THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Draft  | Prospect Scouting Reports | 12/2/2024

PG Draft Spotlight: JD Stein

Tyler Kotila
Photo: JD Stein (Perfect Game)
JD Stein 
Position: SS 
Height: 5-10 
Weight: 170 
Bats/Throws: R-R 
Birthdate: December 31, 2006 
High School: Carmel 
City, State: Carmel, Ind. 
Travel Team: Canes Midwest 18U National 
Commitment: Wake Forest 

Frame/Setup 

Stein has an athletic 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame. It’s compact but sturdy throughout, with a healthy blend of strength and athleticism. He’s athletic and shows well-proportioned strength in his frame. There’s definite muscle mass in the lower half, which he uses to his advantage in the box. He’s a quality mover, turning in good run times, including a 6.61 60-yard dash on the circuit in the past. At the dish, Stein is a right-handed hitter who sets up with even/squared feet, bent knees, and higher-set hands in a wider-set base. The back elbow is up, and the hands are around the ear with a minimal bat waggle. He loads up over the back-side, shifting the weight back and driving forward through contact. The hands sink into the load and allow him to get into a hitting position. The front foot lifts as he shifts over this backside and toe-taps forward into contact. As he reaches heel strike, the weight working through it and stays in sync, turning the back-hip well, keeping the hands on time through contact. He keeps the barrel on a good path often and can really do damage when he connects. He has some speed in his hands that shows as well, making for a well-rounded operation in the box.  



Tools 


Stein’s an exceptional hitter, and he’s proven that on the circuit in the past. He’s someone who finds the barrel often and reaps the benefits. He’s shown hitterish actions in the box, and with the simple and fluid stroke, it’s easy to see why. There’s plenty to like with the swing, and he’s able to show feel to leverage. He doesn’t do too much, with good feel to take what’s given. He’ll use all fields and take the barrel to the ball, not trying to force something to pull-side. He’ll punch it backside or find a way to get the job done offensively. Stein’s hit-tool carries things on the offensive side of things, paired with his athleticism and upside there, making him a really intriguing prospect. The power upside is minimal, with the ability to create leverage to drive the ball hard all over the yard, but there’s not a ton of home run juice. It’s something that could come with continued additions to strength. In the field, there’s also upside; Stein’s got the arm strength across, throwing 92 mph across the diamond at PG National this summer. The ball carries across the diamond to the chest at first, and he has a feel for the angles to play shortstop. While some may be concerned about a move to second base, Stein has shown the coordination and athleticism to handle shortstop, with the ability to make the plays and keep throws accurate and strong working across the diamond. Regardless, Stein’s got the athleticism and hit tool that will garner interest this draft cycle, as it already has.  

“The Buzz” 

Stein had a loud year on the circuit and found himself moving up the PG Rankings and early draft boards. He ran a 6.62 60-yard dash at PG National, threw 92 mph across the infield, and took a good round of BP, showing the compact stroke and driving the ball to all fields. He then capped things off in the fall with a loud showing as well, hitting .545 with a double and 5 RBI to his credit during the 18u Fall World Series at East Cobb. In October, he made some real noise at Jupiter, solidifying the loud year on the circuit. He hit .588 with a .720 OBP, adding 2 doubles, 2 triples, and walking 8 times, with just 2 punchouts on the weekend. He tallied 10 hits on 17 at-bats during the 2024 WWBA World Championship. Every ball he hit felt like a barrel, and he was able to grab some EVs in the mid-90s as well. It was quite the performance for Stein, and it only helped build some buzz around him heading into the winter. 

Summation 

Stein is a well-rounded athlete with plenty to like on both sides of the ball. He’s got a great mix of athleticism and strength that projects well. On top of that, the hit-tool shines with plus bat-to-ball skills that have gotten it done on the circuit in big spots. There’s upside in the field and strength across the diamond. Altogether,  there’s plenty to like with the Wake Forest commit. Continued strength may help with the power that he lacks in comparison to his other tools, but that should not be an understatement of the ability to leverage, as mentioned above. Stein’s put himself in a good spot early on in the cycle, and has the chance to keep moving up boards with a loud performance on the Indiana prep circuit next spring.  
Give us your feedback
Draft | Story | 12/10/2025

