THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,464 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,464 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
College  | Story | 4/15/2010

Mid-Season Freshman Standouts

David Rawnsley
Those who read here frequently know that I often mention that freshmen, no matter how talented, often don’t play much during their initial year in college. And some of the most talented players who do get a chance to play won’t achieve anything close to the level of success that they will find later in their collegiate careers.

It’s also worth noting, after compiling the list below of the top freshman performers after 30-35 games this spring, that many freshmen do not play their ideal position initially. Many of the position players listed below have more at-bats than they do innings in the field, for instance, as their teams have experienced players in the field but need the advanced freshman bats in the lineup at DH. Others are playing out of position due to accomplished older players at their ideal position.

The same scenario applies to pitchers as well, as relievers will evolve into starters as they gain experience, and as older pitchers move on to pro ball or graduate.

Those considerations don’t mean that there aren’t plenty of freshmen who have stood out thus far. Our “First Team” player is listed first in bold, with other notable standouts following.

One thing definitely stands out for me in looking over this list. Everyone had better count on the University of Florida sitting right near the top of the NCAA rankings for the next few years. They have five freshman players mentioned below, all of whom are contributing to what is already a borderline top 10 program.

Catcher
Dane Phillips (Oklahoma State), Blake Crohan (Tulane), Mike Reeves (Florida Gulf Coast), Mike Zunino (Florida), Chris O’Dowd (Dartmouth), Matt Watson (Boston College), Garrett Custons (Air Force), Adam Walker (Jacksonville), Duncan McAlpine (Dallas Baptist).

Like Crohan and Watson, Phillips (.397-2-28) has not been getting many innings behind the plate yet, but he certainly has been producing with the bat and has all the defensive tools. Zunino has been in the opposite situation, as his defense has been key to the young Florida pitching staff but he is still working to find his swing on offense. One prospect not listed above but listed as an outfielder is TCU’s Josh Elander (.341-1-26, 10 SB’s), who has an extensive catching background. A sleeper at the catcher position is Custons, a Sarasota (FL) native who is an outstanding athlete and who really swings the bat (.353-5-33, 13 SB’s) with authority.

First Base
Austin Maddox (Florida), Max Muncy (Baylor), Barrett Barnes (Texas Tech), Jace Boyd (Florida State), Steven Piscotty (Stanford).
Maddox (.353-9-37) has been huge hitting in the third hole for Florida and has played some third base recently as well. His catching career, with Zunino and sophomore top prospect Ben McMahan on the Gator roster, appears to be in deep hibernation. Overall, there is no lack of promising first base prospects in the freshman class. Barnes (.313-7-33, 11 SB) is a player to remember. He’s very athletic, has plus bat speed, has caught in the past and is plenty athletic enough to play corner outfield as well. Boyd (.358-3-21) is a highly regarded prospect who could end up at the top of the first base prospect list in two years if his power develops as projected.

Second Base
Cory Spandenburg (VMI), Stephen Bruno (VA), Anthony Gomez (Vandy), Michael Ratteree (Rice), Will Muzika (Furman), Steve Nyisztor (Rutgers).
There is a wealth of riches at second base this year. The NCAA statistics look like the previoiusly unheralded Spandenburg’s personal press release, as the left-handed hitting Pennsylvania native is hitting .411-9-39 with 20 stolen bases. That being said, Bruno and Gomez are too of the biggest surprises of the spring among the freshmen. Not because of their talent, which was well regarded beforehand, but because their performance (Bruno: .437-3-24, Gomez: .476-0-17) has simply made them indispensable in a top 20 team’s lineup. Ratteree (.297-4-30, 28 BB’s) may end up at third base once top 2011 prospect Anthony Rendon moves on from Rice, but he has shown his potential at second base, too. A player to remember as a second baseman is Baylor’s Logan Vick (.350-6-16, 39 BB’s), a natural second baseman who is playing the outfield this year because of returning veterans in the Bears’ middle infield.

