-Blaine Peterson
Zak Endres (2022, Lakeville, Minn.) is a talented arm that has been turning heads lately, in large part to the big velocity jump in his fastball. In 2020, he was maxing out at 80 mph, in just one calendar year he has seen his fastball velocity jump up to 89 mph. He is able to create swings and misses with the fastball in the zone and follows it up with a mid-70s curveball and a changeup that hovers in the low-80s. He’s a guy that has been as tough to hit as anyone when he is on his game. In 11 2/3 innings pitched this season he has 18 strikeouts and has only allowed two earned runs.
Luke Ross (2022, Waunakee, Wis.) is about as projectable as they come, standing 6-foot-2 and throwing from the left side. He is an athletic pitcher that features a smooth, repeatable motion and can run his fastball up to 87 mph and has shown excellent command of it. He leans on his curveball the most for his secondary offering and it has solid two-plane break with plenty of downer action. He also features a tight slider and a firm changeup. He’s tough on all hitters, but especially lefties, striking out 19 across 11 2/3 scoreless innings this year.
Chase Krueger (2022, Glen Ellyn, Ill.) features a nasty fastball/curveball combination that is tough on opposing hitters. His fastball maxes out at 86 mph, and his low arm slot gives it plenty of running action in the zone. He pairs this heater with an 11/5 curveball that is considerably slower and has a ton of downward break. He is a strong athlete that utilizes his frame well and works down the mound. He hasn’t had a long Perfect Game career, but in his 12 2/3 innings he has punched out 26 batters without allowing an earned run.
Will Fletcher (2022, Wheaton, Ill.) has been nothing short of dominant during his Perfect Game outings this year, striking out 20 in 12 1/3 scoreless innings and only allowing three hits. He makes a living at the bottom of the strike zone and features a plus three-pitch mix of fastball, curveball, and changeup. His fastball tops out at 87 mph currently and he throws it on a nice downward plane. His curveball has tight 11/5 break that he tunnels well. His changeup has plenty of fade to it, making it tough to barrel up. Look for him to continue his impressive year.
Thomas Burns (2023, Hortonville, Wis.) is a power pitching right-hander that attacks the zone with his fastball that has been up to 89 mph. He has a strong and explosive lower half that allows him to generate the velocity without much stress on his shoulder. He has an over-the-top delivery that creates nice life on his fastball, especially up in the zone. He pairs the heater with a curveball that has tight spin and will be a plus pitch as he continues to develop. In his 13 2/3 innings this season at Perfect Game events he has punched out 27 batters without allowing an earned run.
-Michael Reuter
Christian Oppor (2022, Columbus, Wis.) burst onto the scene during the Iowa Spring League back in April, and he has been gaining momentum ever since. He certainty makes a case for one of the most intriguing uncommitted arms left in the class, given the projectability of his arm speed, frame, and overall athleticism. Look for the left-hander to sit in the upper-80s and possibly reach into the low-90s during his time in Jupiter. Make sure you are sitting at Cardinals 4 on October 9 at 8 am, as Oppor is scheduled to throw two innings in relief for the Reds Scout Team.
Jackson Steensma (2022, Byron Center, Mich.) has had an extremely busy (and successful) summer/fall on the circuit, spending the majority of July and September playing in tournaments in the Southeast, and he will look to cap if off in a positive fashion in Jupiter with the East Cobb Astros 18U Navy. The big right-hander has a physical 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, and although he will play a significant two-way role for East Cobb, his future shines brightest on the mound. He has been in the upper-80s (top 89) in our looks with a quick and compact arm stroke. The fastball gets plenty of swing-and-miss up in the zone, and his curveball and changeup show promising potential.
Will Plattner (2022, Chatham, Ill.) made a big splash at the Sunshine Southeast Showcase back in May, impressing our scouts with a dazzling display of power during BP and most notably in the games, where he sent one soaring over ECB’s monster left field wall. The primary catcher has a well-built 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame with obvious strength present, and that strength plays big within his swing. Expect loud contact when Plattner is up to the plate for Knights Knation/Dodgers Scout Team this week.
Luke Klekamp (2022, Oak Creek, Wisc.) is your guy if you’re in the market for a proven winner that just knows how to get batters out. The right-hander has been lights out in his last two starts leading up to Jupiter, as he tossed two shutouts, giving up just two hits and striking out 14 in his 11 1/3 innings pitched. Klekamp is confident in his stuff, and his pitchability makes him extremely effective. He throws a traditional three-pitch mix, and he can spot up with each of them in any count. The fastball sits in the low- to mid-80s, topping out at 87, and the curveball has solid tilt/depth to it. Look for Klekamp to be an important bullpen piece for the Chicago Scouts Association.
