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Tournaments  | Story | 11/21/2025

Regional Superlatives: West Coast

Steve Fiorindo
Steve Doherty
Scott Rankin
Photo: Logan Schimdt (Perfect Game)
Most Likely To Make a Huge Jump in the Rankings in 2026
Julian Garcia, RHP, San Pedro, CA. St. John Bosco HS (2026)
Garcia, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-hander, is poised for a significant leap in the 2026 rankings despite coming off an arm injury last season that limited his exposure. His recent performance showcased a fastball that consistently touched 91-93 mph with exceptional riding life, complemented by a mid-70s curveball with spins north of 2800 RPM. The arm action suggests untapped potential, positioning him as a name to watch closely as he continues to refine his command and secondary offerings. Garcia's recent commitment to Long Beach State further underscores his upside, as he fits the mold of a high-ceiling college arm with the tools to ascend rapidly in the prospect hierarchy. -SD

I guess I kinda teased this in the Jupiter preview when I brought up Taden Krogsgaard as a potential breakout guy that gains some helium down at our biggest tournament (WWBA), and it looks like that’s kinda what happened.  He flipped commitments shortly after the event, now committed to UCLA, and it feels like he could really take off once the calendar turns to 2026.  A two way player, he’s really impressed and made strides, especially on the bump.  At The All American scrimmage, it wasn’t great, but you could see the athleticism and projection, and then we saw a little velo jump in scout ball and we could see even more in ‘26.  Currently ranked 47th in the state (after a sizable recent jump), we could see him jumping significantly as the typical athletic So Cal righty that moves well that scouts can dream on. -SF



The buzz around Kensen Johnson started to be heard in the spring of 2025 and continued to grow over the summer.  At 6-foot-4, 180-pounds with room to add and athleticism, Johnson has the frame that scouts drool over.  His performance at the WWBA in Jupiter earned him All-Tournament team honors, collecting five hits in twelve plate appearances with a couple of triples and a game in which he drove in four.  Already hitting 91 on the mound going into his sophomore season at Bonita Vista, along with developing secondary offerings and big-time projection.  Kensen had a recent jump in the rankings and I feel he could go even higher in 2026. -SR

Most Likely To Hit .500 at PG Events in 2026
Evan Thompson, OF, Gilbert, AZ. Casteel HS (2029)
The athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder embodies the model of a future star with his sweet left-handed swing and obvious intent at the plate. As the No. 2 overall prospect in-state nationally in the ‘29 class and the top outfield talent in Arizona, his combination of raw power and refined mechanics suggests he’s primed for a breakout 2026, where a .500 batting average isn’t just possible, it’s probable. -SD

Dylan Seward out of Norco High School is probably the chalk pick here, as I have a pretty long history in seeing, going back to 8th grade when he was a bit undersized, but showed a strong foundation of a swing from both sides of the plate.  Since then, he has hit a growth spurt and filled out and has developed in to quite a burner.  Added strength has introduced some power in to the equation as well, but the hit tool has especially blossomed with the maturation.  Benefitting from hitting from both sides, it’s easy to put him as the safest bet to really hit in 2026.  Since I went with the chalk pick here, I’ll throw another, lower ranked guy in to the fold, Joaquin Covarrubias is currently ranked 39th in the state, and has been a guy that consistently performs for me, both at PG events and at Bonita High School.  The total package is very similar to Matthew Acosta (2016, Ayala HS), who was also committed to USC. Both a little on the shorter side at 5-foot-11 and both swinging it from the left side (and both pitch). Both pests in the box at the top of the lineup that regularly work good at bats.  Just a lot of parallels here. In 2025, Covarrubias hit .455 for BPA, and I can see him taking that to another level. -SF

I didn’t have to think long and hard about this one as Joel Vargas has been as steady of a performer in PG events as you will find.  Vargas landed on six All-Tournament teams in 2025, hitting .437 over 34 games played. The WWBA Underclass World Championship in Jupiter was Joel’s most impressive performance, collecting a hit in all six games played, including two-multiple hit games, finishing with a .533 average.  He also hit .500 in the inaugural Pacific Baseball Championship in August. -SR
 
