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Tournaments  | Story | 11/2/2026

2028: Under-the-Radar Names to Know

Joey Cohen
2028 Post-Circuit Dive: Under-the-Radar Names to Know
One of my favorite parts of the calendar comes after the summer and fall circuits have wrapped, when I can finally sit down, dig through our tournament performance data and uncover some names that may have slipped through the cracks. With hundreds of events on the schedule and thousands of players coming through them, there's inevitably going to be talent that I or even our collective staff haven't given enough attention to.

For this exercise, I wanted to isolate a particular offensive profile. I looked for 2028 bats who produced at a high level while keeping their swing-and-miss numbers in check across a sample of at least 50 plate appearances. On the pitching side, the approach was equally straightforward in terms of identifying arms who consistently filled the strike zone while missing bats at a strong clip.



Of course, not all tournament competition is created equal, and the numbers alone don't tell the entire story. But that's where the scouting comes in. Some of these players have already caught my eye in person, while others sent me back to the video to get a better understanding of what's driving the production. Here are a handful of names outside the top 200 whose statistical profiles and underlying traits warrant a closer look.

Middle Infielders


John Pruet (2028, Northport, Ala.) | Rank: T1000
 Circuit Performance: .473/.589/.745 | 1.3% Whiff | 73 PA
Notable Performance: 5-for-9, 2 BB/0 K, 4 SB at 16U National Elite

Pruet's 1.3% whiff rate immediately jumps off the page, and there's plenty within the offensive operation to support that level of bat-to-ball proficiency. The left-handed stroke has a natural rhythm to it, with loose, handsy actions at entry before the barrel works through the zone on a flatter plane. It's a line-drive-oriented approach geared toward using the entire field, and he shows an ability to consistently get the barrel where it needs to be with strong adjustability. There's already some strength present in the medium build, with enough athleticism to offer defensive value on the dirt. Second base looks like the probable long-term home, but there's a pretty appealing offensive foundation here, especially considering just how rarely he came up empty. Wofford commit. 


Max Wilkerson (2028, Saint Johns, Fla.) | Rank: 393
 Circuit Performance: .432/.546/.770 | 11.3% Whiff | 97 PA
Notable Performance: 11-for-20, 1 K at 16U National Elite

Wilkerson owns what I consider one of the prettier left-handed swings in the class, and the more I watch it, the more I'm convinced there's a legitimate hit tool to buy into. It's an exceptionally loose, fluid stroke with the ability to work into steeper barrel angles and generate lift without introducing excessive swing-and-miss. He showed some of that offensive impact during Jupiter as well, getting into a couple of balls with authority against quality competition. The athleticism probably settles somewhere around average, but there's enough skill and feel on the dirt to make the overall profile work. This is one I wouldn't be surprised to see gain considerable traction as evaluators get more exposure to the bat. There's just too much natural hitting ability here to ignore. Currently uncommitted. 

Braylon Disla (2028, Wimauma, Fla.) | Rank: 284
Circuit Performance: .456/.556/.754 | 10.4% Whiff | 72 PA
Notable Performance: 10-for-17, 2 HR, 2 BB/0 K at 16U WWBA National Championship

There's something to be said for a player who continues to produce against the caliber of competition Disla has faced, and he's made a habit of delivering at some of our premier national events. The switch-hitting profile adds another layer of appeal, with functional offensive mechanics from either side of the plate. He's certainly capable from the right, working the barrel through on a flatter trajectory, but the left-handed stroke is the one that really catches my eye. There's an added degree of fluidity and natural loft from that side, allowing him to create a little more carry at contact. The hand and barrel speed aren't necessarily explosive, but the accuracy is a separator. Disla simply finds the barrel with remarkable consistency, and the production against top-flight arms makes the profile that much easier to believe in. Currently uncommitted. 

