late in the fall. There are development aspects that need to take place, but his body and clean arm that produce 90-94 mph heaters are not close to the ceiling. The slider very well may be plus one day too.

Fisher Jameson (2021 Lake Worth, FL) made the most of his four innings at the World Championship as he struck out eleven hitters. The righty worked 90-93 mph with a good handful of 94’s. His solid three pitch mix and sturdy frame give him a good chance to hold that firm stuff and potentially add more as he matures.

Mitchell Bratt (2021 Newmarket, ON) is a polished lefty with a fluid operation that you are just waiting to see pop. He runs his fastball up to 90 mph now, with plenty in the tank to help you dream. His breaking ball showed depth, with standard 1-7 shape, and he has feel to land the pitch in the zone. The ease and synch he showed this fall helps to believe everything is steadily coming together.

Luke Holman (2021 Sinking Spring, PA) showed plenty of swing and miss late in the fall with eight strikeouts in four innings at the World Championships. The heater sat in the 90-93 mph range with plenty of plane. He threw a big breaking curveball and a late breaking slider as his secondary offerings. The body and delivery also give plenty to be excited about.

Chase Allsup (2021 Dothan, AL) simply has serious arm strength with a fastball that touched 95 mph late in the fall and plenty of life to the pitch. He has the makings of a power sider and it will be monitored to see if he gains confidence in the pitch. For now, that arm strength will cause scouts to come in early and often to watch him pitch in the spring.

High School | General | 11/20/2025

Regional Superlatives: Florida

Vincent Cervino
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Most Likely To Make a Huge Jump in the Rankings in 2026 RJ Shields (2027, Venice, Fl.) Shields took some significant strides throughout 2025, especially on the mound. The fastball reached 95 mph in recent months and he projects well with great athleticism and a sharp breaking ball. Shields is also a left-handed bat with good thump in the stick. The Mississippi State commit shot up the rankings following a loud fall and looks poised to continue to climb. -KP High speed BP swing from '27 OF Gavin Ruvalcaba (FL)... #JrNational @Florida_PG https://t.co/OwU9I0u6eY pic.twitter.com/gjYZbmCPGE — PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) June 12, 2025 Gavin Ruvalcaba (2027, Hialeah, Fl.) Ruvalcaba had a very strong 2025 and looks to be continuing on that path. The Duke commit has plenty of athleticism and is very well rounded with good tools across the board. The stroke is smooth and produces...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Scout Stories: Part 4

Tyler Henninger
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Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Best Game I Saw: Hudson Reed (‘26, GA) torches this ball to deep CF for a solo 💣. Generates easy power that plays to the big part of the yard. Middle of the order traits #UBCWest @PG_Georgia @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXqDVFmUBx — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 18, 2025 I was fortunate enough to see a lot of highly competitive games with loads of talent on the field, the game that sticks out to me the most was Alpha Prime 2026 vs. ZT National Prospects at the UBC West. The game was an efficiently played affair with arms dominating on both sides. Graham Schlicht was masterful for Alpha, striking out 12 hitters over 5 dominant innings. PG All-American Julian Cazares came out of the pen blowing smoke, touching 97 mph with the fastball. On the other side, Jake Carbaugh surrendered just one hit and...
Press Release | Press Release | 12/11/2025

PG Believe In Baseball Announces Awards Dinner

Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE PERFECT GAME BELIEVE IN BASEBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR FIRST ANNUAL “IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION   Los Angeles, California (Thursday, December 11, 2025) – The Perfect Game Believe in Baseball Foundation, together with Perfect Game leadership of Chairman Rick Thurman and CEO Rob Ponger, has announced the inaugural “In the Spirit of the Game” event, an evening of baseball and laughter, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Calif. The evening supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and resources that allow deserving young athletes to play, learn and grow through the...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
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Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 Elite defenders from coast to coast certainly seems to be a strength and to think you could make another top-tier team without thinking, speaks to the real depth this group possesses. The infield is a no-doubt strength of the group, but what catcher Dariel Carrion can do behind the plate is like something we haven't seen in a while in the prep ranks with an absolutely bazooka of an arm.  C: Dariel Carrion (San Juan, PR)  It isn’t often you get a catching prospect as athletic and natural as Dariel Carrion, a big reason why he holds the rank of #1 player in PR and #18 nationally. Metrics wise, the 5-foot-10, 210 pound San Juan native is all you can ask for and more, posting a sub 1.80 pop time with an 84 mph arm behind the dish. He has both contact and clear power threat on the offensive end, ending 2025 with a .337 BA and 4 HRs while also...
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
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The Class of 2026 is one of the deeper prep classes that we have seen in a couple of years. With that being said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side. Let’s take a look at some of the best defenders in the class.  C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS (Memphis, TN) Brick is a newcomer to the class after reclassifying, but immediately became the top backstop. Extremely advanced actions are shown behind the dish with impressive athleticism to go with it. Brick showcases big time arm strength and is consistently accurate on throw downs. He can make playing the position look extremely easy at times. Brick possesses all the defensive tools needed to be a premier catcher.  1B: AJ Curry, University City HS (San Diego, CA) Curry has a bigger and stronger frame with good strength throughout. He has a well-proportioned build that serves him well on the dirt. He’s...
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Scout Stories: Part 3

