Underclass Trials: Infield Analysis

As we continue our roll out of the States’ Underclass Trials at Boomers Stadium, today we dive into the infield prospects.

2020 Aidan Stewart claimed the top spot showing off a fluid stroke at the plate and defensive savviness that will play at the next level. Kevin Coe saw his stock rise with an impressive performance at the event. The switch-hitter handles the bat from both sides of the plate and showed the ability to stick on the infield at the next level.

Breck Nowik is a highly-projectable prospect who continues to warrant attention in the 2020 class.

Ryan Kraft is the one 2021 prospect to find himself in the top five. Kraft, despite being highly-advanced on the mound for his age, has a simple left-handed swing with easy bat strength.

For a more in-depth analysis of the positions breakdown, continue on below.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Aidan Stewart, INF/RHP, Marian Catholic, 2020
6-foot-5, 173-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thin, athletic, projectable frame. At the plate, open setup, smooth load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Confident hitter, loose hands, short/level bat with with extension through the zone, natural uphill lift at times, line drive ability to the middle of the field, smooth rhythm throughout. Above average bat speed, exit velocity topped 91 mph from a tee. Defensively, natural actions, plays through the ball with fluid, agile footwork, soft hands, quick/clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot. True ball, comes out easy, carried across at 88 mph. 7.81 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact balance point, works in line down the mound, square landing, athletic finish. Super loose arm, full arm swing, quick and clean out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort involved. Flashed four pitch mix with feel for the zone. Fastball, worked straight 82-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 12/6 action with depth, 64-66 mph. Slider, 10/4 sweeper, can bury it, 68-71 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, hard fade, 72-73 mph.

2. Kevin Coe Jr, INF, Whitney Young, 2020
5-foot-7, 135-pound, switch hitting middle infielder, thin, wiry frame. Offensively, from the left side, balanced, open setup, minimal load, short stride. Natural uphill bat path, line drive ability to the middle of the field, extends through the zone, rhythm involved. Similar setup from the right side, steeper bat path, occasional hard contact up the middle. Exit velocity topped 84 mph from the left side and 81 mph from the right. Defensively, athletically plays through the ball, ranges to both side with ease, soft hands to a clean exchange, gets rid of it under control, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 79 mph across. 7.65 runner in the 60.  

3. Breck Nowik, INF/RHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-2, 160-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance. Loose hands, short, level, compact bat path, flashed line drive ability to the middle of the field, fluid rhythm involved. Exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Defensively can stick in the middle of the field, fluid footwork, plays through with soft hands, gets rid of it on the move, short, loose arm, multi angle slot, throws topped 80 mph across. 7.40 runner in the 60. On the mound, short leg up and down delivery, works in line, short stride down the mound, spins towards first at finish. Short, loose, whippy arm action, quick out front, ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run in the zone, 78-80 mph, topped 82 mph. Curveball, 10/4 slurve shape, gradual break, some depth, 66-74 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 70-75 mph.

4. Ryan Kraft, INF/LHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
6-foot-3, 180-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, tall, athletic, projectable frame. At the plate, tall, open setup, smooth back load, short stride, maintains balance. Loose hands, uphill bat path with extension, creates lift through swing, gap to gap approach, easy, fluid rhythm throughout. Fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 90 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through athletically, clean actions, agile footwork, soft hands, long, loose arm, ¾ slot, throws carried 76 mph across. 7.80 runner in the 60. On the mound, short side step windup, toe lift, high knee balance point, works in line, high front side with hip lead, open toe landing, super athletic finish out front, rhythm involved. Short, loose arm swing, hides ball well on back side, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, easy effort throughout. Polished three pitch mix with feel for the zone. Fastball comes out easy with late run, 81-83 mph. Curveball, gradual 2/8 break, flashed depth 64-68 mph. Changeup maintained fastball arm speed, faded hard off the table, 73-75 mph.

5. Kyler Brown, INF, St. Charles North, 2020
6-foot-2, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, athletic, projectable frame. Offensively, balanced setup, back wrap load, short toe tap trigger, maintains balance throughout. Long, slightly uphill bat path, loose hands, extends barrel through the zone, consistent hard line drive pop, gap to gap approach. Above average bat speed, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, soft/agile hands, short arm action, clean high ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across. Showed well in body control play, projects more as a corner infielder. 7.55 runner in the 60.

Best of the rest (Listed alphabetically)

Ethan Bowers, INF, Vernon Hills, 2021
5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, strong, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced setup, hands pop up at back load, leg kick stride. Strong hands, uphill bat path, high one handed finish, flashed line drive ability with bat speed, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through with quick/easy actions, fluid footwork, soft hands, quick exchange/transfer, short arm, over the top slot, throws topped 74 mph across.7.32 runner in the 60.

