2022 Future Games: Heff's Hits
August 8, 2022
The 11th annual Future Games took place on July 27-30 at LakePoint in Emerson, Georgia. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2024 and 2025 participated in one of the most popular events of the year.
More than 300 colleges from across the country were looking on as approximately 500 players participated in this year’s event. In 2021, a record 330 college and professional coaches and scouts were in attendance.
Having a close look at each of these area's teams, I decided to come up with an article that features numerous things that I saw in my time down in Georgia.
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2022 Future Games for these areas, see below:
- Team Ohio, click here.
- Team Michigan, click here.
- Team Canada, click here.
- Team Massachusetts, click here.
- Team Connecticut, click here.
To view the entire 2022 Future Games stats, including the Trackman/Blast Analytics, please click here.
2022 Future Games: Heff's Hits
EMERSON, Ga. - The Future Games at LakePoint was once again one of the top events in the entire nation for uncommitted prospects to be seen. With 330+ scouts/coaches from around the nation, these prospects were seen by colleges from each corner of the nation.
For myself, this was my 9th Future Games (I missed out in 2020 and 2012) and with each year, I see the growth of the event ... The facility is top notch, the talent opens eyes, the amount of coaches is mind-blowing, the PBR staff puts in work, etc... I could go on and on.
This is the second edition of Heff's Hits, with the focus being on the 2022 Future Games... Enjoy!
Single: The Landmark
The summer Georgia heat is no joke (I am thankful for the cooling towel that was recently purchased before the drive down to Georgia), but we couldn't ask for a better setting, better weather, or better facilities. LakePoint is a beautiful complex. The setup was perfect for the games. The scouts/coaches had more than enough space to scope out the prospects and communicate with each other, while the parents were able to relax under the shade and watch some outstanding baseball.
The weather cooperated for the most part, but of course the one lightning delay on the last day cut short the final day of games.
Double: Seeing The PBR Guys And College Coaches
One thing that always brings a smile to my face when we have national events is being able to see all of the guys that I converse with throughout the year, but only get to see a couple times. Seeing the coaches in person that I have conversations with weekly was great. Getting to have a quick chat and fist bump with Sean Duncan or a nice conversation with Shooter Hunt about prospects in my area or thanking Yarbs (Matt Yarber) for all he does to help me with the back end of the website ... all of these things bring a smile to my face.
Being able to see all my Canadian friends and seeing the interactions with them along with my Ohio and Michigan guys ... way too many stories and laughs there. The interactions with the baseball guys from the Northeast always brightens my day as well! Great guys all around is what make Prep Baseball Report a great place to work with!
Triple: The Talent Being Seen
Every year at the Future Games, the focus is on the talent on the field, as it should be. In 2022, the talent level was high and the coaches/scouts loved what they saw ...
“Every player at the Future Games has been evaluated by the PBR staff, so their presence alone means that they have next-level talent,” explained Hunt. “Many players had strong, breakout weeks, but even the guys who didn't see in-game success are still likely very much on college coaches' radars. I think it is important for those kids who didn't think that they performed well to understand that it was only four days, and college coaches are evaluating much more than whether or not they produced in that short window.”
Home Run: Family
This may be a "homer" pick for me, but the "home run" from the 2022 Future Games was getting to experience all of this with my dad, Bruce Hefflinger (PBR OH, MI, NE, Canada Senior Writer). Whether it was the talks during the more than nine-hour road trip, doing the "Dugout Chatter Interviews", the fun hotel talks about the prospects we saw that day, the good southern food, etc ... This was a memorable trip that won't be forgotten. Thank you as always to Chris Valentine for allowing this to happen! I can't wait until next year!!
