Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/6/2021

Future Prospect Showcase Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff

Jerry Miller

Photo: Perfect Game

14U-A Division

The future of fastpitch is bright, as evidenced by the abilities of the many players and teams that participated at the 14U-A level this past weekend in Iowa City. The Kansas City-based Louisville Lady Sluggers 07-Black club paced the competition going 4-0-1 over the two-day event. This Sluggers squad had talent at every position. They pitched at an elite level and had hitters up and down their lineup. A few other clubs also showed promise in the highly competitive 14U-A field. Playing out of Des Moines, Iowa and Marion, Iowa, respectively, were the Alliance Select-Cox club and Eastern Iowa Select. Both of these well-coached, very talented teams went 4-1 on the weekend. Not far behind these three gifted squads was the Iowa Outlaw club playing out of Norwalk, Iowa. This energetic group went 3-2 on the weekend and was just a play or two away from being undefeated.

There were numerous offensive standouts all over the Napoleon Complex in Iowa City. The Iowa Outlaws' Kaylee Winter (2025, Pleasant Hill, Iowa) has a bright future in the game as evidenced by the gaudy numbers she put up. The 5-foot-1 right-handed hitter collected six hits, three of which went for extra bases. She stole 11 bags and scored 13 runs and was far and away the top performer in the tournament.

Alliance Select-Cox right-handed hitter Abby Johnson (2026, Johnston, Iowa) also had a solid run through the tourney. The 5-foot-1 slugger collected seven safeties on the weekend, that included a couple of doubles and a home run. She stole a couple of bags and drove in six in helping pace her club to four wins.

Louisville Lady Sluggers' Kamryn Waters (2026, Lee’s Summit, Mo.) was outstanding at the dish, collecting nine hits in 10 official at-bats. Of her nine knocks, two were doubles and one was a homer. She walked twice and scored an impressive eight runs in helping lead her club to an undefeated mark on the weekend. The gifted 5-foot-8 right-handed hitter, who has a sound swing path and an ability to get the barrel to and through contact, has a bright future ahead.

Ashley Schultz (2026, Indianola, Iowa) had a plus weekend at the dish for the Iowa Outlaws Select ’07 squad. The 5-foot-6 righty swinger, who has a great feel for the barrel, collected nine knocks in 10 official at-bats, driving in six, for the three-win Iowa Select club.

Finally, left-handed swinging Ellie Sanders (2027, Conesville, Iowa) was simply outstanding at the plate for the 4-1 Monsters 14U club. The young second baseman shows an advanced understanding of the zone and rarely chases. She has quickness in her bat path and uses the middle of the field to drive the ball. She had seven hits on the weekend and was seemingly always on base. Very big upside future for this young and upcoming talent.

There were also some spectacular efforts in the circle in Iowa City. Pacing the hurlers at the 14U level was Lilliana Coit (2026, Blue Springs, Mo.). The 5-foot-9 righty was solid in going 2-0 for the undefeated Louisville Lady Sluggers. Her powerful mix was worked to both sides of the plate with the skill of a pitcher much her senior. She pitched 12 2/3 innings and struck out seven, while only allowing a couple of runs.

Addison Gralund (2025, Marion, Iowa) and Emily Koranda (2025, Marion, Iowa) paced the four-win Eastern Iowa Select club in the circle. Both are composed strike throwers who pound the zone with a very projectable four-pitch mix. They each went 2-0 on the weekend pitching 24 combined innings, striking out 37 and allowing only 16 hits. Both of these young pitchers are accomplished strike throwers who show big upside promise.

Alliance Select right-handed pitcher Cambry Livingston (2026, Norwalk, Iowa) was sterling in her nine innings in the circle. The 5-foot-8 smooth-throwing hurler was dominant in striking out 11 and only allowing two walks. Her consistent operation will allow this gifted young pitcher to consistently improve her game and ultimately project to the next level.

16U-A Division

An abundance of talented, projectable 16U-A level players displayed their abilities throughout the weekend at the Napoleon Complex in Iowa City. There was little separating the top clubs, as each had a number of skilled and athletic individuals showing their awesome range of noticeable and obvious talent. In Pool A, the Southeast Iowa All-Stars Gold-Hall squad was the class of the field, going 4-0, only allowing five runs, while scoring 41, as they dominated the event. The Heartland Havoc ’05 club had a solid showing also, going 4-1, while talented Indiana Firestorm Select ’05 team went 3-1. On the Pool B side, The Iowa Outlaws, paced by their outstanding offense that scored 36 runs, went 4-0-1. PSA Fastpitch was not far behind in posting a 4-1 record on the weekend.

