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High School  | General | 4/15/2021

Summer Preview: 2024 Catchers

John McAdams
Photo: Cade Arrambide (Perfect Game)
As high school baseball is starting to get going across the country in most regions, with some states actually heading into the playoffs, it all means the summer circuit is right around the corner. Over the next several weeks we will look at the top-ranked players at each position, in each class, while also taking a look at some gut-feel players that could be big risers. With players having more access to individual development, things will undoubtably change at a rapid pace in the early months of the Perfect Game schedule. This provides a good look at some of the top performers coming into 2021 who look primed to continue dominance or make their mark on a national level. 

Class of 2022: Catchers
Class of 2023: Catchers
Cade Arrambide (Texas)
6-3 190 R/R
Commitment: Florida
PG Events: 2
Key Stats: .338-2-27, .985 OPS



Short Story: Arrambide combines high level catch-and-throw skills and big-time arm strength to set himself apart from other catchers within the class. The two-time PG Select Festival Alum exhibits a strong right-handed swing that translates impressively well into game play.

Big Moment: An impressive two weeks at the 13 and 14U PG World Series in July of 2019 put the Florida commit on the map in a big way, where he hit collected 13 hits over the course of the events and showed off the aforementioned advanced defensive skill sets.

Bold Prediction: The defensive skills have never been in doubt, but another year of maturity and additional strength will only expand his offensive profile. Look for Arrambide to start tapping into the unlocked power potential that many have predicted for a while now.
 

PJ Morlando (S.C)
 6-3/194, L/R
Commitment: Mississippi State
PG Events: 5
Key Stats: .418-2-26, 1.157 OPS

Short Story: Morlando combines outstanding long-term power potential with a keen eye and plate discipline of someone much older. Is still developing defensively but has the attributes and athleticism to continue improving as he matures.

Big Moment: The Mississippi State commit burst onto the scene with an eye-opening performance in the 14U WWBA Championship, hitting .407 for the event with five extra-base hits and 15 RBI.

Bold Prediction: The offensive production has always been the carrying tool. If Morlando can continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball, we may be looking at one of the more impressive left-handed hitting catcher prospects in some time.
 

Nolan Traeger (Texas)
 5-11/160, L/R
Commitment: TCU
PG Events: 10
Key Stats: .417 AVG/.500 OBP/1.083 OPS

Short Story: The defensive acumen coupled with his smooth left-handed stroke really stands out when it comes to the TCU commit. With plenty of room to physical mature, this will be an exciting prospect to continue monitoring.

Big Moment: The 2020 13U Select Festival is where Traeger first showed off his intriguing potential on both sides of the ball. He followed that up by hitting .500 during the WWBA Underclass World Championship, showcasing his skills against the best competition possible successfully.

Bold Prediction: As one of more polished prospects within the class, look for Traeger to continue adding strength and really unlock the long-term power potential we have seen as a scouting staff. As Traeger matures, one would think that his profile only continues to rise.
 

Dylan Fien (Calif.)
 6-2/190, S/R
Commitment: UCLA
PG Events: 3
Key Stats: .414 AVG/.500 OBP/ 1.121 OPS

Short Story: Fien’s offensive profile is one of the more refined within the class. His bat-to-ball skills, advanced feel for the barrel and long-term power potential make this California native one of the more intriguing prospects in the loaded '24 class.

Big Moment: There was some scouting buzz surrounding Fien coming into the 2020 Freshman World Championship and he surely did not disappoint. The UCLA commit hit .308 for the event, while displaying an intriguing offensive profile and catch-and-throw skills to match.

Bold Prediction: While Fien exudes an intriguing offensive profile at present, look for him to continue making strides defensively as he gains more physical strength and fully matures.
 
Brooks Wright (Tenn.)
5-11/185, R/R
Commitment: Tennessee
PG Events: 30
Key Stats: .347-1-15, .940 OPS

Short Story: Wright has been a consistent performer for some time now, showing a run producer's mentality at the plate and versatility as a defender. The wildcard may be his immense potential on the mound, where he has been up to 88 mph in previous looks.

Big Moment: The University of Tennessee commit has been extremely consistent in all facets of his game throughout his career, garnering double-digit all-tournament honors and four PG National Championships. Pinpointing a defining moment is hard to determine as he continually produces at every stop on the circuit.

Bold Prediction: Wright cements his status as one of the best two-way talents within the class, pushing into the upper-echelon of that category. With plenty of growth potential remaining, one would think that is another gear in terms of velocity and power potential for the young '24 prospect.


