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College  | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
Photo: Ryan Tayman (Romeo Galvan/Cal Poly Athletics)
California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in.

Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN 
Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base through improved swing decisions. The swing is balanced and he turns the barrel extremely fast on a leveraged path consistently producing loud contact at good angles. The raw power comfortably grades as plus and will flash higher, backed by impact exit velocities and frequent damage in the air. Defensively, he’s split time between corner outfield and DH, but there’s enough athlete in there to keep him in the corner until he proves otherwise. Currently sits at #193 on our most recent board where our staff believes there will be a number of teams in on the eye-catching juice. 



Paul Contreras - OF - Cal State Fullerton Titans

A breakout campaign at the plate has defined Contreras’ spring, as he’s delivered a .346/.441/.6133 slash with 14 home runs and more walks (33) than strikeouts (31). The biggest development has been in his approach, cutting his strikeout rate significantly while nearly doubling his walk rate, pointing to real gains in pitch selection and zone control. Physically built like a linebacker at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, the strength is evident and translates into above-average exit velocities. The swing is relatively simple and efficient, with minimal pre-pitch movement and a controlled gather into launch. He stays compact to contact and does his best damage when he gets the ball out front, where he can elevate and drive it with authority. A steadily improving offensive profile that has pushed him onto our draft board in the 300 range.

Max Bayles - RHP - Santa Clara Broncos

Bayles first jumped onto the radar last spring after posting one of the more dominant strikeout seasons in the country (105 K in 66 IP), and he carried that momentum into this year with 104 strikeouts over 71 innings and a 2.54 ERA. He’s a physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-hander with an athletic delivery that features some effort through release. The arm action is longer with a slight plunge, working quickly up to an over-the-top slot. His calling card is a plus slider, a firm mid-80s gyro with sharp, late bite that generates consistent swing-and-miss (51% whiff rate). He shows advanced feel to land it for strikes and expand it for chase against both righties and lefties. The fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch mid-90s with some cut/ride characteristics, while a developing changeup shows occasional depth and fade. The swing-and-miss profile gives him real intrigue, currently sits at #167 on our most recent board. 

Michael Malki - RHP - California Baptist Lancers

Malki was one of the more statistically dominant arms in the WAC this season, posting a 3.12 ERA with a strikeout rate among the national leaders (~37%). He operates from a 6-foot, 180-pound frame with a clean, repeatable delivery and a loose arm working to a high three-quarter slot. The separator here is his ability to spin the baseball. His mid-to-upper 80s slider added more prominently this year has become his go-to pitch, often used more than the fastball and was effective against hitters from both sides (60% whiff) where he can land it and bury it. The fastball sits in the low 90s (touching 94) with solid carry (~18+ inches of IVB), while he’ll also mix a deeper low-80s curveball with strong vertical break and above-average spin (52% whiff). A low-RPM changeup with some fade rounds out the mix. The frame and velocity point toward a likely bullpen role, but the pitch data and bat-missing ability will draw interest. Currently sits at #247 on our most recent board.

Trevor Hansen - RHP - UC Irvine Anteaters

Hansen has been a reliable arm for UC Irvine over the past couple seasons, he didn’t finish this particular one strong as he accumulated a 4.94 ERA with 96 strikeouts across 78 innings. While the overall stuff is solid, his performance tends to hinge on execution, when he’s locating, the stuff plays up and can look comfortably above average. He features a clean, repeatable delivery with a compact arm action and a standard three-quarter release. The fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch 94, showing enough carry to miss bats at the top of the zone. His best secondary is a spike curveball in the low 80s with sharp, downward action, generating strong swing-and-miss rates (~39%). He’ll also mix a changeup with late fade and tumble. Currently in the 300 range on draft boards where our staff thinks there will be teams that believe in some of the starter traits and the intriguing present stuff where there could be some optimizaiton. 

Rohan Lettow - RHP – San Diego State Aztecs

Reliability has been Lettow’s calling card this spring, anchoring the San Diego State staff with consistent outings. Logged a quality 3.79 ERA over 78.1 innings with 92 strikeouts. He’s an athletic mover on the mound, utilizing a drop-and-drive lower half and a compact arm action. He operates with a deep, versatile five-pitch mix that he sequences effectively against both right and left-handed hitters. The fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s with solid carry (pushing 20+ inches of IVB at times). Will mix in a mid-upper 80s CT a ton as that aided in getting hitters off the heater. He complements it with two distinct breaking balls, a slider with significant horizontal sweep (15+ inches) he leans on against righties, and a curveball with more vertical depth (~12 inches) used more frequently versus lefties. A changeup rounded out the arsenal, showing particularly good depth off the fastball. The pitchability and deep mix give him the chance in a starting role at the next level if the stuff is able to uptick. 

