THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,496 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,496 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Minors  | General | 1/3/2012

Top Prospects: Minnesota Twins

Todd Gold
Photo: Minnesota Twins
General Manager:  Terry Ryan
Minor League Director:  Jim Rantz
Scouting Director:  Deron Johnson

AAA:  Rochester Red Wings (Pacific Coast League) 53-91
AA:  New Britain Rock Cats (Eastern League) 72-70
Hi A:  Ft. Myers Miracle (Florida State League) 63-76
Low A:  Beloit Snappers (Midwest League) 69-69
Rookie Adv.:  Elizabethtown Twins (Appalachian League) 42-26
Rookie:  GCL Twins (Gulf Coast League) 31-29
Dominican:  DSL Twins (Dominican Summer League) 42-26

System Overview

The Twins have enjoyed considerable success at the Major League level in recent years before a surprising collapse in 2011. As a result they have picked later in the draft in recent years, the lower draft position coupled with their general aversion to high dollar gambles on draft pick signing bonuses has led to a farm system lacking in Major League ready starpower at the upper levels.

With an injury to Kyle Gibson, a lack of progress from Aaron Hicks and the graduation of Ben Revere, the overall strength of the system regressed in 2011. However, the Twins continue to reap the benefits of a strong international effort which has lead to a top ten list in which the top four players hail from: the Dominican Republic (Miguel Sano), Venezuela (Oswaldo Arcia), Australia (Liam Hendriks) and the United States (Aaron Hicks). Puerto Rican outfielder Eddie Rosario pushes the total of nations represented in the top ten list to five.

The Twins' strong track record of developing mid-round college pitchers who are viewed as low-ceiling pitchability guys into solid Major League contributors has supplemented their international efforts to develop talent through the farm system in spite of a conservative approach to draft signing bonuses.

Miguel Sano has ascended to the top of the system with his impressive showing in the lower levels of the minors at a young age, but his unchallenged status as the top prospect is also a commentary on the lack of elite talent in the upper levels of the system. The Twins success in the near future will depend heavily on the performance of the players who they have made large investments in at the Major League level (especially Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau), as their large payroll and lack of depth among elite prospects that can be used as trade chips will make filling holes at the Major League level difficult.

There are several players with the potential to become stars at the Major League level in the system, though none can reasonably be expected to do so in the next year or two. A strong season from Aaron Hicks could vault him back into elite prospect status, Kyle Gibson's return from Tommy John surgery in 2013 will give them another high level prospect, and a strong debut from 2011 Supplemental First Rounder Travis Harrison could also significantly improve the outlook of the Twins system. But for now the future in Minnesota looks to be in the hands of teenage imports.

Changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) should help the Twins significantly in the draft going forward. The signing bonus limitations will reduce their competition's ability to outspend them on signing bonuses for high level talent, likely dropping the asking price for a lot of high upside high school talent that the Twins have passed on in recent drafts. However, the new CBA also deters international spending, and could diminish their ability to continue procuring international talent. Also the draft bonus limits will likely cause other organizations to become more aggressive internationally, creating greater competition in areas where the Twins have enjoyed a strong advantage.

It will be interesting to see exactly how the changes will affect the way the Twins conduct business in the future. They will have the second overall pick in 2012, and the second largest signing bonus pool from which to work with.

2011 Draft

With the CBA negotiations on the horizon, most organizations approached the 2011 draft as a last chance to sign high upside high school prospects to overslot bonuses, with many handing out huge signing bonuses to persuade them not to go to college. The most glaring example came when the Cubs handed out $2.5 Million to 14th rounder Dillon Maples. The Twins however, stuck to their philosophy of targeting high floor, low ceiling, signable college players, for the most part.

Coming off a division title in 2010 the Twins held the 30th overall pick, and used it on switch-hitting MIF Levi Michael out of North Carolina. The supplemental first round, where the Twins owned two selections, saw Minnesota land a pair of high upside high school players in 3B/OF Travis Harrison (50th overall) and RHP Hudson Boyd (55th overall).

