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Draft  | Story | 2/6/2026

PG Draft: Mid-Major Picks to Click

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
While Power 4 prospects tend to soak up the bulk of the industry buzz, there’s plenty of legitimate talent lurking at the mid-major level. These are competitive programs that are loaded with players who have real tools, physicality, and performance track records that translate beyond their conference. Below are nine mid-major prospects we expect evaluators to be in early and often on this spring.

Ethan Norby, LHP, East Carolina (Rank: 155)
Norby is an undersized left-hander, but has produced strong numbers over two years at ECU. The left-hander has produced a 3.80 ERA with 182 strikeouts over 149 1/3 innings. While the velocity does not stand out, Norby can still miss bats with the heater. It works in the low-90’s and creeps towards 95 mph at times. Quality extension for his size and high spin allow that offering to get on hitters, resulting in weak contact as well as whiffs. A high-spinning sweeper is the go-to secondary. It routinely shows 3,000 RPM. A changeup rounds out the repertoire and gives Norby a usable offering against right-handed hitters. The ability to throw strikes and miss bats, even at a lower velocity give Norby starter potential and should result in considerable interest from teams this July. -TH



Jonathan Mendez, MIF, UCSB, (Rank: NR)
Mendez was a draft follow dating back to his prep days at JSerra, but last year he firmly established himself as one of the better mid-major middle infielders in the country. He’s coming off a strong 2025 season in which he slashed .314/.392/.559 with 11 home runs. The swing is smooth and relaxed and it’s shown a clear step forward in the ability to lift the ball and drive it out to the pull side. He absolutely crushes heaters and he got to sneaky strong exits. Defensively, Mendez has long been as sure-handed as they come, with the versatility and instincts to handle all infield positions at a high level. Overall, the profile grades out with average to slightly above-average tools across the board. -JC

Tyler Minick, OF, Connecticut, (Rank: 219)
Minick had a massive season last year in the Big East, slashing .355/.437/.734 with 20 homeruns, 74 RBI and 15 stolen bases to his credit. He saw his K% trim about six percent year over year, down to 16.7% last spring with a substantial 29.3% HR/FB rate. He hits the ball hard and can elevate it with backspin. Minick will be moving to the outfield for this spring, and his eventual home in the outfield will naturally change the overall evaluation of his profile from a draft standpoint. If the contact rates can tick up while simultaneously seeing the chase rates decrease, Minick’s profile could turn into an attractive mid rounds option. His offensive performance took huge strides from ‘24 to ‘25. Another jump could be in store this spring. -MA

Tyler Albanese, RHP, San Jose State (Rank: 275)
Albanese jumped on a scene as a late innings reliever last spring and followed it up with a strong performance on the Cape. The right-hander features a physical 6-foot-6, 237-pound frame. He gets impressive extension at release, creating more than seven feet of extension. A flat approach angle, high spin, and mid-90’s velocity allows the pitch to miss bats at a high rate. Albanese pairs the heater with a curveball that has the potential to be a legit out pitch. It has depth and bite. A tighter slider rounds out the pitch mix. If Albanese can succeed in a starter role this spring, the frame and stuff could put him in line to jump up boards this spring. -TH

Cody New, LHP, Cal Baptist, (Rank, 143)

 New might not fit the traditional “sleeper” label, but he’s a name that still feels under-recognized in the Inland Empire. He’s coming off a standout sophomore campaign in which he posted a 3.49 ERA across 80 innings, punching out 98 hitters and emerging as a dominant weekend arm. The physical left-hander features a compact, repeatable delivery and he fills up the strike zone with a mix that flashes above average. His fastball sits comfortably in the low 90s and has reached the mid 90s, showing solid carry shape generating whiffs at times when elevated at the top of the zone. He complements the heater with two high-spin breaking balls, and a changeup that is a legitimate weapon (44% whiff) especially against right-handed hitters. With a starter’s frame, strike-throwing ability, and a four-pitch mix that plays against both sides of the plate, New looks poised to take another step forward and continue cementing himself as one of the best left handers in the West. -JC

Dylan Alonso, RHP, Troy (Rank: 293)