Blake Tyburczy (2028, West Milford, N.J.) | Rank: 500
Circuit Performance: .463/.586/.870 | 11.1% Whiff | 70 PA
Notable Performance: 8-for-16, 2 HR at 16U WWBA National Championship

I'm a big fan of the overall aesthetic of Tyburczy's swing, particularly the freedom and lack of tension with which he operates. He sets up in a relaxed stance with rhythmic hand movement before turning the barrel through with an effortless quality that stands out on video. There's a short-to-long component to the path, allowing him to stay connected early before creating length through the baseball. That combination has translated into substantial offensive production, including a pair of home runs at the 16U WWBA National Championship. Physically, he's a medium-framed athlete with plenty of room to continue adding strength, which makes the present slugging output all the more encouraging. It's an attractive blend of swing aesthetics, barrel control and future physical upside. East Tennessee commit. 

Gavin Dunston (2028, Fort Worth, Texas) | Rank: T1000
Circuit Performance: .392/.554/.627 | 7.7% Whiff | 76 PA
Notable Performance: 5-for-14, 4 BB/1 K, 10 SB at 16U WWBA West

There are some legitimate hitter traits to get behind with Dunston, starting with how little unnecessary movement he introduces into the swing. The operation is balanced and uncomplicated, allowing him to get into launch without having to fight through a bunch of moving parts. He does an especially good job of keeping the barrel inside the baseball, working on a compact route to contact while still generating some strength through the hitting zone. It's the type of efficient move that lends itself to consistent contact, and his 7.7% whiff rate certainly supports that evaluation. Throw in the baserunning element, which included 10 stolen bases at WWBA West, and there's a potentially dynamic offensive skill set taking shape. The bat-to-ball foundation is the real selling point for me. Currently uncommitted. 

Outfielders

Canyon Koonce (2028, Brownsburg, Ind.) | Rank: 261
Circuit Performance: .382/.427/.471 | 6.3% Whiff | 77 PA
Notable Performance: 8-for-16, 3 2B at WWBA World Championships

I'll go as far as saying Koonce has one of the safer hit tools I've evaluated in this 2028 class. There isn't anything overly complicated about the left-handed operation, and that's a big part of what makes it work. The stroke is loose and direct, with an advanced sense for the barrel and the ability to make adjustments within the swing rather than getting locked into one path. He can manipulate contact to different parts of the field, and there's a natural comfort in the box that really stands out. The offensive value isn't built around overwhelming raw power, but rather an ability to consistently put quality swings on the baseball. Add in the speed and defensive range to patrol center field, and it's a profile with a pretty high floor. I'm buying the hit tool here and would expect his stock to continue trending upward. Vanderbilt commit. 


Axton Westmoreland (2028, Senatobia, Miss.) | Rank: 214
Circuit Performance: .377/.571/.607 | 7.7% Whiff | 91 PA
Notable Performance: 5-for-8, 2 BB/0 K at WWBA World Championships

Westmoreland strikes me as another player whose reputation could take a sizable jump once more evaluators get a full appreciation for the offensive skill set. The bat-to-ball ability is already operating at an advanced level, but what makes the profile particularly exciting is that he's beginning to show some legitimate impact to go along with it. There's noticeable twitch and explosiveness in the swing, with the ability to accelerate the barrel and do more than simply put the ball in play. He has the instincts and hand-eye coordination of a natural hitter, and the physical projection suggests there's another gear he could reach as he matures. Couple that with his athleticism, and this is a player who offers both present offensive polish and considerable long-term upside. A name I'd be keeping a close eye on moving forward. Mississippi State commit. 