Cole Tryba - LHP - University of California Santa Barbara

Quietly putting together a really strong season for the Gauchos, Tryba has emerged as one of the more dependable arms on the West Coast. He has consistently shown an ability to miss bass and limit walks. In 38.1 innings this spring he holds a 3.29 ERA and has struck out 52 and has walked just 13. Brings a deceptive operation from the left side. It’s not overpowering velocity but there is some quality stuff here. Real loose arm that works to a lower release with great extension. It’s a low 90s running heater that plays above the velocity and above barrels as well because of the release height. His sweeper stands out as a true weapon especially against left-handers generating a ton of horizontal break and showing feel to land it . A fading changeup complements the arsenal, giving him a reliable option against opposite-handed hitters. It’s a solid floor as a strong left-handed reliever but the two quality secondary offerings give him some starter potential. #261 on the board presently but I’d expect to climb a bit higher before the season is done. 

Calvin Proskey - RHP - University of California Santa Barbara
Proskey returned from injury in the second half of the season and quickly found his footing, stringing together a strong run since early April with a 2.25 ERA across 28 innings, paired with a crisp 20:4 K:BB. The underlying data supports the performance, and the visual look matches with his aesthetic, starter-type operation with traits that translate. The 6-foot-3 UC Santa Barbara right-hander leans on pitch shape, feel, and execution more than raw velocity to work through lineups. His fastball operates in the low 90s and will grab a bit more when needed, playing up due to quality induced vertical break that regularly pushes beyond 20 inches. The life through the zone allows it to miss barrels and establish the foundation for his mix, even without elite extension. The changeup is the most advanced secondary, showing consistent fade with occasional depth and the ability to generate whiffs both in and out of the zone. It’s a clear weapon against opposite-handed hitters and a separator within the arsenal. His mid-80s slider features more vertical action than sweep, flashing some chase but projecting closer to average in terms of a pure stuff grade. He’ll also incorporate a high-70s curveball to steal strikes early and keep hitters off balance. Proskey’s calling card is his strike-throwing ability and overall pitchability. The delivery is loose, athletic, and repeatable which aids him in being able to land all four pitches. While the profile lacks a true overpowering offering, the combination of stuff traits, command, and feel creates a high-floor look. With even marginal velocity or breaking ball improvement, Proskey fits as a dependable rotation piece at the next level and a strong Day Two candidate with the potential to outperform his slot.

Carson Turnquist - RHP - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Turnquist has seen a bit of increased attention in the 2nd half of the spring. Got in an in-person during conference play vs. the Anteaters where he went five shutout innings and struck out five. Currently having one of the better Big West pitching seasons with his 3.50 ERA in 69 innings with 68 punchies. Immediately stands out with his XL 6-foot-5, 235 frame where there’s noticeable strength throughout. Real big and loose arm stroke in the back working to a slightly lower ¾ slot that plays into some lower launch because he gets down the mound well and creates above avg. extension. The heater in my look worked in the mid 90s early, T97 early and settled low 90s flashing some decent ride/run type shape with some inconsistent command and leakage to the glove side but when he executes it is able to get quality whiff (30%). Mixes in three secondaries, a low-mid 80s CH with good fade and fine depth that he mixed into LHHs that produced a few whiffs, a slurvy CB at 77-80 and an effective shorter CT/SL at 83-86. There will be some draft hesitancy because of the 2023 TJ and some of the command/control inconsistencies but he’s trending in a slight upward direction for the Mustangs as we enter regional play this weekend. 

Ricky Ojeda - LHP - UC Irvine
Ojeda’s season featured some inconsistency but he finished strong. Listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he lacks imposing size, but makes up for it with an athletic and deceptive operation. He generates strong extension from a lower release height, allowing the fastball to outperform its raw velo. The pitch typically sits in the low 90s and reaches 95, showing late life up in the zone, where it’s especially effective. His slider comes in the low 80s with tight late-breaking shape that can resemble a cutter at times. He’ll also deploy a split-change in a similar velocity range with more downward action, giving him another look to keep hitters off balance. A slower curveball in the upper 60s adds a fourth option, often used early in counts for strikes but capable of generating some unexpected out front whiff. The profile is built around command, deception, and feel for sequencing, with the raw offerings grading near average. When he’s executing locations and mixing effectively, the delivery and fastball traits help everything play a tick better.

