THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,477 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,477 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Showcase  | Story | 6/30/2024

National Showcase Sets the Tone

We're on the eve of the biggest showcase event on the national circuit as nearly every top player in the country will descend upon Phoenix, Arizona with the 2024 National Showcase  set to kick off, a showcase that has produced nearly 3,000 MLB Draft picks as the stands will be packed with pro scouts from each of the 30 MLB clubs. 

From July 1st to the 5th, roughly 330 of the top players from the class of 2025 will be broken up into three sessions where they'll all showcase their skills from running the 60, to defensive works and BP where we'll see if anybody can splashdown in the pool out in right field, or eclipse the moon shot off the bat of Aiden Harris during last year's event deep out to left field. 



Dating all the way back to the first National Showcase in 2001, over 600 MLB players have gone through the same drills as what the next wave is about to experience this upcoming week, from Buster Posey and Freddie Freeman to Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler. The National also serves as an important step in the evaluation process for assembling the PG All-American Classic rosters, a premier event which returns to Chase Field on August 18th.

The VP of Scouting Operations for Perfect Game, Jered Goodwin, has attended his fair share of National Showcases and when asked why the National is so high coveted he responded: “The National Showcase is such a unique event when you look at the amount of tremendous players, from all different areas, that come play together on a major league field. The history of talented players is incredible. Looking back at my first National Showcase, I got to see Christian Yelich, Kris Bryant, and Manny Machado all compete on the same field as High School players. The depth of the talent has escalated each year from that point on.”

Every year players come from around the country to make a statement, not only that they belong in the same breath of being amongst the best at their age, but that their talents deserve to be on the radar of every professional team, something made possible throughout the National Showcase as teams are typically out in full force, evaluating every aspect of the week. The rosters are absolutely loaded this year as well, featuring nearly every player within the top 100, though it's the players who are on the outside looking in that'll come with an extra bit of fire to break in and jump themselves towards the top of the rankings, looking for one of those roster spots for a return trip to Phoenix. 

Catching up with Perfect Game's Scouting Director Vinnie Cervino, he had this to say about the National Showcase and the importance of the event: “The National Showcase allows our staff, along with hundreds of pro scouts, get a showcase setting to see the top high school players for the upcoming draft class. It also allows us to see first hand the players we will be selecting for the Perfect Game All-American Classic” 

Led by the No. 1 overall player Ethan Holliday, the top 10 of the class has some serious West Coast flavor as he's followed by No. 2 Seth Hernandez (California), No. 3 Quentin Young (California), No. 4 Xavier Neyens (Washington), No. 5 Dean Moss (California), No. 6 Billy Carlson (California), No. 7 Sean Gamble (Iowa), No. 8 Brady Ebel (California) and No. 10 Kayson Cunningham (Texas) with the lone East Coast representative coming from North Carolina in No. 9 Coy James

Speaking of No. 1 overall ranked players, Cervino brought up the performance he took in from Bobby Witt Jr., one of the most exciting players in all of baseball right now for the Kansas City Royals. “Bobby Witt Jr. had long been the No. 1 prospect in the 2019 class but at National he made everything look effortless. The speed, defense, the swing; he looked like a pro already playing as a rising high school senior.”

Safe to say some things simply don't change as Witt Jr. is doing it at the highest possible level right now and continues to make the game look easy while becoming one of the faces of the league. 

The memories are endless and you could go around the stadium this week, asking different scouts and Perfect Game staff alike and no two answers may be identical. It's easy to take things in hindsight after classes graduate on to the draft and ultimately pro ball, but some moments are nearly timeless and two in particular truly stood out to Goodwin.

“This comes down to two times for me. The 2011 National Showcase Home Run derby was the first real moment for me that I realized how special this event was. A big crowd came back to watch, I got to throw the Derby, and Alex Bregman put on one of the best shows I can remember. He launched balls with unreal consistency. Getting to know him a little bit those three days I realized I threw to a future super-star. The second was seven years later when I was reminded how special the event is. June 14, 2018 was a unique schedule of smaller workouts followed by games for six teams. There was absolutely no breaks on a day and it was electric. Bobby Witt Jr, Riley Greene, Michael Harris II, CJ Abrams, Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, and Anthony Volpe all on the same day on the same field. The workout was unbelievably fun. Then CJ Abrams took the very first pitch of the event and sent a loud triple into the gap. Sometimes scouting is easy and you just put the pen down and enjoy the next generation of baseball as they take center stage."

