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| 2,575 MLB PLAYERS | 16,375 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,575 MLB PLAYERS | 16,375 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
College  | Recruiting | 12/7/2022

Recruiting Notebook: December 7

Photo: Coy James (Perfect Game)

Will Hynes, RHP, Class of 2026
National Rank: 66 | Commitment: Wake Forest


Hynes entered the summer as a relative unknown out of Canada as the young right-hander hadn't yet been on the national scene, though it only took a couple of pitches at the Sophomore National Showcase to squarely put his name on the map. Squaring off against some of the top bats in the 2025 class, Hynes made short work of the task at hand as he pounded the strike zone with a rather simplistic operation on the bump while showing three pitches for strikes and a fastball up to 87 mph, complements of a lightning quick right arm. It proved to be more of the same as the summer unfolded and into the fall as Hynes continued to gather crowds of recruiters behind the backstop. The Demon Deacons have been on a roll as of late, landing a slew of high-end talent and with Hynes in the mix, the club looks to have one of the top 2026 recruiting classes in the country at this point. 




Coy James, SS, Class of 2025
National Rank: 20 | Commitment: Ole Miss


James has been on the national circuit since early in his prep days as he heard his named called for the 13u Select Festival in 2020 and again in 2021, only then for the 14u iteration of the Festival. Flashback a couple of years and it was easy to find his upside on the mound equally as appealing to what he brings to the offensive side of things as he spun one of the better breaking balls in the country and his athleticism allowed for plenty of strikes. And even though the fastball velocity has crept into the upper-80s present day, it very much looks as though James is going to be an impact-type bat with the athleticism and versatility to move all over the diamond. Everything he does on the field is refined with polish, from the looseness and quickness of his right-handed swing to its leverage through the zone, James is a huge pick up for the Rebels. 


Ridge Southerland, RHP, Class of 2025
National Rank: 243 | Commitment: Oklahoma


You're not going to miss Southerland as he walks out to the rubber, and if you're digging into the box to face the newly-minted Oklahoma commit, you probably won't be all too comfortable given his presence on the mound. A strongly-built 6-foot-4, 212-pound right-hander, Southerland took his stuff to the next level this summer as we saw the fastball climb upwards of 89 mph during the 15u WWBA World Championships with even more in the tank moving forward. Given how short his arm stroke is through the backside, Southerland is able to hide the ball extremely well which in turn allows the velocity to play up even more and aid in the discomfort a hitter might feel in the box. He mixes both a low-80s changeup as well as a low-70s curveball, which he tunnels well, alongside the heater and throughout 2022 averaged a strikeout-per-inning. 

-Jheremy Brown


Kai Hutchins, OF, Class of 2023
PG Rank: 500 | Commitment: Manhattan

Hutchins is the latest addition for new Head Coach David Miller and his staff, as they have named their recruiting efforts The Manhattan Project. What Hutchins brings to the table is a top-of-the lineup-ready bat with the ability to get on base frequently, while providing outstanding pitch recognition and sneaky power potential. He runs well enough to man center field, but may be better served in a corner and has enough arm strength to thwart extra bases. He has good instincts and takes exceptional routes to the baseball. He was previously committed to Old Dominion University before ultimately finding a home in New York City. The bat is the calling card, as he should be able to provide an immediate presence atop the lineup and be the catalyst for the aptly named #ManhattanProject.
 

Cory Sheridan, RHP, Class of 2025
PG Rank: 275 | Commitment: North Carolina State


Sheridan becomes the latest commit for the Wolfpack and Coach Elliot Avant in the Class of 2025, as he joins a bevy of talented prospects that should continue to keep #Pack9 near the top of the ACC and competing for Omaha each year. The athletic right-hander has made steady velocity gains throughout the last calendar year and comfortably works in the upper-80s, while peaking at 90 mph as of late. He repeats well, uses his powerful lower half extremely well throughout his delivery and possesses plenty of present arm speed. He sequences his three-pitch mix extremely well and shows the ability to manipulate both the speed and shape to his breaking ball effectively. He has added a cutter as another offering to miss barrels and completes his mix with a replicated changeup that he can deploy to both right-handed and left-handed hitters. There is more in the tank for the young 2025 grad and it will assuredly be fun to watch him continue to develop over these next few years.
 

Ethan Tolbert, MIF, Class of 2025
PG Rank: Top 1000 | Commitment: Penn State


Tolbert becomes just the third commit for Coach Rob Cooper and his Nittany Lions, as they have added young prospects from Pennsylvania, New York and now New Jersey. The long, lean and athletic middle infielder brings an intriguing set of skills that will only continue to expand with additional strength gains and maturity. He provides sound bat-to-ball skills from the left side with the ability to spray the baseball all over the field. In the grass, he displays ample lateral range to either side, soft hands and can throw from multiple arm angles that are necessary to play the middle. He will be an interesting follow over the next few years, as he adds strength to his projectable frame and certainly add other elements to a sound foundation.

