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Tournaments  | Story | 7/15/2026

Mine Wood Bat World Series Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Jordan Gates


Carson Tabler (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) Tabler was probably the most pleasant surprise when it comes to names from this weekend. A rather unknown for me and my staff going into the event, Tabler managed to cement himself by event’s end. It’s a true two-way projection at this stage, while he has the size in the 6-foot-3 long and loose frame, the strength will continue to add on to the 175-pound stature. While he only had two extra-base hits (triple, home run), the bat-to-ball skills were the calling card, and those singles will turn into more doubles and even some power to generate home runs. Super athletic in the box utilizing a toe tap trigger and gets good extension through his finish. And the left-handed stroke is pretty fluid already. On the mound, it’s super intriguing. The fastball reached 87 mph once and was comfortable at 80-84 and reached back for 82-85 an inning. It was a three inning look with about 95% fastballs. Struck out seven in his three innings for the first start of the event. It’s a clean arm path that is already repeatable. Generated 15 swing-and-misses off the fastball in 46 pitches and 67% strikes. Athletic, downhill mover from a mid-three-quarter arm action.   
 

Maddox Roth (2029, Liberty Township, Ohio) Roth showed why is arguably the top two-way in the state and has a chance to be one of the most coveted two-ways in the region. What he was able to do at the plate and on the mound was high level. When he connected, the ball off the bat sounded different, quite frankly. Three of his extra-base hits were very loud and the strength is already present with easy juice. Despite the ability he shows at the plate, the makings and projection on the mound are even more eye-opening. The number three ranked player in the Ohio class got the start in the championship and was absurdly dominant. Due to pitch count he exited after 5.1 innings, 11 strikeouts, four walks and left with a no-hitter. The fastball featured good carry and opened 85-90 mph, touching 91 once. After the first inning, it was mostly 85-88 mph with a couple nines. Mixed in a slider 68-71 mph that featured some sharpness. This is one that is poised for a jump come summer’s end and will be one to monitor for the next several years.  
 

Mitch Huber (2029, Plain City, Ohio) Huber took home MVP honors in the 15u division. The number two prospect in the Ohio class drove in 10 runs through his 21 at-bats, while hitting a blistering .429 on the week. Huber starts in an open stance, moves in well, adjust hands high to low and really lets his strength do the rest. The ability to drive the ball the other way at this juncture really stood out. He produced loud contact with each swing. Already has an imposing presence at 6-foot-4, 205-pounds.  
 

Xavier Wasson (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) Wasson took home MVP honors in the 16u division and it’s easy to see why. In seven games, he produced 11 hits with four of those going for extra bases, including two home runs. Wasson added nine RBIs, three stolen bases and only struck out twice in 23 at-bats, finishing with a .478 batting average and a .500 on-base rate. A barrel machine throughout this event, Wasson checks in at 6-foot-1, 170-pounds. A solid, lean frame that will continue to add strength. It’s a super whippy barrel, does a good job of recognizing spin and piecing balls all over the yard.  

James Vecchio (2029, Chagrin Falls, Ohio) The two-way potential was shown during this event. At 5-foot-10, 168-pounds there is still projection to come for Vecchio. At the plate, it was violent hacks from the left side. Created good bat speed on a line drive plane and showed some carry to the gaps at times. High energy on both sides of the ball. On the mound, he got the ball during bracket play and impressed. While command was a bit sporadic issuing five walks in his four innings, the makings were there as he struck out eight and allowed no runs or hits. The fastball reached 84 mph and was comfortable in the low 80’s. It was a three-pitch mix that included a changeup at 72-75 mph and a sweeper breaking ball at 66-69 mph. All three pitches created whiffs during the four frames. An interesting name out of northeast Ohio.  

-Jordan Gates 
 

Mitchell Phillips (2029, Springboro, Ohio) continues to emerge as one of the more intriguing arms in the state. Across two looks, Phillips logged 10 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out 14 and walking five. He capped the weekend with a complete-game shutout, striking out 10 and touching a personal-best 87 mph on his final pitch. The two-way shortstop possesses a projectable 6-foot-1,160-pound frame with athletic actions and plenty of room to continue adding strength. Phillips operates with a fluid, effortless, and repeatable delivery which has paid off in his consistency on the mound. Shows advanced pitchability for his age, confidently mixing four pitches and landing each for strikes. The fastball lives 82-84 mph and features quality arm-side run, changeup sits in the upper-70s and shows late tumble, tight spin on the slider, and a curveball with good depth and shape. The four-pitch mix allows Phillips to change speeds and eye levels effectively, while his ability to command both the fastball and off-speed offerings stands out for his age. With a projectable frame, repeatable operation, advanced pitchability and a deep arsenal, Phillips has established himself as one of the top pitchers in Ohio's 2029 class. 
 

Will Skipper (2029, Springboro, Ohio) impressed throughout the weekend as one of the most consistent left-handed bats in the tournament. Across the event, Skipper went 8-for-16 with two triples, a double, six RBI and a 1.341 OPS while consistently producing quality contact. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound third baseman has a physical frame with additional strength still to come. Skipper operates with a simple, repeatable left-handed swing, utilizing a controlled toe tap to get on time while keeping the barrel through the zone. The controlled operation and present bat speed allow him to consistently drive the baseball with authority, showing the ability to impact pitches to both the pull side and the opposite field. Present pull-side power is already evident, while his ability to drive the ball to the opposite field suggests a mature offensive approach. Defensively, Skipper showed a reliable glove with a strong arm at third base, giving him a chance to remain on the left side of the infield. The combination of present strength, consistent barrel control and offensive upside is why the left-handed bat ranks highly in Ohio’s 2029 class.  