Nebraska Gold 515-Christman right-handed swinger Lauren Tegels (2024, Johnston, Iowa) had a great weekend at the dish, going 6-for-7. The athletic 5-foot-5 hitter shows great patience at the dish and gets her barrel to and through contact with force.

Sarah Rigdon (2025, Davenport, Iowa) paced the Pool A champs, the Southeast Iowa All-Stars Gold-Hall club, at the dish, picking up seven hits in 10 official at-bats. In that hit total was a double and two dingers. She drove in an impressive 12 runners on the weekend. Big showing by a very promising and talented player.

Right-handed hitting Rubie Steinmetz (2023, Trevor, Wis.) had a sound weekend swinging the stick for the Warren Wave club. The 5-foot-8, athletically gifted player picked up eight hits on the weekend, including a couple of doubles and a triple, highlighted by her ability to run the bases with projectable and highly-playable speed. She scored seven runs and stole four bases, capping a solid two days.

Isabella Oberbroeckling (2024, Urbandale, Iowa) put up some sound offensive numbers for the Iowa Aces. The 5-foot-10 athlete and right-handed hitter, who shows next-level ability, scored five runs and drove in six showing a sound swing path and strength at contact.

Iowa Outlaws Select ’06-Andrew left-handed hitting Ella McGee (2024, West Des Moines, Iowa) had 10 hits on the weekend, which led the tourney. She had two doubles and added two steals. In addition, she also scored six runs and drove in four. Solid offensive weekend for this talented player.

Kasey Kane (2025, LeClaire, Iowa) was the tournament's top power threat as three of her seven hits left the ballpark. The 5-foot-6 right-handed hitter incorporates a solid path with a slugger’s mentality and gets the barrel to the ball in a hurry. In addition to her big power display, she also stole a couple of bags and scored five runs, while also driving in five. Obvious projectable talent with a big future.

Warren Wave 16U DD right-handed hitting Keira Nelson (2025, Lindenhurst, Ill.) also had a notable weekend at the dish. Her stat line included seven hits, one of which left the park. She shows a sound swing operation and strength in her mechanics that should enable her to advance to the next level.

There were some notable pitching performances at the 16U-A level. Many of the young women who threw from the circle have obvious abilities that project to the collegiate level and should only get better as they gain experience.

The Heartland Havoc ’05 club received multiple outstanding performances from Payton Brown (2023, Taylor Ridge, Ill.). The 5-foot-5 athletically gifted righty went 2-0 on the weekend. She threw eight almost spotless innings and allowed only one hit and one walk. She struck 18 and allowed no earned runs, and was truly dominant.

Ada Boysen (2024, Wapello, Iowa) was outstanding for the SE Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold-Black club. She threw 14 workman-like innings and didn’t allow a run. She punched out 20 and completely shut down opponent’s offenses. The 5-foot-4 strike thrower works with great pace and a consistent arm action that certainly should have college coaches calling soon.

Listed at 5-foot-7, Indiana Firestorm Select ’05 right-hander Dan Rose (2023, Logansport, Ind.) pitches “taller” than that. Her long arm swing and consistently smooth mechanical operation makes this gifted pitcher a tough one to put a quality swing on. The ball appears to jump on hitters before they are ready. She posted a 1-0 record, striking out 16 in 11 innings of work. She allowed zero earned runs in showing the many in attendance that she has a definite future at the collegiate level.

Addi Downe (2024, Norwalk, Iowa) is a gifted two-way threat for the Iowa Outlaws Select 06-Andrew club. She can swing the bat with the best of them, which should only enhance her projectability. Where she shines, however, is in the circle. The talented and athletic 5-foot-4 righty threw 12 impressive innings working both edges of the plate and all quadrants. She rarely threw the same pitch two times in a row and consistently mixed speeds and changed eye levels. She struck out 13 and didn’t allow a run. She’ll be on a lot of college radars soon.

Hailey Rosonke (2024, Eldora, Iowa) also put up a lot of zeroes in the run column as she didn’t allow a single earned marker. She was dealing, in almost dominant fashion, for Nebraska Gold 515-Christman. The 5-foot-7 right-handed hurler pounds the zone with plus stuff. She threw 11 impressive innings, striking out eight. She has a high ceiling and a bright future.

