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High School  | General | 12/8/2023

Finest in the Field: Class of 2028

Jheremy Brown
This time of the year, every year, out staff looks back at some of the defensive standouts, from their showings both in a showcase setting and live action, and assemble the Finest in the Field beginning today with the Class of 2028.

P – Yariel "Lito" Diaz (Saint Cloud, Fla.)
Diaz, who’s currently listed as a primary outfielder, was one of the more dominant arms on the circuit last summer from the 13u group, despite playing mostly at the 14u level. Part of the reason for his dominance, aside from an advanced arsenal, is the athleticism that allows him to replicate his delivery and release, maintaining his slot while pounding the strike zone. Nearly eligible to be on the 12u circuit throughout 2023 due to age, Diaz shows some of the more fluid mechanics and the entire package is an enticing one for the southpaw out of Florida. 



C – Aaron Garcia (Pico Rivera, Calif.)
Given that he won the Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year at the 13u Select Festival, it wasn’t a matter of IF Garcia would make this team, but rather WHERE. A natural middle infielder who brings that type of twitch and athleticism behind the plate, Garcia is as refined a defender behind the plate as you’ll find at the 13u level. I put where in all caps above because of the actions he’s shown up the middle, as well as the arm strength (86 mph across at the 13u National), all of which makes him a standout defender in the dirt as well. 

1B – Luke Esquivel (Grapevine, Texas)
Time will tell where Esquivel ultimate calls home long term, as it will for many of the players in 2028, but the reigning PG Two-Way Player of the Year already stands out in all facets on the fields. An accomplished left-hander who has already been upwards of 86 mph on the mound, the future LSU Tiger moves around the first base bag with nimble footwork and solid body control, something we also see on the mound. The arm strength is an asset for the position and already being 6-foot-1, 180 pounds provides his fielders a big target, though he has the softness in his hands to scoop the low throw in the dirt should he need to. 

MIF – Lio Garcia (Suwanee, Ga.)
Garcia’s bat did a lot of the talking for him this summer but not so much that it was able to overshadow what he brings to the defensive side of things as well. A primary shortstop who can play on either side of the bag with poise and confidence, Garcia already shows refined footwork in the dirt as he maintains balance while ranging to either side or making the charge, never breaking stride while manipulating his slot to finish the play. The arm and actions both play in the outfield as well, but it’s up the middle where he calls home and should continue to moving forward. 

MIF – Bryan Mesa (Hialeah, Fla.)
In terms of pure actions and confidence, not many in the 2028 class can top what Mesa brings to the shortstop position. While there’s a sense of flair to his game, the actions are also extremely polished with very sound fundamentals, whether it’s picking the backhand cleanly or on the move where he needs to change his slot while still showing ample strength across. The overall ease in which he plays the premium position can’t be understated either, which again is something that stems from the advanced foundation of tools and confidence in the dirt. 

3B – Jacob Gray (Benicia, Calif.)
Gray making this team as a third baseman isn’t to say he’s not a shortstop, as he’s still one of the tops in the country, but given his broad shouldered frame and the room in which he’ll continue to fill on his frame, he could make the slide over to the hot corner. That said, the arm strength will continue to play on the left side of the diamond as he makes it look easy while moving well in the dirt with his feet, something that would only aid at third base. Ranked No. 12 in the country and the No. 2 overall shortstop, wherever Gray plays this summer and down the road defensively, he’s going to be an asset with game changing ability. 

OF – Dexter McCleon Jr. (Buford, Ga.)
McCleon Jr. has continued to prove there isn’t much he can’t do on the baseball diamond, regardless of where he’s play, whether on the mound or in the outfield. Manning left field this summer some, the arm strength possessed by the Georgia native is second to none and could easily move over to left field, but his 6.8 speed could also suggest center field long-term. Regardless of where he ends up, McCleon Jr is going to be a standout defender given the combination of speed, athleticism, and arm strength. 

