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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 | Rankings | 3/31/2026

High School Top 50: March 31
Tyler Russo
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Another pair of weeks has gone by this high school season and with that we have another High School Top-50 Update. Southern states are within a few weeks of the end of the season while some northern states are just getting started this week. Through the end of the spring, we will be bringing you updates to the Top-50 along with state rankings updates coming soon. For the first time in 2026, we have a new #1 in the country as Orange Lutheran (CA) takes over the top spot after winning the NHSI. Venice (FL) came in second place at the NHSI after a thrilling game against Orange Lutheran and comes in at #2. Previous #1 team in the country St. John Bosco (CA) rounds out the top-3 and will have a big showdown against Orange Lutheran starting tonight. Barbe (LA) boasts a 26-1 record and comes in at #4 while Corona (CA) continues to string together wins and holds down the #5 spot in this update....
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College | Story | 3/31/2026

PG Collegiate Midseason Awards

Vincent Cervino
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Midseason Awards  Perfect Game Midseason Player of the Year:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The season sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston is putting together is generational, even amongst the Hall of Fame talent Arizona State has fielded over the years.  Hairston, the 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ has his club on track for another postseason appearance and they will make plenty of noise in the Big 12 regular season.  To put things in perspective on Hairston’s season, he is currently 5th in the nation in batting average, 3rd in hits, 8th in hits per game, tied for 2nd in home runs, tied for 5th in runs scored and is 4th in runs batted in so far.  He holds a batting average of .469 while slugging 1.027 and reaching base over half the time with an OBP of .551.  Hairston walks more than he strikes out and has 12 doubles, 17...
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Tournaments | Story | 3/31/2026

14u East Spring Opener Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Roman Keister (2030, Dade City, FL) Could not miss the barrel this weekend tallying 6 hits including 2 triples and 4 RBI. Starts the load early and controls his body well, the up the middle approach really plays in game. Also worked from off the mound for an inning and picked up a punch out.  Colton Russo (2030, Coral Springs, FL) Showed off the power burning outfielders all weekend. 5 hits including two triples that carried over the CF and RF heads. Has a good understanding about using the lower half in the swing and the bat to ball skills really impressed.  Karson Blakney (2030, St. Augustine, FL) Made his impact in a big way this week, collecting the win in the quarterfinals. In his outing he went 5 shutout innings and struck out 5 while only allowing 2 hits. Worked in the mid 70s with the FB and topped out at 78. Also produced on offense driving in 5 RBI on 4 hits. ...
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College | Story | 3/31/2026

College Players of the Week: March 31

Vincent Cervino
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March 31st Perfect Game/Co-Players of the Week:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The Arizona State Sun Devils (20-8) went (3-2) last week and now sit at No. 18 in our latest Top 25 poll.  They are proving that they are legitimate Big 12 contenders and Landon Hairston is making a strong case for National Player of the Year at the halfway point in the season.  The 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ is putting up such loud numbers that they are almost hard to fathom.  In five games last week, the lefthanded hitter collected 12-hits in 19 Abs, scoring 13 runs on 6 walks, a double, 5 home runs and he drove in 11 runs on his own.  For the season, he has put together a slash line of .468/.991/.553 with 12 doubles, 15 round trippers, 45 RBIs, a 12:18 strikeout-to-walk ratio and he has swiped 8 bags so far.  It has been a special year for the...
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College | Rankings | 3/30/2026

College Top 25: March 30

Vincent Cervino
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Well college baseball fans, we are officially at the half-way point of the 2026 season and what an incredible ride it has already been.  While there is some separation at the top as we start to look at programs that could be potential NCAA tournament hosts, things continue to change as clubs revitalize their seasons by winning massive series in league play.  The Top 25 seems to be getting more volatile as we reach the midway point, and the second half is setting up to be something special.  The one thing that will remain the same as it has for a month now, is that the UCLA (25-2) will still be the No. 1 team in the nation.  The Bruins are winners of 19-consecutive games and have started off Big Ten league play by sweeping 4-straight series.  The Texas Longhorns (23-4) hold tight at No. 2 this week after sweeping previous No. 11 Oklahoma (19-8) and sit atop the...
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High School | General | 3/27/2026