Which players are going to seize the moment and catapult themselves up the national rankings and into the preference lists of MLB teams across the board? 

Tune in to PerfectGame.TV to follow along with all the actions from the moment the event kicks off July 1st with a 9 AM workouts for players rostered on teams 1-4. As always, the scouting staff will be posting endless videos on X via the @PerfectGameUSA handle as well as across all other major social media platforms. 

Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
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This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
Tournaments | Story | 6/19/2026

Road to the 2026 17U BCS Title

Emily Hicks
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This weekend, 11 teams will take the field for the 2026 17U BCS Challenge, a three-day event that brings together programs from across the country for a full slate of pool play and bracket action. With games beginning Friday and a champion crowned Sunday, the format leaves little room for slow starts, making every inning important from the opening pitch. The field features a mix of established programs and rising teams. With so many evenly matched rosters, there’s not much separation heading into the weekend, which puts importance on pitching depth, defensive consistency, and timely hitting. Pool play will quickly determine seeding, and even one loss can shift a team’s path heading into bracket play. One of the teams expected to be in the mix is Hawaii Elite 2G 17U National, a group that is 6-3 overall and ranked as “Honorable Mention” on the Perfect Games...
Tournaments | Story | 6/18/2026

Big Talent on Display at City of Palms

Alyssa Golden
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The fifth annual PG City of Palms Championship is set to take place in Fort Myers, Florida, from June 19-22, featuring teams from the 15U-18U age divisions. The four-day event will showcase some of the top talent in the state, including several nationally ranked prospects who have already made their presence felt this summer season. Before tournament play begins, here’s a look at some of the highest-ranked players expected to compete this weekend. Leading the group is catcher Nico Ayars in the 16U division. Ayars enters the weekend as the No. 135 player nationally, the No. 3 catcher in Florida and the No. 20 catcher in the country. Through 22 games this summer with Turn 2 Garcia, the right-handed hitter owns a .887 OPS while batting .306 with a .438 OBP and a .449 SLG. Ayars has collected 15 hits while driving in 12 runs and scoring 13 times. Ayars’ teammate, right-handed...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 6/17/2026

Perfect Game Softball Route 66 Summer Showcase

Dave Durbala
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SPRINGFIELD, IL - Perfect Game Softball Route 66 Summer Showcase, June 13-14, 2026. Twenty-Seven teams, representing the 14u and High School Divisions, arrived at the newly opened all turfed Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe, for the opportunity to showcase their talent in a five game guarantee format. As with anytime we bring a group of players together for competition, there will be those players that rise to the challenge and turn in performances that earn them a place on our Top Performers list.  Below are some of the players, from both divisions, that were recognized as top performers. 14U Division Kinley Abrams (2030 Bloomington, IL) is a RHH for Texas Glory IL-2030 (Wyatt). Setting up in a slightly wide parallel stance, into her back leg, Abrams gains separation with a  push back to transfer weight, and then utilizes a small stride to launch her swing. Abrams works a...
Tournaments | Story | 6/18/2026

150 Teams Set to Battle at SE Select

Will Dembo
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As summer travel season continues to ramp up, more than 150 teams from 13-17u from all over the nation will meet in East Cobb as they look to showcase their talents and compete for a trophy in the PG Southeast Select Championship. The tournament will kick off with pool play on Thursday, June 18th, and champions will be crowned following bracket play on Monday, June 22nd. The 13u division will host 23 teams from four different states in the major style tournament. The East Cobb Astros and Ninth Inning Royals will share the spotlight as the only nationally ranked teams in the field as the Astros enter the weekend as the No. 45 ranked squad and Ninth Inning falls at the No. 31 spot. 14u will also play as a major tournament for the weekend and contains 31 teams looking to compete for a trophy. Although there are currently no nationally recognized teams in the pool, PFA Regional will be a...
Tournaments | Story | 6/17/2026

UBC Midwest Scout Notes

Blaine Peterson
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Braydon McMillen (2029, Downers Grove, IL) an athletic MIF with a top of the order skill set at the plate. Reached base in all 5 games played at UBC this week. Including a 3 hit game in bracket play. Shows a balanced and compact swing at the plate with quick wrists and the ability to get the barrel to the baseball regularly. A quick first step defensively with clean glove actions and a quick release from the shortstop position. Made several athletic plays defensively this past week. Lot of promising impact traits and a real skill set to build on.  Paris Head | IF/OF/RHP | 2029 | IL@WhitesoxAce FB: 86-90 | CB: 73-75 SL: 77-79 | CH: 78-82 One of the best pitching performances of the tournament so far. High level athlete with an advanced pitch mix for the age. #UBC @PG_Scouting | @WhitesoxAce https://t.co/V3leWaCBSM pic.twitter.com/EDBvjpgI3p — Perfect Game Illinois...
Tournaments | Story | 6/17/2026