Ryan Tayman - C - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Tayman put together arguably the most productive offensive season among Big West catchers, slashing .355/.444/.664 with 16 home runs this spring. A physical 6-foot-2, 210-pound backstop, he brings present strength with roughly average raw power that consistently plays in games. The operation is controlled and efficient where he works with a simple, low-effort lift into launch with quiet hands, allowing the barrel to get on plane early and stay connected through the turn. From there, it’s a direct path through the zone with a flatter entry that produces consistent hard contact, while still showing the ability to create lift out front. There’s been a sneaky shift in his batted-ball profile this year, elevating more frequently (42% to 53% fly ball rate), which has translated into increased impact. Currently sitting at No. 278 on our latest Draft Board, Tayman has positioned himself as a potential riser as the season closes.
 
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College | Story | 5/25/2026

Field of 64 Projections
Vincent Cervino
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The 2026 season was one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions of college baseball in recent memory, and as quickly as it flew by, we are ready to start the “Road to Omaha”.  After hours of deliberation, we are ready to release our projected region field and “Field of 64” as we see it.  The UCLA Bruins (51-6) start us off as the anticipated No. 1 National Seed as they put the finishing touches on a historic season, including a 27-game win streak, a Big 10 Regular Season title and Big 10 Tournament championship.  The Big 10 looks like they will have (4) teams in the field, with (3) host sights, representing the West Coast well.  The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (48-9) should secure the No. 2 Nation Seed and lead the charge for (8) teams from the ACC in the field with (3) of them securing host opportunities.  Meanwhile, the Georgia...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/3/2026

EBC 17U-Griggs Takes Title

Kinley Kitchens
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After a week of dominant performances, timely hitting, and resilient play, EBC 17U-Griggs capped off its run through the 2026 Perfect Game Hoover Invitational with a championship victory Monday, securing the program’s first tournament title of the summer. Despite a lengthy rain delay, EBC never lost focus, relying on contributions throughout the lineup and another strong pitching performance to secure the win. “This being our first [win] of the summer, we have an amazing group right here,” head coach Rodd Griggs said. “Some of the guys I’ve had for years, some of the guys just joined us this summer, but it’s an amazing group.” EBC’s championship performance reflected the depth that carried the club throughout the tournament. Paxton Wright set the tone of the mound, working four innings while allowing just two hits striking out two hitters....
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Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

AZ Summer Kickoff Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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JJ Utash (‘27, AZ) tripled to both gaps, collecting 3 RBI along the way. Big time strength. Balls jumps off the barrel to all fields. Good runner/athlete too. #HookEm commit #AZKickoff pic.twitter.com/h1SbsSxpMy — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) May 30, 2026 JJ Utash (2027, Gilbert, Ariz.) is the top-ranked player in the state and showed off why over the weekend. The Texas commit collected five hits, including a pair of doubles and a pair of triples. The mix of power and speed is impressive. The ball jumps off the barrel with ease to all fields. Utash consistently lifts balls with authority, resulting in loud in-game power. The speed on the bases stands out as well. Utash looks to be aggressive and can take extra bags when they present themselves. The tools are some of the loudest in the class and will draw considerable draft interest next July.  Soren...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

Southeast Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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Southeast Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Auburn commit Brennan Neal (2027, Columbus, Ga.) had a good showing on Sunday on the mound, putting the clean, athletic delivery on display in an inning of work. Neal worked in the 90-93 range with the fastball with plenty of life, and showed some run to it when working to the arm side. Neal also worked in a tight slider in the upper 70s, but also showed confidence in a fading changeup in the mid 80s. Neal also has room to add strength to his lanky frame, which could be big for him to continue to add velocity. South Florida commit Taylor Casson (2026, Atlanta, Ga.) had an impressive showing on the hill with the stuff and results, going 5 innings of no-hit baseball with 10 strikeouts. The fastball worked in the 89-92 range with downhill angle and tail, and was in the zone often. He worked a 3-pitch mix, showing some impressive swing and miss stuff...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