Both players were viewed as potential first rounders coming into the draft, especially Harrison. Both slipped because their mature bodies led to questions about their long term positions, and both demanded (slightly) over slot bonuses. But both also have very good upside, as Harrison (who was selected with a pick received as compensation for free agent 2B Orlando Hudson) was rated as one of the best high school power hitters in the class. Boyd (compensation for reliever Jesse Crain) may find that his future lies in the bullpen, potentially limiting his value. But Boyd possesses one of the most powerful arms in the class and projects to feature at least two plus offerings.

From the second round on the Twins returned to their college heavy, quality out of quantity approach, selecting eleven college players between rounds two through twelve. All of whom signed for reasonably inexpensive signing bonuses, including the lone prep player, Dereck Rodriguez (son of HoF candidate Ivan). In all, the Twins inked 20 of their first 21 picks, with 14th round high school lefty Adam McCreery being the lone exception. Of those 20 players signed, 16 were college players (three JuCo's), twelve of which were drafted out of college as pitchers.

The draft strategy is nothing new for the Twins, who have long shown a preference toward a conservative, low-cost strategy, choosing to instead allocate signing bonus money away from the draft and towards international signings. Whether that will continue to be the case with the new CBA in place going forward remains to be seen.

Top 10 Prospects

1. Miguel Sano - Baseball-reference player profile

The Twins made a huge splash at the July 2md deadline in 2009 when they inked Sano (then known as Miguel Angel) to a $3.15 Million signing bonus, then the second highest ever for a player out of the Dominican Republic. After signing, Sano announced "I'm going to work very hard to try to get to the Majors in two years." That attitude and ambition has served him well to this point, as a 17 year-old, Sano had a solid debut in the U.S. in 2010, appearing in 41 games with the GCL Twins, hitting .291/.338/.466. His full season debut in 2011 was even more encouraging, as he hit .292/.352/.637 with 20 Home Runs in 66 games at the Rookie Level Appalachian League.

The strong, physically built Sano has already been moved from playing shortstop full-time, over to third base in his brief pro career. His significantly increased size and strength over the past two years raises some questions about just how big Sano will get eventually. Given his impressive raw bat speed, the strength has done wonders for his offensive prowess, allowing him to begin to fulfill his massive power potential at a young age. But it also raises questions about his ability to stay on the left side of the infield. While he projects to hit enough for any position on the diamond, Sano's potent bat would prove especially valuable if he can stick at third. Though if he continues to mash as he moves up the ladder, it will be tempting for the Twins to move him to a less demanding position in order to accelerate his development. His present speed is still a tick above average, though it has diminished quite a bit already, and does not look like it will be a big part of his game long term. While his walk rates in the lowest levels of the minors have been solid, he will need to improve his strike zone discipline and contact rates to continue posting a high on-base percentage.

Sano will move up to Low-A Beloit in 2012, where it will be nearly impossible to replicate his gaudy power numbers from 2011. Though he has the raw tools to hit even in the pitching-dominated Midwest League, and could soon find himself on the fast track. His rate of development will be dictated by his bat.

2. OF Oswaldo Arcia - Baseball-reference player profile

The Venezuelan product wasn't quite able to put up numbers that matched his debut season in the Appalachian League in 2010, but he came close. Arcia hit a blistering .352/.420/.704 to open the season in Low-A Beloit, forcing his way to the High-A Florida State League. His red-hot bat cooled considerably after the promotion, but he continued to hit for power.

The stockily built Arcia gets good use of his thick, strong lower half. His swing creates a lot of torque and features a direct uppercut path, a product of his power-oriented approach. His bat will have to carry him, as his above average arm strength is his only defensive tool, making left field his most likely long term destination. Through the low minors Arcia has posted decent walk rates, though it has steadily declined as he has progressed up the ladder. This will likely be the most important area of development for Arcia going forward, as he is nearly maxed out physically. While he already possesses the physical tools to be an offensive asset, they will only play if he can improve his pitch recognition and strike zone discipline in order to take advantage of them against higher level pitching.