After spending a year at Middle Tennessee and then transferring to Columbia State for ‘25, the true junior is primed to be a leading arm in the Troy Trojans rotation this spring. The strikes and stuff have all ticked up, backed by a physical and well built 6-4/220 frame. He employs an athletic, simple motion with repeatability on the mound, sitting in the low to mid 90’s on his fastball paired with a sharp downer curve in the low 80’s. His entire mix plays well from his high slot release. If even just a fringy-usable third offering can come into the picture this spring and form a deeper starter’s mix for Alonso, he will shoot up boards. He has positioned himself to make it happen. -MA

Carson Lane, RHP, UNLV (Rank: 207)
Lane is the clear ace in the UNLV rotation with the numbers and stuff to match. The right-hander possesses a 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame with strength and athleticism present. Last spring, Lane posted 85 strikeouts across 78 2/3 innings (15 starts). The fastball can work into the mid-90’s and get on hitters quickly. Lane shows feel for multiple secondary offerings that have some swing and miss ability. The curveball shows quality depth and tunnels well off the heater. Lane has starter traits and could be moving up the board with another strong spring. -TH

Anthony Potestio, MIF, UCSD, (Rank: NR)
Potestio emerged as an under-the-radar performer for the Tritons last spring and carried that momentum into a strong summer on the Cape. The left-handed hitting shortstop slashed .323/.450/.476 during the college season and posted a .792 OPS over the summer, earning an All-Star selection. While the offensive profile isn’t built on loud impact, it’s driven by elite contact skills (Z-Contact 90%) and a disciplined approach with minimal chase. Then it’s stand out athleticism that translates on the dirt where he shows the quickness and overall skillset to stick at shortstop while also offering the versatility to handle multiple spots around the infield. Expect him to get considerable looks, especially if he starts to tap into some more power. -JC

Drew Horn, RHP, Middle Tennessee (Rank: NR)
Horn’s season was cut short last year due to injury, but the eight starts he got were significantly impressive, including a no-hitter. He churned out 46.1 innings, pitching to a 1.75 ERA and 16.5% K-BB% (29.5% K-Rate). The velocity continues to tick up, as he now gets his heater into the mid 90’s with good vertical traits to it. He features a swing and miss curveball, a hard slider that bridges the arsenal together and a more than usable change-up. He is 5’11/188, so the size and projection at 22 years old won’t jump off the page. Even if he can’t start games in pro ball, Horn could be deployed as a reliever given his ability to spin his curve and lean on an out pitch. That role could see the fastball tick up in velo too as he’s deployed in short bursts. With a full season of health, Horn has a chance to sturdy up his draft stock. -MA
 
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Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027
Perfect Game Staff
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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 STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

13/14u PG Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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2031 King James (Cincinnati, Ohio) got the start on the bump for Team Elite against, coincidentally enough, his hometown Cincinnati Angels and delivered a 5 inning, run rule shortened complete game effort. Not overly physical at just 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, James came out showing quickness to his arm as he opened up in the 75-77 mph while working around the zone, mixing a bigger curveball with depth to help keep hitters off balance. Ultimately he struck out 6 on the game and walked just one while scattering four hits and even helped his own cause, picking up a double on the offensive side of things.  While he went 0-1 at the dish with a pair of walks, it's still worth talking about the performance from catcher Michael Wedgeworth (Flomaton, Ala.) as his catch-and-throw skills from behind the dish were on full display throughout the game, delivering a couple of strikes down to second...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1 Another good swing later in the day from ‘28 Derek Vazquez, this one lifted down the LF line for a 2B. So much to like about the profile & projects in every aspect. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Coastal @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/EDA8xhgK9G pic.twitter.com/kZDw8tPC5O — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 5, 2026 Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) has put together a big showing through two games for the SBA Bolts National 2028. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop/outfielder has showed defensive versatility throughout the event and does so with ease. He has all the actions at shortstop but also showed good range, tracking a flyball down the left field line on Friday. In the box, he’s uber-projectable in every phase and is already doing a great job of controlling the zone. The power should continue to trend up in the coming years and...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
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Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
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Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
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For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
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After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
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Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
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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....
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