Not to be outdone by any pitcher in the tournament was 5-foot-10 right-hander Saydee Plummer (2024, Burlington, Iowa). The Southeast Iowa All-Stars Gold-Hall standout was almost unhittable, throwing 8 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out 10 in the process. Big arm action with plus command and control. College coaches better get in line for this talented hurler.

18U-A Division

As expected, the 18U-A division was highly competitive, and the talent level was both deep and gifted. Two clubs, Nebraska Gold 319-Berning and the Iowa Bandits, went 5-0 on the weekend and were the class of the group. Not far behind those two undefeated clubs, and having to take a backseat to no other squad, were the Eastern Iowa Barricudas and the Iowa Aces. The Barricudas posted a 3-1 mark while the Aces went 3-1-1.

There were some hitters at the 18U-A level that should definitely have the opportunity to play ball at the college level once their prep days are over. Right-handed swinging Bre Caffery (2023, Bettendorf, Iowa) of the SE Iowa All-Stars-Miller squad paced the tournament, going 8-for-10. That remarkable display included a double. She stole four bases and scored five times. The 5-foot-8 athlete shows all the qualities of a collegiate player.

Alayna Ballard (2022, Norwalk, Iowa) had a solid tourney for Lights Out Fastpitch. The 5-foot-3 go-getter picked up six knocks in nine official at-bats. That total included a couple of doubles and a home run.

Sailor Hall (2022, West Liberty, Iowa) is a player. There is not much the 5-foot-6 impressively-gifted player can’t do on a softball field. The SE Iowa All-Star power hitter went 6-for-9 and slugged four doubles. She also scored four times and drove in three. Big upside potential in this solid softball player.

The Eastern Iowa Barricudas have a deep and talented roster. They were paced on offense by Emma Mathis (2022, Tiffin, Iowa). The 5-foot-4 left-handed swinger picked up eight hits in 13 at-bats. One of those knocks was a hustling triple. She stole a couple of bags, scored three runs, and drove in three in a one of the better all-around performances in the tournament. Bright future ahead for this standout player.

Nebraska Gold 319-Berning clean-up hitter Ashlyn Finarty (202, Knoxville, Iowa) is a can’t-miss two-way player who obviously projects to the collegiate level. The strongly-built 5-foot-10 slugger can power the softball to all parts of the park and there are not too many fields at the college level that will be able to hold her. She can drive the ball. She picked up eight hits on the weekend, three of which went for extra bases. She collected a double, a triple, and a home run. She is a big-time run-producer, evidenced by her eight RBI. Can’t miss prospect with a big-time future.

There were a number of quality arms that threw over the course of the two day event, however, three stood out and were extremely impressive.

The Iowa Bandits ran Madison Oetzmann (2023, Urbandale, Iowa) out to the circle on a couple of occasions and she certainly did not disappoint. The 5-foot-7 righty was dominant in a tournament that featured outstanding offenses. She shut opponents down for the 5-0 Bandits. She pitched 14 strong innings and struck 19, allowing only one run in going 3-0 for the weekend. She was truly impressive and has a big future. She clearly has a high ceiling, and the best is yet to come for the highly-projectable and talented pitcher.

Dakota Lake (2023, Des Moines, Iowa) was almost as good for the Iowa Bandits as she picked up the other two wins for the undefeated club. The 5-foot-9 power pitching right-hander threw 6 1/3 innings and struck out 12, allowing only one run in her two outings. The Bandits, led by the likes of this tremendous college-ready duo, look like a program to be reckoned with this fall, and certainly next summer.

The Eastern Iowa Barricudas club leaned on the impressive left arm of Emily Watters (2023, Anamosa, Iowa) in winning three of four games. She threw nine scoreless innings, striking out 15 in the process. The gifted southpaw can throw four college-ready pitches to all parts of the strike zone. Further, she can and will throw any pitch in any count to any batter. Her smooth and consistent operation allows this polished and poised pitcher to be a highly-projectable individual. Her future is almost unlimited.

