Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers has been a high profile name for most of his high school career. He is an offensive shortstop with raw power to go along with his ability to hit for average. His explosive bat speed produces a lot of hard contact and he has an easy, fluid and smooth swing that creates a lot of lift. His defense has improved this spring as he has easy actions with softness in his hands. He has plenty of arm strength to stay at shortstop, but the question is whether or not he'll have enough range. He has average range now, but if he slows down as his 6-foot, 190-pound frame fills out, he may shift to third base. Either way, he has the offensive profile to play anywhere on the field. For a player that that was under the microscope by scouts at every big event last summer and through this spring, he has handled it well and performed at every stop. He is committed to Florida State.

Mike Nikorak

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Alabama signee had a perplexing season, flashing high-end stuff while also losing velocity later in outings and struggling with his command. At his best, he sits in the low 90s, touching the mid 90s with downward plane and riding action. Nikorak also has a sharp curveball with 11/5 action that sits 79-82 with depth. His delivery didn’t look as smooth and easy this spring and his fastball velocity would dip to 89-91 later in outings. He struck out 50 in 29.2 innings this season, but walked 21. His stock has turned into a bit of a wild card and he could slot anywhere from the middle of the first round to the compensation round. Despite his inconsistent spring, Nikorak has the upside scouts are willing to gamble on given that he’s a Northeast arm with athleticism—he also played quarterback—and has shown more in the past.

Ashe Russell

The projectable 6-foot-4, 195-pound Russell has an electric arsenal that has been on display since early last summer. His fastball ranges from 91-95 mph, touching 96-97, and he has a wipeout slider in the low 80s. A projected first-round pick, the only question on Russell is whether he remains a starter or reliever. He has some funk in his arm action, but he repeats well. A team that takes him will give him every chance to start. Russell is committed to Texas A&M.

Nick Plummer

Plummer burst onto the scene last summer with strong showings at several high profile events and earned a late invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game. A Kentucky recruit, he has a strong frame at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. He possesses a good, short swing that gives him a chance to hit for average at the pro level. He has good power, which he showed off at the Area Code Games by taking the second pitch of the event out of spacious Blair Field in Long Beach, CA. One of the biggest challenges in scouting is evaluating northern hitters because of the weather and lack of quality pitching, but scouts also had to get looks at Plummer in a league that starts with 1-1 counts, limiting the number of pitches he sees. Plummer runs well now, but may have to shift off center field if he slows down as he physically matures.

Garrett Whitley

Relatively under the radar last summer, Whitley broke out at the Area Code Games, consistently making hard contact in the last two days of the event. He has enjoyed his share of buzz this spring, getting thrown out as a possible No. 1 selection, but fits more in the middle of the first round. Northern bats are difficult to project. Whitley hasn’t faced much in the way of quality pitching this spring and he didn’t exactly dominate competition offensively. However, he did face RHP Ian Anderson (Shenendehowa HS, NY), a top prospect for 2016 and wasn’t overmatched. Whitley is strong and can put on a power show in batting practice. He has bat speed, though there are scouts that wonder how much he’ll hit for average. He runs well, but isn’t a lock to stay in center field and a move would put more pressure on his bat. He is committed to Wake Forest.