Andrew Chieng, INF, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-7, 140-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, athletic frame. Offensively, narrow, open setup, back load, long stride. Short, level bat path, occasional line drives to the middle of the field, exit velocity topped 72 from a tee. 7.73 runner in the 60.

Nick Clevenger, INF, Newman Central Catholic, 2020
6-foot-1, 205-pound, right handed hitting infielder, strong frame. Balanced, open setup, back/drop load, short leg lift trigger. Uphill, compact bat path, creates lift through swing, flashed pull/power pop with present bat speed, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee.  Defensively projects as a corner infielder, steady hands, packs at exchange, short arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot, throws topped 69 mph across. 7.99 runner in the 60.

Patrick Faith, INF, St. Charles North, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, switch hitting infielder, thin, wiry frame. Offensively from the left side, tall setup, weight on back side, back bar load, short stride. Long, steep, uphill bat path, high, two-handed finish, some stiffness with occasional hard contact. Similar setup and pre-pitch from the right side, quicker bat speed, bat path not as steep, middle approach at both sides of the plate. Exit velocity topped 76 mph from the right side and 72 mph from the left. Defensively, plays through the ball, clean exchange, hands work, short, loose arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 68 mph across.7.41 runner in the 60.

Nick Fehrle, INF/RHP, Boylan, 2021
6-foot-2, 215-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, thick frame. At the plate, balanced, closed setup, drop/bar load, short toe tap trigger. Loose hands, long, level bat path, favored pull side, some bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, pack exchange, short arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across with accuracy. 8.42 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact short balance point, works straight, short, closed toe stride, pop up recoil at finish. Short arm swing, some quickness out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball, worked straight, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 59-68 mph.

Brennan Fisher, INF, Walther Christian, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound, left-handed hitting first baseman, well-proportioned, athletic frame. At the plate, open, tall setup, back/wrap, high elbow load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Uphill bat path, can get steep, flashed pull side pop, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 93 mph from a tee. Defensively, athletically fields his position, steady hands, clean/long exchange, short arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across. 7.61 runner in the 60.

Will Gibbs, INF, Harrisburg, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, well-proportioned frame. At the plate, balanced setup, slight back bar load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Short, level bat path, sprayed line drives to the middle of the field, some quick twitch with rhythm involved. Exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick actions, ability to range to both sides, plays through some with a slight recoil after release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across. 7.43 runner in the 60.

Thomas Giese, 1B/RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, projectable frame. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, back/wrap load, long toe tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, some rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively comfortable around first base, steady hands, short, quick arm action, ball comes out easy, high ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across. 8.05 runner in the 60. On the mound, heel lift, sturdy balance point, slightly closed toe landing, spins off to first base at finish. Short arm swing, over the top slot, occasionally stiff at release, some effort involved. Fastball worked to the arm side, slight run, 74-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 64-69 mph. Changeup played 74-75 mph.

Evan Herpstreith, INF/RHP, Nokomis, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, well-proportioned, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, back bar load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Loose hands, short, level bat path, favored pull side, flashed quick twitch swing with above average bat speed, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, quick exchange, short, whippy arm, ¾ slot. Throws carried across at 78 mph with accuracy. 7.46 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact, flat foot balance point, works in line, square/heel landing. Short, loose arm swing, arm speed throughout, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball ran, down in the zone, 76-78 mph. Slider, gradual 11/5 break, 64-68 mph. Gets under changeup, played 67-71 mph.

Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-10, 145-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted frame. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Keeps head down, level bat path, middle of the field, contact approach, one-handed finish, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up at exchange, long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 76 mph across. 7.32 runner in the 60. On the mound, tilt and topple delivery, tall balance, high front side, works in line, open landing, slight fall to first at finish. Full arm swing, long, loose, whippy arm, quick and clean out front, over the top slot. Fastball cut some, occasional tilt, 76-78 mph. Curveball 12/6 gradual break, 65-67 mph. Changeup worked at fastball arm speed, faded off the table, 70-71 mph.

Brandon Jernigan, 1B/RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot, 240-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, imposing, physical frame. Offensively, balanced, closed toe setup, back/drop load, short toe tap trigger. Loose hands, long, uphill bat path, above average bat speed, looks to create lift though swing, flashed major pull side pop deep to left field. Some effort and rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 91 mph from a tee. Defensively, moves well for his size, plays through with rhythm, soft hands, clean transfer/exchange, short, high ¾ slot, ball carried across at 84 mph. 7.80 runner in the 60. On the mound, short rocker step to heel lift balance point, utilizes hip lead to extend down the mound, works in line, athletic finish out front. Full arm swing on back side, some quickness out front, loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball sank, down in the zone to arm side, ranged 82-85 mph.
Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, flashed depth, 66-69 mph.

