With the unfortunate situation of a shortened 2020 high school season, the Class of 2023 was unable to complete a full season in their first year of high school. Despite the shortened season, the PBR Florida staff was able to cover a ton of games throughout the first few weeks of the season and see some of the top 2023’s in the state. 

With a rankings update comes many changes, but the top of the Florida 2023 rankings remains the same. Mitchell’s Aidan Miller remains the No. 1 player in the state and No. 4 overall. RHP Brandon Olivera (Barbara Goleman) comes in at No. 2 and also cracks the top ten nationally at No. 8. You can check out the entire updated Florida 2023 list HERE.

Throughout the last year there were some players who stood out that did not crack the initial Florida 2023 rankings. Today, I wanted to take a look at some of the risers and newcomers of the updated Florida 2023 rankings.

Christian Rodriguez, RHP, Stoneman Douglas

Rodriguez stood out this spring with an athletic 5-foot-11, 172 pound frame and a quick arm. He sat 86-89 mph with late life on his fastball. Showed depth on his curveball and changeup as well. Rodriguez was a key factor into Stoneman Douglas’s early success and will definitely be a high follow uncommitted pitcher down the road.

Michael Graziano, OF, Naples

An uncommitted outfielder at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Graziano bursted onto the scene with an impressive showing at the Top Tier Roos tryout in December. He tied for first in the event in the 60 yard dash with a laser time of 6.71.  Graziano used that quickness in the outfield and has an above average arm. Offensively, there is some stiffness in his swing, but added strength could lead to power potential down the road.

 

Landen Maroudis, SS/RHP, Calvary Christian

Another freshman who stood out at the Top Tier Roos tryout this winter was two-way prospect Landen Maroudis. While the two-way ability is there, where Maroudis stood out the most at the event was on the mound. At 6-foot-1, 155 pounds, Maroudis made a big jump with his fastball up to 84 mph, up from 77 mph from when we last saw him in June. Maroudis went on to commit to NC State shortly after the event. With his overall athleticism and added velo on the mound, Maroudis will be an interesting two-way player to follow throughout the next three years.

Liam O’Neil, 1B, Episcopal School of Jacksonville

What really stands out to you with Liam O’Neil is his advanced frame for his age. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, O’Neil has the strength that could develop into some raw power in the future. He showed the potential of that power at the 2020 Preseason All-State. Lefty bat that has natural lift to his whippy swing. Really like the upside offensively for O’Neil with a chance to become a real power threat. 

Paul Guerne, LHP, Calvary Christian

Guerne was a member of our 2019 14u Junior Future Games team, and he shined in that event. Guerne stood out with a fastball that sat 80-83 mph and was able to handle some of the best 14u uncommitted hitters in the country. His changeup is average with some fade but could develop into an above average secondary pitch. Guerne will be an interesting southpaw to follow as I expect to see his velo climb throughout the next three years.

 

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