On Tuesday, July 12th, the PBR Illinois staff traveled to The Corn Crib in Normal, IL, to host the annual Central Illinois Open. This event was open to all 2023-to-2026 graduates and featured more than 50 prospects from the Central Illinois region, allowing our scouts an opportunity to check-in on these athletes as the summer rolls on. 

We recently took a look at all of the position players in attendance and today we breakdown all of the arms. At the top of the list is unsigned senior RHP James Hess (Charleston) threw a polished ‘pen, working in the low-80s while mixing in a hard, late biting slider in the mid-70s with feel for the zone. 

Read on below for a look at all of the arms from the day:

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. James Hess, Charleston  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Up-tempo delivery, medium leg-lift into balance point, glides down the mound while remaining in-line, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.5, 82-84 mph. Heavy through the zone with sinking action.  T2203, 2156 average rpm.
SL: 74-76 mph. Sharp 10/4 shape, late bite.  T2035, 1967 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Late sinking action to the arm-side, thrown with intent and around the zone.  T1842, 1786 average rpm.

2. Kolten Schmoll-Burton, Geneseo (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Strong build.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, high leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, front toe lands open.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84.4, 80-84 mph. Life and ride through the hitting zone. Sinker plays with downward action through the zone, slight fade at times.  T2208, 2073 average rpm.
CB: 65-66 mph. Sharp, slurvy action with depth. T2061, 2032 average rpm.
CUT: 66-67 mph. 10/4 shape.
SNK: 74-75 mph. Fades to the arm-side, acted like a changeup. 

3. Wyatt Beer, Mascoutah (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds. Thick lower-half.
Delivery: Powerful drop/drive operation, drops into back knee over the rubber, strides down the mound in-line, lands square, shoulders remain level throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove, quick to release from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.2, 80-82 mph. Life through the zone with some ride, flashed ASR. T2191, 2086 average rpm.
CB: 71-71 mph. Sharp, tight 10/4 shape.  T2211, 2153 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. Sharp, sweeping 10/4.  T2092, 2044 average rpm.
CH: 74-76 mph. Flashed fading action, heavy downward movement at times.  T1890, 1782 average rpm.

4. Cole Martz, Huntington North (IN), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, shoulders work uphill while striding out, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. Life through the zone with late arm-side action.  T2200, 2159 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action with depth.  T2318, 2166 average rpm.
CH: 66-68 mph. Plays mostly straight.  T1773, 1661 average rpm.

5. Taylor Voorhees, St. Joseph Ogden (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Strong build.
Delivery: Clean operation, up-tempo into balance point, high leg-kick with a drop/drive lower-half, shoulders tilt back while striding down the mound, remains in-line with a square landing foot.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm, clean path into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.5, 80-81 mph. Life through the zone with ASR.  T1805, 1756 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape.  T2055, 1957 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Sharp 10/4 shape, sweeping action.  T1899, 1867 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Fades to the arm-side. T1435, 1351 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Trey Carter, Williamsville (IL), 2023 Lincoln Land CC commit.
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Clean, repeatable delivery, works into a medium leg-lift, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, shoulders tilt slightly uphill down the mound, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm circle into an over-the-top slot, quick arm.
FB: T80.6, 80-81 mph. Life through the zone with ASR. T2109, 2047 average rpm.
CB: 62-65 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape with depth.  T2304, 2195 average rpm.
SL: 70-71 mph. Sharp 10/4 sweeping action. T2168, 2111 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Thrown with intent, fades to the arm-side.  T1776, 1704 average rpm.

Owen Cavanaugh, Normal Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-0, 145-pounds. Long, athletic body.
Delivery: High leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line, front foot lands square, easy effort.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm circle into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.4, 76-78 mph. Sinks to the arm-side. T2246, 2160 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape, above-average spin.  T2518, 2493 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Fades to the arm-side.  T1771, 1681 average rpm.

Trent Durham, Normal West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Simple operation, tall/fall lower-half, slight across body stride, foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T74.7, 73-75 mph. Mostly straight, slight ASR. T1721, 1669 average rpm.
CB: 59-60 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape.  T1598, 1567 average rpm.
CH: 65-67 mph. Slight fading action to the arm-side.  T1260, 1084 average rpm.

Parker Eickhorst, Bloomington Central Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-4, 165-pounds. Tall, wiry build.
Delivery: High leg-kick into balance point, slight drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line, lands front toe open.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.5, 73-75 mph. Slight cutting action at times, mostly straight.  T1980, 1961 average rpm.
CB: 60-61 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape.  T1802, 1749 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Fades to the arm-side.  T1670, 1486 average rpm.
CUT: 64-65 mph. Sharp 10/4 shape, sweeping action.

Jack Helms, Mattoon (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-4, 175-pounds.
Delivery: High, controlled leg-lift, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove, 3/4 release, quick arm.
FB: T81.7, 80-81 mph. Plays with sinking action through the zone.  T2026, 1986 average rpm.
SL: 64-65 mph. Sweeping 10/4 shape, depth at times, thrown for strikes  T2206, 2094 average rpm.
CH: 73-73 mph. Flashed late sink at times, thrown with fastball arm-speed.  T1560, 1481 average rpm.

Michael Lucas, Lincoln (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, simple delivery, works into a medium balance point, front hip leading towards home throughout stride, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long path out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T73.4, 72-73 mph. Mostly straight through the zone.  T1783, 1658 average rpm.
CB: 57-60 mph. Graudal 11/5 shape.  T1574, 1488 average rpm.
CH: 62-63 mph. Plays straight. T1131, 1047 average rpm.

