MD/DE Scout Blog: Naill's Notes (4/23-4/26)

Eli Livingston OF / St Paul's, MD / 2026

A University of Maryland commit, and the number one player in the MD/DE Class of 2026, Livingston continues to showcase his athleticism and increased strength in each look this spring. The body is really starting to fill out and the hit tool is becoming more and more consistent with a whole field line drive approach. It's a taller, relaxed setup with a smooth backload and fluid hand separation. Barrel whip and controlled quickness in the hands continue to shine, as the power numbers slowly but surely increase and come to the forefront at the dish. As the approach cleans up and the ability to backspin to the alleys becomes more consistent, look for the raw strength to provide more power. Look for the summer of 2024 to be one of the biggest yet for the St. Paul's outfielder.  

Nick Hulme RHP / St. Marys, MD / 2024

It was a stellar day for the Charleston (WV) commit in the game against St. Paul's, as the right-hander got the start on the bump, working five innings, giving up just one hit, one earned run while striking out five. It was predominately fastball in the outing, working 82-84, grabbing an 85 early on as the velo held throughout. A smooth, controlled operation out of an extra large 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame, Hulme worked downhill with the ability to consistently attack the zone at the knees. 

A true two-way in my eyes, the hit tool stuck out consistently throughout the game, finishing 2-3 with four RBI and a double. The ability to stay on the ball and lace line drives to the opposite field gap was impressive, and the feel for the barrel bodes well for consistency at the next level. Aggressive in the zone, the hands stay inside the ball exceptionally well, and utilizing the 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame, the power numbers should continue to rise at the next level. 

Tre McInnes C / Patterson Mill, MD / 2026

An uncommitted player in the 2026 class that continues to impress, the physical backstop continues to showcase the ability to impact the game on both sides with clean and fluid actions behind the dish. The hit tool shows flashes of increased power since our last look and the barrel awareness is consistent through the zone. A more line drive approach, McInnes can spray line drives to both gaps with more strength portrayed to the pull side. A durable frame with quick feet and an accurate arm behind the dish should see the uncommitted backstop stay behind the plate at the next level, as versatility is present that allows a move to the corner infield an option as well.  

Ryan Rey SS / Sherwood, MD / 2025

Still uncommitted, the smooth-swinging lefty is leading the perennial powerhouse, Sherwood on both sides of the ball and continues to make a name for himself across the state. At the dish, it's a slightly crouched, balanced setup with rhythm in the hands and a smooth, controlled backload. The hands work quick with some whip in the barrel, staying consistent with a middle-of-the-field line drive approach. The ability to spray line drives to all fields has been shown, however, when Rey stays on the ball and attacks the middle, the hit tool plays more consistently. The body is already starting to fill out and you can see the work being put in behind the scenes. As muscle mass continues to increase, the ability to impact the baseball at an even higher rate will come to fruition. Defensively, this is by far one of my favorite infielders to watch pick it. The hands are smooth and soft, working with quick, active footwork and showcasing increased awareness and arm strength. The body may speak to a move to second base, however the actions and baseball IQ may allow Rey to stay on the left side at the next level. 

Carter Sweeney-Strawberry OF / Sherwood, MD / 2026

One of the top helium risers across the 2026 class, Sweeney-Strawberry has strong bloodlines and has been tearing the cover off the ball this spring for Sherwood. Standing at a strong, ultra-projectable 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame, the athleticism jumps off the page with an intriguing hit tool. Quickness in the hands with a controlled gap-to-gap approach, the strength is evident, and the power numbers should see a substantial rise this summer as the barrel awareness becomes more consistent. Utilizing explosive actions on both sides, this is a can't-miss prospect out of the '26 class across Maryland heading into the summer months. 

Luke Pearre LHP / Poolesville, MD / 2024

A quick stint out of the bullpen in the matchup against Sherwood allowed my first look at the Rhode Island commit since his sophomore year. It's a controlled, high-intent operation on the bump with some quickness in the arm speed. Featured an explosive fastball to the arm side at 85-86, touching 87 in the outing up to 2450 rpm with plenty of late life and run away to right-handed hitters. Pearre was able to land the breaker occasionally, backing it up to right-handed hitters. The ability to create whiffs in the zone shows intrigue, and the evident athleticism should bode well at the next level. 

Trey Miller LHP / Glenelg Country, MD / 2024

A standout this preseason, I had another opportunity to see the New York University commit on the bump this spring against McDonogh. The command was scattered, however, the arsenal showed flashes, featuring a heavy fastball with late life through the zone up to 86 mph and two separate breaking balls. The curveball showed bigger 1/7 shape at 67-68, mixing in an occasional slider with shorter, tighter shape at 72-74. A high-intent delivery, Miller attacked with the fastball early and induced occasional whiffs in and out of the zone, showcasing the ability to change eye levels. As the command and feel for the secondary increases, look for this to be an impact arm once he sets foot on campus next year. 

Anderson Lambert OF / McDonogh, MD / 2027

It was my second time seeing the number-one player in the 2027 class, and this time the hit tool was on full display. Started his day with a loud RBI single up the middle with two strikes that showcased the simplified and controlled actions in the body and hands. Later in the game, Lambert ambushed a hanging breaking ball for a line out to left-center field. The hands showcase fluid actions with plenty of whip through the zone, showcasing strength to the middle and pull side with more to come as the lone frame fills out. Feel for the barrel is already consistent and the approach is advanced for the age. Staying aggressive in the zone, Lambert looks to do damage early in the count with the ability to cut down the swing and control the body with two strikes. The two-way ability is special and looks to only increase as the body fills out.