THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,401 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,401 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
All American Game  | Story | 6/9/2016

Phillies snag Moniak at No. 1

Photo: Perfect Game



Rady visit reveals real heroes
| Perfect Game 2016 MLB Draft Preview Index

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – At an MLB First-Year Player Draft lacking a consensus No. 1 overall pick going in, the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday decided to go with young and burgeoning star power and used the top pick to select San Diego-area high school outfield prospect Mickey Moniak.

Moniak, a recent graduate of La Costa Canyon High School who calls Encinitas, Calif., home and celebrated his 18th birthday May 13, is the third San Diego-area prospect taken 1-1 (first pick-first round) in the MLB Amateur Draft since 2009, and the fourth from Southern California. San Diego natives Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals) and Brady Aiken (Houston Astros) were the top picks in 2009 and 2014, respectively; Newport Beach, Calif., native Gerrit Cole went No. 1 overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011.

"It's insane," Moniak told MLB Network in the moments after he was announced as the No. 1 pick. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be picked by the Philies. I'm excited to hopefully prove the Phillies right and be honored as this No. 1 pai

The selection marks the 13th time in the last 14 years a former Perfect Game prospect has been chosen No. 1 overall, dating back to Delmon Young in 2003 (Tampa Bay Devil Rays). Moniak becomes the eighth alumnus of the PG All-American Classic and the sixth alumnus of the PG National Showcase taken with the draft’s top pick.

He joins Matt Bush (San Diego Padres, 2004), Justin Upton (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2005), Tim Beckham (Tampa Bay Rays, 2008), Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals, 2010), Gerrit Cole (Pittsburgh Pirates, 2011), Carlos Correa (Houston Astros, 2012) and Brady Aiken (Houston Astros, 2014) as former PG All-Americans selected No. 1 pick.

His selection at 1-1 didn’t surprise everyone, of course. In a draft breakdown written by former MLB general manager Jim Duquette and published on MLB.com June 7, it was stated: “Moniak is a two-way player who has the approach to be an above-average hitter and plus-defender in the majors. He as excellent baseball IQ and plays hard. Moniak shows the maturity to handle the additional pressure of being the No. 1 selection.”

A 6-foot-2, 190-pound primary centerfielder with a 90 mph outfield arm and 6.5-second speed in the 60-yard dash, Moniak is a veteran of 18 Perfect Game events, including appearances that produced perfect 10.0 PG Player Grades at both the 2015 PG National Showcase in Fort Myers, Fla., and the 2015 PG All-American Classic in San Diego.

He was named to the Top Prospect List at the 2013 Sunshine West Showcase, his first PG event. He was also named to the TPL at the 2014 PG Underclass All-American Games and the 2015 PG National, and received all-tournament team recognition at five PG WWBA events, all while playing with the prestigious San Diego Show organization.

Moniak, ranked the No. 6 overall prospect in the national class of 2016 and a UCLA signee, enjoyed a terrific senior season at La Costa Canyon HS, one that ended for the Mavericks with a 23-7 record after a pair of losses at the CIF San Diego Section Division-I playoffs. Moniak slashed .476/.540/.942 and counted seven home runs, 12 triples and four doubles among his 50 hits; he drove in 46 runs, scored 40 and stole 11 bases.

In total, 74 of the 77 (96 percent) players selected on the first day of the 2016 MLB Draft (top two rounds) had previously attended a Perfect Game event. 15 Perfect Game All-Americans were selected in the first round of the draft, 11 of which participated in the 2015 Classic. Twenty-four total PG All-Americans were taken on the first day of the draft, 15 of which played in 2015. In addition, 21 of the first-round picks had previously attended a PG National Showcase, with 19 more National alumni being taken in round two.

