The Underclass Invitational is one of Illinois’ most highly anticipated events on the PBR Illinois showcase calendar. The invitation-only event for the state’s top 2021 and 2022 prospects was held on Feb. 17, at The MAX in McCook, Ill. Over 115 of Illinois’ best freshman and sophomores represented themselves at the sold-out event last month.

Monday marked the start of our position-by-position analysis, beginning with the event’s robust crop of backstops. Today we continue the analysis with an in-depth look at the infielders in attendance. A pair of high-level 2022 middle infielders; Christian Holmes (De La Salle) and Jayden Comia (Sandburg) lead the long list of infielders. Both Holmes and Comia should be able to stick anywhere on the infield and have loose, projectable right-handed swings. Right behind the pair of 2022's is 2021 Shane Baumgarten (Wheaton Academy) who continues to show a high-level combination of tools, including advanced defensive actions and a strong right-handed bat. 

South Carolina commit, INF/RHP Vytas Valincius (St. Laurence, 2021) once again proved he is one of the more advanced hitters in the 2021 class. Valincius takes a controlled, aggressive swing, has advanced power in his bat and a feel for hitting. He was excluded from the infield rankings below, due to the fact that he was unable to attend the infield portion. With that said, it would be hard to imagine he would not have been the top infielder in attendance.

Check out the Top-15 infielders and the entire group below:

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Christian Holmes, INF, De La Salle, 2022
5-foot-10, 155-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Continues to prove he is one of the better 2022 middle infielders in the state. At the plate, athletic slightly open setup, pre-pitch rhythm, smooth load, short stride and stays balanced throughout. Confident look, simple swing, fast bat, short uphill path, hard gap-to-gap contact; 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, advanced infield actions, fluid footwork, can play on the move, starts below the baseball, clean quick release. Athletic arm action, can throw from multiple angles, accurate arm, clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.27 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

2. Jayden Comia, INF/C, Sandburg, 2022
5-foot-8, 145-pound right-handed hitting multi-positional player, average size with room to grow, all around athletic feel. In the infield, active feet, ranges with ease, soft hands funnels the ball clean, plus body control for age, left side projection. Short and loose arm action, multi angle slot, true ball and accurate throws topped 84 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, plus footwork, gets in position to throw, quick and clean to release, soft hands, cushions blocks. Short arm actions, traditional catcher slot, 72 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.19-2.26. At the plate, quiet/simple pre-pitch, even setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance. Advanced approach for age, short, fluid path with extension, line drive hitter, fluid rhythm. Exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. 7.40 runner in the 60. High upside 2022 follow.

3. Shane Baumgarten, INF, Wheaton Academy, 2021
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; strong, durable, wide-shouldered build. 6.87 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, tall, open setup, stride works back to even, utilizes lower half in swing and stays on balance throughout. Fast bat, strong hands, consistently on time, stays short to the ball, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, advanced infield actions. Confident, soft, receptive hands, fields out in front of his body, works through the baseball and is comfortable on the move. Maintains body control, quick release, easy effort and loose arm from multiple angles. Throws topped at 81 mph across the infield. High-follow 2021 infielder.

4. George Korompilas, OF/1B, Glenbrook South, 2021
5-foot-11, 202-pound, wide-shouldered, physical, left-handed hitting, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Highly-repeatable swing, stays short to the ball, natural lift in swing. Consistent hard contact, strong hands, fast bat and pull-power approach. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively worked out in the outfield and at first base. In the outfield, steady actions, plays through the baseball, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 87 mph. At first base, natural around the bg, quick release and throws topped at 81 mph. 7.64 runner in the 60. High-follow 2021 left-handed bat.

5. Gallien Coupet, INF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021
5-foot-9, 162-pound, lean, high-waisted, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 6.76 laser-timed 60. Balanced, quiet setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance. Simple, loose swing, short bat path, hard contact, pull approach and fluid rhythm. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, fluid footwork, soft hands, plays well on the move and clean release. Loose arm action, ability to throw from multiple angles and throws topped at 79 mph.

