Updated Colorado 2019 Rankings
March 18, 2019
Entering the spring season, we’re all set to reevaluate and update the class rankings, and we’ll start by taking a closer look today at the top-10 prospects in Colorado’s 2019 class.
It’s been over two months since we last updated the Class of 2019 Rankings. We’re due for an update.
With that, let’s look at the revamped top-10 prospects.
At the top, retaining his No. 1 spot for the 6th consecutive time, is Riley Cornelio (Pine Creek High School; Texas Christian commit). RHP Riley Cornelio has some of the more electric “stuff” in the 2019 class, and should he reach his high-ceiling while in Fort Worth, the Horned Frogs could very well be making multiple trips to Omaha. His fastball has been up into the mid 90s, and he counters it with a sharp breaking ball that will be a swing and miss weapon at the next level. An uncomfortable at-bat because of the aggressiveness of the delivery and the quickness of his arm, Cornelio will likely contribute immediately for the Horned Frogs, although he will have a chance to hear his named called early on in the MLB Draft.
Justin Boyd (Legend; Oregon State), reclaims the No. 2 spot, the ranking he has had the last 4 2019 rankings. Boyd is a versatile athletic SS who could also start in CF. Recently participating in PBR's Super 60, Colorado's Preseason All-State,Boyd’s consistency on the day, and his overall confident demeanor stood out throughout the workouts. An Oregon State recruit, Boyd certainly fits the mold of players that are constantly coming out of Corvallis: athletic, hard-working and confident. After posting a 6.75 60-yard dash time, the right-handed hitter turned in one of the top overall performances in batting practice. In each round he comfortably peppered line drives to both gaps while trying to stay in the middle of the field. Heavier on the backside while working slightly uphill with a two-handed finish, Boyd’s ability to produce consistent, firm contact showed well throughout the event, and the upside as a Colorado prep product should play well at draft time. His overall confidence carries over to the field where he was sure-handed throughout the defensive portion, handling everything that was hit at him with ease while showcasing a strong, accurate arm and quick release. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder features lean, proportional strength throughout the frame with signs of carrying more in the future. Boyd is the son of a coach, and carries himself with a relaxed, yet confident aura that makes his tools play up higher. Boyd would improve his 60 time at Colorado's Preseason All-State by running a 6.59, while also producing a 97 mph exit velo.
Justin Boyd 2-3-2019
Sam Ireland (Mountain Vista; Minnesota) another top arm in the class and remains at the No. 3 spot. 6-foot-3, 195-pound RHP/1B. The two way player had a dominant season for the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles helping lead them to the 5A State Championship. With the ability to run his fastball up to 90-91 mph, Ireland on the mound went 11-1 in 72 innings carrying a 2.72 ERA. Ireland only surrendered 56 hits, and struck out 77 while also throwing a no-hitter. At the plate, Ireland led the state with 43 RBI's. Ireland clubbed 11 homeruns, to go along with 8 doubles while hitting .400. Ireland was name PBR Colorado as their player of the year which you can read here.
Derek Shaver (Grand Junction; Wichita State) lands back in the top 10 checking in at No. 4. After an ACL injury sidelined Shaver in 2019, Shaver worked hard to get back into baseball shape and had a successful summer and fall circuit. His increased size and strength was evident. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound, physically-advanced, athletically built, right-handed hitter, could arguably have the best bat in the class. On the mound, Shaver can also run his fastball up 87-88 mph.
LHP Graham Osman (Colorado Academy; Arizona State), recently committing to ASU, Osman has been rising at a fast pace since the fall of 2017. One of our biggest risers in our last 2019 ranking update, Osman rounds out the top 5. With a projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, and loose arm action, Osman has seen his fastball velocity increase from lower 80’s last spring, to 87-88 this fall.
A couple of athletic outfielders Tayler Aguilar (Northridge; Grand Canyon), and Bryce Matthews (Chaparral; Arkansas), take up the next two spots at 6 and 7. Both are 5-tool players with physical frames. Recently at Colorado's Preseason All-State, Aguilar impressed by throwing 92 from the outfield, ran a 6.89 laser timed 60, and showed advanced bat speed registering a 95 mph exit velo off live pitching.
Rounding out the top 10 are 2B Drew Stahl (Mountain Vista; Washington State). Stahl has electric hands and features the rare combination and potential to hit for a high average and power, with speed at the next level. Bats and throws right. Stahl had an impressive year at the plate helping the Golden Eagles win their first 5A State championship. Stahl led the Golden Eagles with a .444 batting average in 81 at bats. Stahl drove in 35, with 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 homeruns while scoring 38 runs. His OPS was. 1.340.
Right handed pitcher Eric McKnight (Heritage; Arkansas-Little Rock), and catcher Grant Magill (Mountain Vista; Indiana State) come in at 9 and 10.
CLICK HERE for the complete Class of 2019 Rankings.