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College  | Recruiting | 11/30/2021

Uncommitted Gems: Northeast Region

AJ Denny
Photo: Perfect Game
Uncommitted Gems: Southeast Region

While a good portion within the class of 2022 put pen to paper a couple weeks back during the early signing period, there are several uncommitted gems throughout the country who have the talent and tools to make an impact at the next level. Over the next week we'll take a deeper look into five different regions and today we take a look at the Top 2022 Uncommitted Prospects for the Northeast Region, and all we can really say is buckle up because it’s a loaded list.



Starting with OF/RHP Tyler Stone (2022, Branchburg, N.J.), the versatile two-way prospect has a lot to like in terms of raw tools. On the offensive end, Stone’s stoke is controlled and fluid with no extra movements to minimize swing-and-miss potential. He consistently flashes the ability to get the barrel out in front, hitting 3 home runs throughout his summer, showcasing sneaky power potential. Stone can also run it up to 87 mph on the mound from compact mechanics, further adding to his value as a prospect. 


OF/UTL Nicholas Lovarco (2022, Wall, N.J.) is next up, and can be described as somewhat of an athletic freak. With outfield velocities up to 91 mph and a top exit velo at 89 mph, the numbers speak for themselves. While these stats on their own are impressive, Lovarco more than backs them up in game, hitting .389 over the course of 5 events this summer for .9ers Baseball Club. 


RHP Bruce Wadiak (2022, Medford, N.J.) has quietly shown the ability to come in and dominate outings time and time again. Projecting as more of a reliever, Wadiak has the ability to run the fastball up to 88 mph while flashing a tight 11-5 slurve as an out pitch. He controls the arsenal well and still could see the velo tick up as he fills out the 6-foot, 165-pound frame. 

Another loud uncommitted arm comes in the form of RHP Christian Pareja (2022, Clifton, N.J.), who has touched 89 mph at PG events. When feel for the zone is locked in for Pareja, he has a lethal arsenal that features the aforementioned heat with an 11-5 slurve piece, showcasing both vertical and horizontal plane. The righty has an electric arm with lots of downhill extension that uses the lower half well in his compact 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. 

Plus infield defender Daniel Barbero Jr. (2022, Loudonville, N.Y.) is once again finding his name on a top uncommitted list, as the 91 mph arm across the diamond remains unsigned. Barbero is the No. 6-ranked shortstop in New York for the class of ’22, as his silky smooth mechanics on both sides of the field translate on numerous levels. He produces easy lift and backspin off the barrel offensively with the ability to use all parts of the field. 

Intriguing two-way prospect Frankie Noto (2022, East Moriches, N.Y.) can also show it off in multiple ways, touching 88 mph from the mound while hitting .367 over the course of the summer. Noto works from a clean three-quarter slot on the bump with repeatable mechanics that push off the backside well and get downhill. He has clear power in the 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame that doesn’t take long to detect.  


Flamethrower Harby Valera (2022, Bronx, N.Y.) isn’t a new name to our scouting department, as the athletic and still-projectable 6-foot-1, 195-pound prospect has seen his stock continuously rise over the course of the year. Valera, whose fastball effortlessly sits in the upper-80s, uses an aggressive tempo to attack hitters early and often while commanding his arsenal effectively.  

A combo that you don’t see everyday, speedy first base prospect James Asmus (2022, New Hyde Park, N.Y.) has multiple tools at his disposal to beat you with. With a 6.85 sixty yard dash time, Asmus currently holds the No. 1 overall ’22 first base ranking in New York for good reason. Offensively, the lefty incorporates the lower half well with good weight shift and legitimate power potential. He has a reliable glove and is an outstanding student for schools looking for academic value. 


Physical 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher Erwins Branche (2022, New York City, N.Y.) was a problem all summer, seemingly making the scout blog with every appearance. You really can’t say enough about the intimidating right-handed prospect, who brought a presence to the bump that made opponents feel like they were down 0-2 before a pitch was even thrown. He consistently works in the upper-80s with the ability to reach back and touch low-90s on occasion.  

Another refined New York name to watch is catcher Jonathan Larrea (2022, Queens, N.Y.), who is a defensive asset behind the dish for any pitcher. He flashes a 1.87 pop time from a direct, compact arm action, gaining ground quickly and effectively towards second base. Larrea showcases a simple line drive stroke on the offensive end that displays the ability to use the entire field. 

Fellow catching prospect Thomas Nicely (2022, Delmont, Pa.) has also made a name for himself, flashing a 2.01 pop time defensively with a more-than-loud bat on the offensive end. With an exit velocity of 92 mph recorded, Nicely uses his lower half effectively to explode on pitches anywhere on the inner-middle part of the plate. His raw power potential is continuing to bloom and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.

It’s hard to talk about uncommitted Northeast catchers without mentioning No. 1 overall ‘22 Vermont prospect, William Gumbrell (2022, Burlington, Vt.). With a pop time of 1.83, an exit velocity of 93 mph, and sneaky speed recording a 7.13 sixty yard dash, Gumbrell truly is the complete player. Said to be one of the best defensive assets in the Northeast, he displays excellent arm strength and keeps runners at bay consistently, gunning anyone who dares to run on his cannon.

Right-hander Luke Matta (2022, Shenadoah, Pa.) recently hit the 90 mph mark off the bump this summer, adding yet another uncommitted power arm in the Northeast. Matta pitched to a 0.00 ERA in 18 innings of work, showing the ability to compete and get out of jams in pressure moments when his team needed him most. Matta has swing-and-miss stuff in the arsenal from a physical 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame. 

Projectable lefty Matthew Spada (2022, Westport, Ct.) still has some juice left in the 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, which has already produced 87 mph. Spada has advanced command of a three-pitch arsenal, an arsenal that includes a nasty fading changeup that constantly sees hitters casting out in front. With the tools and know-how to be effective on the mound, a tick up in velocity for Spada could get dangerous. 

Last but certainly not least, right-hander Aaron Zenus (2022, Boxford, Mass.) jumped onto the scene this summer with dominant performances down in Georgia for the 17U National Championship. Though the sample size is small, Zenus is more than capable of sitting upper-80s with a heavy fastball while commanding a slurve and changeup at his disposal. Zenus is the definition of hidden gem in the Northeast.
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