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Minors  | General | 12/10/2021

PG Down on the Farm: NL West

David Rawnsley
Photo: Zac Veen (Perfect Game)
It’s been especially difficult to follow the minors over the past two years, with the pandemic-canceled 2020 season and the complete restructuring of the minor leagues by Major League Baseball in 2021. So, over a two-week period, Perfect Game will be taking a look at former PG standouts who are continuing to build their baseball skills and resumes in the minor leagues in an attempt to bring things into a bit more focus.  One player from each organization will be highlighted, with the schedule as follows: 
 
American League East: November 29
American League Central: December 1
American League West: December 6
National League East: December 7
National League Central: December 8
National League West: December 10




National League West 
 
Arizona Diamondbacks: OF Alek Thomas 
 
High School: Mt. Carmel HS (Ill.) 
Final PG Class Ranking: No. 28 (2018) 
Drafted/Signing Bonus: 63rd overall, Arizona Diamondbacks (2018), $1.2M 
Highest 2021 Level: AAA 
2022 Age: 22 
 
Thomas was a three-sport standout at Chicago’s Mt. Carmel High School and is one of the few athletes who can legitimately claim that he could have played at the Division-I level in all three major sports.  Thomas’ athleticism stood out on the baseball field and he wasn’t as raw in his baseball reps as many multiple sport athletes are, probably due to the fact that his father, Allen, was a minor league outfielder and also the long-time strength coach with the Chicago White Sox. 
 
A 2017 PG All-American, the two knocks on Thomas going into the 2018 draft were that he was strongly a hit over power hitter from the left side and that he had a below average throwing arm.  Those two elements dropped him into the second round to the Diamondbacks. 
 
All Thomas has done since his first day in rookie ball is hit.  His three-year combined slash line is .312/.388/.495, highlighted by the last five weeks of the 2021 season where he hit .369/.434/.658 in AAA.  He’s clearly established himself as one of the top hitting prospects in baseball and could be considered a future batting champion down the road.  Arizona has been playing him at all three outfield positions but about 70% of his starts in 2021 came in center field. 
 
 
Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller 
 
High School: McHenry West HS (Ill.) 
College: Louisville 
Travel Team: Elite Baseball Training 
Final PG Class Ranking: No. 205 (2017) 
Drafted/Signing Bonus: 29th overall, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020), $2.2M 
Highest 2021 Level: AA 
2022 Age: 23 
 
Miller was a two-way prospect for much of his high school career, excelling as a left-handed hitting first baseman with lots of power and the athleticism to play the outfield as well.  But his velocity continued to move forward and by the time he finished high school, he was touching 94 mph at the 2017 WWBA World Championships to go with a slider and a pretty solid changeup, although his mechanics and command were still developing. 
 
Miller spent his first two years at Louisville in a swing role, going a combined 13-2, with a 4.05 ERA while continuing to develop more consistency.  He finally moved full time into a starter’s role midway through his sophomore season and was dominant in his four starts in the abbreviated 2020 season, going 2-0, with a 2.70 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 23 innings.   
 
There was still speculation going into the draft that Miller might be better suited to the bullpen in the long term but the Dodgers thought otherwise and selected him with the 29th overall pick and sent him straight to their alternate site.  His pro debut in 2021 was outstanding as Miller reached AA while going 2-2, with a 2.40 ERA in 56 innings, striking out 70 hitters in 56 innings and only issuing 13 walks.  Miller now works consistently in the 93-95 mph range with a mid-80s slider.  The Dodgers, of course, rank among baseball’s elite minor league systems but Miller is right near the top of their prospect list. 
 