Most Likely To Make a Velo Jump Into the Mid-90s in 2026
Noah Hunter, RHP, Huntington Beach, CA. Edison HS (2026)
Hunter stands out as a prime candidate to elevate his game in 2026. Already touching 93 mph with a fastball that boasts impressive carry, Hunter's projectable 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame suggests untapped potential for velocity gains. His polished mechanics, combined with a slider that tunnels effectively at 84-86 mph and a wipeout changeup, position him as a breakout prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft class. As he continues to refine his delivery and build strength, expect Hunter to not only maintain his current effectiveness but also push into the mid-90’s in the spring when the weather warms up. -SD

Can I say Striker Pence? Probably not, so I’ll go with his high school teammate at Santiago, Ben Lewis. It may not be next year, but there’s more velo to come from the projectable righty, and you could probably say his heater already looks like it’s mid 90s to opposing hitters, as he hides the ball well and shows some invisible traits as it really gets on hitters with quality life. With a lean, 6’2” frame, Lewis has plenty of room to add strength, so we could see some steady increase in velocity going into 2026 for a Santiago team that has a sneaky good rotation (and 'pen). -SF

I’m not going too far out on a limb when taking Eli Herst out of the state of Washington. Standing 6-foot-5, 205-pounds with room to add, the projection is off the table. Herst is a fluid mover with a low effort delivery and has touched 93 at the 17u UBC West in Irvine. He has a compact arm stroke, throwing out of a low ¾ arm slot and creates vertical qualities with the fastball that consistently misses the barrel. A steady velocity increase in the spring will not come as a surprise from the Vandy commit. -SR

Most Likely To Back Up a Breakout in 2025
Daunte Bell II, LHP, Bellflower, CA. Millikan HS (2026)
Bell, a 6-foot-3 projectable left-handed pitcher from Millikan High School, is poised to solidify his breakout 2025 campaign with a combination of elite stuff and projectable arsenal. His 13 strikeout performance we witnessed underscores his ability to dominate at the high school level. Bell's athletic delivery, slight crossfire action, and 91 mph fastball, coupled with his mid-70’s breaking ball, suggest a high ceiling as he continues to add strength. As a recent Houston commit, Bell's rapid rise of 167 spots in the California state rankings position him as a prime candidate to back up his breakout with sustained excellence in 2026. -SD

Logan Schmidt didn’t really ‘Break Out” in 2025, as he’s been a pretty high profile guy for a few years now, winning MVP’s of tournaments going in to his freshman year (UBC West), but that was more of a hitter than an arm, and he really put things in a new gear over the summer of 2025 that now sees him ranked as the top arm in California. After PG National, he went on to dominate in every look, from the All American Game, to the Area Code Games, and then the Champions Cup up at Westmont, he’s been purely dominant. The heater is now up to 97 and he showed the ability to land the secondaries to get whiffs on all offerings. Ganesha will have plenty of scouts in attendance when he’s on the bump, and we are expecting a huge year from the PG All American. -SF

I’m going to go with a pair of High School teammates out of University City in AJ Curry and Jayden Parker. Curry is coming off of a 40 hit junior season that resulted in a .417 batting average. The two-way star is dominant on the mound as well, posting a 1.14 ERA in 2025 over 61+ innings pitched, recording 111 punchouts.  The sky is the limit for the Tennessee commit. Parker is a standout defensive presence at short and a massive threat at the plate. Jayden followed up a big spring season with a strong showing over the summer in Perfect Game events. He has the ability to completely take over games on both sides and watch out when the power potential is unlocked. Big things to come for the Indiana commit. -SR

Most Likely To Lead the Region in Home Runs in 2026
Tyler Spangler, SS, Danville, CA. De La Salle HS (2026)
Spangler stands out as a prime candidate to lead the region in home runs next season due to his combination of size, strength, and swing mechanics. His ultra athletic frame and well-balanced swing allow him to consistently impact the ball, with projections for above-average power as he matures. Spangler’s ability to make quality contact, coupled with his dynamic tools and athleticism, positions him as a formidable presence at the plate. His offensive upside is undeniable, cementing his status as a top prospect in the class. -SD