Grant Tenuta (2023, Orland Park, Ill.) is an intriguing ‘23 that has yet to make his commitment, and it’s clear to our scouting staff that he has D-I upside. He consistently sits in the mid- to upper-80s, and recently topped out at 89 mph earlier this summer. There is plenty of explosiveness to his actions on the mound, and it’s a live arm that will seemingly continue to get stronger and gain velocity moving forward. He flashes solid feel for both a curveball and a changeup, and he should play an important role near the end of games for the Cangelosi pitching staff.
-Cade Schares
Puerto Rico
Yeniel Laboy (2022, Arecibo, P.R.) is a 6.68 runner in the 60-yard dash with big impact from the left side of the plate. The actions and arm can stay on the left side of the dirt and he is a very good actions. His high-waisted frame is going to fill in nicely and the upside is obvious.
Yahir Otero (2022, Vega Alta, P.R.) burst onto the scene at the Sunshine East Showcase and then solidified himself at the National Showcase when he ran a 6.57 in the 60, threw 93 from the outfield, and 89 from the infield. He has really good bat speed and he is repetitions from being an impact player at the next level.
Jan Avila (2022, Toa Alta, P.R.) has excellent actions with a big arm. The feet move well and he has a good first step. The in-game performances have helped to further his prospect status as his tools are usable right now. It’s a very simple right-handed swing with an all-fields line drive approach.
Raul Torres (2022, Caguas, P.R.) is a 6.67 runner with a big arm from shortstop. Torres is light on his feet with stop-and-start ability and good timing with his glove and release. The right-handed swing plays with its flat plane that is in the zone and hips fire really hard. This translates easily to game play.
Damian Jose Ortiz (2022, Guayama, P.R.) is a 6-foot-1, 178-pound OF/P. His right-handed stroke is direct and he turns hard and tight. There is a center field profile here given his 6.77 60 that will even get better as the athletic frame adds strength. On the mound he has a clean arm stroke and quick shoulder. The two-way potential is pretty exciting.
-Jered Goodwin
Texas
Ty Roman (2022, Diboll, Texas) is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound left-handed pitcher that sits in the upper-80s with his fastball and pairs it with two solid breaking balls and a changeup. He throws with a shorter arm action and has been a consistent strike thrower all summer. His curveball is his best secondary pitch and is above average with bite to it. He will have a great chance to be an impact starting pitcher at the college level.
Ethan Mendoza (2023, Bedford, Texas) is an athletic infielder that has some really loud tools. He posted a 96 MPH exit velocity at Stix Baseball’s recent scout day and was up to 85 MPH throwing across the diamond. His right-handed swing has solid bat speed and swings with leverage. He’s performed well at the plate all summer and should carry it over to Jupiter.
MJ Seo (2023, Plano, Texas) is a talented two-way prospect and currently ranked the No. 12 player in Texas for the 2023 class. He’s been up to 94 MPH on the mound and is a fluid defender in the infield. He has a short-levered swing with solid bat-to-ball skills and is a constant stolen base threat when he’s aboard. He’s definitely a player to watch in Jupiter.
Tristan Duke (2022, Flower Mound, Texas) is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound left-handed pitcher with projection left. He has some deception to his delivery and has run his fastball into the upper-80s. He pairs it with a solid sharp breaking ball that generates a ton of swing-and-miss. There’s a lot to work with here.
Taylor Harris (2022, College Station, Texas) is a solid combination of size and athleticism. He’s 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and has a very solid run tool with twitch to his game. His swing has impressive strength to it and his highest exit velocity has been up to 91 MPH. Solid outfield arm that’s been up to 90 MPH out there. He profiles best as an outfielder with an impactful bat.
-Joe Saunders
Tanner Chelette (2022, Spring, Texas) is a strength-based profile with excellent backstop skills and plenty of IQ to play the game for a long time. Physically, Chelette has so much athletic upside and strength that has contributed to his success at the plate and value behind the dish. He has consistently impacted games over the years in the Texas circuit and will certainly be an enticing player to watch.
Canon Chester (2022, Sinton, Texas) is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound athlete with deep tools in the corner infield, and he has the right look and fits the part displaying mechanics to carry on. Well-known prospect in Texas, his success will come from his bat that repeatedly produces solid strength and quality intent.
Jett Williams (2022, Heath, Texas) is an explosive talent with refined tools that plays smoothly up the middle. The raw arm strength is impressive as well. Compact athletic build with excellent use of strength and speed holds obvious projection, but the present impact and bat speed speaks for itself.
Owen Peck (2022, Frisco, Texas) is another Texas middle infielder to keep eyes on. Peck brings well-rounded tools to the Dallas Tigers lineup, and his present feel for the barrel stands out and will continue to build a playable bat at the next level with added strength. He is an excellent athlete with a smooth glove.
Carson Priebe (2023, Frisco, Texas) is a physical 6-foot-5 lengthy right-hander who has the right makeup to like. With two more years in his high school career, his development is intriguing and plays successfully against the best talent in the Texas circuit. Tremendous two-way potential, but his fit on the mound will draw the attention. His feel for the zone is imposing with a full arsenal that lands. This will be an easy 90 MPH arm; he is up to 89 now with very difficult angle and life.