Here are all of the former PG All-Americans (24) that were selected on the first day of the 2016 MLB Draft:

Rd. Pick Player Team Year*
1 1 Mickey Moniak Philadelphia Phillies 2015
1 3 Ian Anderson Atlanta Braves 2015
1 6 A.J. Puk Oakland Athletics 2012
1 7 Braxton Garrett Miami Marlins 2015
1 9 Matt Manning Detroit Tigers 2015
1 10 Zack Collins Chicago White Sox 2012
1 12 Jason Groome Boston Red Sox 2015
1 13 Joshua Lowe Tampa Bay Rays 2015
1 15 Alex Kirilloff Minnesota Twins 2015
1 18 Blake Rutherford New York Yankees 2015
1 20 Gavin Lux Los Angeles Dodgers 2015
1 30 Cole Ragans Texas Rangers 2015
1S 36 Jordan Sheffield Los Angeles Dodgers 2012
1S 38 Robert Tyler Colorado Rockies 2012
1S 41 Nick Lodolo Pittsburgh Pirates 2015
2 42 Kevin Gowdy Philadelphia Phillies 2015
2 43 Chris Okey Cincinnati Reds 2012
2 50 Joe Rizzo Seattle Mariners 2015
2 53 Ryan Boldt Tampa Bay Rays 2012
2 55 Nolan Jones Cleveland Indians 2015
2 56 Ben Rortvedt Minnesota Twins 2015
2 58 Sheldon Neuse Washington Nationals 2012
2S 71 Reggie Lawson San Diego Padres 2015
2S 75 Mario Feliciano Milwaukee Brewers 2015

Fourteen more PG All-Americans were drafted on the second day of the 2016 MLB Draft (rounds 3-10):

Rd. Pick Player Team Year*
3 78 Cole Stobbe Philadelphia Phillies 2015
3 85 Mason Thompson San Diego Padres 2015
3 96 Nonie Williams Los Angeles Angels 2015
3 103 Khalil Lee Kansas City Royals 2015
4 124 Nick Banks Washington Nationals 2012
4 131 D.J. Peters Los Angeles Dodgers 2013
4 136 Jeremy Martinez St. Louis Cardinals 2012
5 151 Alexis Torres Baltimore Orioles 2015
5 161 Devin Smeltzer Los Angeles Dodgers 2013
5 162 Cavan Biggio Toronto Blue Jays 2012
5 166 Walker Robbins St. Louis Cardinals 2015
6 176 Luis Curbelo Chicago White Sox 2015
8 231 Francisco Thomas Milwaukee Brewers 2015
9 267 Jason Goldstein Seattle Mariners 2011

Nineteen PG All-Americans were drafted on the third and final day (rounds 11-40) of the 2016 MLB Draft, bringing the total to 57.

Rd. Pick Player Team Year*
11 328 Nicholas Quintana Boston Red Sox 2015
17 498 Mitchell Traver Cincinnati Reds 2011
20 595 Clate Schmidt Detroit Tigers 2011
20 602 Ben Baird Cleveland Indians 2015
20 610 Carlos Cortes New York Yankees 2015
26 783 Greg Deichmann Minnesota Twins 2013
26 787 Avery Tuck Houston Astros 2015
27 798 Dion Henderson Cincinnati Reds 2015
28 829 Nick Shumpert Atlanta Braves 2014
28 846 David Hamilton Los Angeles Angels 2015
30 898 Tyler Fitzgerald Boston Red Sox 2015
32 958 Jeff Belge Boston Red Sox 2015
33 992 Blake Sabol Cleveland Indians 2015
35 1058 Zachary Hess New York Yankees 2015
36 1075 Drew Mendoza Detroit Tigers 2015
36 1076 Reese Cooley Chicago White Sox 2013
37 1110 Ryan Zeferjahn Tampa Bay Rays 2015
38 1138 Austin Bergner Boston Red Sox 2015
40 1203 T.J. Collett Minnesota Twins 2015

*Indicates year player participated in the PG All-American Classic



All American Game | Story | 8/21/2026

Brotherly Love Inspires Carter Hadnot

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – Perfect Game has been a big part of Carter Hadnot’s life since he was 12. He participated in more than a dozen tournaments and showcases, including prestigious Select Festivals as a 13U and 14U player, as well as last summer’s PG All-Star Game for underclassmen in San Diego.   The PG event that Hadnot always wanted to be part of was the DICK’s All-American Classic. Now, that’s on his resume, too. He played in the 24th annual Classic earlier this week at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. “This means a lot to me,” he said during the event. “I always wanted to make it to Select Fest when I was younger. So, every time I get invited to an event it’s an honor and it’s fun. I don’t take it for granted. “This is definitely the one I always wanted to make it to. A lot of big names have...
Tournaments | Story | 9/29/2026