Third Base
Kenny Diekroeger (Stanford), Hunter Ridge (UNC-Wilmington), Jacob Lamb (Washington), Tony Renda (California), J.J. Altobelli (Oregon).
The third basemen in the 2012 class haven’t really defined themselves yet and there are sure to be players who move over to the hot corner from another position (Maddox, Ratteree, Nebraska SS Chad Christensen, etc.) over the next few years. Diekroeger (.313-3-20) could actually be on the move himself, as he has the athleticism to handle the middle of the infield.

Shortstop
Stephen Perez (Miami), Garrett Canizarro (Tulane), Deven Marrero (Arizona State), Nolan Fontana (Florida), Chad Christensen (Nebraska), Ryan Lashley (Stetson), Eric Stamets (Evansville), Darnell Sweeney (Central Florida).
There is no lack of quality freshman shortstops around the country and this list could easily be doubled, adding the names of talented players seeing regular time. Perez’s (.283-3-21, 13 SB, 26 BB) strong commitment to Miami kept him from getting too much draft buzz last year, but he shows all the signs of being a first-round type talent in 2012. Marrero (.378-2-13) has started only 12 games thus far for the very talented ASU squad, but has all the makings of a future star as well. Fontana hasn’t hit much for Florida (.274-1-10), but has drawn 24 walks and incredibly has committed only one error. Both Bruno and Gomez from the second-base list above could end up at shortstop in the future as well.

Outfield
Brian Goodwin (North Carolina), Joey Rickard (Arizona), Logan Vick (Baylor), Jeremy Baltz (St. John’s), Pat Biondi (Michigan), Mitch Haniger (Cal Poly), Josh Elander (TCU), Brandon Bayardi (UNLV), Jabari Henry (FIU), Ronnie Richardson (Central Florida), Cohl Walla (Texas), Zeke DeVoss (Miami).
2008 Aflac All-American Goodwin (.303-4-36, 29 BB’s) gives this group instant credibility and a surefire 2012 first-round draft pick, but Arizona’s Rickard (.338-5-35, 13 SB’s) isn’t far behind in the tools department. Vick, mentioned above in the second- base section, is already one of the best top-of-the-order hitters in college baseball, but will have more value eventually in the infield. Walla (.320-3-16) and Richardson (.312-1-18, 24 BB’s) are both going to be draft-eligible sophomores next year and have the tools to excite scouts in the top couple of rounds. Scouts may have missed on Baltz (.383-8-35), a 45th round pick of the Yankees in 2009. He’s 6-3, 190 lbs, athletic and can mash.

Designated Hitter
Max Muncy (Baylor)

The DH spot is for the best hitter not already “starting” on this imaginary team. With apologies to Stephen Bruno (who is going to play in the big leagues for a long time), that is Muncy (.344-10-37). The left-handed hitting Muncy was well known to scouts last year, but lacks a position (he has previously played third and even caught) and the ideal size (6-0, 195). But he can flat hit and should become a dominant college performer over the next three years.

Starting Pitchers
LHP Matt Purke (TCU), LHP Justin Jones (California), RHP Kurt Heyer (Arizona), RHP Jeff Gibbs (Maine), LHP Jonathan Dziedzic (Lamar), RHP Eddie Butler (Radford), RHP Michael Hamann (Toledo), RHP Bryan Crabb (SD State), LHP Brian Johnson (Florida), RHP Hudson Randell (Florida), LHP Taylor Rodgers (Kentucky).
A starting pitching position is the most difficult and unusual role for any freshman to step into. If you have trouble accepting that concept, just go back and look at the freshman records/roles of top 2010 college pitchers such as Anthony Ranaudo, Alex Wimmers, Drew Pomeranz and Chris Sale. All three of the first-team pitchers were highly acclaimed out of high school, none moreso than Rangers first round pick Purke (4-0, 3.32, 43 IP/53 K). But Jones has been the most exceptional freshman pitcher in the country thus far. His NCAA leading 7 wins (7-2, 2.83) are impressive, but maybe not so much as his 63 innings in 9 starts, an incredibly consistent performance for a freshman. The pitcher to watch on this list might be Lamar southpaw Dziedzic (2-2, 4.15), who has struck out 59 hitters in 47 innings. In reality, though, the place to look for some of the top starters in 2012 might be the top relief pitchers in 2010