WWBA South Invite Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA Scout Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Raylen Hunter (‘30 TX) stays living on the barrel; this one burning the CFer for a double. Just an electric ballplayer. #WWBASouth https://t.co/1LThRBqN80 pic.twitter.com/z5RF5dy47o — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) May 30, 2026 Raylen Hunter (2030, Cypress, Texas) took home MVP honors for the tournament and helped lead his team to a big championship win. Was a big standout on a loaded Banditos team that steamrolled their way to the championship. He ended the week going 10-16 with a pair of doubles while scoring ten runs atop the lineup. Hunter is a true spark plug who makes consistently hard contact line to line. The swing is short and works to all fields with plenty of twitch and bat speed. Bat to ball plays at an extremely high level as he rarely gets cheated never taking an at-bat off. Once on base, Hunter causes havoc on the base-paths, a...
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High School | Rankings | 6/2/2026

High School Top 50 Update: June 2

Tyler Russo
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With another few weeks in the book of the high school season, we’ve already had state champions crowned with playoffs happening in some northern states. There have been some upsets so there has been a good amount of movement in the National High School Top-50. We have a new number-one this update with Tomball (TX) taking over the top spot and will be playing for a state championship this week. They sport a 42-1 record heading into the title game and have been one of the best teams from start to finish this year. St. John Bosco (CA) has now gone back-to-back with Trinity League and CIF Southern Section titles and take over the No. 2 spot. No. 3 Aledo (TX) continues to win, No. 4 Trinity (KY) has been dominant in Kentucky play and No. 5 Norco (CA) lost the Southern Section title game and had a great year. Magnolia Heights (MS) moves up a few spots to No. 8 after winning their 8th...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/2/2026

EC Astros Win Back-And-Forth Thriller

Will Dembo
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In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s top 17u teams, the East Cobb Astros defeated eXposure National 9-8 in a thrilling extra-inning battle to claim the PG Southeast Elite Championship. The Astros completed the weekend undefeated, opening their summer season with a hard-fought, statement victory. “I mean, it's fun, it's been a grind today,” said Astros Head Coach, Josh Burress. “Been out here a long day, but our guys are competitors, they come out compete, they want to compete and win, so it's just fun to watch them come out here and not quitting playing to the end... so the guys did very well today, and they competed all the way through.” eXposure began the opening frame by taking the early lead on an error but quickly gave their lead away as the Astros came out of the gates hot, plating six runs in just the first inning. Mason Peek,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

Central Florida Invite Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Leanderson Argueta (2027, Panamá) absolutely outmatched every arm he faced this weekend ending up with seven hits, five of which were doubles and also hit a three run home run in game three. In the fifth inning against Freshwater Storm National Argueta got his pitch and deposited it over the wall for a go ahead three run home run. Showed real comfort in the box and was able to repeat the stroke well. Fires his hips with intent and the direct bat path plays to all parts of the park.  Jayden Pagan (2028, St. Cloud, Fla.) would not be denied this weekend slashing .500/.684/1.434. The championship game was no different for Pagan getting a first pitch heater and scorched it into left for an rbi triple. He would later add a double in the seventh inning that carried over the center fielders head. The bat to ball skills paired with his up the middle approach translate. The 2028...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/2/2026

Biscuits Elite Go Perfect at Kick-Off

Emily Hicks
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After several days of competitive baseball, the Summer Kick-Off came down to one final matchup between Biscuts Elite and BTA 18U. In the end, Biscuits Elite came away with the championship, earning a 26-13 victory at Goodyear Ballpark. “We're a hardworking group; we never give up," said JJ Utash. Biscuits Elite set the tone early, scoring 7 runs in the 1st inning and never looked back. “We just worked together as a team the whole time; we scored runs, and running the ball offensively was good,” said Utash. Nikolas Ramirez led the offense, finishing 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 runs scored. Kyle Wisniewski added a 3-4 day at the plate which included a triple, and a run scored to help fuel the attack. Wisniewski hit .444 through 4 games. On the mound, Sean McDaniels got the start, throwing 2.2 innings while allowing 1 hit and striking out 3 batters. The pitching...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/1/2026

Turn 2 Comes Back to Take BCS

Alyssa Golden
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A mostly clear day at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Florida set the stage for a tightly contested championship matchup between Florida Burn 2028 Myrback and Turn 2 Garcia. Behind two triples from Quinn Seglem, Turn 2 rallied for a 5-4 victory to claim the BCS Qualifier title. Left-hander Carter Brunco started on the mound for Turn 2, allowing six hits and four walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings. Burn jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Luke Straw singled and later advanced to third on a wild pitch before Joe O’Brien delivered an RBI single to score the game’s first run. Blake Dubiel followed with another RBI single to give Burn a 2-0 advantage. Right-hander Straw carried the momentum onto the mound for Burn, holding Turn 2 hitless through the first two innings while recording a strikeout in each. In the top of the second, Spencer Meachum...
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