NY State Games: Top 10 Breakout Performers

Nicholas Vega OF / RHP / Trinity Pawling, NY / 2022

Tale of the Tape: The 6-foot-3, 200-pound outfielder was a joy to watch all week as he stood out with advanced physicality and “next level ready” athleticism throughout the movements. After running an impressive 7.22 60-yard dash, the ‘22 OF proceeded to showcase easy bat speed during a loud batting practice round yielding one of the top bat-exit velocities of the event at 98 mph. The pull-side pop was noticeable in game action with some lift through contact generating multiple extra base hits at the NY State Games. It didn’t hurt that he also showed off the ability to be a plus defender that can go get it in the middle of the field coupled with an electric 87 mph arm-strength from his position. The actions looked effortless as he tracked balls in the air with a quality drop step technique to go and get balls in the gap. Vega should profile as a middle of the order bat with an understanding of approach in the box and a day one ready outfielder that can handle duties patrolling any of the three outfield positions at the next level.

Jaden Caballero SS / OF / Newburgh Free Academy , NY / 2021

Tale of the Tape: The athleticism was evident in 5-foot-9, 155-pound Jaden Caballero’s game allowing for an all-around impressive performance at the NY State Games. Lean at the moment in the frame but gets after it in the box with a whippy barrel and powerful lower half. Generated hard contact at the front of the plate creating extra base hit projection moving forward to go along with a 96 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball. Moved well laterally in the middle of the infield with soft hands that played loose and aggressively out in front. This combination allowed for a quick pace hovering around 4.0 seconds and a strong 83 mph throwing arm with carry that should keep him on the left side at the next level. With 6.83 60-yard speed, it’s easy to see how he plays with advanced range to either side; also possesses the ability to put pressure on opposing defenses on the basepaths. Recorded multiple hits in game action working gap to gap with high level bat to ball skills. Projects to be a quality top of the order bat down the line as he continues maturing and adds more physicality. 

Adam Agresti C / 1B / Kennedy Catholic, NY / 2023

Tale of the Tape: First off, the physicality was obvious for a ‘23 in a powerful 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, but the maturity behind the dish may have stood out the most. The primary catcher commanded the game repeatedly beating the ball to the spot while receiving with a soft glove hand at the catch point. Mixed in pop times ranging from 1.98-2.05 with quick transfers and powerful straight line footwork on throws in the mid 70’s from the crouch showcasing the ability to shut the run game down. Showed feel and athleticism while blocking, getting the hips around the ball and saved multiple free 90’s throughout game action at the NY State Games. Add in an easy, repeatable swing with fluidity through a slightly uphill path and a 94 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball and you’re talking about a “can’t miss” backstop in the ‘23 class. 

Joshua Milleville RHP / SS / Starpoint , NY / 2021

Tale of the Tape: Showcased advanced feel for a 5-foot-10, 170-pound athletic build with plenty of strength throughout the actions. The right-handed hitter impressed with one of the better overall rounds at the NY State Games featuring twitchy hands and a quick barrel through a slightly uphill hitting window. Peppered the pull-side gap with line drives and occasional lift to deep left field during a standout batting practice which saw a top of 98 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball. Carried the momentum over to game action with multiple hits and more than a few quality at bats over the course of the day. Played loose defensively in the middle with a feel for pace and an above average 85 mph arm-strength across the diamond. Stepped onto the bump and the arm worked clean through a high ¾ slot allowing for 82-85 mph fastballs with life and athleticism in the arm swing. Expanded the zone in game action mixing in a sharp 68-71 mph slider out of the same window showing as an out pitch while commanding a 73-74 mph CH as well displaying legitimate two way capabilities moving forward. 

Itai Spinoza LHP / OF / Fayetteville Manlius , NY / 2021

Tale of the Tape: The stocky 5-foot-8, 170-pound lefty possessed plenty of athleticism in all phases to go along with innate confidence allowing for solid results in game action. Dominated during his three innings of work at the NY State Games, pounding the zone with controlled tempo in the delivery while coming through a loose and fluid, high ¾ slot on the front side. The fastball worked downhill at the knees from 84-86 mph while spinning a 70-72 mph SL across the zone with occasional backdoor shape. Commanded a 76-77 mph CH with fade as well with near fastball arm speed creating deception and swing and miss projection to RHH. The mound presence is definitely there with a competitive nature; consistently found himself mostly ahead in counts with ability to control the entire at bat. Though he was just a PO at the NY State Games, the left-handed hitter has also been up to around a 90 mph bat-exit velocity swinging it giving you a good look at the multitude of ways Spinoza can impact a game. 

