On Sunday, Oct. 17, the PBR Illinois staff returned to The MAX Sports Complex to host the fall’s Underclass Showcase. This annual event serves as an opportunity for prospects in the state’s 2024-25 classes to display their talents in front of our scouting staff prior to the start of the off-season. There were nearly 60 prospects who made the trip to The MAX on Sunday to participate in a pro-style workout in front of our evaluators.

Shortly after the event’s conclusion, our staff published a multitude of post-event content pieces relating to what we saw on the day. To find those, click HERE.

Now we’ll put the finishing touches on this event by rolling out our individual position-by-position analysis from this event. We started with the catching group, followed it up with the outfielders, and concluded the position group with the infielders. Now, we’ll hop on the mound and take a look at all of the pitching reports from the day’s action. Before we do so, here are a few names that stood out:

+ LHP Joe Olson (St. Laurence) is a young arm to keep close tabs on in the 2025 class. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound, strong-bodied left-hander impressed during his bullpen at his first-ever PBR event. Olson has a compact, clean arm action that plays out of a high ¾ slot with minimal effort throughout. The fastball plays clean out of the hand with occasional jump through the zone, spinning at a max rate of 2,128 rpm. Olson also landed his 68-70 mph slider for strikes and showed a changeup that played mostly to his arm side. Consider the St. Laurence lefty to be a talented pitcher to follow inside this 2025 class.

+ Here’s another arm to emerge as a follow in the 2025 class: RHP/1B Xander Metke (Nazareth Academy). Metke has a 6-foot-2, 195-pound, strong, big-bodied frame and he showed well both on the mound and at the plate. From the bump, Metke controls his strong frame well, repeating his delivery and moving down the mound with fluidity. The arm plays loose, quick and clean from a ¾ slot and he peppered the bottom of the strike zone with his fastball that sat 76-77 mph, touching 78, with an average spin rate of 2,065 rpm – and there’s much more velocity on the way. Metke also showed off above-average feel at the bottom of the zone with his curveball and changeup, both of which have a chance to be legitimate out-pitches down the road. He’s a big-bodied, projectable arm in the 2025 class. Additionally, Metke also stood out with his easy, loose, level right-handed swing. Metke’s swing has rhythm, fluidity, he uses a leg-kick timing trigger and worked gap-to-gap throughout his round, and his top exit velocity was measured at 89 mph during BP.

+ RHP Keegan Waters (Morris) was one of the top 2024 arms on the day. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed arm has a prototypical pitcher's frame; tall, long-limbed with some strength in the lower half and plenty more physical development to tap into down the road. He works with a tall-and-fall delivery, short clean arm circle, and he sat 81-82 mph throughout his bullpen, and his fastball spun at a max rate of 2,075 rpm. Waters featured a four-pitch mix, and he filled up the zone with his fastball and he spun his 62-64 mph curveball well, combining to create a follow profile in the 2024 class.

+ LHP Aden McManaway (Altamont) is another intriguing arm in the 2024 class who made the trip up from central Illinois. McManaway has an athletic, wide-shouldered, 6-foot-1, 173-pound frame and he featured a three-pitch mix from an over-the-top slot and also dropped down to a true side-arm slot and showed off a fastball/slider mix. Even with the multiple slots, McManaway pounded the zone with his fastball (topped at 80 mph). His sweeping slider from his side-arm slot looks like an extremely tough pitch for a left-handed hitter to handle. The pitch starts in the left-handed batter’s box and finishes at the bottom of the zone for a strike. The arm is clean and quick with present athleticism throughout his delivery. Athletic, left-handed arm to follow moving forward.

Read below for all the pitching reports from October’s event. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Joe Olson, St. Laurence (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Clean, easy, tall and fall delivery, directional down the mound and lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Short, clean, compact arm action, plays quick from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.5, 78.58-80.60 mph. Around the zone, works mostly straight, late run at times. T2128, 1991 average rpm.
SL: 68.11-69.95 mph. Late, short wrinkle, 10/4 shape. T1809, 1722 average rpm.
CH: 69.52-72.11 mph.  T1834, 1504 average rpm.

2. Keegan Waters, Morris (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, strong at balance point, high front side and some effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Compact, clean arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T82.3, 81.00-82.30 mph. Lively out of the hand, creates tilt and late run. T2075, 1866 average rpm.
CB: 62.36-64.31 mph. 11/5 to 12/6 shape, tight spin at times. T2052, 1795 average rpm.
SL: 69.32-71.90 mph. Thrown aggressively, late horizontal action. T2020, 1860 average rpm.
CH: 70.46-73.10 mph. Late sink and run. T2014, 1569 average rpm.

