On July 21, the PBR Wisconsin and PBR Illinois staff teamed up to host this annual invite-only showcase for both states’ up-and-coming sophomores: Underclass Games. This year, the top 2023s from the two states met at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Ill., to participate in a showcase workout and simulated gameplay.

We previously published highlights from the day inside our Takeaways post. Earlier this week, we began to break down this event, position by position, starting with the event’s catchers, outfielders and infielders, and we conclude with the showcase’s pitchers today.

Indiana commit, Adam Switalski (Westosha Central, WI), left little doubt that he was the top pitching prospect at the event. The athletic, high-waisted right-hander has an extremely quick arm, lively fastball that played with finish while topping out at 87 mph. Switalski paired it with one of the better breaking balls at the event with an average of 2,212 RPM, via TrackMan.

The best slider of the event came from RHP Jack Duncan (Macomb), who showed above-average feel for the pitch and received a number of bad swing-and-misses on it. Duncan, who came in at No. 2 on the list, also showed a quick arm and fastball that played with arm-side-run at 82-83 mph. 

Read on below for the rest of the arms from the day. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Adam Switalski, Westosha Central (WI), 2023 Indiana commit
 Positional Profile: OF/RHP One of the top prospects in Wisconsin's sophomore class.
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame with athleticism. Plenty of room to tack on strength throughout.
Delivery: Hands rock over head prior to initiating a smooth tempo'd drop/drive type delivery. Athletic posture, fluid lower half movement patterns, explodes downhill, strong lead leg block at foot strike. Works direct to target, lands square with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. 
FB: T87, 85-86 mph. Comes out clean, lively action into the zone. Flashed arm-side run, rises at times but plays best down at the knees.
CB: 72-73 mph. 11/5 shape with some depth, early break. Averages 2,212 RPM. 

Adam Switalski

2. Jack Duncan, Macomb (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Lean strength in athletic build; sturdy lower half.
Delivery: Simple side step to high knee lift, hands raise too, hip turn at balance point with closed shoulders. Drops and drives down the mound with big stride to target, athletic landing; substantial load in scaps, creating significant extension and efficient transfer of energy. Finishes in control, despite aggressive arm speed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing tucks behind back some, quick to high 3/4 window; demonstrable flexion in elbow.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Straight with occasional arm-side action. Above-average spin for his age and at its velocity (averaging 2,220 rpm). Also averaged the largest extension at 6.2 inches, helping his fastball play up even more so. Natural arm strength.
SL: 70-72 mph. Showed as a swing-and-miss pitch during gameplay; aggressive, at arm speed, featuring big horizontal break with depth. 2340 max RPM, via Trackman.

3. Zachary Olson, Muskego (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF A high-ceiling, athletic pitcher who's been on the rise in Wisconsin's '23 class.
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame that projects.
Delivery: Repeatable drop/drive type delivery, athletic posture at balance point, fluid hip hinge, advanced hip/shoulder separation at footstrike. Works direct to target, throws with some effort.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 84-85 mph. Plays with some natural downhill tilt created by a high release angle when he gets on top. Did climb the ladder for some swings-and-misses in game; averaged 16.8 inches of Induced Vertical Break per TrackMan. 
CB: 72-74 mph. Flashed sharp action spinning from a tight 11/5 plane. 

4. Grant Tenuta, Sandburg (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B A power arm prospect who landed in the rankings on the state's initial '23 board.
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame with room to develop strength.
Delivery: Quick side-step initiates an athletic drop/drive type delivery, high leg kick to balance point, engaged lower half throughout motion, strong scap load at footstrike. Level shoulders, works linear to target, open-toed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. Above-average arm speed for age.
FB: T85, 81-84 mph. Four-seam type with slight arm-side action when he stays behind; works around to cut it at times.
CB: 67-70 mph. 12/6 shape with some depth, gradual break. Sets up his fastball for success up in the zone.
CH: 68-71 mph. Fastball arm speed and intent; showed natural sinking action, feel for pitch. 