PG Draft: Post-Lottery Draft Targets
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
On Tuesday night, the MLB Draft Lottery took place, and the draft order has officially been set for July. With draft slots finalized, teams can now begin narrowing in on the prospects most likely to be available when they are on the clock. From polished college players to high-upside preps, several potential targets are already emerging as ideal fits based on past draft philosophy and finalized draft position. Let’s take a look at potential targets for the six teams that were awarded a lottery pick.  1. Chicago White Sox Potential Targets:  -Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA -Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Tex.) -Gio Rojas, LHP, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS (Fla.) The White Sox took home the top spot at the MLB Draft Lottery, staying true to their spot, with the highest odds to earn the first-overall draft pick amongst lottery-eligible teams this year. This will only...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/13/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2029

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 These guys might just be entering high school, but they've certainly already made a name for themselves on the national circuit, especially with their abilities on the defensive side of things.  C: Xavier Rodriguez (Logansville, GA) Rodriguez is a polished defender with real arm strength behind the dish, while showcasing the ability to impact the baseball with authority to all fields evident by thirty of his sixty-five hits going for extra-bases including seven bombs. He handles high-level pitching extremely well, commands his staff and his offensive prowess makes him a true two-way asset. 1B: Cooper Knight (Buda, TX) Knight is a smooth operator at first base with plenty of range, fluidity and agility in his footwork around the bag. Add-in a rocket for an arm, the ability to change slots and to...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Scout Stories: Part 5

AJ Denny
Article Image
Best Game I Saw: The Dream NTL 18U vs. MBA Scout Team Murphy Jupiter always brings out the best, and we got fireworks from the jump. Turner Marshall gave The Dream an outstanding 4+ innings of work on the mound, holding a lethal MBA team at bay with Chance Dixon, Derrick Carter, and Ellis Appling providing an offensive spark out of the gate for the Georgia based boys. However, it was only a matter of time before the talent on the other side got going, as MBA erased a 3-run deficit in the 5th to take a 4-3 lead led by a Parker Loew HR. The Dream then took command again in the Top of the 6th, before MBA punched right back with a huge 5-run inning in the bottom half capped off by a clutch RBI single from Matthew Kerrigan, ending a wild sequence with tons of notable performances from two very competitive rosters. Best Tournament Performance I Saw: Surely someone has already brought this...
Read More
College | Story | 12/12/2025

College Notebook: December 12

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2025 Highlights: The Cornhuskers were a difficult team to figure in ’25 as they finished with 33 wins, played just .500 (15-15) in the Big Ten but had some big wins at various times during the season and got hot at the right time. They knocked off then #16 Vanderbilt in the second game of the year, beat #5 Oregon State 2-out-of-3 at home in late March and then got hot at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to win the Big Ten Tournament. They beat Michigan State in a 10-inning thriller before taking care of #4 Oregon, knocking off Penn State and then shutout #13 UCLA to punch their ticket to the Chapel Hill Regional. Head coach Will Bolt has now led his alma mater to three conference titles and three NCAA Regional appearances during his six years in Lincoln. No different than when he was a player, Bolt’s teams play with passion and toughness, this was never more...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2028

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 You like athletes? You like defenders who can impact a game at any given point? Look not further than this class as it's loaded from coast-to-coast with elite defenders all over the diamond.  C: Brogan Witcher, Bakersfield, CA Our scouting staff got several strong looks at Witcher whether that was at the Summer Kickoff, Sophomore National or the Underclass All American Games where he showcased his strong overall skillset and especially his advanced ability behind the plate. His 6-foot-3,180 pound build looks like one that will fill in quite nicely and be that big and physical catcher’s frame. His arm talent is undeniable where he gets it out quick and runs it up to 79 mph on throwdowns to 2nd (1.84 pop). Besides the standout catch/throw ability, we’ve seen him frame/receive strong arms and block it well during...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 12/11/2025

