Bradenton, FL— On Saturday, Jan. 27th, 100 of the top high school prospects ranging from the 2018-2021 classes participated in PBR Florida’s second annual Preseason All-State which is the premier kickoff event for the 2018 spring high school season. Last year’s inaugural event boasted some of the top talent from throughout the state of Florida and this year’s event was no different. From draft talent, numerous Division I recruits, and some of the top uncommitted underclassman in the state, the Preseason All-State is one of the most highly viewed events in the state of Florida. With that talented group, we begin our breakdown with the Middle Infielders, starting with the Top Ten, followed by the best of the rest. 

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Logan Keller SS / 3B / Lake Brantley, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 5 OverallRank: 121 / POS: 21 Alabama recruit. Stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. Looks to have grown a bit and filled out. Broad shoulder, strong frame with more room to continue to ass strength. Defensively, he works under control. He could work with a bit more rhythm with the feet to and through the ball, but overall a solid defender. Shows plenty of arm to slide to third at the next level at 88 mph. Offensively the added strength showed in present pull side power. There is present bat to ball skills and even more power potential in the future. Exit velocity was 94 mph. Projects as an above average hitter with above average power at the next level and will be a draft follow for 2019.

Zac Veen SS / 3B / Spruce Creek, FL / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 6 OverallRank: 145 / POS: 36 Central Florida recruit. Long and lean with athleticism standing at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds. Flashes explosive movements that should only become more prevalent as he matures. Offensively, he has a smooth left handed swing that mechanically, reminds you of Cody Bellinger. He generates advanced whip through the zone. Lots of offensive potential here and a chance for power as he continues to add to his frame. Registered an 89 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field he shows athleticism and actions with an accurate arm across the diamond that topped out at 80 mph. Clocked in at 7.09 for his 60 yard dash time. High follow for the 2020 class

Alex Freeland SS / 3B / Mariner, FL / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 47 / POS: 12 Athletic build on lanky 6-foot-1 frame with room to grow. Athletic, twitchy actions. Projects as strength-athletic combo. Offensively, he has a patient approach in the box and quick hands that can handle velocity. Switch hitter with pull power from the left side and can consistently square it up. Line drive approach from the right side. Registered a 92 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field he is smooth with hands to match and has a solid arm, topping out at 80 mph across the diamond. Has a lot of untapped physical potential and is a solid athlete. Clocked in at 7.60 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. Strong follow.

Andres Antonini SS / 2B / St Thomas Aquinas, FL / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 46 / POS: 11 OverallRank: 208 / POS: 35 Pittsburgh recruit. The 6-foot-2, 215 pound shortstop has put on quite a bit of muscle to a broad shoulder, athletic frame. It doesn’t appear to have hindered his agility though, as fe still shows a quick, athletic first step and above average all around defensive actions. He works to and through the ball with confidence and should have enough range to stick at short for a while. Offensively, the switch hitter is a bit more crouched with less of a load left handed. He uses his lower half well and trusts his hands. There is present bat speed, but could benefit from a bit more separation. Right-handed he stays a bit more upright and uses a toe tap load. He can get albit rotational but clears the backside well. Showed a little more power right handed, but both sides exit velocity was 92 mph.

Lucas Ismaili SS / 2B / East Lake, FL / 2020 Lean, athletic frame standing at 5-foot-11, 155 pounds with quick twitch. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with minimal movement before his load. Displayed a short swing through the zone with quick hands, good-hand eye coordination, and a feel for the barrel as he consistently drove the ball all over the field during batting practice. This translated during the game when he ripped a line drive single up the middle for an easy base hit. Registered a 90 mph exit velocity in the cage. As he continues to become more physical with his frame, look for Ismaili to see a jump in gap-to-gap power. In the field, he showed athletic actions, range, and sure hands with accurate throws across the diamond that topped out at 82 mph. Clocked in at 7.33 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. Athletic middle infielder who will be a good follow as he continues to mature.Â

Miguel Soto SS / 2B / TNXL Academy, FL / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 99 / POS: 23 Arkansas Little Rock recruit. Standing at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds the body continues to fill out while staying lean and athletic. Ran a 6.76 60 yard dash. Defensively, while there is some stiffness, he uses his athleticism well to create range. The hands work out front and stays in sync. Shows a good arm, topping out at 86 mph. Offensively, he starts with a wide base and simple load. The swing stays simple and compact with present bat speed. Stays within himself with a gap-to-gap approach. Exit velocity was 91 mph.Â