Burke Mabeus (Nev.)
 6-2/190, S/R
Commitment: TCU
PG Events: 11
Key Stats: .392-1-25, 6 3B’s, 1.294 OPS

Short Story: Mabeus is a legitimate threat from both sides of the plate with natural lift to his path and loads of strength within his hands. Couple that with solid catch-and-throw skills, good present arm strength and high baseball IQ to get one of the more refined prospects within the class.

Big Moment: The TCU commit really stood out at the 2020 14U National Showcase, where he checked numerous boxes when it comes to future projection. The large, physically-framed backstop recorded a 1.89 pop time during the defensive workout before showing immense power potential at the plate. The eye-opening performance garnered him an eventual invitation to the 2020 14U PG Select Baseball Festival.

Bold Prediction: With another year of maturity under his belt, look for Mabeus to turn several of his extra-base hits into homers as he continues to unlock the long-term potential our scouting staff has seen.
 
Aukai (Jaydon) Kea (Hawaii)
 6-0/215, R/R
PG Events: 4
Key Stats: 1.350 OPS in 21’ thus far, 90 mph Exit Velocity at 2020 WWBA Workout Showcase

Short Story: Kea is a physically-mature primary catcher with solid defensive components and immense present power potential. As he starts to refine mechanically, this could one of the more intriguing upsides from a loaded crop of 2024 catchers.

Big Moment: The Hawaii native made the cross-country trip to attend the WWBA Workout showcase prior to participating in the 2020 Freshman World Championship with a talented Meta National squad. The overall physicality is what stands out most as he flashed impressive impact potential for his age and huge power potential during batting practice.

Bold Prediction: With only four PG events on his resume, Kea has shown an intriguing present skill set that will only continue to expand as he gains more experience. Kea possesses a vastly raw power/strength combination that could be unlocked at any moment.

Bo Jonas (Mo.)
5-10/185, R/R
Commitment: Oklahoma
PG Events: 22
Key Stats: .346-2-23 during PG Career

Short Story: Jonas is a physically gifted athlete with well-proportioned strength throughout his projectable frame. Displays immense potential on both sides of the ball with solid catch-and-throw components, impact potential at the plate and legitimate arm strength.

Big Moment: The Oklahoma commit stood out at the 14U National Showcase this past summer, showcasing high-level two-way projection and loud tools across the board. His power display in batting practice was one of the more eye-catching rounds of the event.

Bold Prediction: With a solid foundation in all facets of the game, can Jonas enhance his overall hit tool to match up with vastly large power profile. Look for him to take the next step forward from an offensive standpoint and put together a truly intriguing combination of raw power potential and sound bat-to-ball skills.


Ariston Veasey (GA.)
 6-0/175, R/R
Commitment: Georgia
PG Events: 48
Key Stats: .310-1-36, 12 2Bs, .852 OPS

Short Story: Veasey is an immensely projectable young prospect with long limbs, plenty of room to add strength down the road and intriguing upside on both sides of the ball. The Tyrone, Ga. native has been a consistent performer throughout his PG career, amassing an overall average of .336 to go along with 93 RBI.

Big Moment: The 2020 14U National Showcase is where Veasey first showed off the intriguing projection that we have continued to dream on as a scouting staff. The broad-shouldered, long-levered University of Georgia commit displays good arm strength behind the dish, an immense power ceiling as he continues to mature and legit two-way potential on the mound.

Bold Prediction: The offensive production has never been an issue for Veasey, but the ultimate determination of just how high his ceiling could be rests on the defensive side of the ball. Look for him to display improved defensive acumen, solidifying himself as one of the best in the class.
 
Xavier Rivera (P.R.)
5-9/155, R/R
Commitment: Florida International
PG Events: 35
Key Stats: .400 AVG/.474 OBP/1.043 OPS

Short Story: Rivera is a fundamentally sound receiver with quickness to his release and solid arm strength. At the plate, the Florida International commit uses a simple, repeatable stroke to consistently perform at every stop.

Big Moment: After taking home MVP honors at the 2020 Series Classic, Rivera continued to showcase his outstanding defensive acumen and offensive prowess at the 14U National Showcase. His consistent performances throughout the 2020 season ultimately led to being invited as a part of the East team for the 13u Select Baseball Festival.

Bold Prediction: With another year of physical maturity under his belt, look for Rivera’s power to take the next step forward. The compactly-built young backstop will assuredly be someone to keep monitoring as he continues to add strength.

Gut Feel Risers
Drew Rogers (Minn.)
 Despite being from a cold weather state, Rogers checks in at No. 100 in our Class of '24 overall rankings for good reason. The in-game power is what stands out most at present, as the young backstop continues to develop defensively.