Edward Werse, LHP, Class of 2024
PG Rank: T1000 | Commitment: New Jersey Tech


Werse becomes just the second commit in the 2024 class for Coach McClellan and the Highlanders, as they are known to strategically recruit throughout the country. The 6-foot, 180-pound left-hander has worked his way into the mid-80s of late and consistently throws quality strikes. He navigates all four quadrants of the strike zone, as he has the ability to cut and sink the baseball effectively. He pairs it well with a slower, more traditional shaped breaking ball that has some depth to it and a faded changeup that he is able to garner swings and misses with. The frame will allow for additional strength to be added and there should be another velocity uptick in the future. Werse is a proficient strike thrower that will limit free bases and should be able to step in right away upon stepping on campus.

-John McAdams

Alex Urias, OF, Class of 2023
PG Rank: 500 | Commitment: University of West Florida


West Florida grabbed a real solid player to its 2023 class in Urias. The Cumming, Georgia native is no stranger to high-end performance in several PG tournaments. He’s got great feel for the barrel and meets consistent contact with quick hands and a simple all-fields stroke. Urias is a well-rounded asset in the box with the ability to turn on mistakes to the pull side. Defensively, Urias is a solid mover capable of handling a corner outfield spot with accurate throws and solid instincts on the basepaths. His intangibles and overall offensive skill set make for a nice profile at the next level.

Roman Cruz, SS/MIF, Class of 2024
PG Rank: Top 1000 | Commitment: Sacramento State


Sacramento State found a nice in-state addition to its 2024 class. Cruz impressed in several facets this summer with advanced actions handling shortstop with traits, hands and enough arm to project up the middle. He’s a wiry athlete with athletic traits and feel for the leather. The swing opened eyes, creating quality extension and tons of length through contact that plays well to the pull-side gap or middle of the field. It’s good bat speed and some additional power projection as he fills out his lean frame. Cruz is an advanced defensive product with upside in the stick and he’s a big grab for the Hornets.

Joseph Moreno, LHP, Class of 2025
PG Rank: High Follow | Commitment: UC Santa Barbara


UCSB continues to hit the recruiting trail hard this fall and winter, adding a projectable lefty to its 2025 class in Moreno. Moreno has lots of length in his build with the makings of a three-pitch mix. The fastball is a current low-80s offering with feel for a two-plane breaking ball and quality changeup with good fading action. He lands on-line from a consistent stride and ease to a short three-quarter release. Moreno fills the zone, has the mechanics with more projection in store to be a sound product. He found a good home in Santa Barbara.

- Isaiah Burrows


College | Story | 7/18/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: July 18

Perfect Game Staff
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Brandon Shannon | Fr. | RHP | Louisville | Bourne Braves  The freshman right-hander possesses arguably the most electric arm on the Cape, pairing a lean, projectable frame with plenty of room to continue adding strength. Shannon worked an effortless 96-98 mph throughout the outing with premium arm speed. His mid-80s slider generates plenty of swing-and-miss, while his 92-93 mph power changeup gives him a quality third offering to neutralize left-handed hitters. After flashing premium stuff during his freshman season at Louisville, Shannon has carried that arsenal into the summer and possesses the type of arm talent to develop into a Day 1 draft prospect as he continues refining his command and overall polish.    Another look at 1B/P Josiah Overbeek (@HailStateBB) Pull side RBI single here. @BourneBraves https://t.co/YA17RJnFo8 pic.twitter.com/Jw7iDMliZG — PG College...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/20/2026

Legion Captures 16u WWBA West

Emily Hicks
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After five days of competitive baseball, Legion Baseball emerged as champions at the Perfect Game WWBA Championship, completing an impressive tournament run with a victory over ‘28 San DIego Ghost 10-3 in the championship game at Surprise Stadium.  The tournament brought together talented programs from across the West and beyond, with teams competing in the 15U and 16U divisions. Throughout the week, players showcased their skills in front of coaches, teammates, and families while battling through pool play and the championship bracket for the opportunity to hoist the trophy.  From the opening day of competition, Legion established itself as one of the tournament's top contenders. The club relied on hitting, quality pitching, and consistent defense to navigate a challenging field and earn its place in the championship game.  In the title matchup, Legion received key...
Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
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With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Press Release | Press Release | 7/20/2026

LGND Becomes Official Glove of PG

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME PARTNERS WITH MLB SUPERSTAR MOOKIE BETTS, NAMING LGND OFFICIAL GLOVE OF PERFECT GAME   Partnership Officially Kicks Off with LGND Block Party on July 27 in Fullerton, California   Los Angeles, California (Monday, July 20, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a landmark partnership with Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove Award winner Mookie Betts, naming recently-announced LGND Glove the Official Glove of Perfect Game. The collaboration establishes a first-of-its-kind relationship between baseball’s most influential amateur ecosystem and an active MLB superstar at the height of his career. The...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