6. Christopher Worcester, INF, Lake Park, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with a strong lower half. Defensively, athletic infield actions, fluid footwork, easy range, maintains body control on the move. Soft hands, plays through the baseball, clean release. Short arm action, can throw from multiple angles, throws flashed carry and topped at 80 mph. Offensively, open setup, smooth load, short stride and finishes on his backside. Aggressive swing, present bat strength, uphill bat path, pull approach and fluid rhythm; 95 mph exit velocity from a tee.  7.08 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Follow 2021 infielder.

7. Nathan Buchan, INF/RHP, Plainfield Central, 2021
6-foot-2, 204-pound, wide-shouldered, strong, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, narrow setup, smooth load and long leg-lift timing trigger. Loose, strong, fast hands, creates bat speed. Long bat path, extension through contact, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach; 102 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Steady infield actions, sure-hands, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 81 mph across the infield. 7.45 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, high front side and works on-line. Short arm action comes out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79-81 mph, touched 83. Curveball, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, sharp spin, thrown for strikes, 70-73 mph. Changeup, ranged 78-81 mph.

8. Chris Schellhorn, INF, Minooka, 2021
5-foot-10, 145-pound, lean, high-waisted, left-handed hitting infielder. 7.24 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Tall setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance and gets off backside. Loose, athletic hands, long bat path, line-drive approach, 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, athletic actions, soft hands, fields deep at times, clean release. Natural double play turn. Short arm action, throws from multiple angles and topped at 81 mph across the infield.

9. Luke Sefcik, INF, Marist, 2021
5-foot-9, 144-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.18 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, reverse toe-tap stride and maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, short bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, gets around the baseball, active footwork, soft sure-hands and a quick, clean release at times. Short, clean arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond.

10. Frank Magnelli, INF, Ridgewood, 2021
6-foot-2, 200-pound, physically-advanced, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and long stride. Aggressive swing, present bat speed, uphill bat path and 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infield. Steady infield actions, sure-handed, clean release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, throws carried at 83 mph across the diamond. 7.30 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

11. Jaylon Nauden, INF, Marian Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 175-pound, athletically-built, wide-shouldered, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, wide setup, slightly open, minimal load and short stride. Balanced swing, loose hands, natural lift, gap-to-gap approach and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick, active footwork, natural on the move, controls his body and plays through the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 81 mph. 7.33 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

12. Karson Bonaparte, INF, Normal University, 2021
6-foot, 200-pound, strong, muscle-bound, right-handed hitting infielder. Had one of the more impressive stat lines on the day: 6.72 laser-timed 60, 89 mph infield arm and 103 mph exit velocity from a tee. At the plate, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm and load, long stride. Present bat strength, long path and natural lift in swing. Defensively, reliable hands, long, easy arm action, throws carry across the diamond. Physically-advanced, toolsy prospect in the 2021 class.

13. Tylor Phommachanhom, INF/RHP, Plainfield South, 2021
5-foot-9, 145-pound, lean, wiry, two-way prospect. 6.73 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Long bat path, level through the zone, consistent hard line-drive contact; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, light on his feet, plays with bounce, maintains body control on the move, soft hands, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, topped at 80 mph across the diamond. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, clean, repeatable delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe closed. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight running action, thrown for strikes, 77-80 mph. Curveball, occasionally gets on the side of it, 11/5 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup, around the zone, 60-66 mph.

14. Kevin McCormick, INF, St. Laurence, 2021
6-foot-1, 175-pound, wide-shouldered, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal loading action, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Simple, highly-repeatable swing, short to the ball, stays on top and consistent hard contact. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, winds up at times, long arm action, throws from multiple slots, topped at 82 mph across the diamond. 7.58 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

15. Nate Voss, C/INF, Marist, 2022
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting multi-positional player, highly athletic actions with room for added strength. Rhythm in all around game. Defensively, advanced catch and release actions, pop times ranged 1.97-2.05. Quiet receiver, soft hands, sticks pitches with ease, fluid feet, transfers are quick and clean. Short and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws carried to bag at 76 mph from the crouch. Confident and easy actions on the infield, fluid feet, hands work, funnels into sternum, clean to release. Short and loose arm action, varied slot, throws topped 81 mph across the diamond. At the plate, open setup, smooth load, leg lift stride to even, maintains control. Advanced approach for age, controlled the barrel with fluidity in swing, created hard contact and leverage to all fields. Easy bat speed, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. 7.34 runner in the 60. High upside 2022 follow.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Luke Adams, INF/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2022
6-foot-3, 197-pound, physically-advanced, broad-shouldered, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, low hand set up, long stride and aggressive swing. Present bat speed, short bat path, lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach and 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Sure-handed, clean release, short arm action, throws from multiple slots, clocked at 79 mph. 7.57 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, online and lands front-toe closed. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, occasional arm-side-run, sat 80-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball. 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 64-66 mph. Changeup, 66-68 mph.