5. TJ Schlageter, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF Has been a rising sophomore all summer and fall within the state; debuted on the Illinois '23 board.
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Lean, lanky levers, athletic; high projectability.
Delivery: Upright, staggered base working off the right edge of the rubber; subtle side step, rhythmic rock to balance point. Strides to a slightly open position, toe-closed, controlled finish. Low effort throughout, finishes athletically, square to home.
Arm Action: LH. Compact arm circle, quick and loose out front; high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 80-82 mph. Averaged some of the most horizontal break (14.1 inches) at the event; flashed carry with sub-2,000 rpm spin rates.
CB: 65-66 mph. Confidence, feel for 1/7 breaking ball; works off vertical plane, flashed depth.
CH: 72-72 mph. 

6. Dennis Helwig Jr, St Laurence  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-4, 165-pounds. Premium projection in lanky, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Upright start from the left of the rubber; side steps to high knee and hip turn at an athletic balance point. Deep draw at separation as shoulders go uphill and closed, high front side. Leg swings to on-target landing with toe slightly open, athletic finish. Flexible torso, stable lower half with a naturally long stride.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, fast arm action to a high 3/4 release.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Low-spin type with some carry through the zone; natural arm-side action.
CB: 74-76 mph. Raw feel for spin at present; thrown aggressively.
CH: 75-77 mph. Projects as an out-pitch; closely matching his typical arm slot and speed. Flashes late fade action.

7. Austin Kutz, Hartford Union (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/1B A high upside member of Wisconsin's 2023 class.
Body: 6-5, 175-pounds. Very long levers, high waist, thin. Premium projection.
Delivery: Upright start from the left of the rubber; side step to high knee balance point, slight hip turn. Drops and drives with level, on-line shoulders; lead foot lands on target, toe pointed square to home. Low effort, athletic finish, maintains control and balance throughout. Repeats especially well for long levers.
Arm Action: RH. Compact, quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Some slight/natural arm-side tail; flashed carry through the zone. Premium spin rates, topped 2,435 rpm while averaging an event-best 2,315. Projects as an out-pitch on its own.
CB: 68-69 mph. 12/6 shape, thrown with confidence and feel; flashed late action under the zone.

8. Wesley Carter, Central Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B Earned recognition as a 'Watchlist' prospect in the state's sophomore class after this performance.
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic, projectable frame; long levers.
Delivery: Tall start, works from the center of the rubber; simple, rhythmic side step to balance point, slight lean back. High front side at draw, shoulders closed, working on line. Generates good separation at square, toe-open landing; extension in torso. Low effort involved.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, clean arm path, quick out front from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 79-81 mph. Creates some downhill tilt, with run; low-spin type, at a 1,924 rpm average.
CB: 60-62 mph. Decelerates arm speed, but demonstrates a feel to spin it helping it project well; averaged a spin rate of 2,269 rpm. Break is more vertical, inconsistent shape, but flashes sharp, tight.

9. Tommy Haggerty, Homewood-Flossmoor (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Thin, wiry frame with high waist; projects.
Delivery: Uptempo front-step rock to a high knee, athletic balance point with his hips turned, shoulders slightly closed. Drops and drives smoothly toward target, lead shoulder stays closed, hides it well. Lands softly, in control while finishing athletically with his momentum slightly carrying him to the first base side.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm draw with a compact circle to a 3/4 slot; quick arm speed, loose.
FB: T84, 82-83 mph. Flashes arm-side run; 11.0 inches of horizontal break on average, a 15.6 max. Feel for strikes.
CB: 63-65 mph. Thrown at arm speed; tight spin, feel for the zone. Works in between a 10/4 and 11/5 plane, generates more horizontal action than vertical.

10. Caleb Diver, Dunlap (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 162-pounds. Lean, long levers; projectable.
Delivery: Easy tempo to balance point, high knee, coil/tuck hip turn. Drops and drives, leg swings out, shoulders closed. Lands on line, toe closed, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 81-81 mph. Mostly straight, flashed some carry in the zone.
CB: 70-73 mph. Aggressive; projects best as a slider. Short action off a more horizontal plane. Feel to spin; averaged a spin rate of 2,133 rpm. Featured more depth in-game.
CH: 72-72 mph. Also aggressive; arm-side run/fade.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Logan Barnett, Pontiac (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-4, 215-pounds. Imposing, strong, wide-shouldered frame.
Delivery: Rhythmic tall/fall type delivery, athletic hip hinge and knee flexion, elevated front side, lead leg swing to footstrike. Lands square to target, maintains direction throughout with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T84, 82-83 mph. Occasional downhill tilt created from a high release point; 6.37 foot average.
CB: 70-73 mph. 12/6 shape, minimal break with low spin.
CH: 74-76 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed and slot, straight action. 

