On the Hunt: Top 10 Risers From the Future Games (2019s)
August 8, 2017
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
@ShooterHunt
With the 2017 Future Games officially in the book, and the dust starting to settle, On the Hunt, takes a look at some of the top risers from the event in the 2019 class. Of the top 10 list, two have already committed to schools (Oklahoma St. & West Virginia) while the other eight are being eagerly courted by schools all over the country. The players on the list took their games to another level during short stints at the Future Games, and have propelled themselves to becoming common names in recruiting circles. Each player drew rave reviews, and had the PBR staff as well as college coaches buzzing. Included in the list are two pitchers, two catchers, two shortstops, two outfielders, and two, two-way players.
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Drew Gilbert OF / LHP / Stillwater, MN / 2019Rankings Overall Rank:90 POS:11
Gilbert may only be 5-foot-10, 155-pounds, but he walks around like he’s 6-foot-3, 210-pounds, and commands every bit as much respect. I was a huge fan when I first saw him in March at PBR Minnesota’s Preseason Underclass event, and he cemented himself as one of the top players in the country with his performances at the Future Games. The tough, two-way player showed off athleticism at the plate, in the field, and on the mound. Rhythmically loading his hands back with a leg hang, Gilbert works slightly uphill through the zone with quick hands and a loose finish. He roams the outfield like a defensive back, and shows confidence in his hands to go along with a strong throwing arm. On the mound, he is fearless and attacks hitters with a fastball featuring late arm side action. He was up to 88 mph, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the low-nineties next summer. His curveball is a big-breaking pitch that freezes hitters while also garnering swings and misses with 2/8 shape and tight spin. Overall, Gilbert was one of the elite standouts from the event.
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