Sammy Dubin, INF, Highland Park, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. 6.98 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and big leg-lift timing trigger. Uphill bat path, aggressive swing and 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady actions, fluid footwork, reliable hands and clean release. Long, firm arm action, multiple arm slots and throws topped at 79 mph.

William Duff, INF, St. Ignatius, 2021
6-foot, 225-pound, strong, durable, sturdy lower half, right-handed hitting corner infielder. Offensively, wide setup, short stride and utilizes lower half at times. Quick hands, fast bat, short uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, throws from multiple slots and clocked at 80 mph across the infield. 7.53 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Brady Hartman, INF, Sherrard, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound, long, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, tall, balanced setup, gets separation in hands and short leg-lift timing trigger. Uphill bat path, pull approach and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond. 7.43 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 167-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, lands front-toe closed. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and quick out front. Fastball, live, inconsistent action, sat 81-82 mph, touched 83. Changeup, feel for the zone, arm-side-run and sink, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 64-68 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, short stride, uphill bat path and pull approach; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean transfer at times, long arm action and throws topped at 83 mph. 7.20 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Nicholas Kolze, RHP/INF, Romeoville, 2022
6-foot-2, 195-pound, two-way prospect; long, athletic build with present strength in frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, coiled at balance point, stays closed down the mound and work on-line. Slight plunge out of the glove, quick arm out of an over-the-top slot with easy effort. Fastball, works straight, finish through the zone, thrown for strikes, sat 83-84 mph, touched 86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-69 mph. Changeup, fade action, 73-75 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load and rhythm, short stride. Loose, athletic hands, flashed bat speed, uphill path and gap-to-gap approach; 97 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, reliable hands, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph. 7.56 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Cole Malawy, INF, Nashville, 2021
5-foot-10, 160-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Tall, narrow setup, slight loading action and long stride. Long and level bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, attacks the baseball at times, steady hands, clean release. Short, loose, easy arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped at 80 mph across the infield. 7.41 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Matthew Maloney, INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-11, 155-pound, long and lean two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow, deliberate delivery, high front side, works on-line and lands slightly closed. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, loose and quick out front. Fastball, thrown for strikes, mostly straight, sat 80-82 mph, touched 83. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 11/5 shape, depth, 65-66 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 72-75 mph. 7.10 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, loose hands, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, reliable hands, clean release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 75 mph.

Michael Maloney, INF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-10, 160-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder with plenty of room for added strength. Offensively, tall setup, leg-kick timing trigger and utilizes lower half. Loose hands, stays through the hitting zone, line-drive approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean release, short, loose easy arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph. 7.13 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Matthew Merk, C/INF, Lockport, 2022
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher/infielder, compact frame, lower half strength. At the plate, sets up open, hands load back with slight drop, leg lift stride. Strength in hands, bat path level through the zone, pull side tendencies. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 93 mph from a tee. Behind the plate, some rhythm in hands, gains ground, funnels the ball high, longer to release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, 73 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.26-2.32. Profiles at the corners on the infield, steady hands, sits to field, packs at exchange, short arm, high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph across the diamond. 7.35 runner in the 60.

Alex Milone, INF, Prairie Ridge, 2021
5-foot-8, 163-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, narrow setup, long stride and utilizes his lower half. Aggressive swing, uphill bat path, line-drive approach and 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works from the ground up, soft hands, plays through the baseball and clean release. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph across the diamond. 7.43 runner in the 60, laser-timed.    

Patrick Mulcahey, INF, Bloomington Central, 2021
6-foot-1, 220-pound, physically-advanced, strong, right-handed hitting first baseman. At the plate, balanced quiet setup, short stride. Simple swing, short, uphill bat path and line-drive approach. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throw topped at 76 mph across the diamond. 7.88 runner in the 60.