Jacob Forystek (2028, Dyer, Ind.) | Rank: T500
Circuit Performance: .500/.509/.820 | 12.0% Whiff | 53 PA
Notable Performance: 16-for-20 at PG HS Caba Alum Bat Championship

Forystek didn't have the same level of exposure at our major national events as some of the other names on this list, but his showings against stronger regional competition were more than enough to warrant another look. The offensive appeal starts with the looseness of the hands and how naturally he works the barrel into an elevated path. There's some lift built into the stroke, and he's shown the ability to translate that into meaningful extra-base production. Beyond the bat, he's a quality runner with an arm from the outfield that carries some real strength, giving him multiple avenues to provide value. The competition context is worth acknowledging, but the physical tools and swing characteristics offer reasons to believe there's more here than just a loud statistical line. I'd be interested to see how the offensive profile holds up with increased national exposure. Currently uncommitted. 

Cole Shearer (2028, Odessa, Fla.) | Rank: T500
Circuit Performance: .512/.614/1.000 | 12.1% Whiff | 57 PA
Notable Performance: 6-for-12, 4 BB/0 K at 16U World Series National

Shearer might be one of the better examples of a player we simply haven't given enough attention to. All he's done is produce at an absurd level, including against some of the strongest competition on our national schedule. The offensive setup features a wider base and a balanced lower half, with relatively quiet hands that allow him to work into the swing without much wasted movement. From there, he can really whip the barrel through the zone, showing a compact initial move before creating length and strength out front. There's an appealing combination of contact efficiency and damage potential, and the numbers reflect a hitter who hasn't had to sacrifice one for the other. A 1.000 slugging percentage is going to turn heads regardless of the sample, but it's the underlying swing traits that make me want to dig deeper into this one. Currently uncommitted. 

Jake Adamson (2028, Gainesville, Ga.) | Rank: T1000
Circuit Performance: .412/.570/.824 | 12.6% Whiff | 80 PA
Notable Performance: 8-for-12 at 16U WWBA National Championship

Adamson doesn't necessarily overwhelm you with physicality, but there's a lot more to the offensive profile than the smaller frame might initially suggest. He's an impressive athlete with advanced barrel skills, showing the ability to get the bat into the zone quickly and create productive contact from a short, efficient entry. What I particularly like is how he can work into steeper attack angles and generate lift despite possessing what looks to be more average present hand and bat speed. That speaks to his swing efficiency and feel for getting the barrel to the right spot. The resulting power production has been impressive, especially for a player who isn't relying on sheer physical strength to drive the baseball. There's a skill-over-size element to this profile that I find pretty appealing, and the offensive output certainly deserves more recognition. Currently uncommitted. 

Pitchers

Colton Carpenter (2028, Bloomington, Ill.) | Rank: High Follow
Circuit Performance: 0.36 ERA | 19.2 IP | 33 K | 70% Strikes | 41% K Rate

Carpenter's statistical profile is about as convincing as you'll find in this exercise, pairing a 70% strike rate with a ridiculous 41% punchout clip. And while the present velocity isn't going to blow anyone away, there's a lot to appreciate about how he goes about getting outs. The left-hander operates with an easy, loose delivery that he repeats well, showing the ability to move his low-80s fastball, which has reached 84, to either side of the plate. There's also usable feel for both a changeup and breaking ball, giving him multiple weapons to keep hitters from sitting on the heater. The frame is more medium-sized, but the ease of operation and advanced strike-throwing ability make this a pretty interesting developmental arm. The stuff may not be overpowering just yet, but the pitchability is already well ahead of the curve. Currently uncommitted. 

Brandon Keen (2028, Ocala, Fla.) | Rank: T1000
Circuit Performance: 3.00 ERA | 18.2 IP | 26 K | 69% Strikes | 34% K Rate

Keen brings a different look from the left side, with a physical 6-foot-3, 195-pound build that offers plenty to work with moving forward. The delivery is relatively straightforward, and the arm works cleanly through release without much unnecessary effort. He's already run the fastball up to 87, but the breaking ball is what gives the arsenal some added appeal. It's a bigger, depth-oriented curveball that he demonstrates the confidence to land in the strike zone with regularity, allowing him to get ahead of hitters and disrupt timing. The combination of size, handedness and a nearly 70% strike rate is a pretty strong starting point for a young arm. There's enough present stuff to be effective, and the physical foundation leaves room for another jump as he continues to develop. Stetson commit. 

