THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,623 MLB PLAYERS | 16,400 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,623 MLB PLAYERS | 16,400 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
All American Game  | Story | 8/6/2011

So Cal southpaws prepare for Classic

Patrick Ebert
As the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings approaches, it's easy to draw parallels between West teammates Hunter Virant and Max Fried.

Both are left-handed pitchers.

Virant, at 6-foot-3, 172-pounds, and the 6-foot-4, 170-pound Fried offer tall, lanky frames that point to endless projected potential as they continue to grow and add strength.

They both sit in the low-90s with their fastballs with the ability to spin sharp breaking balls.

Virant, of Camarillo, California and Fried, of Encino, live a little over 30 miles from each other.

Both have committed to play college at nearby UCLA.

In addition, Virant and Fried attended the Perfect Game National Showcase June 16-19 where they were invited to be a part of the All-American Classic. The National kicked off a busy summer full of high-profile events for each player, leading up to the pinnacle to be played at PETCO Park next weekend.

“It was an honor to be named to a game that I've always wanted to play,” Fried said in a recent telephone conversation. “It was really exciting.”

As the Classic celebrates its ninth year of existence, with the last five being played in Southern California, both players have been watching the event with great interest over the years.

“I grew up watching the game, so it was really exciting to get the news,” Virant said of his invitation to play. “(Perfect Game) contacted my dad, and my dad asked me if I wanted to play in the All-American game, and I said 'of course.'”

Despite the fact that they do live about 30 miles away from each other, they didn't really know one another until they both went through the process of being recruited to play for UCLA.

“We've gotten to know each other through UCLA, so we're pretty good friends now,” Virant continued.

Similar to watching the All-American Classic over the years, the stable of arms that have come out of UCLA hasn't gone unnoticed by either pitcher. Watching the success of a familiar face, former All-American Gerrit Cole, the first overall pick in this past year's draft, made it an easy choice for both young hurlers.

“Coach Savage was very inspirational during my visit,” added Fried of his choice to play for the Bruins. “I felt like it was a place I could be very successful. It's a great program that offers a great college experience.”

The success that Head Coach Brian Savage has had developing pitchers got Virant's attention as well.

“I really enjoy Coach Savage's presence, he's one of the best coaches in the nation. I'm hoping I can go there and get a lot better than I am now.”

And there is a pretty good foundation to work with for both young lefties.

Virant is currently ranked 10th in the nation overall and the first among all left-handed pitchers from the high school class of 2012. With long and loose arms and legs, it's easy to see the 90-93 mph fastball velocity he showed as the National Showcase in mid-June continue to improve. He shows the ability to add running life to the pitch, as well as a power curveball. His changeup also is an advanced pitch for a player of his age.

As good of his stuff is, Virant is quick to recognize that it takes more than the abilty to throw hard to enjoy success. His ability to throw all of his pitches for strikes while effectively changing speeds may be his best attribute on the mound.

Command is what sets Fried apart as well, armed with a nasty fastball-curveball one-two punch that gives him a similar power profile to Virant. Fried's fastball velocity was a tick below Virant's at 88-92 at the National, but Fried showed more consistent diving movement on his heavy fastball, with a similar overall combination of size, stuff and control.

Ranked 27th overall in the 2012 class, Fried also is a good all-around athlete, with above average speed and a smooth left-handed swing that could give him some value as a two-way player at the collegiate level.

While the allure of playing in such a prestigious event in a big-league stadium in front of a large audience as part of a nationally televised broadcast is an incredible experience for any young player, both sounded humbled when recognizing the greater importance of the event.

Proceeds of the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings go to support the Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego and the ongoing battle against pediatric cancer.  Last year alone, 147,000 children with cancer were treated.

“I definitely want to play at PETCO to see what it's like to pitch on a big-league field,” Fried said of the overall experience. “But the hospital visit and the charitable aspect of the event are great, I'm really excited to do that. Anything I can do to give back and help others I really, really enjoy that.”