Seth Parkinson, INF, Rochester, 2022
6-foot, 170-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced, athletic setup, smooth load, short leg-kick trigger and maintains balance through contact. Level bat path, gap-to-gap approach and 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands, funnels to exchange and plays through the baseball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 74 mph. 7.94 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Eric Pecson, INF/RHP, Palatine, 2021
6-foot, 155-pound, lean, athletically-built, two-way prospect. 6.94 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall, segmented delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight, occasional sink, 75-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Chnageup, sinking action, 68-70 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced quiet setup, minimal load, short leg-kick trigger and maintains balance through contact. Line-drive approach and 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, fluid footwork, clean exchange at times, long arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph.

Brandon Pritchard, INF, Lincoln-Way West, 2022
5-foot-10, 145-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.23 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Defensively, natural on the infield, steady hands, fluid footwork, quick release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws at 77 mph across the infield. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Short, uphill bat path and 87 mph exit velocity from a tee.

Tyler Pritchard, INF, Lincoln-Way West, 2022
5-foot-8, 135-pound, lean, left-handed hitting first baseman. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, level and long bat path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural actions at first base, sure-hands, clean release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 71 mph across the diamond. 7.77 runner in the 60.

Luka Radicevich, INF, Joliet Catholic, 2022
5-foot-11, 145-pound, lean, projectably-built, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.09 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, balanced, tall setup, leg-kick timing trigger, short bat path and line-drive, spray approach. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long rangy strides, soft hands, clean release and threw from multiple angles. Long arm action, accurate throws, topped at 81 mph across the infield.

Dylan Scafuri, INF, Romeoville, 2021
6-foot-3, 220-pound, big-bodied, left-handed hitting corner infielder. At the plate, balanced slightly open setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Loose hands, extension through contact, line-drive, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm; 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up on release at times. Short, firm arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 78 mph. 7.83 runner in the 60.

Jack Scheri, INF, LaSalle Peru, 2022
5-foot-10, 165-pound, well-proportioned, strong, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.17 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Flashed a loose, fast bat, uphill path and fluid rhythm; 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands, works through the baseball. Long arm action and throws topped at 83 mph across the infield.

Brady Small, INF/RHP, Lemont, 2022
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, strong, physically-advanced, two-way prospect. 7.37 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth coiled load and short stride. Loose, quick hands, fast bat and level bat path; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws flashed carry across the diamond at 80 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, deliberate side-step delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe open. Clean, loose arm action, works quick and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball mostly straight, late life, 81-83 mph, touching 84. Curveball, sharp 12/6 action, tight spin, 71-74 mph. Changeup, 71 mph.

Brendan Som, INF, Niles West, 2022
5-foot-9, 160-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open setup, smooth load and short leg-kick timing trigger. Loose hands, short path, natural lift, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm, 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, plays through the baseball, steady hands, short, firm arm action and throws topped at 69 mph across the diamond. 7.21 runner in the 60.

Ben Stoner, INF, Joliet Catholic, 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound, projectable, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall, open setup, long stride gets back to even and maintains balance through contact. Loose, whippy hands, quick bat at times, stays inside the baseball, line-drive, spray approach; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean transfer, short loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph. 7.43 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Braden Thelander, INF, Prairie Ridge, 2022
5-foot-7, 130-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, athletic infield actions, ability to stick on the left-side of the diamond. Quick, active feet, soft hands, plays through the baseball. Short, quick arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate throws, carry across the infield at 82 mph. At the plate, wide, crouched setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Quick hands, fast bat, occasionally backspins baseballs and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.73 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Maxwell Thompson, INF, Warren, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound, athletically-built, strong, right-handed hitting first baseman. Balanced slightly open setup, short stride and maintains balance. Fast bat, short, uphill bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm; 100 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, comfortable around bag, clean release and plays through the baseball. Long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 82 mph across the infield. 7.51 runner in the 60.  

Vytas Valincius, INF, St. Laurence, 2021
South Carolina commit and the No. 1 player in the 2021 class. 6-foot-3, 240-pound, extra-large, physically-advanced, imposing, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance. Confident look in the box, advanced bat speed, short bat path, advanced bat strength and power potential to all fields. 107 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.36 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

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