If my memory serves me correctly (prob 50/50 chance), Chaminade is a very friendly place to hit, especially for lefties with a short porch in left field. Not like he needs a short porch, but it should help Isaiah Hearn out quite a bit, playing half his games there. The PG All American has arguably the most juice from the left side in SoCal, so it’s easy to see big power numbers for the Oregon commit. Opposing pitchers may pitch around him a bit, but that may be a fools errand as he also has the speed to steal bases. So pick your poison, but if they pitch to him, the ball may be leaving the yard. -SF

I didn’t have to do a deep dive for Judah Ota to come to mind. At 6-5, 210-pounds, the left-handed hitter was built in a lab, regularly flashing 100+ exit velo. The Arkansas commit has the strength to go deep to any part of the field and is on the barrel with regularity. The do it all outfielder can hurt you in a variety of ways with superior speed and athleticism to go along with huge power that he is still tapping into and this could be the year we see it all come together. -SR
 
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Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

16U BCS Rolls into Fort Myers
Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 16U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida from July 23-27, bringing together many of the nation’s top 2028 graduates. The tournament features 44 teams, including six nationally ranked clubs, competing for a national title across five days of high-level competition. Year after year, the event has served as a proving ground for elite talent. Defending champion Showtime Select National 16U returns after capturing last year’s championship, while a talented field from across the country will look to add its name to the event’s prestigious history. One of the premier prospects in the field, shortstop Gabriel Coupet enters as the highest-ranked player in attendance, checking in at No. 49 overall in the Class of 2028 and No. 8 player in Florida. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native has established himself as one of the country’s most talented...
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PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
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With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
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College | Story | 7/21/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 21 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: Coen Niclai – Wareham Gatemen  The Internet tells me that 12 MLB players have come from Alaska, 10 of whom were from Anchorage, and the best of which is Curt Schilling. Niclai, who is also...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/20/2026

FTB National Completes Elite Run

Kinley Kitchens
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Championships are never won in a single game. For FTB National 2027, this one has been in the making for years. An 8-0 victory over Team Elite 17U Scout capped off an unforgettable week at the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship, but according to those inside the dugout, the championship was a product of friendships formed long before the tournament ever began. FTB took their first national elite win in team history, giving one of the nation’s top 2027 teams an elite ending to their 17U summer. “This is a homegrown group,” head coach Will Haynie said. “This team has been together for the last four or five years, and I think a lot of them have been together since the Little League World Series when they were 12. It’s been fun, and a nice little cap off to their 17U summer, especially after winning a big event like this.” That chemistry...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/20/2026

16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
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16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Lucas Sullivan (2027, Winder, GA) absolutely shoved in the first round of the playoffs. He racked up a total of 13 strikeouts across his seven inning, complete game shutout performance. Sullivan worked three pitches for strikes with lots of comfort and only allowed two hits. Ran the fastball up to 86 and he got lots of swing and miss on the 11-5 curveball. Mixes speeds well and was electric to watch. Landon King (2028, San Mateo, CA) was just one of the best players on the field the first two rounds of the playoffs. Totaled four hits, two of those were for extra bases and scored three times. Has lightning quick hands in the left-handed batter's box and produced loud contact constantly. Top of the class barrel skills with twitch in the turn.  Jacob Piles (2028, Cape Coral, FL) is hitting an astounding .615 with a pair of doubles in the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/20/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘29 RHP Bryson Auten (NJ) comes out throwing absolute flames to get out of a jam. Sitting 92-94 & does it with ease. Comes out of the hand well & challenging hitters with the FB. #WWBA @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Tf18Rdk4mx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 19, 2026 Bryson Auten (2029, Flemington, N.J.) came in out of the bullpen in a brutal spot and recorded back-to-back strikeouts to get out of it. He would then register another pair of strikeouts in his second inning of work, ending the game going 1 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. The fastball was electric, working at 92-94 and does it super easy, coming out of the hand great. Command was excellent in this outing as well, throwing 70% strikes. It’s a power type arm with advanced arm talent for the age and any time you see 92-94 at a 15u event, it’s notable...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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