Mark Rutherford (Ohio)
 The switch-hitting Auburn commit showed off impressive bat-to-ball skills and feel for the barrel during his 2020 campaign. Exhibits tons of untapped power potential from both sides of the plate. Fundamentally sound defensive skills that will continue to expand as he adds more strength.

Niko Benestad (Fla.)
It’s not much of a gut feel to say you think Benestad is going to hit as that’s all he has done since the start of his Perfect Game career. With a lifetime average of .450 at PG events, the Florida backstop is off to a blistering start in 2021, looking to build off of his 2020 season in which he was named the 14u Tournament Player of the Year. Benestad took home MVP honors of the ’21 MLK East after hitting .500 and is a pivotal piece to one of the top travel clubs in the country.

Aidan Paradine (N.J.)
 Paradine brings to the table a good mix of solid defensive skills with upside and power at the plate that has continued to improve each chance we get to see him. Couple that with handling some high-level arms at Combine Academy in S.C. and you have all the ingredients for a potential riser.

Matt Conte (Mass.)
 Conte has steadily improved in every facet of his game over his PG career. The Andover, Mass. native really stood out at our recent New England Indoor showcase, after showing marked improvements both physically and skills-wise. The well-proportioned backstop incorporates solid receiving skills with athleticism and present arm strength behind the dish, while exhibiting a simple, repeatable stroke with power potential at the plate.

Joshua Agriesti (Fla.)
 The physically-built primary backstop possesses significant present bat speed and some of the more impressive “now” power within the class. Solid catch-and-throw skills with quick release and good receiving skills bode well for the future as he continues to mature.
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High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans
Tyler Russo
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High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

WWBA Arrives in Arizona

Emily Hicks
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After another week of summer baseball, Perfect Game action returns to Surprise Stadium as teams prepare for another exciting week of competition at the WWBA Championship. From July 14-18, some of the top programs in travel baseball will take the field looking to compete for a championship and showcase their talent against high-level competition.  The tournament will feature both the 15U and 16U divisions, bringing together talented teams and rising prospects from across the West and beyond. With several days of pool play and championship bracket action, teams will have the opportunity to test themselves against strong opponents while competing on one of the biggest stages of the summer.  Surprise Stadium will provide the setting for a week filled with competitive matchups, standout performances, and prospects looking to make an impact. From dominant pitching performances to...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/15/2026

East Cobb Go Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS

Alyssa Golden
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East Cobb Goes Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS Twenty years after winning the inaugural 14U BCS National Championship in 2006, the East Cobb Astros once again stood atop the tournament, defeating the Original Florida Pokers 7-4 at JetBlue Park. A hot, sunny afternoon set the stage for a tightly contested match between the Original Florida Pokers 2030 and East Cobb Astros 14U Orange. Although the Pokers had a two-run lead with just three innings to go, East Cobb showed their team had no quit as they pulled away with a 7-4 victory. The teams battled through a highly contested tournament field of over sixty teams from across the country, with the Pokers coming in 8-1 and East Cobb entering 8-0 in tournament play. Cohen Carter started on the mound for East Cobb, allowing seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters over four innings. His fastball sat 71-75 mph. Silas Anstett opened the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Stars Marucci '27 Loaded and Poised

Kinley Kitchens
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Expectations naturally follow one of the nation’s top ranked teams. For Stars Marucci 2027, those expectations have only grown as the summer season has progressed.  Ranked No. 16 nationally and featuring a roster loaded with Division I commits and nationally ranked prospects, Stars Marucci 2027 entered the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship as one of the top teams to watch.  Through the opening two days of the tournament, they have shown why they are a team to watch, opening the week with back-to-back victories over SBA Tucci 2027 (6-1) and FC Twins Scout (5-2) to build early momentum heading into the later rounds.  The talent on the roster is undeniable.  Virginia Tech commits Chase Colangelo, Yogi Colangelo, and Teagan Leach, Maryland commit Jerome Fortier, and Youngstown State commit Sam Capuano headline a group filled with college bound...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Mine Wood Bat World Series Notes

Jordan Gates
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‘28 OF/LHP Carson Tabler (OH) Rips one deep into the pull side gap for an inside-the-park HR. Athletic in the box w/ a projectable frame. Utilizes a toe tap on a fluid stroke w/ good bat speed. Good runner in stride + efficient around the bases. #MineWS @Carson_T7 @PFFlyers2028 pic.twitter.com/IVfICPg4qV — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 10, 2026 Carson Tabler (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) Tabler was probably the most pleasant surprise when it comes to names from this weekend. A rather unknown for me and my staff going into the event, Tabler managed to cement himself by event’s end. It’s a true two-way projection at this stage, while he has the size in the 6-foot-3 long and loose frame, the strength will continue to add on to the 175-pound stature. While he only had two extra-base hits (triple, home run), the bat-to-ball skills were the calling card, and...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/14/2026