OF – Dru Wilson (Porter Ranch, Calif.)
Wilson has been one of the more popular names in this group over the last couple years and rightfully so given the tools the 3-time Select Festival alum possesses. Despite the physicality of his frame Wilson is an extremely fluid mover in the outfield, making his fair share of fully extended catches over the past circuit season. He runs well at 7.2 and it plays nicely in his defensive actions, charging balls with authority while working through and showing quality arm strength as well. Given the arm, there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to be a weapon in right field as he’s only going to continue adding serious strength. 

OF – Rylan Jenkins (Tennile, Ga.)
If you think about center field, you one thing immediately comes to mind: speed. Well, look no further than Rylan Jenkins of Tennile, Georgia as the speedy outfield was one of the true breakout stars of this past summer. He earned his invite to the 13u National Showcase based off of his play in Hoover, Alabama and immediately stole everybody’s attention when he ran an event best 6.61 in the 60-yard. That single tool is a game changer for Jenkins as he can quickly shrink the gaps with outstanding closing speed and efficient routes.

UTL – Julian Martinez (New York, N.Y.)
Adding some Northeast into the mix, Martinez could’ve capture the catching spot or a middle infield spot like Aaron Garcia above, so utility is a fitting home given his versatility. Another long-time standout, Martinez shows lots of softness in his hands, picking the ball cleanly and with an air of confidence while showing a strong arm across the diamond. That same refinement plays behind the dish where the exchange is clean, actions are repeatable and arm is accurate down to second base. 
 
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High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans
Tyler Russo
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High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
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College | Story | 7/7/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stripes

Craig Cozart
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Collegiate National Team: Stars Notes Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stripes Position Players  Nico Partida ...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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13u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Chaysten Fuentes (2030, Ewa Beach, HI) worked really well from the right side of the plate ending up with five hits and a double in the last two days. The right handed hitting Hawaiian has a ton of strength to the body. The hands work directly to the ball and can hit to all fields in the approach. Has done an incredible job getting the barrel to almost everything and gets on plane in the turn.  Triston Valdez (2031, Castaic, CA) was electric on day four batting .500 with a double, triple, and five rbis. The barrel is really quick to the ball and works with a level path. Against NY Gotham 13u Ghost, Valdez would not be denied demolishing the bases clearing triple way back into the RCF gap. Stays inside the baseball consistently with the hands and torques it hard.  Christopher Julian Leija (2031, Weslaco, TX) really showed out the last two...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

Two Day Rewind at 15u National Elite

Kinley Kitchens
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Two days into the 2026 Perfect Game 15U National Elite Championship, the storylines are already beginning to take shape. As one of the summer’s premier invite-only events, the tournament annually brings together many of the nation’s top 15U clubs, with 100 elite teams traveling to Hoover in pursuit of a championship. While there is still plenty of baseball left to play, the opening rounds have already produced breakout performances, dominant team victories, and plenty of excitement heading into bracket play. Several nationally recognized organizations entered the week as favorites, including MTBA Dawgs, ranked No. 3 nationally, Wildcatters Baseball at No. 10, and 5 Star Mafia, ranked No. 12. Meanwhile, newer programs like Jason Kidd Select Team have quickly shown they are capable of making noise against the nation’s best. One of the biggest storylines through the first...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

15u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Troy Sutherland
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Tristan Barton (‘29, TX) has struck out three over three scoreless innings of work, getting a lively FB up to 89. Mixed in a sharp vt CB w/ late bite. Operates from a projectable RH frame w/ length + room to fill. #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/LXfkLOtxdo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 5, 2026 Tristan Barton (’29, Gunter, TX) turned in a strong start on Sunday, lasting four innings of one run ball, striking out four. Barton operates from a bigger lengthy right-handed frame with considerable room to fill. He starts with a mid-body handset before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift. Barton fires down via a compact arm action and high three quarters slot. The Texas native got a run/ride fastball up to 89, living in the mid-80s throughout the outing. He mixed in a sharp 12-6 curveball with vertical depth and late bite. Jack Graviss...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1

