CIF AJ Putty (Huntley, 2025) made some waves over this past summer, earning an invite to the Future Games in late July and then the State Games in early August. Yet another member from the 2025 Junior Future Games team to earn an invite back to the event as a rising junior, Putty was one of the more physical right-handed bats to wear the Team Illinois uniform; averaging 92.9 mph for his EV throughout his rounds of batting practice while reaching up to 98.3 mph, also launching a ball 373'. It was much of the same at the State Games, taking his usual loud rounds of BP while also showing his power in-game with mutliple barrles throughout the event. He's a steady defender on the infield with clean actions, pairing with a quality arm across the diamond. Putty has seen substantial playing time on varsity for the Red Raiders, working his way into the lineup in each of his first two prep seasons. Huntley will have to navigate losing a heavy dose of seniors, and Putty will surely be one of the players looked upon to help lead the squad this coming spring. 

We recently had the chance to talk with Putty about his recruitment process, as well as some other fun baseball topics, below. 

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at? 

AJ: About the recruiting process, I didn’t know what to expect with the new rules of getting phone calls on August 1st. It was exciting to get phone calls all in the same week. I was looking for somewhere close to home and with a good education program. My dream was to play in the Power 5 and when Illinois reached out it was really exciting. 

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 

A: Yes, it played a factor so my family and friends can see me play and so I could be close to home.  

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

A: Around August 1st with the Future Games and State Games is when it started to heat up. The tournament at Grand Park right before Future Games is where Illinois saw me go on a streak of 12-for-16 and I think that’s what really turned heads. Illinois also saw me at Future Games and State games and thats when they really started to reach out.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision? 

A: Illinois had many great factors with how close it was to home and having family go there. The coaches are really welcoming and that’s a factor in my decision. The experience from the coaches and success the program has had also plays a factor.  

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision? 

A: Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, Eastern Illinois and Ohio.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

A: I would have to say RHP Charlie Taczy (Cary Grove, 2025) with his pitch mix and the way he competes on the mound. 

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level? 

A: I realized ever since I got attention from colleges due to camps and tournaments when I was younger. I stayed dedicated to my training and worked towards my life-long goal.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are? 

A: I would say stay focused on your goals and never give up, even when things get tough. Play with confidence and don’t let little mistakes get in the way.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

A: Hitting a three-run home run against McHenry in the playoffs when I was a freshman was one of the most memorable moments in my career. Also going to the Future Games is up there too. 

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be? 

A: We’re going to have to regroup with the amount of seniors we lost from last year. But I think we’re going to be young and talented. We’re going to need more players to step up as leaders. 

P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)? 

A: Future Games had a huge impact with August 1st being soon after. I think it’s the best recruiting event there is with the amount of colleges that attend.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

A: I would have to steal the speed of Trey Meyers (New Trier, 2025; Indiana commit).

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program? 

A: INF Drew Borkowski (2026) and OF Ryan Dabe (2025) are both players that will help with the high school team.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? 

A: The tournaments at Grand Park and the showcases from this past summer really put me on the map and helped me with recruiting. Future Games and State Games were the events that helped the most.

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