Arcia had an underwhelming showing in 59 games at High-A Ft. Myers in 2011, and will likely return there to start the 2012 season. If all goes well, he could find his way to Minnesota by 2013, though 2014 may be a bit more realistic.

3. RHP Liam Hendriks - Baseball-reference player profile

Hendriks reached the Majors in September, 2011 as a 22 year old. The Australian product made four starts for the Twins at the end of the season, with mixed results.

Hendriks fits into the classic mold of the Twins undersized, soft tossing, high pitchability righty. Hendriks is very stingy with free passes, and while he rarely misses the strike zone, he has not yet proven that he can miss Major League bats either. Hendriks' repertoire is very deep, featuring four different pitches that he can throw for strikes. He features a solid slider, an average changeup, a mid 70s curveball that he typically uses as a chase pitch in two-strike counts, and a fastball that sits in the upper 80s-low 90s (occasionally touching 93 or 94) with sink and plus command. The diminutive right hander creates a drastic angle to the plate with a release point out front of his body and coming from the third base side of the rubber. Combined with his slow, effortless delivery, Hendriks creates good deception to his pitches. Hendriks has the makings of a pre-wrist injury Kevin Slowey (who had more Wins than walks prior to the 2009 injury) type of innings eater. While the only thing exotic about the hurler is his Australian heritage, Hendriks has a chance to be a solid contributor to a Major League pitching staff, an expensive commodity on the free agent market.

Hendriks will likely open the season at AAA Rochester, where he will be an injury away from returning to the Twins rotation. Though the Major League bullpen is another possibility, as Hendriks could serve in a long relief role until a rotation spot becomes available.

4. OF Aaron Hicks - Baseball-reference player profile

Along with Eric Hosmer and Ethan Martin, Hicks was rated as one of the best two-way prospects in the class of 2008 coming out of high school. Hicks put up elite level workout results at a number of PG events as a prep prospect and showed well in the 2007 WWBA World Championship. In high school his fastball touched 95 mph, he also posted an impressive 6.45 60 yard dash time at the 2007 National Showcase, where he also threw 97 mph during the outfield workout. The athleticism and upside led to the Twins selecting him 14th overall.

The physical tools have great promise for Hicks, who has very good range in center and plus arm. His tools however, have not translated into the type of on-field success in the low minors that most expected. His .294/.400/.559 showing in the 2011 Arizona Fall League is encouraging though. A switch hitter, Hicks has hit much better from the right side throughout his professional career. While giving up batting from the left side would reduce his production from the right (as a result of seeing a significant number of righty-righty matchups), his minor league numbers would still look considerably less discouraging. His outfield defense has been excellent, though his speed has not yet translated into success when it comes to stolen bases. If Hicks doesn't show significant improvement with his left handed swing, he may be forced to eventually give up switch hitting, limiting his offensive upside somewhat. While the development in the finer points has been slow to this point, the physical tools remain extremely promising and continue to make Hicks an exciting (though frustrating) prospect.

Hicks success in the AFL suggests he may be ready for a promotion to AA New Britain in spite of his offensive struggles in the Florida State League. Hidden beneath the unimpressive statistics are some signs of progress, and Hicks possesses tantalizing upside. At this point Hicks development with hitting against right handed pitching (and to a lesser extent, stolen base success against lefties) will determine his rate of promotion, though if his performance to continues to fall below expectations, a move to the mound for the former high school flamethrower may become a possibility.

5. OF Eddie Rosario - Baseball-reference player profile

The highest drafted player out of Puerto Rico in 2010 (135th overall), Rosario thrived in the offensive paradise that is Elizabethtown of the Appalachian League in 2011. He bested top prospect Miguel Sano with 21 Home Runs in 270 ABs, earning league MVP honors.