-Jerry Miller

14U-B Division

Thunder 14U Black is full of impressive speed and solid defense, having scored 78 runs this tournament, while only allowing 16. Thunder 14U Black is led by 5-foot-4 Kyla Schulte (2026, Amana, Iowa). This right-handed pitcher presents a quick arm circle movement to generate incredible speed. Her advanced three-pitch mix works to dominate the batters. More impressively, her screwball cuts tightly into the inside corner of the plate to jam batters consistently.

Behind the plate, Brenna Williams (2026, Iowa City, Iowa) shows solid glove work and blocking fundamentals. Her arm strength gives her the ability to make throws across the field to pick off runners. At the plate, this 5-foot-4 lean righty is a top-of-the-lineup hitter who puts the ball in play and stretches extra bases. Next in the lineup is Kinley Jones (2026, North Liberty, Iowa), who continues the rally by knocking runners in. She sprayed the field this weekend with solid contact hits, driving her hands through the zone. A great prospect for this two-hole hitter.

Zoey Jones (2026, Mt. Vernon, Iowa) is a lengthy 5-foot-7 pitcher knows how to work the zone and finds all areas of the plate. She has a spectacular three-pitch mix, with a swing-and-miss flip change and solid rise ball closer. With this combination, she got six strikeouts in a game and pitched a no-hitter. Huge future for this competitor in the circle.

Hayden Gookin (2027, Mt. Vernon, Iowa) is another hurler for 563 Force 14U who dominates both in the circle and at the plate. This 5-foot-7 right-handed pitcher was untouchable, striking out nine in a game. At the plate, she has a powerful bottom half that gets through a ball, going 3-for-3 including a home run. This will only get better as she matures and strengthens her bottom half.

5-foot-10 lefty Haedyn Stern (2025, Sterling, Iowa) shows up on the mound defensively, fielding balls quickly and cleanly. She is able to find both rivers, working her screw ball inside. In addition, her changeup presents little to no spin, showing significant change in speed from her fastball.

Macie Herting (2026, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) is a right-handed pitcher with fluid arm speed and tight spins on release. This small-but-mighty 5-foot-2 pitcher has a flip change that produces swing-and-miss speed and finds all four quadrants. With this repertoire, she had five strikeouts in a single game. In the box, Macie consistently finds the barrel of the bat and is fast around the bases. She went 2-for-2, hitting a double over the center fielder in a game against the Nationals.

16U-B Division

Texas Glory ’05 IAQC is a team stacked with power hitters. This Quad Cities organization went 5-0 this weekend, scoring 58 runs, while allowing only 18. They were paced on offense by Lucy Hoag (2024, Muscatine, Iowa). She is a talented right-handed slugger who posted some spectacular numbers. This gifted hitter, who shows a college-ready swing, blasted three homers in one game. A massive prospect with a big, bright future as a power hitter.

Another slugger for Texas Glory ’05 IAQC, Allison Schertz (2024, Bettendorf, Iowa) approaches the plate with maturity. This 5-foot-7 hitter has the ability to take the ball to opposite field with extreme pop on the bat, hitting a two-run homer over right field fence in the first game of the day.

It doesn’t stop there, Mackenzie Fah (2025, Bettendorf, Iowa) is a talented player both as a gifted hitter and catcher. The 5-foot-9 righty presents impressive blocking fundamentals, being a brick wall behind the plate. She also swings a mighty bat, with a smooth connection through the zone. She finds the barrel of the bat to produce plus pop on the ball and sprays the field with significant power. An absolute competitor.

In the circle for Texas Glory ’05 IAQC is Katelyn Kiefer (2023, LeClaire, Iowa). This mature 5-foot-8 right-handed pitcher has a four-pitch combination with significant movement in each pitch, including a late-cutting rise and a nasty changeup. On average, she sits around 51 mph, but produces a 35 mph off-speed.

Another force in the circle, Gabriela Bryan (2024, Abingdon, Ill.) has a four-pitch combination and threw some of the fastest numbers this weekend overall, sitting around 65-69 mph with her fastball. With this speed and spin, she is untouchable, having thrown eight strikeouts in a game on day one. This hurler also swings a powerful bat, making clean connection through the zone, going 3-for-3 at the plate, one of which was a home run.

5-foot-8 right-handed first basemen Abby Rogers (2025, Bettendorf, Iowa) has a presence at the plate. She is a gifted hitter, who has a feel for the barrel, crossing the pay station two of three at-bats in a game, including a triple and home run.