Cole Bensen, Bay Port (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/SS Competitive strike-thrower who showed well this summer.
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds. Lean athlete; long levers.
Delivery: Upright start from the left of the rubber; simple side step to high knee and toe lift at balance point, leg tucks creating hip turn and closed shoulders. Tall/fall type, leg swings out, shoulders stay closed, athletic landing with momentum carrying him to home.
Arm Action: RH. Compact arm circle, loose, quick out front; over-the-top slot.
FB: T82, 78-80 mph. A true four-seam with noteworthy spin for his velocity (2,157 rpm on average).
CB: 68-68 mph. Tight, short action with high spin; projects best as a slider.
CH: 68-70 mph. Aggressive, at arm speed; feel to locate at the bottom of the zone. Straight change, tunnels well.

Christopher Callas, Mundelein (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 220-pounds. Proportionally strong frame with some physicality.
Delivery: Exclusively works from the stretch, simple tall/fall type delivery, high balance point, hands separate early, works in line and lands square to target.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 74-76 mph. Heavy, low spin four-seam fastball; averaged 1,700 RPM.
CB: 63-64 mph. 11/5 shape, tight spin. Kept hitters off balance in-game. 

Michael Farina, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 135-pounds. Slender build.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, quick pause prior to working downhill, works direct to target, upright finish through release.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm path works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-77 mph. Plays straight, flashed occasional arm-side run. 2,131 RPM average, has some jump to it; averaged 17.2 inches of Induced Vertical Break
CB: 64-67 mph. 11/5 shape that showed some depth, late break when he gets on top to snap it off. Developing feel to spin. 

Logan Frank, Oshkosh North (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 210-pounds. Proportionally strong frame with some physicality.
Delivery: Somewhat deceptive drop/drive type delivery, elevated front side, works in line to target, athletic downward finish. Creates good extension down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, low 3/4 slot. Inherent arm strength.
FB: T81, 80-80 mph. Sinker type, late arm-side action created by lower arm angle; averages 15.9 inches of horizontal movement.
CB: 65-69 mph. 10/4 shape with slight sweep to it; could eventually mold into a slider. Averaged -11.1 inches of horizontal break.

Brett Gaynor, Stevenson  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-11, 155-pounds. Long levers, thin, high waist.
Delivery: Squared at start, straddling the rubber; big side step rock to a high leg kick balance point, hands raise with it. Fluid through balance point, shorter stride, toe way closed at landing.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, uninterrupted, from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Intriguing combination of horizontal and vertical action; consistently carried through the zone while averaging 14.3 inches of lateral break. Average spin.
CB: 63-68 mph. Inconsistent action but flashed sharp, bite. Tightest action was horizontal.
CH: 68-68 mph. Decelerates some; arm-side run/fade.

Ryan Geraghty, Mundelein (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 162-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic frame.
Delivery: Simple tall/fall type delivery, athletic posture at balance point, whippy hip/shoulder separation at footstrike, athletic finish with some effort.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Whippy arm speed, quick acceleration.
FB: T84, 81-84 mph. Works around to cut it at times, also flashed arm-side run. Harnessing the feel for the zone still.
CB: 67-68 mph. Frisbee-like actions at times. Flashed sharp, late break off a tight 11/5 plane; developing feel. Plays best when front side stays strong and doesn't pull off. 

Christian Graves, Marengo Community  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Proportional strength throughout.
Delivery: Tall, staggered start; slow, rhythmic rock to high knee and athletic balance point. Straight leg stride on line, toe pointed directly to target.
Arm Action: RH. Long, compact arm action to a high 3/4 slot. Low effort.
FB: T81, 80-81 mph. Natural arm strength seems to help the fastball carry through the zone; averaged 19.1 inches of induced vertical break, the most of the event. Also features some arm-side run.
CB: 66-67 mph. A 10/4 shape with gradual action, with depth.