Windy City Elite Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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28 LHP/OF Rex Johnson (CO) was impressive on the mound today. Quality FB/SL mix. FB(80-85) showed heavy arm side run, generating s/m. Good feel to spin, landing the low-70s SL for strikes, while keeping hitters off balance. 5.0IP, 9K, 3H #WCElite @PG_FourCorners pic.twitter.com/q459oPmXzW — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) June 14, 2026 Rex Johnson (2028, Highlands Ranch, Colo.) turned in one of the more impressive outings of the weekend for Canes Denver South 2028 Gold. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-hander worked 5.0 innings, striking out 9 while allowing just 3 hits and no earned runs. The fastball worked 80-85 with arm-side run and got on hitters quickly, generating both swing-and-miss and weak contact. He mixed in a slider with sharp action and showed feel to land it for strikes. Currently ranked the No. 5 outfielder and No. 8 overall prospect in Colorado, Johnson displayed...
Tournaments | Story | 6/17/2026

UBC South Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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Jonell Rodriguez (2027, Spring, Texas) continued his absolute tear this weekend with Banditos 2027 Scout. The Houston commit finished the weekend 7-12 with three triples and two doubles, reaching base a staggering eleven times over the course of the tournament. Super twitchy athlete who is starting to tap into more power this summer. Has always been extremely productive but seems to have leveled up. He has an argument for being the most dynamic player in the state with his 2026 performances. William Bishop (2028, San Antonio, Texas) was a breakout star this weekend for Texas Angels 2028 Lisbon. Was an impossible out this weekend, going 10-14 with five doubles, a triple, and a home run, while driving in eight runs. Uber physical lower half that rotates easily, not a ton of wasted movement in the swing process. Was such a tough matchup for every single arm he faced at UBC. Will Rainer...
Tournaments | Championship | 6/17/2026

Braves Capture WWBA East Title

Kinley Kitchens
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By the end of championship Monday, the Atlanta Braves Scout Team had done much more than win a title. They had validated everything they believed they could become. After an undefeated run through the 2026 PG East WWBA Championship, the Braves captured the 15U championship with an 8-2 victory, finishing off a dominant weekend that featured elite pitching, explosive offense, and contributions throughout the roster. For coach Jed Douglas, the championship represented the results of months of practice, preparation, and a vision that finally came together. “This is our first championship with this group,” Douglas said. “We finally brought it together and for the first time, everything seemed to work just as we designed it when we were building the team, and it was just beautiful this way.” The Braves backed up that vision with one of the most impressive offensive...
Tournaments | Story | 6/16/2026

PG Summer Showdown Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Mason Kennerly (2028, Decatur, Ga.) hit .429 with a .667 OBP, five walks and three RBI in four games last week. He’s already showing the tools to be a big-time power bat in his class, and standing at 6’2 with an athletic frame, he’s one of the more projectable players we saw this weekend. His mechanics play into his size well, creating good hand separation from body on his load, using a medium-high leg kick, and getting a wide base when going into his launch. He uses every bit of his size and natural strength to create a violent swing. He’s got the makings of a really solid prospect, and as he develops and his approach matures, he’ll become a guy that college coaches keep at the top of their radar.  ‘27 Grant Barden (GA) up to 90 mph on the hill. Loose on the mound, whippy arm action. Four pitch mix; FB 87-90, CB 71-72, SL 76-78, CH 79-81. Mixed...
General | Blog | 6/16/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 66

Ron Wolforth
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  The Number That Just Killed MLB Expansion: 1,217   USA Today's Bob Nightengale dropped a bomb shell recently that the baseball world is still digesting. Major League Baseball wants to expand to 32 teams. Team executives are quietly opposing it and the reason has nothing to do with cities or money.   They cannot find enough healthy pitchers.   Between 2020 and 2024, professional baseball performed 1,026 Tommy John surgeries at the minor-league level alone. Another 191 at the Major League level. More than twelve hundred elbow reconstructions in five years on the best young pitchers in the world.   That is not bad luck. That is a system reporting a verdict on itself.   For fifteen years, the youth-baseball industry has chased one number: velocity significantly more than projectability and arm care.    Recruiters scout by it.    Social...
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