 
Colorado Rockies: OF Zac Veen 
 
High School: Spruce Creek HS (Fla.) 
Travel Team: Scorpions Founders Club 
Final PG Class Ranking: No. 1 (2020) 
Drafted/Signing Bonus: 9th overall, Colorado Rockies (2020), $5M 
Highest 2021 Level: A 
2022 Age: 20 
 
San Diego Padres: OF Robert Hassell III 
 
High School: Independence HS (Tenn.) 
Travel Team: DRB Elite 
Final PG Class Ranking: No. 8 (2020) 
Drafted/Signing Bonus: 8th overall, San Diego Padres (2020), $4.3M 
Highest 2021 Level: A+
2022 Age: 20 
 
Robert Hassell III and Zac Veen deserve to be grouped together, as the two outfielders and 2019 PG All-Americans not only took very similar paths through their high school development but were also the top two high school position players selected in the 2020 draft, going back-to-back with the eighth and ninth picks, respectively.  In addition, both enjoyed hugely successful 2021 seasons that highlighted their top prospect status. 
 
Neither player was considered an elite prospect early in their high school careers, although looking back there were plenty of signs that they could get there.  Hassell was as much a pitcher as a player, hitting 90 from the left side in between his sophomore and junior years and showing a hard curveball to go with it.  But he also had hit an absurd .492 with 14 extra-base hits and 19 walks in 25 games by the end of that summer, so it was obvious that he could hit. 
 
Veen wasn’t ranked in the top-100 until the same point between his sophomore and junior years as well, until he exploded at two major events, hitting .455-2-11 with 6 steals at the 2018 WWBA 16U National Championships and coming back in the fall to win the MVP at the WWBA World Junior Championships. 
 
It was obvious by the 2019 PG National Showcase that both players had taken huge steps forward, with Hassell showing five-tool potential with increased strength and Veen having added significant strength to his long and athletic 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame as well.  The fact that both were left-handed hitters who could play center field didn’t hurt their professional projections, either.  Veen, in fact, went into the draft as the No. 1 prospect in the PG class rankings. 
 
Now, check out their respective debut seasons, with Veen playing exclusively in A ball and Hassell spending the last month in A+ after spending most of the season at the A level: 
 
Veen:  301-15-75/.900 OPS, 36 stolen bases, 65 walks 
Hassell:  .300-11-76/.863 OPS, 34 stolen bases, 66 walks 
 
You just can’t get more similarly successful than that. 
 
 
San Francisco Giants: LHP Kyle Harrison 
 
High School: De La Salle HS (Calif.) 
Final PG Class Ranking: No. 21 (2020) 
Drafted/Signing Bonus: 3rd round, San Francisco Giants (2020), $2.5M 
Highest 2021 Level: A 
2022 Age: 20 
 
Harrison didn’t participate in the national travel circuit; his only two PG events were the 2019 National Showcase and the subsequent PG All-American Classic, but was such a dominant pitcher at those two events and during his sophomore and junior seasons at Northern California athletic powerhouse De La Salle High School that his draft stock was firmly established by the time his 2020 high school season was wiped out by the pandemic. 
 
During those two high school seasons, Harrison went a combined 19-1, with a 1.21 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 115 innings. 
 
Harrison’s stuff in high school was notable for two reasons.  The raw stuff was very solid, with a fastball that sat in the 90-93 mph range to go with a mid- to upper-70s slurve type breaking ball and a solid low-80s changeup.  But the second reason was that Harrison threw from a mid to low three-quarter arm slot that created lots of deception and life to his fastball and that really gave his breaking ball, his go-to pitch, huge angle across the plate.  He had an advanced ability to sequence pitches and hitters rarely got a good swing against him. 
 
Harrison’s debut season in 2021 far exceeded all expectations.  Pitching in A ball, Harrison struck out 152 hitters in 98 innings while going 4-3, with a 3.19 ERA in 23 starts.  His raw stuff ticked up significantly, with his fastball sitting in the 93-95 mph range and topping out at 98 mph to go with more power to his breaking ball.  The Giants system is relatively rich in position prospects but not as much in pitchers and Harrison already stands out as possibly their top prospect on the mound.  
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Minors | General | 12/13/2024