WWBA Champ. Pool Preview & Release

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
It's the time of the year again when nearly every golf cart in the United States, or so it feels, flocks to Roger Dean and crowds the backstops, getting one last look at the top players in the country before the spring season. Below our staff breaks down every pool as we are set to release them in 10 minute increments, starting with Pool A and working all the way down to Pool DD. Once again laying claim as the champion of "Jupiter" will be no easy task as every pool game will be a battle just to advance to the bracket where the intensity of each pitch will multiple 10-fold.   Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location East Cobb/SD Padres ST Underclass Myles Tate 109 2028 Luke Crowder 174 2028 Marietta, GA Lonestar Baseball Club - National - 2027 Braylon Jones 309 2027 Owen Sieve 500 2027 Austin, TX Spects National 2027 Gominsky Charlie Sarsfield 99 2027...
Tournaments | Championship | 9/28/2026

ZT National Takes Down Sophomore

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
ZT National Prospects Hold Out to Win 2026 WWBA Sophomore Championship In a game that kept everyone guessing until the very end, the ZT National Prospects won the 2026 WWBA Sophomore Championship over Wow Factor/Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team 8-7. Over the past few days of the tournament, the usually cruel southwest Florida weather had been unusually kind - but the warmth of the sun had still taken energy out of both championship teams. They had finished hard-fought semifinal matches before walking from the backfields of JetBlue Park to the big-league stadium. Enzi-Yaw Otieku threw the first pitch for ZT National at 11:43 a.m. - and this highly anticipated championship match-up was underway. The first three outs came quickly for the ZT National Prospects with their defensive chemistry and strength on display right away. ZT’s head coach, Carlos Avila, expressed his happiness with his...
Tournaments | Story | 9/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Lukas Klipper (2029, Clearwater, Fla.) was electric at the plate, collecting six hits, highlighted by a monstrous home run off the batter's eye in his second game. High-level left-handed hitter with a really easy swing and functional actions. Klipper lived on the barrel throughout the game and showed off his run-producing ability in huge situations.  Lane Ayars (2029, Mount Juliet, TN) got the starting nod in round two and did not disappoint. The 6’4” left-handed pitcher tossed three scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing zero hits. Fastball up to 90 mph with some heavy arm-side run, with a slider that consistently was in the zone. Also collected two hits at the plate, showcasing a very simple approach.  Frankie Pagano (2029, Waukee, IA) was electric in relief, tossing three scoreless innings while...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Ronin McCrea (2029, San Diego, Calif.) had an all-around performance at the plate, going two-for-two with two singles, two runs scored, and three RBIs. The right-handed hitter displayed a short, compact swing with a direct and efficient path to the baseball. McCrea showed excellent barrel control throughout the game, consistently producing hard line-drive contact to all parts of the field. Jayson Blanco (2029, Homestead, Fla.) was dominant on the mound, tossing a five-inning no-hitter while striking out six. The right-handed pitcher worked down the mound efficiently with a smooth, fluid delivery that helped him consistently attack the strike zone. Blanco featured a fastball that sat in the low-80s with sneaky life to it at the top of the zone, while mixing in a slower slider that generated swing-and-miss. Parker Miller (2029, Burleson,...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 Rhys Jones (2029, Mc Lean, Va.) was absolutely dominant on the bump to start off day 2 hanging an impressive 10 strikeouts in 5 innings. Running the heater up to 84 with arm side run and the breaking ball got swings and misses. The strike percentage stayed right over 55%, and he carried a no hitter into the 6th. Easy arm action with a high 3/4 slot and controls the move down the rubber.  Jevan McMenamy (2029, Fargo, N.D.) was all around solid today tallying two hits, an rbi, and a walk. In the box he works to the middle of the field in the approach and can elevate to all fields. Coils deep into the back hip and works through contact with strength. Quick feet around the bases and the barrel is fast.  Khian Escalana (2029, Ankeny, Iowa) was a heavy producer in this one collecting three hits, two of those being doubles. Also drove in three RBIs...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2026