2021 Heff's Hits Elite 25: PBR Future Games
*** To view the full list in PDF form, click here.
The Elite 25 from the Future Games is a listing of the 25 guys that stood out to me from our areas (Ohio, Michigan, New England, Canada). The list consists of 25 guys who had outstanding performances in-game or during the showcase portion, or just stood out in their own way on the field and off. Congrats to the 25 prospects who made the list and thank you to all of the participants down at the Future Games for providing outstanding baseball on the field for us to watch!
Pitchers
 |
Kellan Klosterman RHP / 3B / Moeller, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 8
Report: The 6-2, 165-pound righty got the ball for Team Ohio to start in game one against Team Florida in a much anticipated matchup. The stuff was flithy, with the fastball sitting 87-89, T90 w/heavy ASR. Complimented the fastball with two above average offspeed pitches in a slider and changeup. Showed advanced aptitude for spin, consistently bending in a heavy slider in the upper-70s. Changeup also showed flashes of + potential. Struck out four in three innings of work.
|
 |
Hayden Blosser RHP / SS / Avon Lake, OH / 2024Report: A 6-3, 160-pound righty with as much projection as any arm in the Midwest. The arm is electric, with the fastball sitting 86-88 , that is complimented by a + breaker. The hammer of a curveball sits in the mid-70s at 2400rpms. One of the top outings we've seen from him and it had the scouts buzzing. Legitimized himself as a top arm in the state.
|
 |
Brennan Hill LHP / OF / Grosse Pointe North, MI / 2024Report: Projectable 6-3, 175-pound lefty with an arm slot that has proven difficult for hitters for a while now. The fastball velo jump was nice to see, with it getting up to 89 mph. Four pitch mix, a slider and curve out of the same arm slot and a changeup thrown with good arm speed that looks similar to fastball out of hand. Interesting mix of present pitchability and projection with a proven track record on the mound.
|
 |
Parker Brzustewicz 3B / RHP / Orchard Lake St. Marys, MI / 2024Report: 6-3, 175-pound frame that oozes projection on the mound. The separator is his feel for the breaking ball, which sat 72-74 with 2300 spin rates and had hitters fooled on the pitch, striking out seven in three innings. Fastball was up to 86 mph with more velo in the tank as he adds strength. Also known for his bat while manning the hot corner.
|
 |
Carson Custer RHP / 3B / Grand Rapids Christian, MI / 2024Rankings StateRank: 14 / POS: 4
Report: 6-1, 205-pound physically developed right-hander with all of the makings of a power arm. Four-pitch mix had hitters off-balance in his outing. Fastball ran up to 91 mph with a sharp curve, a sweeping slider and a changeup with good arm speed. Some of the best present stuff out of the 2024 class in Michigan.
|
 |
Makaio Cisneros RHP / OF / All Saints Catholic secondary school, ON / 2024Rankings OverallRank: 401 / POS: 117
Report: At 6-2, 165-pounds, this righty has a projectable frame that is ready to fill out. The fastball sat in the upper-80s, topping at 91. Cisneros didn't allow a hit in his two innings, with only weak contact being allowed. Four-pitch mix, with all three secondary pitches showing flashes of a + pitch.
|
 |
Matthew Brown RHP / SS / Waterdown District, ON / 2024Rankings OverallRank: 374 / POS: 112
Report: At 6-5, 185-pounds, Brown oozes projectability. The right-hander has a long and loose arm action and is able to keep hitters off balance. Fastball ran up to 89 mph. Worked three innings and limited the base runners.
|
 |
Beau Elson LHP / OF / Phillips Exeter Academy, NH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 8 / POS: 2
Report: Big time stuff from the athletic 6-0, 190-pound southpaw. Plus fastball with life and the makings of a super slider. Spin Rates in the 2300s for the lefty. Threw the ball well in his two inning outing.
|
 |
Owen Tahnk RHP / 1B / Newburyport, MA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 16 / POS: 5
Report: 6-3, 195-pound projectable right-handed pitcher. Short and quick on the backside. Fastball has late life, running it up to 89 mph. Pounded the 2-seamer to the arm-side. Mixed is a slurvy breaker. Lots of projection, pounded the zone, pitching two clean innings.