Carmelo Musacchia SS / 2B / Fordham Prep, NY / 2022

Tale of the Tape: The primary middle infielder was one of the top overall athletes in attendance with some of the better measurables among participants at the NY State Games. Started off the event hot recording a 6.56 60-yard dash demonstrating plus straight line speed and continued showing it in game action; just played the game at a pace above the rest of the competition. Was able to steal multiple bags putting pressure on the defense as well as cover plenty of ground on the left side of the infield. Arrived to the ball early and on time playing with downhill momentum towards the target. A quick first step and soft glove hand created the ability to make plays on the run while throwing from multiple arm angles; 86 mph arm strength across the diamond should keep him on the left side moving forward. The right-handed hitter stood out the most offensively with a top of 90 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball to go along with a solid track record for success when the lights turned on. Peppered both gaps for multiple extra base hits and displayed innate feel for his hands in the box. Not a lot going on in the swing, was able to consistently get off smooth, violent hacks with high level bat to ball skills which should project him as a top of the order candidate moving forward. 

Carlos Carmona RHP / of / Kingsbridge International, NY / 2021

Tale of the Tape: One of the obvious breakout performers at the NY State Games was 6-foot-1, 154-pound, '21 Carlos Carmona. Long levers and high level athleticism allowed for quality showings in all facets of the game. 6.95 runner to start the day off, with easy 93 mph juice from the right side during batting practice and a loud barrel that worked well through extension at the front of the plate. Hopped up on the mound working with a controlled, deliberate pace creating well above-average hand speed through the release window. Repeatable, high ¾ arm-slot with fluidity and whip on the front side as the fastball played with life above the belt from 86-88 T89 mph. Mixed in a solid 75-76 mph CB displaying feel for spin and 11/5 shape and countered with a 77-78 mph CH with late fade to the arm-side. A name to know as he continues filling out; already possesses next level starter qualities at the moment. Projects the best on the mound with one of the higher ceilings imaginable. 

Tyler O'Neill C / RHP / WC Mepham, NY / 2021

Tale of the Tape: If you’re looking for legitimate, impact two-way prospects ready to compete at the next level, a name that would have to be in consideration is ‘21 C/RHP Tyler O’Neill. Physical 6-foot, 170-pound frame with advanced feel for the body in everything he does and the ability showed plenty during game action. Shut down the run game with pop times ranging from 1.85-1.92 in showcase setting on accurate 79 mph throws on the bag.  Was consistently hovering sub 2.0 between innings and popped a 1.98 in game on a runner who was caught stealing. The defensive skills were obvious and showed off the maturity he possesses behind the dish while commanding the game. The right-handed hitter has an easy setup coupled with a swing that works well through the baseball, a combination that led to plenty of barrels and high bat to ball skills during a solid batting practice round. Recorded a 90 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball with feel for an adjustable lower half allowing him to stay on the offspeed pitch in game if need be. For the grand finale, the right-handed pitcher stepped on the rubber and lived 85-87 T88 mph with the fastball through a loose, high ¾ slot showing quality leg drive and good extension on the front side. Mixed in a short and tight breaking, 69-71 mph slider with good arm speed and a 77-79 mph straight changeup as well. 

Daniel Cohen RHP / SS / South Glens Falls , NY / 2022

Tale of the Tape: Talk about projectability, ‘22 RHP/SS Daniel Cohen is 6-foot-2, 165-pounds with a proportional frame you can dream on. Moved extremely well in all phases of the NY State Games with advanced feel for long levers creating fluid movements across the diamond. The SS fielded with tremendous confidence and high level pace beating the ball to the spot with regularity. Quick transfers led to the ability to make plays on balls all over the left side of the field showcasing impact defender qualities with a routine 80 mph arm-strength across the diamond. Offensively, the RHH used his long arms to get inside the baseball and whip the barrel through a slightly uphill path at contact point while showing off advanced backside pop to RCF during batting practice. Recorded an 86 mph bat-exit velocity with more in the tank, and then displayed quality in game success with above average feel for the barrel. The right-handed pitcher impressed the most on the mound where he pounded the zone with fluidity and easy life on an 86-87 mph FB coming through an athletic high ¾ slot. Tunnelled two different breaking balls, a tight 74-76 mph CB showing 11/5 shape for swing and miss and a 79-80 mph SL with short horizontal both commanded in the zone. Also worked a 79-81 mph CH for strikes on occasion with quality sell on the release.

Jonathan Larreac / 3b / baylor school, tn / 2022

Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 1   

 Tale of the Tape: All the way from the Baylor School in TN, ‘22 C Jonathan Larrea continued to show why he is considered the top catcher in his class in the Volunteer state. Large, physical 6-foot, 175-pound frame with a solid blend of athleticism in the movements and feel for his body. The frame looks ready to compete at the next level now and features plenty of quiet confidence in all phases. The right-handed hitter did not miss a barrel during his batting practice round wearing out the left field fence with hard contact at the front of the plate. Created quality hip shoulder separation with advanced strength in the lower half and quick hands that jolted into the zone through a slightly uphill path. Registered a max of 90 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball but wasn’t done there; the backstop turned in one of the top defensive rounds of the three days at NY State Games with pop times ranging from 1.88-1.94. The transfers and straight line footwork are truly well above-average and allow for accurate, powerful 81 mph throws out of the crouch and on the bag. Mix in the fact that he can receive and block with the best of them as well and you have an impact defender behind the plate with plenty of time to continue improving before he steps onto a college campus.