Emmalee Bell (2024, Boone, Iowa) is a 5-foot-10 right-handed first baseman for Central Iowa Riptide 16U. In a game against Iowa Impact Red, she went 3-for-3, crossing the plate twice, pushing in four RBI, including two doubles and a home run. She has short, quick hands through the zone and puts the ball in play.

Finally, Madison Stackhouse (2025, Collins, Iowa) is a 5-foot-6 righty for Central Iowa Riptide, who takes charge of the field. She has concrete blocking fundamentals, with the ability to move behind the plate, and solid glove work. More impressively, she plays with the runners and has a cannon to back it up, picking off players at each base. This talent will only improve as she matures in the game.

18U-B Division

The 18U-B division was loaded with talent and numerous pitchers showed projectable, college-ready ability. 563 Force 18U shut it down with a 5-0 record for the weekend. This team was led in the circle by uncommitted Grace Madlock (2023, Wilton, Iowa). This 5-foot-10 right-handed pitcher is locked in on the mound, sitting on those outside corners with her curve and screw spins, then closing out with an impressive off-speed change. A big future for this college-level prospect.

Mila Johnson (2021, Wilton, Iowa), marked as uncommitted, has a four-pitch repertoire. This 5-foot-10 righty has a powerful bottom half, producing significant drive in her stride. She has tight spins that fall on the corners of each zone quadrant. Her endurance through a battle is unwavering and closes in on the batter. A big competitor in the circle.

5-foot-4 right-handed pitcher Cyrah Rasmussen (2022, Waterloo, Iowa) has a quick circle movement and pronounced spin. This uncommitted hurler rides the rivers, has a quick breaking rise, and a swing-and-miss off-speed that keeps the batters scrambling.

Caleigh Doffin (2022, Schererville, Ind.) is an uncommitted 5-foot-7 right-handed pitcher who holds incredible strength in her lower half. This two-way pitcher and slugger had five strikeouts against PG Select. Her ability to hit tight corners of the plate keeps her on top. In the box she is a force, having gone 3-for-4, including a home run in a single game.

Although pitching dominated the game for this division, Duanna Coyle (2023, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) stood strong at the plate. This uncommitted 5-foot-3 right-handed utility player has short, quick cuts through the ball, sending it back up the middle. She went 4-for-4, tallying in three runs in a single game.

-Brianna Brooks

PERFECTGAME.TV

Give us your feedback

Softball | Softball Tournament | 9/3/2026

Iowa City Scouting Showcase 14U &16U Divisions

Dave Durbala

IOWA CITY, IA - Perfect Game Softball Iowa City Scouting Showcase, August 29 - 30, 2026. Fifty-Four teams, competing across three divisions in the 14u - 18u age classifications opened up our Fall schedule playing in a five game showcase style format. For the several college coaches in attendance, they were able to get quality looks at numerous uncommitted 27’ and 28’ graduation year class athletes, as well as having the opportunity to watch some of the quality younger athletes as they put their talent on display. Below are write-ups of some of our top performers over the weekend in the 14 & 16u age divisions. 14U DIVISION Josie Moen (2031 Urbandale, IA) is an athletic OF for TN Mojo 2030 Evans. Working from the left side, Moen was nearly unstoppable while showing defenses her slapping abilities. With great barrel awareness and footwork, Moen utilized the bunt, soft slap...

Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 9/4/2026

2027 Draft: Way Too Early 1:1 Predictions

Tyler Henninger

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 💣 (100 EV/ 416 ft). Adv. hitter with accurate...

General | General | 9/3/2026

Class of 2029 Rankings Update

Softball | Softball Tournament | 9/3/2026

Iowa City Scouting Showcase 18U Division

Ashley Mears

Perfect Game Iowa City Scouting Showcase August 29-30 Ashley Mears It was a great weekend to kick off the Fall 2026 tournament campaign in Iowa City. The fields were packed with college coaches from across the Midwest, providing a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents. Both hitters and pitchers put on quite a show, and there were plenty of standout performances to take note of. We are excited to continue following these players and see what the rest of the fall has in store! Gillian Hansen (2028 New Brighton, MN) of the 18u MN Force Impact Standering was an absolute force to be reckoned with at the plate this weekend. Hansen possesses a strong, athletic build that translates into impressive power. Standing parallel to the plate, she utilizes her lower half effectively and does an excellent job of staying through the ball and extending through the zone. Hansen led the...