The 2011 performance was encouraging, especially after a solid debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2010. But it is important to temper expectations, the video game power numbers were the result of a combination of factors: above average power, an advanced approach, and a very favorable power hitting environment. Rosario moves well defensively, with above average speed, and held down centerfield well for Elizabethtown in 2011. Though his long term position is still up in the air, he lacks the top end speed to play center at the Major League level, or the arm strength for right field. His offensive tools are good, but he will have to reach his ceiling for his bat to play in left. Rosario also got some work in at second base during fall instructs, a position where the Twins lack organizational depth. He is still raw and young, but shows promise with solid tools across the board and a good feel for the game.

Rosario is likely to open the 2012 season in Low-A Beloit as a 20 year old. He is still several years away from reaching the Major Leagues, but the early returns are encouraging.

6. RHP Kyle Gibson - Baseball-reference player profile

Gibson entered 2011 as the top pitching prospect in the system, having had a lot of success at three levels in 2010 (reaching as high as AAA) after being selected in the first round of the 2009 draft. Gibson got his 2011 campaign off to a good start, posting solid numbers through May, before he began to wear down in June. Gibson's season came to an end when he was forced to leave his July 22nd start with elbow soreness, eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery in early September. Gibson is expected to miss the entire 2012 season while recovering from the injury.

Gibson's lofty ranking in spite of the injury is a testament to his ability. The tall physical righty generates excellent sink on his low 90s two-seam fastball. Coupled with good command of the pitch, Gibson has done an excellent job of keeping the ball on the ground. In 2011 Gibson increased his strikeout rate to 8.59 per nine innings, while maintaining a solid 2.55 walks per nine, all in spite of a rough stretch to end the season as his elbow problems began to flare up. Gibson supplements his hard tailing fastball well with a pair of quality secondary pitches: a well above average slider and above average changeup. Each pitch has been borderline plus quality at times, and he was beginning to show more consistency in 2011. Prior to the injury Gibson had the makings of a very good no. 2 starter, and if he can make a complete recovery his upside remains very high.

The typical timetable for return from Tommy John surgery is a full year, which leaves the door open for a September return. Though it would be wise for the Twins to take a conservative approach to his recovery, putting him on target for a return to the mound in 2013.

7. OF Joe Benson - Baseball-reference player profile

Benson was a second round pick out of Joliet Catholic (IL) in 2006, and has had an up and down professional career to this point. The 27 Home Runs he hit in 2010 was very encouraging, though a combination of injuries and inconsistency has also led to a lot of frustration as well.

Benson has always displayed good raw power and speed, but he has yet to develop his skills set in order to get the most from his raw tools. While Benson makes very hard contact, he hasn't yet made it consistently enough to give the Twins a lot of optimism about his ability to hit at the Major League level. His showing in his September callup last year did nothing to alleviate this concern, as he hit .239/.270/.352 over 74 plate appearances. With his concerning contact rate, Benson will need to continue to show the power he displayed in 2010 to go with his above average defense to be an everyday player in the Majors. Though he can handle centerfield, it is highly unlikely that Benson will ever get the opportunity to do so in Minnesota thanks to the presence of Denard Span, Ben Revere and Aaron Hicks, but he would make a quality defender at either corner outfield spot.

Benson will likely make his first trip to AAA Rochester to open 2012, with a chance to return to Minnesota at some point during the season. Though breaking camp with the big club is not entirely out of the question, Benson will need a huge spring and/or an injury for that to happen.

8. RHP Alex Wimmers - Baseball-reference player profile

The Twins top pick in 2010 got off to an inauspicious start to his 2011 season, as he walked the first six batters he faced before being pulled. After taking time off, the Twins eased Wimmers back into game action, having him pitch out of the bullpen for High-A Ft. Myers. He finished the season strong, with four starts to end the season, capping off an impressive comeback with a (seven inning) no-hitter in his final start.

