The JUCO Wire is a new weekly feature that will continue to build on the Prep Baseball Report’s unparalleled coverage of amateur baseball across the country. The JUCO Wire will provide updated information on junior college transfers, players moving on, who’s hot, and any other relevant news from around the country. 

The JUCO Wire is a compilation of boots-and-the-ground scouting, information collected from our state-specific scouting staff, outside submissions, and any other news and nuggets gleaned throughout the year.

HEARTLAND (IL) UNCOMMITTED SPOTLIGHT

• SS Brandon Bossard (Nazareth, IL, 2016) was ranked No. 50 in PBR Illinois’ Class of 2016, drafted out of high school in the 31st round by the Chicago White Sox. As a freshman appeared in 35 games, batting .288 with 1 HR, 24 RBIs, 26 runs scored, and 7 stolen bases. Bossard is an elite defender with a plus arm.

• UTL Carson Bartels (Nazareth, IL, 2016) was ranked No. 188 in PBR Illinois’ Class of 2016. As a freshman, Bartels played in 55 games, batting .388 with 76 hits, 47 RBIs, 52 runs scored and 17 stolen bases. Unanimous 1st Team All Conference/District as a freshman. Will see time at second, third and catcher this year.

• RHP Max Franklin (St. Rita, IL, 2016) was ranked No. 40 in PBR Illinois’ Class of 2016. Made 17 appearances as a freshman, all out of the bullpen. Tallied four saves and a 1-2 record. In 26.1 innings pitched Franklin struck out 15 batters. The 6-foot-4 righty sits 88-90 mph with action on his fastball. Shows feel for a swing and miss slider. 
  

• C Michael Bieterman (Aurora Central Catholic, IL, 2017) transferred from Southern Illinois to Heartland (IL). Bieterman was ranked No. 107 in PBR Illinois’ Class of 2017.  
  

• 1B Luke Price (Christian Academy of Louisville, KY, 2017) has transferred from Purdue to Heartland (IL). Price’s large frame make him an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. Was ranked No. 63 in PBR Kentucky’s Class of 2017.
  

• RHP Killian O’Hanlon (St. Rita, IL, 2017) has transferred from Iowa Western CC to Heartland (IL). Another very intriguing frame at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds. Ranked No. 124 in PBR Illinois’ Class of 2017.

TRANSFER WIRE

• OF/C Noah Winkelman (Foley, MN, 2017) has transferred from Northwest Florida State to Ranger CC (TX). Winkelman was ranked No. 23 in PBR Minnesota’s Class of 2017.

• LHP Rian Haire (South Caldwell, NC, 2016) has transferred from South Carolina to St. John’s River State (FL). Haire was the No. 1 ranked prospect in PBR North Carolina’s Class of 2016.

• RHP Tyler McKay (Blue Springs South, MO, 2016) has transferred from Kansas State to Howard JC (TX). McKay was the No. 23 ranked prospect in PBR Missouri’s Class of 2016. Made nine relief appearances in his freshman year, yielded four earned runs in 9.2 innings with 11 walks and 11 strikeouts.

COMMITS

• State College of Florida OF Jaren Shelby (Tates Creek, KY, 2016) has committed to Kentucky. Shelby was the No. 3 ranked prospect in the PBR Kentucky’s Class of 2016.