August Haymaker SS / 3B / Dr. Phillips, FL / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 164 / POS: 31 North Carolina State commit, stands at 6-foot, 175 pounds and looks to have continued to have added strength in the shoulders and lower half. Defensively he is a very sound, solid defender. The range is a little limited at short, but should be an above average defender at second base at the next level. The hands work well and takes quality angles and has a strong arm, topping out at 88 mph. The best tools is his bat and will be an above average offensive infielder at the next level.  Starts with a wide base, but stays loose in the load with a small leg kick trigger. He clears his lower half well and creates above average bat speed. The barrel works out in front with loose wrists and bat to ball skills. Exit velocity was 93 mph and shows gap-to-gap power and power potential as he continues to get stronger.Â

Lucas Costello SS / 3B / Gulliver Prep, FL / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 5 OverallRank: 142 / POS: 34 Slender, athletic build on a 6-foot-1 frame. Should make a significant physical jump as he matures Above average strength for his age. Offensively, he displayed a line drive approach with gap-to-gap ability and a feel to hit. Has present pop in his bat which was seen in the cage when he registered a 90 mph exit velocity. Arm should play from left side of the field in the future. Flashed present actions and projects well with athletic twitchy movements. Interesting 2020 follow with a balanced toolset and IQ for the game.

Kyle Mock 2B / SS / Bishop Moore, FL / 2019 Troy recruit. Physical frame standing at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds with room to add more. Offensively, from the left side of the plate he generates bat speed on a flyball swing path, looking to drive the ball deep to the pull side with authority. Present power. Registered a 91 mph exit velocity in the cage. Defensively, he shows solid actions up the middle of the infield with his throws topping out at 78 mph across the diamond. Clocked in at 7.25 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.Â

Keniel De Leon SS / 2B / Central Pointe Christian Academy, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 52 / POS: 12 OverallRank: 245 / POS: 44 Uncommitted, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. Defensively he continues to stand out. He showed above average all around actions. There is a natural feel and rhythm, could improve the lateral mobility, but natural feel for the position has his I'm the right spot. Offensively, while there is still some length and rotation in the swing, it has continued to shorten in its path. When he's connected and direct to the ball, the ball jumps off of the barrel, especially to the pull side. If he starts consistently short, you can see above average power potential.Â

Now we take a look at the best of the rest in no particular order:

Elian Roman SS / RHP / Cypress Creek, FL / 2019 Uncommitted. 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. He appears to be a bit taller and stockier. The lower half is strong and has a stocky frame. Defensively he shows above average actions. Works with rhythm to and through the ball, shows good lateral range and trusts his hands. Could improve foot speed, but angles and first step works. Also showed a strong arm, typing out at 88 mph. Offensively, he has a leg kick trigger and works with rhythm and in sync in his load. Stays balanced and uses the lower half well. Has loose hands and present bat speed. Had a hard hit single in the game and an 89 mph exit velocity. There are a lot of tools to like and that project well at the next level.

Kelsen Johnson SS / C / Newsome, FL / 2021 Standing at 5-foot-8 165 lbs, he shows quick and compact actions that translate to the bat. Profiles well for his build and as a middle infielder. Also has experience at catchers so he could prove versatile and see action all over the diamond. Arm is solid and plays above-average at 2B. Shows natural feel with the glove and feet. Offensively, the hands get to the ball quickly at bat with a line drive approach and present authority for his age. Registered an 88 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 7.42 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

Alec Ducasse SS / OF / Flanagan , FL / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 68 / POS: 13 Lean, compact frame standing at 5-foot-8, 140 pounds with quick twitch and athleticism. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with a big leg kick for his load and quick hands to the ball. At times he can be a little out in front, but when he stays back on the ball and stays in rhythm with his swing and leg kick, he shows the ability to drive the ball into the gaps. Ducasse will continue to improve and become more consistent at the plate as he continues to add to his frame and utilize more of his lower half. Registered an 84 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field, he shows athletic actions, bounce in his step, and the ability to range freely to his right and left. Fields the ball under control and throws to the bag were accurate, topping out at 78 mph. Clocked in at 7.24 seconds in the 60 yard dash.