Wimmers stuff is solid, though when he is at his best he relies on good command and pitchability to get outs. This makes his early season struggles in 2011 all the more puzzling. His fastball sits in the low 90s as a starter, and he mixes his quality changeup well. His fastball command is crucial to his ability to succeed, as he lacks a true out pitch and relies on location to induce weak contact and post decent strikeout rates. His body and arm speed are good enough that it is easy to believe that his early struggles were an aberration, but without a plus offering, the margin of error is small.

Wimmers could open 2012 in AA New Britain after a strong showing down the stretch in Ft. Myers to conclude the 2011 season. If he can prove that his early hiccups are in the past, he could move fairly quickly the rest of the way.

9. 3B/OF Travis Harrison - Baseball-reference player profile

Harrison was one of the top power hitting prospects from the high school ranks in the 2011 draft. When he slipped out of the first round the Twins snapped him up with the 50th pick, shelling out $1.05 Million to sign the product of Aliso Viejo, CA away from his commitment at nearby USC.

Harrison's present power graded near the top of the class, with a physically mature 6-foot-2 215 pound frame and plus bat speed, Harrison is capable of putting on a show during batting practice and punishing mistake pitches. His ability to translate that raw power into in-game offensive production will determine his ultimate success as a pro. Scouts are divided on his pure hitting ability, though many believe he has above average pure hitting potential as his swing becomes more consistent, and none doubt his raw power. The big question surrounding Harrison is his long term defensive position. When he was younger, Harrison showed good speed and athleticism, but as he began to fill out and became considerably stronger since his 16th birthday, Harrison's speed and range began to diminish. His defensive skills at third base have progressed slowly in recent years, and while he was ahead of the curve at the position recently, there is a concern that he may become a liability there long term if he regresses. While there is plenty of evidence that suggests that Harrison could hit enough for any spot in the lineup, the bar is set incredibly high for the less demanding positions that some are concerned Harrison may be forced to move to, and he will need to reach his full offensive potential to provide adequate production for a first base/designated hitter role. If he can stick at third or handle left field long term, Harrison's upside is tremendous.

We will find out a lot more about Harrison when he makes his professional debut in 2012. For now the upside of his power gives reason for optimism, if not excitement about his long term potential.

10. SS Levi Michael - Baseball-reference player profile

Michael was the Twins top selection in 2011 as a 20 year old junior out of the University of North Carolina. Michael enrolled early as a freshman in the spring of 2009 and started at three different infield positions (2B, 3B, SS) for the Tar Heels during his career.

The quick twitch switch-hitter lacks any one tool that grades out as plus. However, his potential to produce adequate offensive numbers from both sides of the plate and play above average defense on either side of the middle infield make him a relatively safe bet to reach the Major Leagues. An above average runner with good all-around athleticism, Michael does just about everything on the diamond well. Though he has shown some power (especially from the right side) in his college career, Michael's game is based on hitting hard line drives to the gaps and using his speed to stretch hits for extra bases. His defensive range is good enough to play any infield position, and he has adequate arm strength for the left side, though his highest defensive upside is at second.

Michael's polished skill set should allow the Twins to give him an aggressive assignment for his professional debut in 2012. High-A Ft. Myers could be his initial destination to open 2012, though reaching AA New Britain at some point is not out of the question.

