During the summer season we gained much more information about the players in the 2021 class. It is poised to be an excellent group, with national level players, a number of whom have Team USA experience. With that it's time to update our player rankings for the Class of 2021, presented here.

Our team of scouts covered well over 600 high school games in the spring season and then, we added more depth of knowledge with the summer scouting season. By the time a class is entering their junior year we have seen many of the best in the class. However, by no means does that mean there aren't a few out there we have not yet come across or haven't seen as often as others. After scouting and evaluating these players, many since they were freshmen, we feel this represents the most comprehensive set of player rankings for the 2021 class in the State of California. 

In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts (both those in California and nationally) have also had many discussions with each other to review player lists and make adjustments based on what we've all seen. As such, rankings are fluid and we aim to reflect the development of the class.

There are some new players in the Top 5, including a new No. 1 player in the state. Among the Top 5 are four players hailing from Southern California, including a couple who are talented two-way players. Two of the five remain uncommitted as of this post, but for how long remains to be seen. Three of the players are making their debut in our California Top 5 in the 2021 class.

As players develop there are inevitably going to be changes within a ranking and given that these players are headed into their junior season, there is still a lot of development ahead of them. The junior season is an exciting one for those in the business of evaluating and ranking players. It is the season when some separation starts to really happen among the very best players, as some remain very good, others rise and are noticed, and some move to the elite prospect level. As we have stated before, being ranked in the state of California obviously means something very positive for each player. After much discussion, our scouting staff has agreed on our updated 2021 Top 150 Player Rankings for the state of California, presented below.

Without further ado, we present the updated Class of 2021 player rankings.

THE TOP FIVE

Marcelo Mayer (SS) of Eastlake HS moves into the No. 1 spot after backing up a big spring with another strong summer. With a rangy and highly projectable 6-foot-3, 175-pound body and L/R profile, there is a lot to dream on with Mayer. However, he routinely performs with his various tools and has done so as a member of Team USA and twice at Area Code Underclass Games, so the vision of his future is pretty clear. Mayer runs well and with his projectable power, he will likely be an extra base hit machine as he physically matures. He uses the whole field well, with the ability to drive the ball from line to line. Defensively he possesses the tools of a future plus defender, with a strong/accurate arm to go with high level footwork and confident feel for the game.

Moving to the No. 2 spot is CF Tyree Reed of American Canyon HS in the Bay Area. Reed, like Mayer, has ample elite level competition experience and plays with a calm that comes from that type of exposure. He's a long and sinewy player with exceptional range in centerfield, along with a plus arm. What has Reed vaulting up to this spot is, to steal a phrase from a long time scout, his 'usability of the ability.' His tools, in particular speed and arm strength have long been well regarded, but offensively there were some mechanics that needed to be ironed out. Well, at the Area Code Underclass Games Reed put on a show with the bat, with extra base power and then using that plus speed on the bases.

The No. 3 player in the updated ranking is RHP/C Luke Jewett of JSerra HS (UCLA commit). The likelihood is that he is a pitcher in college/beyond but given his overall athleticism/talent, it's premature to assume he's not a position player (6.92 60-yard, 1.93-2.01 pops, 83 mph arm, 91 mph exit velo). However as the video illustrates, it's his talent/polish on the mound that has him ranked here. Jewett has a smooth/athletic delivery and is able to repeat his mechanics. With the ability to spot a fastball up to 94 mph (down angle as well) and three quality secondary pitches (80-82 mph CHG may be his best secondary offering), Jewett is a handful for even the most talented high school hitters.

Previously ranked in the Top 10, 2B/OF Roc Riggio of Thousand Oaks HS (uncommitted) rises to No. 4 overall. Riggio is the type of pure LEFT-handed hitter who attracts attention from the highest levels of the game. He has present day extra base power, including home run power, and uses the entire field, which is a nightmare for pitchers. He has good bat control and displays a consistent ability to hit quality pitching. Riggio is also looked upon favorably because of how hard he plays the game, always going hard out of the box and looking to take an extra base. Versatile defender with footwork and arm strength that plays above average at 2nd base. Good routes in the outfield, where the arm also plays.

Making a BIG jump up to No. 5 is RHP/SS Eric Silva of Laguna Beach HS (UCLA commit). With a fastball that was up to 95 mph at Area Code Underclass and showing the ability to pitch in the 92-93 mph range, Silva has elevated himself near the top of the pitcher ranks in California and nationally. To go with the big fastball, he's got a snappy curveball (78-79 mph) that elicits swings/misses and/or buckles hitters. The arm action is loose and easy and to suggest he's not going to stop at 95 mph isn't a reach. As a position player Silva possesses multiple outstanding traits and talents. He plays instinctively with good range and the big arm to make plays most of his HS peers don't.

A LOOK AT NUMBERS 6-10:

No. 6 SS - Cody Schrier - JSerra HS (USC)

An elite level defender with outstanding range and a big arm at the SS position. Schrier is a multidimensional player, with big offensive talents (power and speed) to impact the game as well.

No. 7 RHP - Tonko Susac - Jesuit HS (Arizona)

Workhorse type build, Susac has three pitches (FB regularly up to 93) that all grade out as future plus pitches, with the slider being a future 70. Was electric in his second outing at Area Code Underclass. 

No. 8 SS - Max Muncy - Thousand Oaks HS (uncommitted)

Lean and strong, he possesses elite hand speed and also displays good barrel control, producing line drive power to all fields. Defensively has good range, with bouncy feet and a strong and versatile arm.

No. 9 SS - Davis Diaz - Acalanes HS (uncommitted)

Very little that Diaz can't do on the field, which has led him being a contributing Team USA player. Elite glove skills with a plus arm, he will stay at SS. Offensively has blossomed with physical maturity. 

No. 10 OF/LHP - Nick McLain - Beckman HS (UCLA)

A toolsy outfielder with a plus arm, McLain is also an above average runner (6.86 60) who has present day pull-side power. On the mound he offers left-handed velocity and a nasty breaking ball.

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