3. Aden McManaway, Altamont (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-1, 173-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, works on-line, lands front toe closed and fluid rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Throws from multiple slots; Fastball and slider from true sidearm slot. Fastball, curveball and changeup from high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.8, 75.61-78.75 mph. Plays lively out of the hands, arm-side-run.  T1859, 1776 average rpm.
CB: 68.06-69.35 mph. Tight spin, depth and action, 1/7 shape. T1810, 1751 average rpm.
SL: 65.19-67.88 mph. Thrown aggressively, sweeping action, lands for strikes. T1796, 1733 average rpm.
CH: 65.22-68.43 mph. Kills the spin, late run and sink. T1445, 1292 average rpm.

4. Xander Metke, Nazareth (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Strong-bodied, durable frame.
Delivery: Fluid tall and fall delivery, coiled at balance point, repeats down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose, quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.6, 75.57-77.18 mph. Easy, clean out of the hand, worked the bottom of the zone. Showed control. T2162, 2064 average rpm.
CB: 60.42-62.42 mph. Thrown aggressively, 11/5 shape. T1860, 1797 average rpm.
CH: 66.79-68.17 mph. Works the bottom of the zone, occasional fade. T1715, 1689 average rpm.

5. Enzo Infelise, Providence Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/1B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds. Thick, strong build with strength throughout.
Delivery: Smooth, fluid tall and fall delivery, lands open, effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH.
FB: T79.2, 78.25-79.10 mph. Lively out of hand, plays straight, thrown for strikes. T1913, 1857 average rpm.
CB: 62.00-65.68 mph. 11/5 shape. T2172, 2082 average rpm.
CH: 73.39-75.58 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, late fade. T1917, 1820 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Jimmy Anderson, Joliet West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Athletic, long-limbed frame.
Delivery: Full windup, tall and fall delivery, works across body.
Arm Action: RH. Slight plunge out of the glove, plays from an over-the-top, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.1, 76.98-78.80 mph. Gets tilt/angle at times, comes out easy. T2160, 2054 average rpm.
CB: 58.50-61.28 mph. 12/6 shape, depth at times. T1915, 1878 average rpm.
SL: 59.45-62.09 mph. Similar shape and action to curveball. T1956, 1904 average rpm.
CH: 66.70-67.14 mph. Plays mostly straight, around the zone. T1432, 1393 average rpm.

Colby Aschenbach, Huntley (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Slight drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.7, 75.05-76.27 mph. Plays easy out of the hand, straight action, showed control. T1826, 1683 average rpm.
CB: 65.53-66.19 mph. Sharp spin, 12/6 shape, late bite. T1954, 1891 average rpm.
CH: 69.79-71.36 mph. Locates at the bottom of the zone, late fade. T1342, 1228 average rpm.

Ricardo Avila, Bremen (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-0, 195-pounds. Strength throughout frame.
Delivery: Smooth, tall and fall delivery, repeatable, directional and lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, plays from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T70.0, 68.60-70.01 mph. Plays mostly straight. T1732, 1633 average rpm.
CB: 63.91-65.85 mph. 1/7 shape, tight, tunnels off the fastball. T1812, 1758 average rpm.
SL: 62.45-65.14 mph. Similar action and shape as the curveball. T1781, 1679 average rpm.
CH: 65.73-66.52 mph. Maintains arm speed, occasional fade. T1561, 1498 average rpm.

Justin Bradley, De La Salle  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Directional, drop and drive delivery, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72.9, 71.56-72.87 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut, control of the zone. T1907, 1856 average rpm.
CB: 63.32-64.16 mph. Works mostly 10/4, occasional depth, showed feel. T2166, 2104 average rpm.
SL: 64.23-65.59 mph. Late sweeping 10/4 action.  T2342, 2227 average rpm.
CH: 70.45-71.34 mph. Present arm speed, feel at the bottom of the zone, mostly straight action. T1738, 1688 average rpm.

Joe Cicero, Lake Park (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth, controlled tall and fall delivery, some effort present.
Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.1, 76.00-78.02 mph. Downhill at times, late arm side run. T1966, 1841 average rpm.
CB: 60.40-63.42 mph. 12/6 shape, depth at times. T1855, 1788 average rpm.
CH: 67.69-69.87 mph. Maintains arm speed, late fade. T1453, 1200 average rpm.