Jason Phillips
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Nolan Ash (2028, Ashland, Mo.) showed off the power upside for Natty State 2028. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a leg lift stride. Creates separation and uses a direct hand path with a slightly uphill bat plane and some feel to generate lift from the lower half. Quick hands and stays in-sync with a rotational lower half and solid bat speed. Showed the power belting a solo bomb over the left field fence. Long and lean 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame with wiry strength present and more room to fill. The shortstop has a high ceiling and feel for the barrel. Colton Dodds (2028, Columbia, Mo.) showed off the barrel feel and power upside for Natty State 2028. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide base with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a no stride trigger. Direct hands...
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College | Story | 7/7/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 7 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
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It’s an exciting time for College Baseball. Not only do potential and proposed changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) elevate the game, but we are coming off a thrilling College World Series and less than a week away from Major League Baseball’s 2026 Amateur Draft. In the middle of it all is the Cape Cod Baseball League.  The amateur players on the Cape 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...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/6/2026

16u WWBA Rolls Into Marietta

Will Dembo
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More than 300 of the nation’s top 16u teams will meet in East Cobb, Georgia this week as the 16u WWBA Championship gets underway. Over 50 ranked teams from across the country will compete for one of the most prestigious titles in travel baseball, drawing scouts and fans from all over. Pool play will commence on Monday, July 6th with the championship game set for July 13th at the storied East Cobb Baseball Complex. Canes National 16u will hold honors of being the top ranked team entering the event as they have earned a No. 2 national ranking following a dominant 17-2-1 start to their season. The highly touted program is home to many of the top ranked prospects from the 2028 class including talented two-way athlete, Grant Arnold (No. 12 overall) who lives in the 90’s from the mound as well as middle infielder, Bryan Mesa (No. 14 overall) who will draw lots of attention this...
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College | Story | 7/6/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stars

Craig Cozart
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Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stars Position Players  Anthony Pack Jr.  FR / OF / University of Texas ...
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Draft | Mock Draft | 7/6/2026

MLB Mock Draft: 4.0

Tyler Henninger
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MLB Draft: Top 500 Update Pick Team Name Pos. School 1 Chicago White Sox Roch Cholowsky SS UCLA 2 Tampa Bay Rays Grady Emerson SS Fort Worth Christian 3 Minnesota Twins Vahn Lackey C Georgia Tech 4 San Francisco Giants Jacob Lombard SS Gulliver Schools 5 Pittsburgh Pirates Jackson Flora RHP UC Santa Barbara 6 Kansas City Royals Drew Burress OF Georgia Tech 7 Baltimore Orioles Eric Booth Jr. OF Oak Grove 8 Athletics Chris Hacopian SS Texas A&M 9 Atlanta Braves Ryder Helfrick C Arkansas 10 Colorado Rockies Tyler Bell* SS Kentucky 11 Washington Nationals Jared Grindlinger LHP/OF Huntington Beach 12 Los Angeles Angels Cameron Flukey RHP Coastal Carolina 13 St. Louis Cardinals AJ Gracia OF Virginia 14 Miami Marlins Derek Curiel OF LSU 15 Arizona Diamondbacks Gio Rojas LHP Marjory Stoneman Douglas 16 Texas Rangers Liam Peterson RHP Florida 17 Houston Astros Justin Lebron SS Alabama 18...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/5/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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Michael Wedgeworth (2030, Flomaton, AL) had put the two way ability on full display so far this week, dominating from both sides. On the mound Wedgeworth ran the fastball up to 84 (81-83) with ease to the delivery. Broke off a couple nasty curveballs that induced swing and miss, as well as freezing hitters for punch outs. Collected six in his four inning complete game. He also would not be denied at the plate going 3-5 in the first two days with two doubles. Very intriguing young player as the body continues to grow.  Tyler Bellush (2031, Summerville, SC) is a sure handed shortstop for the Canes Nation squad. Swings it from the left side of the plate and the barrel accuracy has really stuck out thus far. 3-4 through the first couple days with a double and two triples, Bellush has also walked twice and collected 3 RBI along the way. Yesterday against USA Prime with the bases loaded,...
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