William Ho, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-10, 195-pounds. Physical frame with a sturdy, strong lower half.
Delivery: Staggered footing off the left of the rubber; short side step to quick, level knee lift. Shoulders on an incline at balance point, drops and drives on line to target, above-average stride length, controlled finish.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, clean, uninterrupted arm action to high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-81 mph. Consistent action; above-average carry and run through the zone, creating a heavy profile.
CB: 68-71 mph. Flashed a feel for spin; 11/5 shape.

Charlie Jackson, Waukesha West (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic frame with more room to fill out.
Delivery: Stretch only, feet come set close together, tall/fall type delivery, upright posture at balance point, works closed to target, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot
FB: T79, 74-79 mph. Four-seam type; primarily straight action that flashed run and sink. 

Jake LaVine, Metea Valley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Smooth drop/drive type delivery, sits into back hip for force production, athletic at balance point, rides downhill. Advanced hip/shoulder separation at footstrike, strong front side, works in line to target with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm path works from a loose high 3/4 slot; above-average arm speed for age.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Straight movement with some jump into the zone; strikes.
CB: 67-68 mph. Spins off a loose 11/5 shape, early break into the zone.
CH: 71-71 mph. Slight deceleration in arm speed, showed occasional arm-side run.

Hank Liss, Evanston  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Delivery: Quick tempo to low knee lift at balance point; short stride to a closed position, toe-closed.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Above-average spin (averaging 2,195 rpm) with substantial arm-side run, induced by the slot at an average of 14.9 inches.
CB: 64-64 mph. Slight deceleration; breaks early, but features above-average depth and spin from a higher slot.
SL: 67-68 mph. Mixed in a separate breaking ball from his traditional slot with later action and more sweep, thrown at arm speed; complements his fastball better. Spin rate averaged 2,524 rpm.

Anthony Martinez, Lockport Township  (Il.), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Delivery: Stretch-only; demonstrable hip turn, closed shoulders with a high knee balance point. Drives from coil down mound maintaining closed shoulders; lands on target, toe-closed, athletic finish. Generates good separation; flexible torso.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, simple, quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 79-80 mph. Heavy, running, low-spin pitch that carries through the zone. Averaged the lowest spin rate at the event (1,618 rpm).
CB: 66-68 mph. Gradual action off a 10/4 plane; raw feel to spin right now.

Jared Rodriguez, York Community (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-7, 165-pounds. Sturdy lower half, athletic.
Delivery: Squared start, front step rock, rhythm to clear hip turn, low-knee balance point. Level shoulders, loose levers, works on line, lands square to target, toe pointed directly to home.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, athletic arm from a high 3/4 slot; easy, fluid.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Straight, low-spin; inconsistent release, feel to locate. Spin rate averaged 1,621 rpm.
CB: 66-66 mph. 11/5 shape, raw feel to spin/locate; flashed depth and some sharpness.

Trey Swiderski, Joliet Catholic  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic frame with proportional strength. More room to add muscle, especially in the lower half.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, high hands and leg kick at balance point, front foot lands closed to target , back leg drag to an upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Straight action, works around to cut it at times.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action. Showed some feel to spin, max spin rate of 2,253 RPM.
CH: 72-72 mph. Near fastball arm speed, plays down in the zone. 

Presley Wachowiak, Catholic Memorial (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B One of Wisconsin's breakout arms in 2020; a top-10 prospect in-state.
Body: 6-0, 200-pounds. Durable, compact frame with strength in lower half.
Delivery: Works at a quick tempo; fast-paced rock to athletic hip turn balance point. Repeats well with glove pack before draw. Short stride to closed landing, stable lead leg, squared finish.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, compact arm circle to quick over-the-top slot.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Straight four-seam; feel for strikes.
CB: 73-74 mph. Aggressive, at arm speed; 12/6 plane. Topspins it with feel, confidence, that plays well from his arm slot.
CH: 75-76 mph. Slight decel. but tunnels well; some late fade.

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