John McAdams
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Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 Best Game I Saw: The 17u Ultimate Baseball Championship featured a thrilling matchup between the ZT National Prospects and the Trosky Brewers 2026, with the winner claiming the trophy. Both teams showcased their talent, boasting a combined 15 players committed to Division I programs. In a back-and-forth contest that highlighted standout pitching against potent lineups, ZT National ultimately held off a late comeback to secure a 5-4 victory. Justin Lopez shone for ZT National with three hits and two RBIs, while University of North Carolina commit William Myhand added two hits and two runs batted in. On the Trosky side, UCSB commit Noah Dabela kept his team competitive with an impressive performance out of the bullpen, tossing 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. However, time ran out with ZT on top. Best Tournament Performance I Saw: Noah Jarolimek delivered...
Draft | Story | 12/10/2025

PG Draft: Post-Lottery Draft Targets

Tyler Kotila
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On Tuesday night, the MLB Draft Lottery took place, and the draft order has officially been set for July. With draft slots finalized, teams can now begin narrowing in on the prospects most likely to be available when they are on the clock. From polished college players to high-upside preps, several potential targets are already emerging as ideal fits based on past draft philosophy and finalized draft position. Let’s take a look at potential targets for the six teams that were awarded a lottery pick.  1. Chicago White Sox Potential Targets:  -Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA -Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Tex.) -Gio Rojas, LHP, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS (Fla.) The White Sox took home the top spot at the MLB Draft Lottery, staying true to their spot, with the highest odds to earn the first-overall draft pick amongst lottery-eligible teams this year. This will only...
Tournaments | Story | 12/9/2025

Scout Stories: Part 2

Kyler Peterson
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Scout Notes: Part 1 Best Game I Saw: '27 OF Finnian O'Loughlin (NJ) singled oppo & came up big to walk it off w/ a 2B in B7 to complete the comeback victory. Good pwr projection & been hitting the ball hard w/ regularity. @PG_Uncommitted #UBCEast @PGMidAtlantic @TheCanesBB pic.twitter.com/wm4yrDp4SF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 18, 2025 The first game that I saw this year was probably at 16U UBC- East down in West Palm Beach, Florida when Wow Factor National and Canes National faced off in an afternoon match. Both lineups were absolutely loaded up and down, but it was the pitching performances that really stood out. Both starters, Texas commit Grant Sperandio (Wow Factor) and Tennessee commit Brady Buenik (Canes) came out pumping octane, each touching 94. They both held that velocity and Sperandio neutralized the opposing order with high level stuff, holding the...
Tournaments | Story | 12/8/2025

Scout Stories: Part 1

Steve Fiorindo
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Best Game I Saw:  Feel like I may put this every year (don’t fact check me), but the PG All American Classic is always up there, I’m sure I could pick a game where I saw Seth Hernandez shove for Corona here too, but the All American Classic is always just loaded with talent and it pretty well wraps up a long summer of baseball.  Being back at Petco Park makes it even more special as it’s simply one of my favorite venues to watch a game, and seeing a group of the top high school players in the country in that yard is simply awesome.  And to have the West squad win, just makes it that much better (Yes, I’m a left coast homer).  The Underclass All Star Game kicking things off has made the event even better the last few years, and gave us a taste of what to look forward to down the road.  I’m sure Kinon Bastian will have numerous big...
College | Recruiting | 12/8/2025

The State of Recruiting in the Northeast

Ryan Miller
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Cold weather states face unique obstacles when producing baseball talent and none persevere better than those in the Northeast. States such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, among others have annually funneled high-level recruits throughout the country to college baseball’s premier destinations. New England has specifically made a name for themselves, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and occasionally Vermont or New Hampshire. Below, we look at the programs who annually land top talent from the East Coast, showcasing the vast spectrum of area competitors.   Top ACC Bidders Maintain Grasp on the Northeast    An extended look at '27 RHP Enmanuel Acevedo (NY)... @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @PGMidAtlantic https://t.co/8uH6Lg95OL pic.twitter.com/vpQdG0G7qI — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 21, 2025 Duke and Virginia will be tied to the hip for the...
College | Story | 12/5/2025

College Notebook: December 5

Craig Cozart
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Memphis Tigers 2025 Highlights: Head coach Matt Riser began to put his stamp on the program in his first year as skipper after leaving Southeastern Louisiana where he won over 300 games in 10 seasons. He is a proven winner and while they took their lumps at times last year, they did beat Ole Miss at home for the first time since 2001 and achieved their first conference road sweep in over a decade at Rice. Under his direction there was a significant uptick in offensive production as they slugged 68 home runs (fifth most in program history) and walked 284 times (third most in program history). They also saw massive improvements on the mound, putting together a sound rotation and the back end of the bullpen was excellent securing 16 saves. Ultimately, they would miss the American Athletic Conference tournament, but the foundation is in place for 2026 to be one of the best in recent history....
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