SBA Bolts National Raise Trophy at 16u

Will Dembo
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After an action-packed week at the 16u WWBA Championships, the tournament came down to two of the nation’s top teams battling for one of travel baseball’s most prestigious titles. No. 5 ranked SBA Bolts National faced No. 60 Alpha Prime 2028 after both teams reached the championship undefeated, but the SBA Bolts were the sole team to exit without a loss, defeating Alpha Prime 10-2 in mercy rule fashion and capture the national title behind dominant pitching and explosive offensive performances. The SBA Bolts were perfect throughout their week, running the table and going 11-0 while outscoring their opponents by an impressive margin of 108-25. “It was awesome,” SBA Head Coach Travis Thompson said on the mercy rule victory. “It just kind of culminated our week. It's been a long week. I can't even remember our first game, which felt like three weeks ago. The...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ridge Whitfield (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot, 158 pounds with an athletic build that should allow him to maintain his mobility and quick-twitch actions as he continues to develop. He bats and throws left-handed. Whitfield locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, mixes his pitches effectively, and keeps hitters off balance. He competes on every pitch and doesn’t back down in big situations. Whitfield threw 5.1 innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, and no walks while striking out three on 75 pitches (58% strikes). He attacked the zone with a fastball that sat 73 mph and topped out at 78 mph, mixing in a 67 mph breaking ball and a 68-70 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance. Sam Jobe (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, with a lean, athletic frame and plenty of projection. He bats and throws right-handed. Jobe shows good feel for the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

14u & 17u West Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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14u & 17u WWBA West Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Adryan Zaragoza (‘30 | CA) turns on this one, sending it down RF line for a 2B. Finished 2-for-3 w/ 2RBI, 2R, BB. PS approach, bat speed, raw strength #WWBAWest @California_PG pic.twitter.com/V6Ctus4CX1 — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 13, 2026 Adryan Zaragoza (2030, Lake Elsinore, CA) The 5-foot-9, 150-pound left-handed hitter and infielder had a great weekend for ZT Select Prospects, finishing with five hits, eight runs scored, one double, one triple, six RBI, one stolen base, and two walks during the 14U WWBA West National Championships. Zaragoza consistently ignited the offense from the top of the lineup, with a disciplined approach and the ability to create scoring opportunities. He can drive the baseball into the gaps while producing in big situations, combining quality contact with aggressive baserunning....
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Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

14u BCS Scout Note Recap

Perfect Game Staff
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Jake Karpell (2030, Holmdel, NJ) got on the barrel a couple times in game five and totaled three rbis. Started his production with a single then later on hammered a heater down the right field and flew around the bases for a three run inside the park home run. Keeps the hands inside at contact really well and got the head around on the homer. Runs well and can hit it around the yard in the approach.  Luke Sauer (2030 C, FL)  put his hit tool on display with a well-struck double, continuing to show why he is regarded as one of the top catchers in the class. Owns a big frame with present physicality and does a good job keeping the hands connected throughout the swing. The barrel works efficiently through the zone and there is a solid offensive foundation present. Currently ranked as the No. 66 catcher nationally.  Gavin Politz (2030 OF, FL) continued a strong tournament...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

15u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-3

Perfect Game Staff
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Connor Ashley (‘29, FL) has struck out six over six no hit innings thus far. Got the FB up to 87 w/ feel for a sharp two-plane slider. #PGWS @Florida_PG pic.twitter.com/M7mEmTH8pk — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2026 Connor Ashley (’29, Minneola, FL) was stellar on Sunday, striking out seven in a seven inning no hitter. He operates from a medium-to-large right-handed frame with length, room to fill, and lower half strength. Ashley works exclusively from the stretch, starting at the belt before working into a higher compact leg lift, firing down the mound via a long arm action. He releases from a high three-quarters slot, with the fastball jumping from the hand up to 87. Ashley mixed in a sharp 11-5 breaking ball with depth and late bite, a true swing-and-miss offering.  Matthew Hernandez (’29, Miami Lakes, FL) has posted strong numbers on both...
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College | Story | 7/14/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 14 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
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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: Carter White – Falmouth Commodores  Talk about making a great first impression! White introduced himself in a very loud and boisterous way this past week by going 9-17 (.529 AVG) with 6 RBI...
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