Christian Guzman, Niles West (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Controlled tall and fall delivery, lands on-line, front toe slightly open.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T72.6, 69.63-71.56 mph. Straight action. T1990, 1861 average rpm.
CB: 58.57-60.65 mph. Tight spin, 11/5 shape, lands for strikes at times. T2117, 2061 average rpm.
CH: 61.93-64.51 mph. Around the zone, works mostly straight. T1588, 1430 average rpm.

Riley Lam, Grayslake North (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 5-11, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.1, 73.46-75.29 mph. Plays straight, occasional tilt and run. T1432, 1306 average rpm.
CB: 60.28-62.23 mph. 12/6 shape, works at the bottom of the zone. T1455, 1368 average rpm.
CH: 62.27-63.07 mph. Works downhill, late fade action. T928, 843 average rpm.

Keegan Luxem, Hersey (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Advanced frame, wide-shouldered athletic build with strength throughout.
Delivery: Stretch-only tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, plays from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T78.0, 76.04-77.87 mph. Straight action, plays up in the zone. T2054, 1941 average rpm.
CB: 61.91-62.63 mph. 11/5 to 12/6 shape, tight spin and depth. T2220, 2155 average rpm.
CH: 66.49-68.37 mph. Creates tilt, occasional run. T1392, 1356 average rpm.

Michael Mango, Lyons Township (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 130-pounds. Athletic, projectable frame.
Delivery: Fluid tall and fall delivery, coiled at balance point, lands upright.
Arm Action: RH. Slight plunge out of the glove, long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.1, 76.47-77.06 mph. Flashed hard run and sink at times. T1985, 1893 average rpm.
CB: 68.68-70.64 mph. Thrown aggressively, late downer action. T1706, 1582 average rpm.
SL: 67.84-69.95 mph. Maintains arm speed, 10/4 shape. T2018, 1962 average rpm.
CH: 71.31-72.94 mph. Fastball arm speed, thrown with intent, occasional fade action. T1442, 1316 average rpm.

Elijah Skidmore, Harlem (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T79.9, 76.88-79.50 mph. Jumps out of the hand at times, works straight. T2143, 2071 average rpm.
CB: 64.08-66.00 mph. 12/6 shape, lands for strikes at times. T1913, 1774 average rpm.
CH: 69.64-73.56 mph. Works straight, occasional tilt. T1525, 1439 average rpm.

Nick Szalony, Mundelein (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 130-pounds. Lean, wiry frame.
Delivery: Uptempo, drop and drive delivery, works slightly across body.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slor.
FB: T70.4, 69.84-70.35 mph. Plays straight. T1791, 1679 average rpm.
CB: 59.01-60.25 mph. 11/5 action, maintains arm speed, lands for strikes. T1947, 1834 average rpm.
CH: 65.81-66.56 mph. Similar arm speed as fastball, plays straight. T1189, 1108 average rpm.

Alek Terlecki, Glenwood (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, stays into backside,
Arm Action: LH. Long draw out of the glove, plays from a short 3/4 window.
FB: T64.8, 62.84-64.63 mph. Late run and sink at times. T1521, 1408 average rpm.
CB: 58.52-59.10 mph. 1/7 shape, sweeping action at times. T1576, 1523 average rpm.
SL: 60.22-61.10 mph. Small wrinkle. T1554, 1476 average rpm.

Ben Toft, New Trier (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-7, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch-only athletic delivery, works on-line.
Arm Action: LH. Long, quick arm action, over-the-top to high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.2, 75.57-78.08 mph. Lively, clean out of the hand, works mostly straight. T2007, 1921 average rpm.
CB: 62.40-64.36 mph. 1/7 shape, thrown aggressively, feel for the zone at times. T1976, 1934 average rpm.
CH: 66.15-68.00 mph. Fastball arm speed,  T1469, 1414 average rpm.

Matthew Wnukowski, Tinley Park (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 205-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, strides on-line, lands upright and minimal effort throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Long, clean atrm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.6, 76.97-78.91 mph. Easy out of the hand, tilt at the bottom of the zone. T2158, 2023 average rpm.
SL: 67.14-71.00 mph. 1/7 to 2/8 shape, tunnels off the fastball, around the zone. T2007, 1944 average rpm.
CH: 68.58-71.70 mph. Around the zone, creates angle. T1561, 1505 average rpm.

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