Windy City Fall Classic Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘28 LHP AJ Minderman (IL) works 5 stellar innings to finish what he started. He punched out 7 and was efficient in the zone. FB 75-78 CH 70-71 SL 69-71. Used Offspeed pitches as a weapon and in all counts. #WCFClassic pic.twitter.com/fpeRs3AK7k — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) September 21, 2026 AJ Minderman (2028, Geneva, Ill.) a 6-foot-1, 140-pound left-handed pitcher worked all five innings of his game on Sunday in impressive fashion. He punched out seven opposing hitters and allowed no runs. He showed great composure with runners aboard, stranding anyone who reached. He worked out of the stretch with a big leg kick and did a nice job of working downhill on the mound. The fastball was 75-78 mph and he used it heavily to the glove side. He kept the fastball down early and set hitters down by throwing it at the top of the zone. His changeup (70-71 mph) was used as his...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
'29 CIF Benjamin Mills (FL) absolutely loses this baseball across the street for a loud HR (101 EV/424'). Huge juice w/ ball explodes coming off. #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG @PSTeams_ pic.twitter.com/0WUgIqyr6t — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 25, 2026 Benjamin Mills (2029, Miramar, Fl.) showed off some extremely impressive juice in the 8 PM match. The corner infielder blasted an absolute no-doubter out to left field, exploding off of the barrel and soaring deep into the night sky. The ball came off with a 101 MPH exit velocity and traveled 424 feet, bouncing across the street. Mills is built extra strong and physical, creating easy strength. The impact upside is significant and it should be fun to track how the power continues to develop. '29 SS Todd Dulaney (IL) crushes this ball off the LF fence for a loud 2B (93 EV). Simple parts & the impact comes easy....
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2026

South Jupiter Qualifier Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Joshua Digulio (2027, Mont Belvieu, Texas) was a breakout performer for Texas Brigade 2027 - Gafford. Went 10-18 with a pair of doubles and a home run, while plating nine runs. Also showed some serious flashes defensively behind the plate. Physical frame with plenty of bat speed. Flatter bat path with a pull-side approach, geared towards backspinning with authority. Athletic backstop with tons of offensive upside. Dylan Buck (2027, Friendswood, Texas) put on a show for Up Top Prospects. Drove in 11 runs while going 5-11 with a pair of triples and a multi home run game on Saturday. Loose actions with a strong lower half. Adjusts well and generates plenty of torque as he works uphill. Serious power upside on display this weekend with more in that physical frame. Clyde Votaw (2027, Texas City, Texas) had a quality outing on the bump for Up Top Prospects. The Angelina College commit threw a...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 9/23/2026

PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase

Ashley Mears
Article Image
2026 PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase September 19th, 2026 Ashley Mears BLAINE, MN- Rain may have shortened the weekend but it didn’t shorten the competition. The tournament was STACKED with some of the top teams from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The 16u division came down to Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell taking home the trophy and shutting out a tough MN Sting National-Makela team. The 18U division came down to Midwest Speed 18u Nat’l Koltes loaded team out slugging Mission 18u National. 16U Taitum Kostecka (2028 Princeton, MN) of Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. Kostecka is a speedy left-handed power hitter who is one of the toughest outs around, as she did not strike out a single time throughout the weekend. Starting in an open stance, she uses a...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2026

Southeast Jupiter Qualifier Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Justin Mills (’27, Braselton, Ga.)- the 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a 6-inning complete game shutout for Dingers Scout in a 7-0 win over ECB Astros 18U Navy. The uncommitted Jackson County High School product struck out 12 batters and only walked one while controlling the zone at a 61% strike rate. Mills ran his fastball with arm side run up to 89 mph and consistently worked ahead in counts to stifle the Astros Navy lineup. He coupled it with a tight slider that showed late depth in the mid-70s to record eight swings-and-misses on the offering. A brilliant effort from Mills as he worked east and west while reading swings and avoiding barrels.   Brayden Barrett (’27, Canton, Ga.)- the 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher struck out six batters over 3 and 1/3 innings of relief for ECB Astros 18U Navy to get the win over Dirtbags Southeast. The...
Loading more articles...