PG Softball "Toys 4 Tots" Fundraiser 18U division

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - 2025 Perfect Game Softball Toys 4 Tots Fundraiser One Day, December 7, 2025. Kicking off the holiday season, six teams participated in this one day, 3 game guarantee tournament in the 18u Division. We would like to thank those that donated a toy, and know that they will be distributed to area underprivileged children through a local charity organization. Following are some of the top performers from the weekend. Earning Tournament MV-Pitcher was Jolee Strohmeyer (2026 Dubuque, IA), a RHP/UTIL with tournament champion Lady Expos Blue. Strohmeyer shows hitters a consistent and repeatable motion and delivery with good use of the legs in the drive phase, and a quick and aggressive arm whip. Working with a six pitch mix of fastball, change-up, rise, drop, curve and screw, Strohmeyer topped out at 60 mph, and showed good movement  as she worked her rise and curve just out...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Scout Stories: Part 4

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Best Game I Saw: Hudson Reed (‘26, GA) torches this ball to deep CF for a solo 💣. Generates easy power that plays to the big part of the yard. Middle of the order traits #UBCWest @PG_Georgia @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXqDVFmUBx — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 18, 2025 I was fortunate enough to see a lot of highly competitive games with loads of talent on the field, the game that sticks out to me the most was Alpha Prime 2026 vs. ZT National Prospects at the UBC West. The game was an efficiently played affair with arms dominating on both sides. Graham Schlicht was masterful for Alpha, striking out 12 hitters over 5 dominant innings. PG All-American Julian Cazares came out of the pen blowing smoke, touching 97 mph with the fastball. On the other side, Jake Carbaugh surrendered just one hit and...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 12/11/2025

PG Believe In Baseball Announces Awards Dinner

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE PERFECT GAME BELIEVE IN BASEBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR FIRST ANNUAL “IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION   Los Angeles, California (Thursday, December 11, 2025) – The Perfect Game Believe in Baseball Foundation, together with Perfect Game leadership of Chairman Rick Thurman and CEO Rob Ponger, has announced the inaugural “In the Spirit of the Game” event, an evening of baseball and laughter, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Calif. The evening supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and resources that allow deserving young athletes to play, learn and grow through the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 Elite defenders from coast to coast certainly seems to be a strength and to think you could make another top-tier team without thinking, speaks to the real depth this group possesses. The infield is a no-doubt strength of the group, but what catcher Dariel Carrion can do behind the plate is like something we haven't seen in a while in the prep ranks with an absolutely bazooka of an arm.  C: Dariel Carrion (San Juan, PR)  It isn’t often you get a catching prospect as athletic and natural as Dariel Carrion, a big reason why he holds the rank of #1 player in PR and #18 nationally. Metrics wise, the 5-foot-10, 210 pound San Juan native is all you can ask for and more, posting a sub 1.80 pop time with an 84 mph arm behind the dish. He has both contact and clear power threat on the offensive end, ending 2025 with a .337 BA and 4 HRs while also...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The Class of 2026 is one of the deeper prep classes that we have seen in a couple of years. With that being said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side. Let’s take a look at some of the best defenders in the class.  C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS (Memphis, TN) Brick is a newcomer to the class after reclassifying, but immediately became the top backstop. Extremely advanced actions are shown behind the dish with impressive athleticism to go with it. Brick showcases big time arm strength and is consistently accurate on throw downs. He can make playing the position look extremely easy at times. Brick possesses all the defensive tools needed to be a premier catcher.  1B: AJ Curry, University City HS (San Diego, CA) Curry has a bigger and stronger frame with good strength throughout. He has a well-proportioned build that serves him well on the dirt. He’s...
Read More
General | Blog | 12/10/2025

Youth Baseball Exec. DeDonatis III Joins PG

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
Youth Baseball Executive Don DeDonatis III Joins PG By Jim Salisbury  It’s free-agent season in baseball and Perfect Game has landed a big one. Don DeDonatis III joined PG as a consultant in November. The DeDonatis name is synonymous with youth baseball and softball. Along with his dad, Don Jr., DeDonatis helped build USSSA into a big hitter in the game. He brings decades of experience and knowledge to PG. “We all acknowledge that Donny has moved on from USSSA,” PG CEO Rob Ponger said. “This is a new chapter for him and we hope both sides take advantage of it to help youth sports in general. “The DeDonatis name has a legacy attached to it and we’re hoping that Donny is going to help us. PG is a growing brand and he’s on board to help.” DeDonatis was CEO at USSSA from 2018 until his exit from the company two years ago. “I’m...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.