High School Notebook: March 27

Vincent Cervino
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Hudson December (2027, Woodland Hills, Calif.) showed flashes of his upside despite a somewhat uneven three-inning outing. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-hander struck out three while working through a couple of tough jams, though his command was inconsistent at times. He ran his fastball up to 87 mph on a pair of occasions and generally sat in the 83–85 range. He mixed in an upper-70s slider with varying shape and execution where it was most effective when thrown with proper intent, showing shorter, tighter depth. He also flashed a changeup against a few left-handed hitters. Mechanically, there’s a blend of positives and areas for development. He incorporates his lower half fairly well and moves down the mound with some pace and intent. The arm is quick, though it can be late getting up at times, and his taller finish limits full torso extension through release. With...
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Draft | Mock Draft | 3/27/2026

2026 MLB Mock Draft: V 2.0

Tyler Henninger
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The spring season is well underway and the board is starting to take shape. Last week, the draft team put together the Top-300 and this week we take a stab at our first mid-season mock draft. While there still is plenty of time for things to shake out differently, here is how we see things shaping up at this point in the draft cycle.  Pick Team Selection Position School 1 Chicago White Sox Roch Cholowsky SS UCLA 2 Tampa Bay Rays Justin Lebron SS Alabama 3 Minnesota Twins Grady Emerson SS Fort Worth Christian 4 San Francisco Giants Jackson Flora RHP UC Santa Barbara 5 Pittsburgh Pirates Vahn Lackey C Georgia Tech 6 Kansas City Royals Drew Burress OF Georgia Tech 7 Baltimore Orioles Ace Reese 3B Mississippi State 8 Athletics Jacob Lombard SS Gulliver Schools 9 Atlanta Braves Eric Booth Jr. OF Oak Grove 10 Colorado Rockies AJ Gracia OF Virginia 11 Washington Nationals Gio Rojas LHP...
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Juco | Rankings | 3/25/2026

JUCO Top 25: March 25

Blaine Peterson
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Another strong week of Juco baseball for teams in our Top 25, and as you may see, our field is the same from a week prior with each and every team handling business in their weekend sets to hold fast to their spots on the board. Some notable movement though inside the Top 5 with Gaston jumping up to number 2 after a 33-2 start to the 2026 season as well Cloud County cracking the Top 15 for the first time all year. Looking forward to watching conference play around the country as we approach the final stretch of the regular season. Rk. School Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 30-2 2 Gaston (NC) 33-2 3 Florida Southwestern (FL) 26-7 4 Walters State (TN) 26-6 5 Chipola (FL) 29-5 6 Florence-Darlington (SC) 29-6 7 Blinn (TX) 22-8 8 McLennan (TX) 20-7 9 Cochise (AZ) 28-6 10 Pearl River (MS) 25-7 11 Georgia Highlands (GA) 30-8 12 Southern Nevada (NV) 24-6 13 Northwest Florida (FL) 21-12 14 Cloud...
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College | Rankings | 3/25/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: March 25

Nick Herfordt
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Every preseason, analysts and voters pour enormous effort into ranking the small college baseball landscape — poring over returning rosters, transfer additions, coaching changes, and historical trends to assemble the most accurate picture they can of who will be contending when the postseason arrives. And most years, they get it largely right. But the nature of college baseball, with its massive rosters, unpredictable development arcs, and ever-churning transfer portal, guarantees that a handful of genuinely elite programs will slip through the cracks every spring. A team loses too many seniors. A key transfer hasn’t yet suited up. A new coaching staff hasn’t had the chance to prove itself. The voters see the question marks and leave the blank space, and then the season begins and the blank space starts filling itself in — loudly. As the 2026 season heads into its...
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College | Story | 3/24/2026

College Players of the Week: March 24

Vincent Cervino
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March 24th Perfect Game/Player of the Week: Quinton Coats, IF, Cincinnati The Cincinnati Bearcats (19-7) are on the cusp of the Top 25 and are playing their best ball of the season. The offense has been the driving force behind their success, and it has been incredibly consistent having averaged 8.5-runs per game. In the middle of it all, Quinton Coats, is on pace for a historic season both within the program and on a national level. The 6-3/225 infielder from Olathe, KS has been launching home runs at a record pace and opponents seem to be powerless to stop his onslaught. With incredible strength in his hands, Coats creates easy loft and in 5 road games last week he collected 9 hits in 20 at-bats, with 4 home runs, 9 runs scored, and he drove in a total of 9 runs as well. As for his pursuit of history, the modern day BBCOR bat standard single season home run record is 34, set back in...
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