Others in the conversation (listed alphabetically): RHP Madison Boer, RHP Hudson Boyd, SS Brian Dozier, 1B Chris Parmelee, RHP Adrian Salcedo
Give us your feedback
Minors | General | 12/13/2024

PG Down on the Farm: NL West
David Rawnsley
Article Image
It’s the time of the year again (i.e. the off-season) for the annual PG Down on the Farm feature.  We identify a top prospect in each of the 30 Major League organizations with as much Perfect Game background as possible and delve into that PG history for some insight into his development as a prospect.  Some of them might be high profile, high draft pick, ex-PG All-American talents who fans have been long familiar with.  Others might be more obscure prospects who have significantly improved either in college or as professionals.  Note that players who have used up their rookie eligibility are not considered. The idea isn’t to necessarily pick the best PG background prospect in each organization but the one who might be closest to the big leagues.  Sometimes that is the same player, other times not. And there is plenty of variation among organizations...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

Windy City Scout Notes: Part 1

Donovan May
Article Image
’28 RHP Jack Potsma (IL) went 4.0 IP w/ 4 K, running the FB up to 91 mph. Quick, whippy arm w/ a tall, projectable frame. FB had quality arm-side run, while adding a SL. Good control in the delivery w/ the ability to fill up the zone. FB: 87-91 | SL: 68-73 #WCOpen @RaysIllinois pic.twitter.com/8HfMEeamIC — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 6, 2026 Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, Ill.) is a tall, projectable 6-foot-5, 195-pound pitcher with a quick, whippy arm and loose, athletic actions. The GRB Rays 16U Illinois Green right-hander ran his fastball up to 91 mph with heavy arm-side run while filling up the zone and inducing weak contact. Postma complemented the fastball with a slider and mixed in a fading changeup, giving him a quality three-pitch mix to build upon. Over 4.0 innings, Postma struck out 4, allowing 4 hits while throwing 66% strikes.  ’27 RHP...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 7/9/2026

SHIVERSTICKS NAMED OFFICIAL POPSICLE OF PERFECT GAME

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   SHIVERSTICKS NAMED OFFICIAL POPSICLE OF PERFECT GAME   Former MLB All-Star Vernon Wells to Make Select Appearances at Perfect Game Events to Promote the Partnership   Sanford, Florida (Thursday, July 9, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with ShiverSticks, naming the Texas-based company the Official Popsicle of Perfect Game. Throughout the travel baseball season, ShiverSticks products will be featured across Perfect Game’s premier events and facilities, with onsite activations, concession integration, digital promotions and social media content designed to introduce players and fans to the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carlos Acuna (2028, Sylmar, Cal.) turned in an impressive start on Wednesday, tossing four shutout innings with six strikeouts and just one hit allowed. The 6-foot-1 right-hander filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone with his fastball, which lived in the 86-87 mph range and touched 88 a couple of times. He mixed in a true 12-6 curveball with huge depth down in the zone, and showed comfortability doubling up on the breaking ball. ‘28 Francis Conners-Schmid (NY) was dominant out of the ‘pen, 6 Ks in 2 hitless inn of work. Lived 88-89 & touched 90 multiple times. Sharp horz break to the SL w/ teeth & tight spin (clip). Athletic mover w/ serious 2-way upside. @JKselectBSB #WWBA @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/z859j3UCEq — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 8, 2026 Francis Conners-Schmid (2028, East Chatham, N.Y.)...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/9/2026

Future Stars Take Center Stage at 14U BCS

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The 21st annual 14U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida this Thursday through Monday, bringing many of the nation’s top teams to compete for one of the summer’s premier titles. Seven nationally ranked teams, featuring some of the top prospects in the class of 2030, will take the field looking to prove why they rank among the country’s elite. Headlining the field is No. 25-ranked outfielder James Watson of Canton, Georgia. The No. 9 outfielder in the nation has been one of the most productive hitters in the field this season, posting a 1.227 OPS while batting .394 with eight home runs, 69 RBI and 32 stolen bases over 84 games. Watson has also excelled on the mound, recording a 3.50 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 44 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .181 batting average. The athletic two-way player owns a 94 mph exit velocity, an 88-mph outfield...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