Barrett Marfell, Peoria Heights (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-4, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Up-tempo delivery, tall/fall lower-half, creates tough downward angle towards the plate, remains in-line, stays tall at foot-plant.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm circle into an over-the-top slot.
FB: T71.6, 70-72 mph. Slight ASR, tilt through the zone.  T1725, 1686 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. Short 1/7 shape.  T1775, 1671 average rpm.
CH: 64-66 mph. Mostly straight.  T1894, 1765 average rpm.

Thomas Mickels, Peoria Notre Dame (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-11, 135-pounds. Lanky, long limbs.
Delivery: High, athletic leg-lift, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line to the plate with a closed landing foot, shoulders remain level throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72.4, 71-72 mph. Plays with tilt through the zone. T1888, 1816 average rpm.
CB: 58-60 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape.  T1396, 1346 average rpm.
CH: 62-65 mph. Thrown with intent, slight fading action.  T1620, 1554 average rpm.

Jarret Muchow, Mattoon (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Repeatable delivery, stays compact throughout, medium leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.1, 74-76 mph. Mostly straight, slight sinking action.  T1886, 1797 average rpm.
SL: 63-65 mph. Short 10/4 shape.  T2016, 1924 average rpm.
CH: 68-70 mph. Fades to the arm-side.  T1425, 1354 average rpm.

Mason Nolasco, Stevenson (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Strong front hip down the mound, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line with the plate, shoulders remain level throughout stride. front foot lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove, 3/4 slot.
FB: T66.1, 63-66 mph. Generally straight.  T1389, 1228 average rpm.
CB: 57-59 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape.  T1474, 1462 average rpm.
CH: 60-62 mph. Similar arm-speed to fastball, mostly straight.  T1145, 1118 average rpm.

Blake Norton, Salt Fork (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 195-pounds. Strong frame.
Delivery: Controlled tempo into balance point, drives off back-knee down the mound, drop/drive lower-half, slight cross-fire stride, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into an over-the-top slot.
FB: T81.3, 81-81 mph. Slight ASR, tilt through the zone.  T1843, 1799 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. 12/6 shape with depth, flashed sharp action.  T1789, 1700 average rpm.
CH: 77-80 mph. Plays with downward action through the zone.  T1812, 1793 average rpm.

Mac Raymer, Elpaso Gridley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, sinks into back-knee at balance point, glides down the mound while remaining in-line.
Arm Action: LH. Loose/clean arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.1, 75-78 mph. Sinking action, life through the zone, thrown for strikes.  T2293, 2251 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Sharp 1/7 shape, feel for the zone.  T2119, 2036 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Hard downward action at times, also flashed horizontal action.  T2121, 2034 average rpm.

Tate Schaefer, Pekin Community (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Medium leg-lift into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, slight across-body stride, front foot lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Slight ASR and sinking action.  T2017, 1876 average rpm.
CB: 62-64 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape.  T1976, 1880 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Plays mostly straight.  T1833, 1680 average rpm.

Keegan Schultz, Altamont (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Clean, athletic mover, drop/drive lower-half, flexible into stride with clear hip/shoulder separation, remains in-line to the plate, lands square with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.6, 74-76 mph. Plays with some ride through the zone, thrown for strikes. Two seam runs horizontally to the arm-side.  T1948, 1829 average rpm.
CB: 55-60 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape, downer action. T1696, 1631 average rpm.

Rocco Trevino, Bishop McNamara (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 5-10, 135-pounds.
Delivery: Keeps core tight throughout, slight crouch into leg-lift, drop/driver lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, front foot lands closed.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T69.1, 66-68 mph. Plays with life to the arm-side. T1714, 1667 average rpm.
CB: 56-60 mph. 1/7 shape, feel around the zone,  T1466, 1357 average rpm.
CUT: 65-68 mph. Flashed short 2/8 shape.

Mason Vandegraft, El Paso Gridley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-9, 130-pounds.
Delivery: High leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line to the plate, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm circle into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.7, 75-77 mph. Sinks to the arm-side.  T1956, 1922 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. Tight 11/5, downer action.  T1817, 1789 average rpm.
CH: 61-62 mph. Plays clean out of the hand with sinking action.  T1754, 1658 average rpm.

Daniel Wilson, Peoria Notre Dame (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-5, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo throughout, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line with the plate, shoulders stay level throughout stride, front foot lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T73.1, 72-73 mph. Slight ASR, some tilt through the zone.  T1435, 1219 average rpm.
CB: 60-62 mph. Gradual 11/5 action.  T1432, 1354 average rpm.
CH: 67-68 mph. Slight fade to the arm-side.  T1553, 1498 average rpm.

Jack Wisdom, Bloomington Central Catholic (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-10, 182-pounds.
Delivery: High, athletic leg-lift, tall/ fall lower-half, remains in-line, front foot lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.5, 78-81 mph. Flashed ASR when thrown to arm-side.  T2045, 1959 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. Sharp 11/5, depth with feel.
CH: 73-75 mph. Mostly straight.  T1591, 1538 average rpm.

Ethan Zaayenga, Tremont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tempo, high-leg-kick into balance point, slight drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.6, 77-78 mph. Sinking action.  T1999, 1924 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. 10/4 shape, sweeping action.  T2151, 2044 average rpm.
CH: 68-70 mph. Downward action, thrown with arm-speed.  T1573, 1490 average rpm.

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