“It's great. The kids look up to us and they want to be where we are,” Virant added. “It's a great opportunity to share a fun experience with the kids.”

In the meantime, there is still work to be done, and for the next week, both players will continue to hone their craft.

“I've been doing a lot of working out physically, and throwing bullpens to work on my pitches so I'm as ready as I need to be,” Fried said of his preparation for the Classic. “I want to be able to relax (on the mound) and play baseball like I've been doing since I was four years old.”

Relaxation is key to Virant's projected success as well.

“(I will) probably just get my rest,” Virant said of the days leading up to the Classic. “I want to get out there and compete in a big-league environment at PETCO Park. Don't try to do too much and take my mind off of the added attention.”
Give us your feedback
All American Game | Story | 8/21/2026

Brotherly Love Inspires Carter Hadnot
Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – Perfect Game has been a big part of Carter Hadnot’s life since he was 12. He participated in more than a dozen tournaments and showcases, including prestigious Select Festivals as a 13U and 14U player, as well as last summer’s PG All-Star Game for underclassmen in San Diego.   The PG event that Hadnot always wanted to be part of was the DICK’s All-American Classic. Now, that’s on his resume, too. He played in the 24th annual Classic earlier this week at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. “This means a lot to me,” he said during the event. “I always wanted to make it to Select Fest when I was younger. So, every time I get invited to an event it’s an honor and it’s fun. I don’t take it for granted. “This is definitely the one I always wanted to make it to. A lot of big names have...
Read More
Draft | Story | 9/11/2026

PG Draft: Potential Risers Into Top 50

Michael Albee
Article Image
We are in the early stages of the 2027 cycle and there is still plenty of time for players to make significant jumps up the board. While our current Top-100 provides an early look at the class, several players just outside that group have the upside to make a run at becoming Top-50 pick by next July. With that in mind, each member of the draft team each selected one college player and one prep player they believe could make the jump into the Top-50 over the course of the spring. These are the names to keep an eye on as the 2027 draft picture continues to develop. Joey’s Picks:   Jake Cueto (27 FL) goes oppo πŸ’£ on a mid-90s LonL heater. Performing at a very high level, hitting .464 with 5 homers. Excellent hit/run combo and here comes the juice! #PGHS #Miami commit @Florida_PG pic.twitter.com/g4gtml81mm — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) April 1, 2026 Prep: OF, Jake...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/9/2026

PG Wood Bat Fall Kickoff Scout Notes

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Evan Thompson (‘29, AZ) showcasing the all-fields power with this ground rule double the other way. Immense power upside. Really fun offensive profile #FallKickoff https://t.co/l551KirUOf pic.twitter.com/QW0AIeg59g — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) September 7, 2026 Evan Thompson (2029, Gilbert, Ariz.) put on an offensive clinic throughout the weekend, going 8-for-13 with three extra-base hits. He capped off his MVP performance with a walkoff home run to take home the championship. Thompson is one of the premier players in the 2029 class. A fluid left-handed stroke consistently finds barrels. There is all fields power present that will only continue to develop further. It would not be a surprise if Thimpson ends up the top ranked player in the class when it is all said and done.  Chase Fillman (2028, Goodyear, Ariz.) put together a loud summer circuit and...
Read More
Draft | Story | 9/8/2026

What Profiles Are Valued Most at Top of Draft

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The landscape of the MLB Draft continues to evolve each and every year. What teams value at the top of the draft can change based on the strength of a particular class, shifts in player development philosophy, and, perhaps most importantly, the way organizations evaluate risk and upside. Some trends are subtle, while others become impossible to ignore when viewed across multiple years. For this study, I set out to answer one question: What player profiles do teams value at the top of the draft? To answer it, I analyzed the Top-100 picks from each of the last six drafts (2021-2026). That gives us 600 total selections to examine and provides a large enough sample to identify both the profiles that have remained consistently popular and those that have gained or lost significant ground. The data was broken down by position, handedness and level to create individual player profiles. While...
Read More
General | General | 9/7/2026