Press Release | Press Release | 9/3/2026

PG Launches Global Country Partner Program

667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PERFECT GAME LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL COUNTRY PARTNER PROGRAM TO EXPAND INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PATHWAYS Sanford, Florida (Thursday, September 3, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the launch of its new Country Partner Program, an initiative designed to expand Perfect Game’s international presence while creating new opportunities for aspiring athletes around the world. Through the Country Partner Program, select organizations will become the exclusive Perfect Game partner within their respective countries through annual licensing agreements. Each Country Partner will be responsible for managing local...

Press Release | Press Release | 9/1/2026

PG Hires Nuovo-Golden in South Carolina

667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PERFECT GAME SOFTBALL EXPANDS REGIONAL TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS WITH KEY HIRE IN SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville, South Carolina (Monday, August 31, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced an addition to its Southeast tournament operations team with the hiring of Michelle Nuovo-Golden as Operations Director. In her role, Nuovo-Golden will oversee regional venue management, team relations and event logistics across South Carolina focusing on expanding Perfect Game’s fastpitch footprint within the core markets which include Columbia, Lexington, Greenville, Anderson and the surrounding regions. Nuovo-Golden transitions to...

Draft | Rankings | 8/28/2026

2027 MLB Draft Board

Tyler Henninger

The 2026 MLB Draft is official in the books as those players have been signed and have begun their pro career. That means it is time to turn the page and dive into the 2027 class. This class features an intriguing mix of arms both from the prep and college ranks, along with an enticing position player pool. Today, we unveil our first 2027 MLB Draft Board, ranking the Top-100 prospects in the class. There is still plenty of time for new names to emerge and established ones to rise or fall, but here is where things stand as we begin this cycle. Rk. Name Level Pos. B-T School Hometown State Commitment 1 Dylan Seward H SS S-R Norco Eastvale CA Tennessee 2 Brendan Lawson C SS L-R Florida Toronto ON 3 Dax Whitney C RHP R-R Oregon State Blackfoot ID 4 Gavin Kelly C C/UTL R-R West Virginia Presto PA 5 Tomas Valincius C LHP L-L Mississippi State Lockport IL 6 Malachi Butler H SS L-R...

Tournaments | Story | 8/26/2026

Underclass Area Codes: Standout Arms

Joey Cohen

Year in and year out when the best young talent from across the country is packed into one national-level event the arms tend to win the week. That feels especially true in today’s amateur game where velocity, pitch design and high-level training in general are being introduced earlier than ever, allowing young pitchers to develop impactful stuff at a faster rate than younger hitters can consistently catch up to it. The Underclass Area Code Games are no exception and this year there was no shortage of arms that made you stop and take notice. Narrowing it down to 10 was difficult, but I focused on the pitchers who either displayed starter-type traits, brought something genuinely different from a delivery standpoint whether it was slot, height, crossfire or deception or simply possessed an outlier element of stuff that separated them from the pack. These are the 10 arms that stood...

Draft | Story | 8/23/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL East

Tyler Henninger

With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. NL East Atlanta Braves Grade: 55 Risk: High Notable Selections: OF AJ Gracia (1st rd) | OF Carter Beck (PPI) | RHP Kaiden McCarthy (2nd rd) | RHP Jensen Hirschkorn (3rd rd) OF AJ Gracia (@UVABaseball) is seeing the ball really well & picked up a couple of hits, including a 2B into RCF. Smooth LH stroke & easy impact. Showed + pwr in BP, 46 BB: 36 K. Jr./'26 elig. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/C4rSc0ZNIc — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 30, 2026 Atlanta had $15,870,800 to spend in this year’s draft,...

Draft | Story | 8/22/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL East

Tyler Henninger

With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. AL East Baltimore Orioles Grade: 50 Risk: High Notable Selections: OF Eric Booth Jr. (1st rd) | OF Ty Head (2nd rd) | OF Kevin Roberts Jr (4th rd) Eric Booth Jr. (26 MS) goes big fly 💣 that carried out oppo. Explosive athlete w/ huge LH juice & tools. Big time in several facets. #NatElite #Vandy commit. @PG_DeepSouth pic.twitter.com/kXl7ZVyD9G — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2025 Baltimore was about middle of the pack in terms of money available this year, having $13.1m to spend on their class. Booth Jr. is a...

Loading more articles...