|
Two-Way
 |
Chase Van Ameyde SS / RHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2024Rankings StateRank: 53 / POS: 9
Report: 6-5, 180-pound legit two-way prospect with a tall lean frame. Good feel in the box starting in an upright stance, showing ability to work all fields. Defensively has good actions, projecting at the corner where his arm plays. Threw 89 mph across the infield. Big upside on the mound as well showing multiple arm slots. Sits 86-88 with the fastball throwing it out of over the high 3/4 and side arm slot. Breaking ball is two planed at 72-74. Works with a tighter breaking curve out of 3/4 slot and a sweeping slider out of the low slot. Huge week as a two-way and projects well as a hitter and pitcher.
|
 |
Conlan Daniel OF / RHP / Moeller, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 2
Report: The athletic 6-0, 170-pound two-way prospect had himself a day in game two. After his 3-run triple, he took the mound and showed electric stuff. ++ Athleticism, explosive delivery. Arm speed jumps out right away. Fastball topped at 90 mph and never dipped below 87. The fastball is complimented by a late breaking curveball.
|
 |
JoJo Overbeek RHP / 3B / Anderson, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 7
Report: 6-4, 215-pound legit two-way power prospect. Physical presence in the box who doesn't get cheated up there, taking aggressive hacks. Natural tools with the bat, with mid-70s batspeed and four balls at 95+, topping at 101 mph exit velo. Slam dunk run producer profile. At first base, he offers above average athleticism/ball skills. Could possibly move to a corner OF spot at the next level considering athleticism/advanced arm strength. On the bump, the righty topped at 90 mph, with the ball coming out hot. Secondary was servicable but has potential to make strides. High, high ceiling. MVP of game 1, hitting a bomb and closing out the game against Team Florida.
|
Infielders
 |
Brendan Lawson SS / 3B / Lawrence Park, ON / 2024Rankings OverallRank: 392 / POS: 90
Report: Lawson was one of Canada’s main attractions on the positional side and he didn’t disappoint during the showcase. 6-foot-3, 185-pound left-handed hitter who looks the part in the box and stands out with nearly everything he does on the field. Mature round of BP that worked middle to pull side with the ball jumping off his bat. Showed the actions, athleticism and arm strength today that will help him stick at shortstop. Lawson should have plenty of interest from college coaches as he departs the Future Games.
|
 |
Brenson Watters 1B / OF / Rochester Adams, MI / 2024Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 1
Report: Left-handed hitter crushed the ball during BP. Consistent barrels with loud contact. Ball jumps off the bat working pullside during BP. 7.08 runner who plays faster on bases during game. Primary 1B with the athleticism and arm to play corner OF.
|
 |
Parker Corbin SS / C / Cincinnati Country Day, OH / 2024Report: The 5-9, 180-pound left-handed hitter has one of the state's top hit tools. Line drive machine w/a ton of feel in the box. All fields approach w/70+mph batspeed and mid-90s exits at his peak. Versatile bat who can fill multiple roles inside a lineup. Middle infield profile defensively, hands work feet are quick and moves well laterally.
|
 |
Chase Mendela SS / RHP / St. Paul Catholic, CT / 2024Rankings StateRank: 56 / POS: 12
Report: 5-8, 155-pound gamer. Each time I seen the left-handed hitter at the plate, he barreled up the ball, and later scored after running the bases well. Short quick stroke, very smooth defensively, above average arm. Went 5-7 at the plate in game.
|
Outfielders
 |
Asafa Jones OF / LHP / TNXL - Florida, ON / 2024Report: Jones’ physical frame and size draws plenty of looks alone and he continues to flash his juice from the left side. 6-foot, 200-pound outfielder from TNXL Academy and although it wasn’t the best round of BP from him, he put one ball over the fence and worked three straight line drives up the middle at 95+ mph. The left-handed swing will be the carrying tool but he’s a competent defender in the outfield with arm strength where he will likely slide over to RF from center. Continues to stand out among his peers.