- Billy Cruz
West Coast
LJ Mercurius (2023, Las Vegas, Nev.) performed well in multiple events this summer showcasing really good stuff throughout. The right-hander possess a projectable 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. The fastball has been up to 92 mph with quick arm speed. He pairs it with a sharp, downward breaking curveball that has swing and miss potential. The upside along with the already-advanced stuff makes Mercurius a valuable arm that will contribute at the next level.
Julien Cojulun (2023, Redondo Beach, Calif.) is an uncommitted infielder who can bring value on both sides of the ball. His solid glove actions and sound body control throughout his defensive actions work well in the middle of the diamond. He transitions well into throws using a short, quick arm action. In the box, his advanced approach allows him to spray balls to all parts of the field. His swing features strong barrel accuracy with intent to drive the ball with authority. Athleticism oozes in all aspects of Cojulun’s game, making him an uncommitted name to keep an eye on.
Cole Stokes (2023, Redondo Beach, Calif.) is a big, strong right-hander that brings powerful stuff to the table. His 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame is intimidating on the bump and his fastball matches it. The heater has been up to 93 mph with plenty of ride through the zone. He also features a sharp upper-70s slider that has the potential to be an out pitch. It is an advanced two-pitch mix that has shown the ability to get hitters out consistently throughout the summer. He has the frame and the stuff to be a legit arm that can give valuable innings consistently.
Sam Tookoian (2022, Fresno, Calif.) brings a legit three-pitch mix to the table that has the ability to miss bats often. He possesses a large, XL frame standing at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds that moves extremely well down the mound. The fastball has topped at 92 mph, while sitting consistently in the low-90s. The low-effort delivery and frame hints toward more velocity down the line. He has feel for a low-70s curveball that features sharp, 11-5 action. He also flashes a mid-80s changeup that has some swing-and-miss potential. Tookoian has the build and stuff of a starter at the next level. Where he does it is the only question left for the uncommitted arm.
Aiden Taurek (2022, Santa Ana, Calif.) has shown the ability to produce as a two-way prospect throughout the summer. He showcases quick bat speed with the ability to turn the barrel over well. There is solid pull-side power that plays well with his strong frame. In the infield, he features clean hands that catch the ball consistently and his athleticism allows him to move well in all directions. His 6.58 60-yard speed plays well on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. On the mound, Taurek has a fastball that sits in the upper-80s with some arm-side run. He also has shown feel for both a slider and curveball. The two-way ability makes Taurek a prospect that can contribute mightily at the next level.
-Tyler Henninger
Sebastian Moore (2022, Dana Point, Calif.) has a strong, athletic build with a quick compact the left-handed swing. Has potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat with pull power from the left side. He moves well in the outfield with good range and can track down balls in the gap.
Alex Wallace (2023, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) is a 6-foot-7, 200-pound right-handed pitcher that runs his fastball into the mid- to upper-80s with good life. He works quickly and throws a lot of strikes, works a great two-pitch mix that creates a lot of swings and misses.
Jackson Waller (2022, San Marcos, Calif.) is athletic and shows the ability to glide across the diamond. Displays soft hands with a quick transfer with firm accurate throws across. Shows a consistent swing with good bat speed and the ability to square the ball up.
Ayden Kim (2022, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) features a strong athletic frame and generates great bat speed from a simple compact swing. The barrel stays long through the zone generating occasional raw pull power. The glove plays well in the outfield showing the ability to make the routine plays.
Daniel Marquez (2022, West Covina, Calif.) is an extremely athletic right-handed pitcher that runs his heater into the low-90s. The fastball works best up and in just above the hands, and he is very competitive and goes right at the hitters. Complements his fastball with tight spin 12/6 curveball.
-Alexis Gonzalez
Cutter Coffey (2022, Bakersfield, Calif.) is a former University of Arizona commit and a special talent that’s one of the top two-way players in the land. The five-star recruit checks all the boxes tool-wise, now it comes down to performance. Coffey made a significant jump on the mound in the summer and scouts want to see if progress has occurred into the fall. He features one of the best sliders in the 2022 class. As a college player you let him play both ways no doubt, because there’s dynamite in his bat, but will he be a pitcher or a position player long term? There’s no doubt there will be plenty of eyes on Coffey this week.
Angelo Aleman (2022, Los Angeles, Calif.) is a former University of San Diego commit who has bet on himself this summer and confirmed he’s worthy of a D-I commitment. This kid can really hit, now it’s time for Aleman to do it on a national stage.
Eli Gennis (2022, Concord, Calif.) is a former USC commit who has opened his recruitment. A special arm talent with explosive stuff on the mound. Has a loose, live arm with front-line starter stuff featuring three plus pitches. Gennis seems to always be in control of his emotions and flushes out adversity with a solid pre-pitch routine. Looking forward to seeing the progression he has made since the Area Code Games.
-Steve Doherty