2018 Draft: Where N.J. Seniors Landed

Danny Nunan LHP / Ocean City, NJ / 2018

12th Round, 361st Pick (Angels)

Hard to ignore Nunan's upside in this draft, but let's break it down to see how scouts saw the southpaw: 1. 6-foot-6, 2. lanky with room to fill out 3. left-handed pitcher,  4. easy arm action, 5. spins a breaking ball for strikes, 6. has revved his fastball up into the high 80s and touching 90. Pretty simple equation if you look at it from that angle, and thats what the Angels sought after in Nunan. Nunan will benefit from a year-round workout regimen that will surely add pounds of muscle to his frame.

Peter Serruto C / Millburn, NJ / 2018

22nd Round, 649th Pick (Reds)

Serruto had an incredible year for Millburn in the spring, and rose to the occasion in big moments throughout. One of the most feared hitters in the GNC Conference, Serruto was mostly known for his elite athleticism (two-sport star; football quarterback) and high-end arm strength behind the plate. Multiple times our scouts have had him below a 1.90 in-game – which puts him on the same pedestal as some of the best catchers in the big leagues right now. Serruto has made it known publicly that he will honor his commitment to Rutgers University this fall.

Jack Herman OF / Eastern Regional, NJ / 2018

30th Round, 894th Pick (Pirates)

Another well-documented success story in South Jersey allure, Herman was one of the best and most consistent players in New Jersey High School Baseball over the last four years. A quiet, confident demeanor, Herman rose to the occasion in the winter at the Super 60 Professional Showcase in Chicago, IL – where he wowed scouts with his combination of speed, arm strength, and compact-powerful swing at the plate. Most thought that Herman would continue to play at the University of Maryland, a commitment he had had since before he played a varsity game at Eastern Regional. However, Herman chose a different angle – and ended up signing with Pittsburgh after being chosen in the 30th Round. According to NJ.com and South Jersey High School Sports connoisseur Kevin Minnick, Herman "wants to prove people wrong." Personally, I'm excited for Herman. He's produced at every level he's played at, and at elite tournaments and events during the summer circuit, has continued to impress. 

Brandon Hylton 1B / Ridge, NJ / 2018

33rd Round, 995th Pick (Brewers)

Hylton's sweet left-handed stroke and 6-foot-6 frame made scouts (and college coaches) drool over his projection. A late bloomer with a growth spurt in the middle of high school, and committed to Stetson late as well, Hylton impressed with advanced power for his age. Another participant at the Super 60, Hylton's light-tower power was especially prominent at the 2017 Garden State Underclass Games at Diamond Nation – where he launched ball after ball deep into the woods at Field 4 at Diamond Nation. From all accounts, Hylton will honor his commitment to Stetson this fall.

Tyler Ras RHP / Middletown North, NJ / 2018

33rd Round, 998th Pick (Cubs)

It has been a fun three years watching Tyler Ras grow into one of the top high school arms to come out of the Northeast. The 6-foot-4 200-pound right hander was at the one of the first ever PBR New Jersey events all those years ago, and has continued to perform on a national scale. Although his high school team did not have the success he wanted, Ras was still for the most part 90-92 touching 93-94 throughout the spring. He will honor his commitment to play in the SEC for Alabama this fall.

Max Dineen OF / Pennsville, NJ / 2018

35th Round, 1039th Pick (Reds)

Statistically speaking, Max Dineen will go down as one of the best players to ever come out of New Jersey. In his senior season alone, Dineen hit at a .560 clip, with 15 HR, 11 2B, 2 3B and 47 RBI. He had 51 hits this spring with 34 walks and 18 stolen bases. An excellent year for a great athlete and player. Dineen will honor his commitment to play at Virginia Tech this fall. 

Will Gambino RHP / Paul VI, NJ / 2018

35th Round, 1048th Pick (Mariners)

Gambino rose on to the radar of professional scouts with his performance at the 2017 WWBA tournament in Georgia, where he peppered 94 MPH several times on the radar gun as an uncommitted rising senior. The University of Kentucky scooped him up shortly thereafter, and the rest is history. Gambino has the make up of a kid that will perform at a high level, and has the stuff to stay there. Ultimately, he needs to command all three of his pitches, a task that shouldn't be that difficult with the outstanding coaching staff at U of K and pitching coach Jimmy Belanger.