|
 |
Jorge Valdes OF / Bishop Reding, ON / 2024Report: Valdes put together one of the best all-around days from the Canadian positional players. He started his day by running the top 60-time at 6.55. Smaller frame at 5-9, 165-pounds, but can get it done offensively and defensively, although his defending CF is his biggest separator, as hr can run it down with the best of them. Left-handed hitter with a level swing that was working to all fields with line drives during BP. Athletic outfielder to keep tabs on in Ontario these next couple years.
|
 |
Dylan Larkins CF / 1B / U of D Jesuit, MI / 2024Report: Athletic and projectable OF who is a true centerfielder at 6-3, 185-pounds. Good arm at 87 mph and runs well posting, 6.87 60-yard dash. Left-handed hitter at the plate with a tall athletic stance. Gap to gap approach. Roped a huge triple for Team Michigan in game two. Infectous smile and a prospect who loves to play the game of baseball.
|
 |
Anthony Ruggiero CF / 1B / Nipmuc Regional, MA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 1
Report: 6-2, 170-pound lean athletic frame. Impressed with his left-handed swing. Wiry-athletic left-handed hitter showcased a propensity to drive the ball to the back side gap, keeping the barrel in the zone with some quickness of the hands and a short stroke. Direct path with quick hands. Long athletic frame should carry more strength. Runs a 6.8.
|
 |
Dylan Kennedy-Fujah OF / 2B / Cheshire Academy, CT / 2024Rankings StateRank: 33 / POS: 4
Report: Uber-athletic 5-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter. Strong path to the ball, displaying the ability to go to all fields with pop. Above average runner who has the versatility to play multiple positions. |
Catchers
 |
Parker McDaniels C / RHP / Olentangy Berlin, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 2
Report: One of the better rounds we've seen from the talented backstop. Physical bat that showed quality bat to ball skills and all field capabilities. Impressive showing w/upper 80s hop off the barrel. Defensively, it's one of the better grades regardless of position for Ohio. Can block/receive with the best of them and can catch/throw at an above average clip.
|
 |
Brady Marshall C / SS / Orrville, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 31 / POS: 3
Report: Not sure he missed a barrel throughout his round-using the entire yard. Everything is fluid, efficient, and serves a purpose movement wise. Arguably the most productive round for Ohio. Defensively is one of the top glove guys Ohio has. Can really pick it up the middle and is lock down behind the dish. Committed to Kent State at the conclusion of the Future Games.
|
 |
Jace Roossien C / 1B / Phillips Academy - Andover, MA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 9
Report: With this being the second time seeing Roossien, as he was at the Future Games last year, my eyes opened after watching the BP, as it was one of the better BP rounds at the showcase from both the left and right side. Showcased pop and a gap-to-gap approach. Added strength from the last years Future Games. The defense has improved behind the dish as well, with simple catch and throw skills behind the dish. Displayed speed and athleticism at the event, recording a 60 time of 6.91. |
 |
Fletcher Waterman C / Deerfield Academy, MA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 5
Report: 6-1, 195-pound athletic projectable frame. Above average and athletic at the plate, the right-handed hitter was ranked 2nd on the team with an exit velocity of 95 mph. Starts in a balanced athletic stance with a small load, then uses a small stride. Bat speed is explosive and still developing, has a flat loose swing plane and good extension on his high finish. In the round, he found lots of barrels with loud contact. Gap to gap aggressive approach. While catching, throw downs to second were maxed at 75 mph; showed next level hands, a clean natural transfer, and athletic quick feet. Pop times of 2.03-2.19. Athletic setup. Using a loose arm action, showed consistent accuracy to the bag from a high ¾ slot. Clocked a time of 7.24 in the 60-yard dash. |