PG Down on the Farm: NL West
David Rawnsley
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It’s the time of the year again (i.e. the off-season) for the annual PG Down on the Farm feature.  We identify a top prospect in each of the 30 Major League organizations with as much Perfect Game background as possible and delve into that PG history for some insight into his development as a prospect.  Some of them might be high profile, high draft pick, ex-PG All-American talents who fans have been long familiar with.  Others might be more obscure prospects who have significantly improved either in college or as professionals.  Note that players who have used up their rookie eligibility are not considered. The idea isn’t to necessarily pick the best PG background prospect in each organization but the one who might be closest to the big leagues.  Sometimes that is the same player, other times not. And there is plenty of variation among organizations...
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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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Tournaments | Story | 7/13/2026

17u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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High speed look at the FF-SL-CH from '27 RHP Liam McGeady (OH)... #NatElite @PG_OhioValley @Cincy_Legends https://t.co/hhoDL7DBbi pic.twitter.com/Ts79GLPGoU — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2026 Liam McGeady (2027, Liberty Township, Ohio) had the stuff working on Saturday morning, getting the start for Legends Scout 2027. The uncommitted right-hander ran it up to 91 and sat 88-90 with a full starter’s mix. All three of the secondaries played well and project moving forward. The curveball worked in the mid-70s with good depth and healthy shape. The slider operated in the 79-82 range with gyro spin and short break. McGeady rounded out the repertoire with a changeup that showed big fade and depth, proving effective versus lefties. He ended the outing going five ⅔ innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits, striking out six total. The tall and long 6-foot-5,...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/13/2026

ZT Select Takes 14u WWBA West Title

Emily Hicks
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After a week of competitive baseball, the ZT Select Prospects have been crowned the 14U WWBA National Champions, completing an impressive tournament run with a championship victory over Swarm Red Elite National 2030 with a final score of 3-1. The 14U division brought together 19 talented teams for a week of high-level competition, with players from California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania battling for the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in youth baseball. Throughout the tournament, ZT Select Prospects showed consistency, resilience, and the ability to compete in close games. From the opening rounds of pool play to the championship matchup, the team continued to find ways to win behind strong pitching, timely hitting, and a complete team effort. In the championship game, ZT Select Prospects was led by standout performances from Jeremy Jimenez, who...
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Draft | Mock Draft | 7/13/2026

2027 Mock Draft: Way Too Early Ediition

Vincent Cervino
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With the 2026 MLB Draft officially complete, let's quickly turn our eyes to the 2027 group and do a way too early mock draft. Leading the way is shortstop Brendan Lawson out of the University of Florida, setting the trend as three of the top four names all call shortstop home with Dylan Seward and Carter Hadnot. If shortstops aren't your thing for any which reason, maybe hard throwing left-handers tickle your fancy whether it be prep Connor Salerno, Tomas Valincius from Mississippi State or Dylan Volantis, a dominant arm from the University of Texas.  Pick Team Name Pos. School 1 Los Angeles Angels Brendan Lawson SS Florida 2 Kansas City Royals Dylan Seward SS Norco (Calif.) 3 Colorado Rockies Landon Hairston OF Arizona State 4 New York Mets Carter Hadnot SS Aquinas (Calif.) 5 Athletics Connor Salerno LHP Sun Valley (N.C.) 6 Cincinnati Reds Tomas Valincius LHP Mississippi State 7...
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Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

2027 MLB Draft: Initial Follow List

Vincent Cervino
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With the 2026 MLB Draft in the books, our focus now shifts to a new group of players ready to take center stage as the 2027 draft cycle begins. Our initial 2027 Follow List serves as an early snapshot of the players who should draw plenty of attention over the next year. This new crop of talent features collegiate players coming off loud spring seasons, alongside prep prospects who have already flashed big upside as underclassman.  As always, this list will evolve throughout the year. Some players will continue to elevate their stock, while others will jump onto the radar and force their way into the conversation. So, without further ado, let the fun begin.  The road to the 2027 MLB Draft starts now. Name Level Pos. B-T School Hometown State Commitment Adrian Rodriguez C 3B/OF S-R Texas Flower Mound TX Aidan King C RHP L-R Florida Bryceville FL Bino Watters C OF L-L LSU...
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