Top Prospect - Chicago: Preview

To request an invite, CLICK HERE.

For a look at the current roster, CLICK HERE.

Last year’s event saw over 50 of the participants commit to play collegiate baseball. 13 arms were 85 mph or firmer last year, led by Central Michigan commit RHP Jack Feely (Normal University), who ran his fastball up to 90 mph. Cam Demos (Downers Grove North; TCS Post Grad) and Matthew Salomonson (Niles Notre Dame; Northern Illinois commit) both touched 88 mph. 

A couple position players who stood out were C/INF Bryan Broecker (Niles Notre Dame; Michigan State) and CIF James Harris (Brooks; UIC).

This year’s event seems to have just as much talent scattered throughout the current roster. 

Two outfielders who should garner plenty of attention are Nate Freeze (Crystal Lake South) and Cole Luckey (Glenbrook South). Freeze is a switch-hitter with an athletic frame, upside at the plate and keeps getting better every time we see him. Luckey has an advanced combination of tools and was one of the top position players at the recent Top Prospect-St. Louis.

Former Future Gamer, 3B Andrew Jimenez (St. Charles North), headlines the group of infielders. Jimenez is a chiseled 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, runs a 6.62 60, takes competitive at-bats, is 100 mph off of a tee, and has plenty of arm for third base (85 mph). 

Andrew Jimenez (Future Games/2019)

Brian Rapanan (Warren) and Daniel Contreras (Rockford Boylan) have been on the rise since the winter and should be two of the top catchers in attendance. Rapanan has athletic actions behind the plate as well, on the infield and is also a follow on the mound. Contreras has pull-side power potential at the plate and advanced defensive actions. 

There should also be plenty of intrigue on the mound, led by one of the biggest winner’s from the winter, RHP Connor Lockwood (Libertyville). Lockwood threw one of the more polished bullpens of the Preseason All-State, including a four-pitch mix, mid-80’s fastball and seemingly much more in the tank.

Connor Lockwood (2.9.20)