Evan Samrah (2028, Windsor, Onta.) emerged as one of the top offensive performers across the weekend. Samrah went 6-for-13 with a double, eight RBI, five walks and a 1.117 OPS while consistently producing quality contact. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound center fielder presents an athletic frame with room to continue adding strength. Samrah operates from an athletic setup, utilizing a controlled leg kick to get on time while creating a strong launch position. His short, direct path and present bat-to-ball skills allow him to consistently keep the barrel through the zone and produce quality contact. Shows advanced strike-zone awareness for his age, consistently working quality at-bats while demonstrating present feel for the zone. An above-average runner who gets out of the box quickly, Samrah also covers ground well in center field, giving him value on both sides of the baseball.  The offensive foundation is already strong and should continue to translate against better competition along with athleticism, bat-to-ball skills, and defensive profile makes Samrah an intriguing projectable player profile. 

Jack Andolina (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) showcased some of the best present strength and power at the event. Across the weekend, Andolina went 6-for-13 with a double, triple, five RBI and a 1.221 OPS while consistently impacting the baseball. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound corner infielder possesses a strong, physical frame with additional strength still to come. Andolina operates with a simple, repeatable swing, utilizing a small leg lift while maintaining quiet head movement and connected hands throughout the swing. His short, efficient path allows the barrel to stay through the zone despite producing present raw power. Present strength translates into easy pull-side power, while his ability to drive the baseball with authority to the middle of the field speaks to the quality of his barrel control. 

Ryder Francis (2029, Franklin, Ohio) turned in one of the more polished outings of the tournament, showing a strike throwing ability and feel for a three-pitch mix after returning to the mound for the first time in several months. Across 4.1 scoreless innings, Francis allowed one hit while striking out five without issuing a walk. He needed just 40 pitches to complete the outing, throwing 87% strikes throughout. The 5-foot-11, 145-pound right-hander offers an athletic, projectable frame with plenty of room to continue adding strength. Francis operates with a fluid, repeatable delivery and a quick arm from a low three-quarter slot. The fastball sat 81-82 mph, touching 85 and flashed quality arm-side run. He paired it with a 78-79 mph cutter that showed life and the confidence to land it to both sides of the plate, along with a 71-73 mph slider that featured sharp break. Comfortable throwing the cutter and slider backdoor for strikes. Showcasing athleticism, strike throwing ability and present feel for three pitches makes Francis a young arm to follow in Ohio’s 2029 class. 

-Jake Swearingen 

Jose Caban (2027, Independence, Ohio) immediately stood out during infield warmups on Thursday. The feet were incredibly quick, the actions smooth and the arm strong. Then he stepped to the plate, and those same traits translated. He’s got a quick trigger that allows him to turn on pitches on the inner half and produce impressive exit velocities. His performance over five games earned him the No. 2 Top Performer spot in the 18U bracket, batting .615 with two triples, two doubles, six runs scored and five RBI. He can get a little jumpy at times, recognizing a pitch he wants to attack and starting the swing a bit too soon. As he continues to refine his approach, there’s even more offensive upside to unlock. There is a lot to like in his game, and the tools are real. 
 

Nathan Tandy (2027, Rochester Hills, Mich.) tossed four innings of one-run ball on Wednesday, but it was the bat that made him a true standout throughout the week. He was PG's No. 1 Top Performer in the 18U bracket, collecting 10 hits, including four doubles and two triples, while slashing .588/.632/1.059. He generates easy power through efficient swing mechanics. He holds the coil deep into the load, creates excellent stretch, stacks into the backside, and maintains that connection through contact. His swing is built for power, and as he continues to add strength to his 6-foot-3, 172-pound frame, it’s easy to envision some of those singles turning into doubles and some of those doubles leaving the yard. 
 

Rudy Glotfelty (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) was the most impressive arm I saw over the weekend, striking out 10 over six innings of one-run ball with a 1.00 WHIP. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw sat 84-86 and touched 87 mph with the fastball. He mixed in a big curveball, but the changeup was the real weapon. It had late tumble with good velocity separation, and he commanded it exceptionally well, repeatedly spotting it down and away to right-handed hitters in two-strike counts to get swings and misses. The No. 7-ranked left-handed pitcher in Ohio's 2028 class already shows an advanced feel for pitching, and he'll be a fascinating arm to follow as he continues to add strength and gain experience at the high school level. 

Nick Aupperle (2030, Medina, Ohio) has one of the more advanced, natural swings I've seen from a player who has yet to take a high school at-bat. He stays connected throughout the swing, uses the ground well, stays closed on the front side through the load, creates excellent stretch, and gets into an outstanding position at contact. The result is a consistent ability to hit hard line drives to all fields. Every at-bat looked under control, and he never seemed rushed in the box. In 12 at-bats throughout the tournament, he batted .500 with three extra-base hits and five runs scored out of the leadoff spot. The left-handed-hitting super utility player has the look of someone who can develop into a true offensive threat as he continues to grow and mature physically. 
 

Avier Carter (2026, Cincinnati, Ohio) The Wilberforce signee struck out 10 over four innings in the championship, flashing impressive stuff. Though he struggled with control early, walking four batters in the first two innings, the arsenal was undeniable. He dialed the fastball up to 90 to start the game, routinely sitting 86-88. Both breaking balls were crisp. The slider was firm at 79-83, and he used it primarily arm-side to lock up right-handed hitters late in counts and steal early strikes against left-handed hitters. The 75-78 mph curveball featured sharp, two-plane break and was his true swing-and-miss pitch against hitters from either side of the plate. Despite being relatively undersized for a starting pitcher at 6-foot, Carter is an explosive mover down the mound who creates plus extension that allows his stuff to play up. 

-Evan Dennis  
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