Premier Invite Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Tripp Merren (‘29 TX) with a pair of missiles off the barrel today including a no-doubt 2-run 💣 and triple later both to RCF. Electric bat speed with easy strength off the barrel. Can really scoot around bases. #PremierInvite pic.twitter.com/VUEHQZ0bmM — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 3, 2026 Tripp Merren (2029, Houston, Texas) took home MVP honors enroute to a big championship win for the Houston Texans Astros Scout Team. Merren stands in at 6-foot-0 from a pretty physical frame at this age. He has the athleticism to go with it and already looks like he has filled out a good bit. Merren fits the mold as a true power hitting corner guy but can play all over on the dirt. He finished the week going 9-15 that included two doubles, a triple, and two homers. He also drove in seven runs and scored nine times. Talk about a complete week and Tripp was simply in the heart of...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 ‘28 Rylan Jenkins (GA) hits the bottom of the CF wall for a 2-RBI double; great rhythm to the stroke w/ lots of easy strength in the barrel. 6.46 runner. @BravesScout16u #WWBA @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/oxSt7fvsUw — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 7, 2026 Rylan Jenkins (2028, Tennille, Ga.) found a few loud barrels Tuesday morning, sending a pair of hard liners off the outfield wall. He drove in four runs and crossed home three times himself. The 5-foot-9 lefty hitter takes a smooth path to the baseball with excellent rhythm to the operation. He generates lots of easy strength at the point of contact and consistently produces high exit velocities to the pull-side and middle of the field. Jenkins is extremely twitchy and gets down the line in a hurry. He runs a 6.46 sixty and turns doubles into triples often. Tripp Sapp (2028, Loganville,...
Read More
College | Story | 7/7/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stripes

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Collegiate National Team: Stars Notes Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stripes Position Players  Nico Partida ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
13u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Chaysten Fuentes (2030, Ewa Beach, HI) worked really well from the right side of the plate ending up with five hits and a double in the last two days. The right handed hitting Hawaiian has a ton of strength to the body. The hands work directly to the ball and can hit to all fields in the approach. Has done an incredible job getting the barrel to almost everything and gets on plane in the turn.  Triston Valdez (2031, Castaic, CA) was electric on day four batting .500 with a double, triple, and five rbis. The barrel is really quick to the ball and works with a level path. Against NY Gotham 13u Ghost, Valdez would not be denied demolishing the bases clearing triple way back into the RCF gap. Stays inside the baseball consistently with the hands and torques it hard.  Christopher Julian Leija (2031, Weslaco, TX) really showed out the last two...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

Two Day Rewind at 15u National Elite

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Two days into the 2026 Perfect Game 15U National Elite Championship, the storylines are already beginning to take shape. As one of the summer’s premier invite-only events, the tournament annually brings together many of the nation’s top 15U clubs, with 100 elite teams traveling to Hoover in pursuit of a championship. While there is still plenty of baseball left to play, the opening rounds have already produced breakout performances, dominant team victories, and plenty of excitement heading into bracket play. Several nationally recognized organizations entered the week as favorites, including MTBA Dawgs, ranked No. 3 nationally, Wildcatters Baseball at No. 10, and 5 Star Mafia, ranked No. 12. Meanwhile, newer programs like Jason Kidd Select Team have quickly shown they are capable of making noise against the nation’s best. One of the biggest storylines through the first...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

15u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Tristan Barton (‘29, TX) has struck out three over three scoreless innings of work, getting a lively FB up to 89. Mixed in a sharp vt CB w/ late bite. Operates from a projectable RH frame w/ length + room to fill. #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/LXfkLOtxdo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 5, 2026 Tristan Barton (’29, Gunter, TX) turned in a strong start on Sunday, lasting four innings of one run ball, striking out four. Barton operates from a bigger lengthy right-handed frame with considerable room to fill. He starts with a mid-body handset before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift. Barton fires down via a compact arm action and high three quarters slot. The Texas native got a run/ride fastball up to 89, living in the mid-80s throughout the outing. He mixed in a sharp 12-6 curveball with vertical depth and late bite. Jack Graviss...
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.