Zachary Kolb, INF, Plainfield South, 2020
5-foot-7, 155-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, athletic frame. Offensively, weight transfer pre-pitch, balanced setup, back drop load, short toe tap trigger, maintains balance. Short, level bat path, quick to the ball, extends through it, line drive contact, rhythm involved. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, steady hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some stiff at release, throws topped 68 mph across. 7.54 runner in the 60.

Colin Lehmann, C/1B, Barrington, 2020
6-foot-1, 201-pounds, strong, durable-build, catcher and first baseman. Offensively, right-handed, balanced setup, fluid rhythm, reverse toe tap stride. Gap-to-gap type hitter, attacks the ball, long barrel path through the zone, maintains strength through contact, 95 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran an 8.07 laser-timed 60. Defensively, behind the plate, short arm action, over-the-top slot, quick, clean exchanges, 68 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.25-2.30. At first base, long arm action, over-the-top slot, 72 mph across the infield.

William Le Pretre, INF/RHP, DeLaSalle, 2020
5-foot-10, 130-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way player, thin, wiry frame. At the plate, balanced, relaxed setup, back bar drop load, short stride, rhythm involved. Long, uphill bat path, flashed hard contact to the pull side, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball with fluid footwork, steady hands, ranges to his gloveside with ease. Clean exchange, short, loose arm action, over the top slot, ball carried with accuracy at 74 mph across the diamond. On the mound, tilt and topple delivery, works in line, extends down the mound, slight closed toe landing, athletic finish. Long arm on back side, some quickness out front, clean high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, rhythm involved. Slide step out of the stretch, quick to home and strikes with all pitches. Fastball, ran with tilt down in the zone, 77-80 mph. Slider, 11/5 gradual break, 67-69 mph. Changeup played 74-76 mph.

Michael Maloney, INF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, high-waisted, thin frame. At the plate, open setup, smooth back load, short leg lift trigger. Loose hands, long, uphill bat path, flashed line drive ability, gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively plays through the ball, soft hands, packs at exchange, long, multi angle arm slot, throws carried across with accuracy, 77 mph. 7.36 runner in the 60.

Marcus Maristela, INF, Grayslake Central, 2020
5-foot-7, 140-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, high-waisted frame. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short knee to knee leg kick trigger, rhythm involved. Short, compact bat path, gap to gap approach, stays inside the ball, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, hands play, clean exchanges, long, loose, whippy arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 73 mph across. Ran a laser-timed 7.09 60 yard dash.

Carter Markham, INF, North Scott (IA), 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, lanky, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced, tall setup, slight wrap load, long/quick leg lift stride. Loose hands, aggressive uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, flashed extension through the zone with pull side pop, quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. 7.50 runner in the 60.

Sean McDevitt, INF, St. Rita, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, wiry, projectable frame. At the plate, calm, balanced, tall setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance throughout.
Short, slightly uphill bat path, consistent hard line drive contact to the middle of the field, rhythm involved. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball with steady hands, quick transfers, short, loose arm action, multi-angle slot, throws topped 74 mph across. 7.70 runner in the 60.

Alec McGinnis, INF, Normal West, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, thin frame. 7.29 runner in the 60. At the plate, balanced, slightly closed setup, back drop load, long knee to knee stride. Long, uphill bat path, occasional line drive contact, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, arm plays long and loose, ¾ to high ¾ slot, throws topped 73 mph across.

Kyle Miller, INF, Hampshire, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, well proportioned frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, minimal back load, short leg lift trigger. Long, level bat path, occasionally uphill, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick transfer/release, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 67 mph across. 7.68 runner in the 60.

Daniel Mulcare, C/3B, Glenbard West, 2021
6-foot-4, 180-pound, lanky catcher and third baseman, extra large frame. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, barrel wrap load, short stride. Level barrel path, line drive contact, 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, slot varied between ¾ and low ¾, 69 mph across the infield, 66 out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.30-2.44. Ran an 8.19 laser-timed 60.

Mitchell Murphy, INF, Normal Community, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, well-proportioned frame. At the plate, wide setup, top wrap load, short stride. Long, level bat path, some hard line drive pop to the pull side, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Defensively, keeps his feet underneath him, steady hands, winds up at exchange, short arm, high ¾ slot, throws topped 75 mph across. 7.61 runner in the 60.