Bryce Fitzgerald 2B / SS / Hagerty, FL / 2021 A lot of physical development remaining for the 5-foot-7, 125 pound middle infielder. Had a clear and aggressive approach with each at-bat. Offensively, the hands get inside the ball quickly and looks to make consistent contact. Current backside-spray type guy but that could change as he gets stronger and matures. Shows present baseball IQ. Registered an 83 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 8.10 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

Christian Boyles 2B / SS / Riverdale, FL / 2020 Lean, wiry frame standing at 5-foot-11, 150 pounds with room to grow. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with a big leg kick for his load and a level path through the zone with quick hands. When he stays direct to the ball and in sync with his swing he showed the ability to drive the ball the other way. Registered an 85 mph exit velocity in the cage. From short, he shows some actions and the ability to range backhand and forehand. Fields the ball under control with confidence. Throws across the diamond were accurate and topped out at 75 mph. Clocked in at 7.19 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.Â

Nico Saladino SS / RHP / Bloomingdale, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 108 / POS: 24 Uncommitted. Currently stand at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds with a lean, athletic frame. Offensively, he starts from a slightly open stance with a balanced approach from the left side and a big leg kick for his load. Displayed quick hands and some feel for the barrel with pull side pop during batting practice, showing the ability to drive the ball deep into right field. Patient hitter. Registered an 85 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field, he shows athletic actions and range, with sure hands by fielding the ball under control and with confidence. Throws across the diamond topped out at 72 mph. Clocked in at 7.44 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.Â

Konrad Ehmke SS / Pine Crest, FL / 2019 Uncommitted. Currently stands 6-foot, 165 pounds with a lean, projectable athletic build. Defensively, he dislayed good range to both sides up the middle. He showed an accurate arm on his throws across the diamond that topped out at 78 mph. Offensively, he showed the ability to hit gap-to-gap with smooth, easy working hands and a strong lower half. Registered an 89 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 60-yard dash time of 6.80 seconds which was the second fastest at the event.

Evan Siegner SS / 2B / Lake Brantley, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 100 / POS: 22 Uncommitted. Currently stands 5-foot-9, 165 pounds with a stocky frame and good lower half. Defensively, he showed some range to the back-hand side at short with his throws topping out at 72 mph across the diamond. Offensively, he showed some power to the pull side with a solid lower half that he looks to utilize throughout his swing. Registered a 91 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 7.27 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.Â

Trey Burd SS / RHP / Providence , FL / 2021 Lean, athletic frame standing at 5-foot-11, 145 pounds with room to fill out. Offensively, he starts from a slightly open stance with a wide base and big leg kick for his load. Shows quick, loose hands with some bat speed through the zone as he looked to drive the ball in the gaps during batting practice. At times he can let his hands drop, but as he continues to become stronger up top and add to his frame, he should stay more consistent through the zone while also seeing a jump in power. Registered an 85 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field, he shows good hands and fields the ball under control and out in front. Throws to the bag topped out at 68 mph. Clocked in at 7.36 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.Â

Spencer Stegemann SS / C / Estero, FL / 2018 Daytona State JC recruit. Currently stands 5-foot-10, 165 pounds with a lean, athletic build. Defensively, he showed good form fielding the ball at the short with accurate throws to first base topping out at 80 mph. Offensively, his hands worked well getting to the ball, and showed a consistent, line drive approach. Look for Stegemann to see a jump in power and he continues to incorporate his lower half throughout his swing.  Registered an 84 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 7.07 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

Jaiden Warde SS / 2B / Lake Mary, FL / 2019 Uncommitted. Currently stands 5-foot-10, 175 pounds. He has a projectable frame with room to grow. Defensively, he showed some range in the hole from shortstop with throws that topped out at 82 mph. Offensively, he showed gap-to-gap power with a strong lower half. Swings is a bit long to the ball at times, but he gets through the swing with strong hands and looks to drive it with authority. Registered a 91 mph exit velocity in the cage. Clocked in at 7.39 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

Yoanny Carrizo SS / 2B / Miami Britto, FL / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 171 / POS: 33 Uncommitted. Currently stands 5-foot-10, 175 pounds with a strong, solid frame and a feel for the game. Defensively, he showed actions and fielded the ball under control and out in front with a strong, accurate throw across the diamond that topped out at 85 mph. Offensively, he showed quick bat speed and a feel for the barrel with consistent contact. Registered a 93 mph exit velocity in the cage. Showed his athleticism when he clocked in at 6.91 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. Carrizo will be a good uncommitted follow throughout the spring.

 

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