17u WWBA North Champ. Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ty Teske (2027, Merrill, WI) worked a complete-game seven-inning shutout while striking out 12 and never allowed the game to speed up on him. The fastball sat 79-81 and touched 83, consistently working to both sides of the plate and getting him into favorable counts. Repeats the delivery exceptionally well and maintained command throughout all seven innings. Mixed in a 69-71 curveball with depth that he showed confidence landing for strikes early or using to finish at-bats. Did an excellent job changing eye levels and preventing hitters from sitting on one pitch.   Landon Sanderson (2027, Lake Crystal, MN) attacked hitters with an 85-87 fastball that reached 89 and showed quality arm-side movement through the zone. The ball comes out with some jump and continued to play throughout the outing. Stayed on the attack from the first inning, consistently getting ahead and forcing...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

SW Select Champ. Loaded With Talent

Emily Hicks
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After the intense week of the WWBA Championship, another weekend of Perfect Game baseball is set with the Southwest Select Championship Tournament, with three days of competitive action. Taking place at Goodyear Ballpark, teams in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions will take the field looking to build momentum, showcase their talent, and compete for a championship against some of the top travel ball programs in the region. The tournament brings together teams from across the west, creating a competitive field filled with established organizations and rising clubs. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will present an opportunity for players to make an impact. The 15U division features a talented group of rising prospects eager to prove themselves against quality competition. As players continue to develop, this tournament provides another opportunity to gain valuable...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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Cal Pearson (2028, Marietta, GA) is a 6’1/175lb utility athlete who has performed from a couple different spots on day one. Pearson came in to relieve in the bottom of the fifth and filled up the strike zone with predominantly fastball. Stepped up for an at bat in the next inning and helped himself out by sending a 2-1 heater into left field for an rbi double. Following that he got back on the mound and delivered a scoreless inning to put the finishing touches on the save. Was up to 89 and showed a ton of 2-way ability.  Marcus Labouchere (2027, Powder Springs, GA) the Navy commit could not be stopped at the dish on day one going 2-2 with a double and an rbi. Opened up the game getting the barrel on a heater and smoking it into left for a single. After getting hit by pitch in the third, Labouchere lined another fastball into left field for an rbi double. Really gets deep into...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

Hoover Classic Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Hayes Leach (‘29 MS) has been a thrill to watch here in Hoover, now up to five hits in the tournament as we head into bracket. Serving as the leadoff man for East Coast Sox 2029 Marucci, he holds a really fun profile featuring excellent speed traits with feel to hit gap-to-gap. Often hits baseballs hard on the ground, giving him opportunities to beat throws out. Had three hits with 3 RBI in their 10-run comeback on Saturday. Number two outfielder in the state of Mississippi for class.   Enoch Carlise (‘27 TN) settling in on the bump. FB living in mid-80s featuring ASR coupled w/ low-70s BB. @PG_Tennessee || #HooverClassic pic.twitter.com/lxnHz22TFa — PG Deep South (@PG_DeepSouth) July 18, 2026 Enoch Carlise (‘27 TN) went the distance early Saturday morning for L.E.A.D. Ambassador Black Diamonds, tossing seven innings on just one walk and three hits allowed....
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 RJ Westbrook (‘29, GA) battled traffic early but showcased an advanced pitch mix while striking out three thus far. Got the FB up to 86 w/ late ASR, mixing in a hz SL in the mid-70s. #WWBA @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/pvObFgeFUD — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 18, 2026 RJ Westbrook (’29, Marietta, GA) struck out three over as many innings, allowing just a hit while battling traffic. Westbrook showcased an advanced pitch mix from the left side, operating from a lengthy frame with room to fill and projection. He starts over the face before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift, firing down the mound via a standard-length arm action and a low three-quarters slot. The Georgia native ran the fastball up to 86 with late arm side run and heavy actions at times. Westbrook kept hitters off balance thanks to a tighter horizontal...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/19/2026

11u Select Festival Roster Release

John McAdams
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11u Select Festival Event Page The sixth iteration of Perfect Game Select 11U Baseball Festival will take place on August 8th at the historic East Cobb Complex in Marietta, Georgia. After an exciting 2026 tournament season, final selections were made after the completion of the Perfect Game Invitational National Championship in Southaven, Mississippi. This year’s rosters are comprised of players twelve different states as twenty-eight of the best players will descend on Georgia in a celebration of their play throughout the season, bringing to light the amazing platform that Perfect Game has created for today’s youth athletes. The sheer amount of talent throughout the country within this age group is a testament to the continued development of so many athletes. The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent...
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