Griffin Neuweg, INF/RHP, Rochester, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athletic, durable frame. At the plate, balanced setup, wrap load, short stride. Long, level bat path, occasionally uphill, flashed pull side pop, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up at exchange, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph across with accuracy. 8.08 runner in the 60. On the mound, rocks back side step to compact balance point, works in line, hard heel landing, some spin off at finish. Long arm on the back side, sone quickness out front, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball ran, some sink 74-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball gradual 12/6 break, flashed depth, 64-66 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded, 65-68 mph.

William Pauling, INF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, wiry, athletic frame. Ran a 6.89 laser timed 60. At the plate, athletic, slightly open setup, smooth load, long, heavy front foot, leg lift trigger. Uphill bat path, high finish, flashed line drive ability to the middle of the field, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Defensively, athletically plays through the ball, agile feet, clean exchanges, occasionally packs glove, soft hands, short arm, high ¾ slot. Made plus play sliding to his back hand, balls carried across at 81 mph.

Brandon Rojas, INF, Mount Carmel, 2021
5-foot-9, 145-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, balanced, wide stup, back load, leg lift trigger. Short, level bat path, flashed extension through the zone, line drive ability, favored pull side, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, hands work, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 68 mph across. 7.85 runner in the 60.

Isaiah Ruch, INF, Oakwood, 2021
6-foot-1, 210-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, thick frame. Offensively, balanced wide setup, back, drop load, short toe tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, slight cast, middle of the field approach, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively profiles as a corner infielder, long, slow arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 69 mph across.8.04 runner in the 60.

Nick Scroppo, C/INF, Peotone, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound, lanky frame, catcher and middle infielder. Offensively, right-handed, balanced setup, hands load back, reverse toe tap stride, long, level barrel path through the zone, flashed hard contact, 72 mph exit velocity. Defensively,  long arm action, high ¾ slot on the infield, over-the-top behind the plate, quick on exchanges and with footwork. Clocked at 72 across the infield, 68 behind the plate, pop times ranged 2.15-2.26. Ran a 7.69 laser-timed 60.

Tom Slazyk, INF, Manhattan, 2021
5-foot-10, 160-pound, left-handed hitting infielder, well-proportioned frame. Offensively, open, wide setup, smooth back load, long knee to knee stride. Long, level bat path, can get uphill, flashed line drive ability, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, arm plays short, high ¾ slot, throws topped 69 mph across. 8.20 runner in the 60.

Jake Tapia, INF/RHP, Belvidere North, 2021
6-foot, 158-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, wiry, athletic frame. At the plate, open setup, back, top wrap load, short stride. Short, level bat path with bat speed, early timing mechanism led to pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, hands work, clean exchange, short arm, high ¾ slot, throws topped 77 mph across. 7.77 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact, toe lift balance point, works in line, closed toe landing, athletic finish. Long arm on the back side, quick and loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, downhill some, 78-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball 11/5 gradual break, 64-67 mph. Changeup maintained fastball arm speed, slight fade, 71-75 mph.

Bodie Turner, C/3B/RHP, St. Rita, 2021
6-foot-3, 212-pound, two-way prospect, strong, thick upper and lower halves, extra large frame. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide, balanced setup, short stride. Power, pull hitter, long, uphill barrel path, 86 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, short, high ¾ slot behind the plate and in the field. 70 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.37-2.44. 72 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.01 laser-timed 60. On the mound, short arm action, slot varied between high ¾ and over-the-top, tilt and topple delivery. Fastball, cutting action at-times, 73 mph, touching 74 once. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 63-66. Changeup, fade action, feel for, 68-70.   

Cade Turner, C/INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, lanky frame, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Defensively, at catcher, arm action works short, over-the-top, 74 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.26-2.36. On the infield, long arm action, high ¾ slot, kept throws around bag, 75 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, 80 mph exit velocity off a tee. On the mound, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands open, finishes athletically with slight recoil. Fastball, sinking action, down in the zone for strikes, 74-76, touching 77. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 59-61. Split-finger, some tumble, 62-64. Ran an 8.26 laser-timed 60.

Cristopher Vargas, INF, DeLaSalle, 2020
5-foot-6, 155-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. At the plate, balanced, open setup, slight back bar load, leg kick trigger. Level bat path, middle of the field approach, one-handed finish, exit velocity topped 72 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, short, loose arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot, throws topped 64 mph across the infield. 8.03 runner in the 60.

Jacob Zandy, INF, Tinley Park, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, lanky frame. At the plate, open setup, slight wrap load, toe tap trigger. Long, steep, uphill bat path, stays inside the ball, flashed line drive contact, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, arm plays long and loose, full arm swing at times, ¾ to high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph across. 7.93 runner in the 60.