Relief Pitchers
RHP Michael Wacha (Texas A&M), RHP Matt Price (South Carolina), LHP Lex Rutledge (Samford), RHP C.J. Encinosa (Miami), RHP Brett Huber (Mississippi), LHP Jordan Rittner (LSU), RHP D.J. Baxendale (Ark), RHP Jake Barrett (ASU), RHP Brady Rodgers (ASU), RHP Braden Kline (VA), RHP Tyler Gebler (Rutgers), LHP Joe Rogers (UCF).
It would hard to determine who has been more dominant so far this spring among Wacha (3-1, 1.53, 1 SV, 47 IP/49 K), Price (3-0, 1.23, 4 SV, 22 IP/35 K) and Rutledge (4-0, 1.33, 7 SV, 27 IP/32 K). But one can be reasonably assured that all three will have a very good chance at joining their team’s starting rotation next year, along with other standouts such as Encinosa (1-0, 2.05, 30 IP/39 K) and Baxendale (0-0, 4.45, 7 SV), who just made his first collegiate start this week. The best long-term true reliever/closer of the group might be Arizona State’s Barrett (2-0, 4.41, 2 SV, 16 IP/28 K), who has the big build and serious fastball velocity to profile in that role.

Two-Way Player
LHP/1B Matt Boyd (Oregon State), 2B/RHP Marcus Stroman (Duke).
Few college coaches are anxious to rush their freshmen into two-way duty right off the bat, so this category is shallow for now. Boyd (4-1, 2.20/.283-2-16) has found a role in OSU’s very deep pitching staff and contributed more than expected with the bat. Stroman could become a dominant college player given more experience with his tools on both sides of the ball.
Give us your feedback
College | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
Article Image
California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in. Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN  Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
Article Image
Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
Read More
Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
Read More
Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Gulf Coast Classic Kicks Off

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The 2026 Perfect Game Gulf Coast Classic will bring together teams from across the region this weekend as players in the 14U-16U and 18U divisions take the field looking to capture a championship and make their mark on one of the summer’s premier events. Held in Fort Myers, Florida, the tournament will feature a talented mix of standout programs, nationally ranked prospects and emerging young talent. Swamp Baseball enters the 18U division with one of the most talented rosters in the event. The Cape Coral-based team features three nationally ranked top 500 prospects along with several additional High Follow players. Outfielders Nicholas Raber and Austin Schoolcraft, along with right-handed pitcher Tyler Reeder, are all ranked among Perfect Game’s top 500 prospects nationally. Raber will have the opportunity to compete in his hometown of Fort Myers. The 2026 graduate has shown...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/3/2026

EBC 17U-Griggs Takes Title

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

AZ Summer Kickoff Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
JJ Utash (‘27, AZ) tripled to both gaps, collecting 3 RBI along the way. Big time strength. Balls jumps off the barrel to all fields. Good runner/athlete too. #HookEm commit #AZKickoff pic.twitter.com/h1SbsSxpMy — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) May 30, 2026 JJ Utash (2027, Gilbert, Ariz.) is the top-ranked player in the state and showed off why over the weekend. The Texas commit collected five hits, including a pair of doubles and a pair of triples. The mix of power and speed is impressive. The ball jumps off the barrel with ease to all fields. Utash consistently lifts balls with authority, resulting in loud in-game power. The speed on the bases stands out as well. Utash looks to be aggressive and can take extra bags when they present themselves. The tools are some of the loudest in the class and will draw considerable draft interest next July.  Soren...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

Best of the Best Scout Notes

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, Ariz.) is one of several prospects we’re seeing for the first time in a bit who’ve made big jumps, either in physicality or performance. Now listed at 6-foot-1 (and he might actually be taller) the left-handed stick showcased a smooth swing that should hit for both power and average long term while also jumping on the mound where he ran his fastball up to 86 mph.  Similar to Kolt Hampton above, Colton Byrnes (2030, Truckee, Calif.) immediately makes you do a double take as he’s shot up in height since the fall, now standing at 6-foot-1, 165 pounds. The starting shortstop for Let Them Play, the added length to his frame certainly didn’t detract from his abilities in the dirt, making one play in particular where he rounded the backhand, came through the ball and delivered a strike across to first. There’s always been barrel...
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.