First Look: Class of 2031 Rankings

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Read More
Draft | Story | 9/7/2026

Chubb Jones Jr. Enrolls Early

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Harry Chubb Jones Jr. is getting an early start on the next chapter of his baseball career. The Perfect Game All-American announced Sunday that he will enroll early at the University of Alabama, giving the Crimson Tide an early addition from one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in the 2027 class. See y’all at The Joe! πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ‘πŸΎπŸ‘πŸΎ pic.twitter.com/Kn0T0mJxq7 — 6._.chubbjones (@chubb_hitter) September 6, 2026 Jones, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound SS/RHP from Georgia, was ranked No. 39 in the 2027 class and came in at No. 83 on the initial Top-100 2027 Draft Board. Chubb Jones Jr (‘27 GA) smokes this one the other way for an RBI single & we’re all level in the 6th. Adv bat speed, impacts w/ authority to all fields #PGAAC@PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/FZ46IvYVp1 — Dick’s Sporting Goods All-American Classic (@PGAllAmerican) August 16, 2026 The McEachern...
Read More
Draft | Story | 9/7/2026

2027 MLB Draft: PG Content Hub

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
No more having to search for articles pertaining to the 2027 MLB Draft as we will keep it all centrally located here, in the PG Content Hub, leading up to the first pick next July. Tyler Henninger, Joey Cohen, Michael Albee and Ryan Miller, along with the rest of the Perfect Game staff, will continue to provide you with the latest info as it pertains to this 2027 crop.  Article Date Initial Follow List July 12 Way Too Early Mock July 13 Realistic Expectations of 1:1 August 11 Preview: Collegiate RHP August 21  Draft Board: Top 100 August 28 Way Too Early 1:1 Predictions September 4 Chubb Jones Jr. Enrolls Early September 7 Preview: Collegiate LHP September 7 What Profiles are Valued Most at Top of Draft September 9 Potential Risers Into The Top 50 September 11
Read More
Draft | Rankings | 9/7/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Collegiate LHP

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers The collegiate left-handed pitching class is always a popular demographic, and this year’s is no different. The group contains a mix of power pitch mixes and polished pitch-ability, with healthy representation from power four schools and a handful of mid-majors. Below we look at this year’s top college left-handers. An extended look at LHP Tomas Valincius (@HailStateBB)... 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K https://t.co/lCHgGnsdbi pic.twitter.com/Vm3nQkAukc — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 28, 2026 Tomas Valincius, Mississippi State Valincius followed head coach Brian O’Connor from Virginia to Mississippi State and immediately established himself as their ace last spring. The Illinois native posted a 3.50 ERA over 17 starts in 2026, striking out 33.5% of hitters and walking just five percent....
Read More
General | General | 9/6/2026

Update: Class of 2030 Rankings

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Read More
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 9/4/2026

2027 Draft: Way Too Early 1:1 Predictions

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
2027 Top 100 Draft Board  Current Favorite: SS Dylan Seward, Norco HS (Calif.) In our first iteration of the 2027 Draft Board, Norco shortstop Dylan Seward ranks No. 1 overall. The switch-hitter is an ultra-twitchy player with a lot to like on both sides of the ball. He is a supreme athlete that should stick up the middle. Explosiveness is shown in all aspects of his game and gives the profiles big time upside.  In the event that Seward does not go 1:1, each member of our draft team selected a player that they think could wind up in that spot. We are still nearly a full year away from draft day, but here are our “Way Too Early” predictions for the 1st overall pick next July.  Henni’s Pick: C/UTL Gavin Kelly, West Virginia    Gavin Kelly (@WVUBaseball) sends this over the wall in CF for a solo πŸ’£ (100 EV/ 416 ft). Adv. hitter with accurate...
Read More
General | General | 9/3/2026

Class of 2029 Rankings Update

Article Image
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.