Colin Lawlor (2028, Chicago, Ill.) | Rank: 374
Circuit Performance: 3.11 ERA | 18 IP | 28 K | 68% Strikes | 39% K Rate

Lawlor is probably an arm we've been a little late getting fully on board with, especially considering the circuit he put together and the fact that he's already landed an Arkansas commitment. He's a physical presence on the mound at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, attacking hitters with an aggressive move down the slope and a loose arm that works with some real intent. There's a slight step toward the left-handed batter's box, creating an uncomfortable angle for opposing lefties and adding a layer of deception to the overall look. What stands out beyond the delivery is the depth of the repertoire. He'll show two distinct breaking balls along with a changeup, giving him multiple ways to navigate a lineup rather than relying on one dominant offering. It's a fairly complete mix for this stage of development, and the ability to pair that variety with a 39% strikeout rate makes him a name worth revisiting.

Josh Yurgin (2028, Mullica Hill, N.J.) | Rank: T500
Circuit Performance: 1.27 ERA | 27.2 IP | 42 K | 62% Strikes | 37% K Rate

Yurgin might not have the prototypical size scouts gravitate toward when projecting a right-handed pitching prospect, but I'm not sure that should overshadow how much there is to like about the actual pitching operation. He works with starter-type ease and repeatability, showing a delivery that he can consistently get back to without having to manufacture effort. A slight crossfire component, combined with a lower release point, creates some deception and gives hitters a different angle to contend with. The breaking ball is a legitimate weapon, particularly against right-handed hitters, and he demonstrates an advanced ability to manipulate its shape and land it where he wants. There's real feel for the craft here, and his 42 strikeouts across 27.2 innings speak to how effective the arsenal has been. He may not check every traditional physical box, but the pitchability and underlying traits are worth betting on. Currently uncommitted. 

Mikey Stortz (2028, Buckeye, Ariz.) | Rank: T500
Circuit Performance: 2.94 ERA | 16.2 IP | 23 K | 66% Strikes | 31% K Rate

Stortz is a name I've actually been familiar with for a while, and quite frankly, one I don't intend to overlook much longer. I'd expect that sentiment to be reflected in our next rankings update. There's an attractive foundation to build upon with the wiry, projectable 6-foot-3 frame and an athletic delivery that operates with pace and conviction. He's already working in the upper 80s with the fastball and shows the ability to command it to both sides of the plate, but I'm especially encouraged by the secondary mix. He can really turn over a changeup with quality action, giving him a legitimate weapon to disrupt timing, while a developing slider adds another dimension. The combination of physical upside, body control and a three-pitch foundation gives him a chance to make a sizable leap as the stuff continues to mature. This is one I'm personally buying into. Arizona commit. 


Conor Dietz (2028, Wading River, N.Y.) | Rank: T500
Circuit Performance: 1.73 ERA | 24.1 IP | 33 K | 65% Strikes | 33% K Rate

Dietz has to be considered one of the more notable winners of the circuit, delivering dominant looks in front of our scouting staff at multiple premier events. There are a lot of boxes checked here from the left side, whether it's the delivery, overall feel for pitching or the quality of the arsenal. There's also considerable physical upside remaining in his wiry 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame, making the present stuff all the more appealing when projecting what he could eventually become. He operates with an upper-80s fastball that features legitimate life through the zone, giving him a strong foundation to work off. The secondary offerings are equally encouraging, with a tighter, sharper slider and a changeup that shows quality depth. What I particularly like is how well those pitches play off the heater, creating similar initial looks before separating late and generating chase and swing-and-miss. It's a well-rounded starter profile with the ability to attack hitters in several different ways, and his success against high-level competition gives the entire package added credibility. Coastal Carolina commit. 
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Tournaments | Story | 10/29/2026

WWBA Underclass Prospect Recap
Kyler Peterson
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WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kasen Langerhans (2028, Round Rock, Texas) batted leadoff and stuck at the hot corner for Texas Twelve Red Sox 2028 in Fort Myers. The Texas native has the looks a young left-handed power bat and the swing is built for it. Langerhans produces easy bat speed, delivering a fast and leveraged barrel through the zone. He creates backspin and uses the ground well, really getting into the legs. The infielder has excellent power projection and took comfortable, intentful cuts in the box. Langerhans got the job done at the top of the order...
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Press Release | Press Release | 11/2/2026

PG Partners Up with Minority Prospects

Perfect Game Staff
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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES MEDIA RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP WITH MINORITY PROSPECTS   Sanford, Florida (Monday, November 2, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a media rights partnership with Minority Prospects, the Atlanta-based organization that has become the largest platform in the world for minority baseball and softball prospects. The partnership kicked off last month at the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., Perfect Game's premier fall event, where Minority Prospects produced content featuring some of the nation's top amateur players in front of college coaches, professional scouts and MLB legends. Under the agreement, Minority...
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Draft | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
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2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle.  ‘27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)- liftoff from the No. 1 player in the class. A solo blast to RCF to extend the lead for @TheCanesBB #WWBA @California_PG @Vol_Baseball commit https://t.co/lJjNg6T7PS — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA)  The Southern...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
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WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  2029 MIF Easton Housewright (Knoxville, Tenn.) currently stands at 6-foot,175 pounds with strength in the lower half, present above-average athleticism. Continued to shine at the top of the lineup as the left-handed hitter is your prototypical leadoff hitter, consistently finding a way on and scoring. Takes quality at-bats with an above average awareness of the strike zone. Loose hands with easy bat speed that find the barrel often for hard line drives into the gaps that frequently turn into XBHs. Confident and balanced approach. Also...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

Beyond the Board: SS Malachi Butler

Tyler Henninger
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As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we take a look at Georgia prep shortstop Malachi Butler. The Georgia Tech put together an outstanding showing on the circuit this summer and has been a significant riser early in the 2027 cycle.  Player: Malachi Butler Position: SS B/T: L/R Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190-pounds School: McEachern HS Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.  Physical Description: 6-2/190. Strong, athletic build. Well-proportioned body. Has strength with room to continue to add more.    High speed BP swing from '27 SS Malachi Butler (GA)... #PGNational @PG_Georgia https://t.co/M9OWUX9rPw...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

South Fall World Series Scout Notes

Jay Vossler
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Kason Mead (2029, Spring, Texas) had a great weekend for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Went 5-9 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in five without striking out. Physical frame with a lot more strength on the way. Impressive bat speed that attacks the top of the zone well. Works to all fields consistently and the profile indicates that he’ll be able to build off that with more impact. Lot to like, should be a riser as he goes into his sophomore season. Sterling McCormack (2029, Magnolia, Texas) performed well for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Reached four times, including a double. Gains ground well on the stride, using his physicality to his advantage as he stays on an uphill plane, geared for slug. Plenty of strength at the point of impact. Landon Hardy (2029, Spring, Texas) had a strong showing for Scorpions Team Easton 2029. Went 4-11 with a double and homer, driving...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

WWBA Freshman Prospect Recap

Jheremy Brown
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Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in West Palm were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, AZ) is a left-handed hitting infielder with present barrel speed and twitch in the turn. Turned around an upper 80s heater that plated two runs in the first inning of the quarterfinals and never looked back. Also got it done on the rubber punching out three and topping out at 86. The number one player in Arizona produced all week and took care of business defensively.  Landen Davis (2030, Beaufort, SC) showed up at the dish this event hitting .500 with four doubles and five RBIs. Stays tight in the turn with present strength and the approach plays to all fields....
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Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
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To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
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PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
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