Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2021 Outfielders

Breakout Performance: 8/20/19 Area Code Underclass Games - Had one of the top rounds of batting practice hitting multiple home runs to the pull-side.

The Future: The Virginia commit has a track record of showing well on the national circuit against elite-level competition and it would be no surprise if he were asked to handle a significant role upon stepping on campus. Although he dominates in all aspects of the game, the speed might stand out the most with ultra long strides getting him to his destination a lot quicker than most. He’s a terror on the basepaths, and combining this with a strong hit-tool suggests the expectation of 15 HR/ 20 SB production down the line. Regardless of which outfield spot he gets on the field with, he should be an above-average defender with the ability to impact a game.

Quick Hits: One of the most athletic players we have ever covered, White started as a freshman at heralded Malvern prep in three sports (basketball, baseball, and football.) A top football recruit as well for his record breaking quarterback play, it’s easy to see why scouts are enamored at his skill set on a baseball field. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound centerfielder has a rocket for an arm recording a 91 mph arm-strength from his position while gliding easily to the ball in gaps and can go get it over his head. He can play any of the three outfield positions giving you plus defense with an elite first step, evidenced by a 6.58 60 yard dash time. Offensively, the right-handed hitter creates advanced rhythm and uses extremely quick hands to whip a short barrel path into the hitting zone. Generates bat-speed in the low to mid 90’s with power that plays in-game contacting the ball out in front of the plate with regularity. With the potential to feature five seasoned tools down the line, White should be a very close follow with ability to warrant considerable draft interest in the future. 

First Glimpse: 7/30/18 PBR Future Games - Exploded onto the scene with three hits in game action while showing off one of the better defensive plays we’ve seen. 92 mph bat-exit velocity, 6.58 60-yard dash, and 91 mph arm-strength. 

Breakout Performance: 5/12/19 William Penn Charter vs. Malvern Prep - Went 2 for 2 with two RBI doubles in the 11-2 victory.

The Future: The Penn State commit will play both baseball and football for James Franklin’s nationally ranked Nittany Lion squad showing you the elite athleticism he offers. A huge pickup with the ability to slot in day one at centerfield for the baseball team, White could earn a large role upon stepping on campus. The hand speed is noticeable and with the ability to add 5 or 10 pounds yet onto the frame, more power should be on the way. He has hit well in every game we’ve scouted against upper echelon competition, which bodes well for this uber-athletic, high ceiling prospect. With the advanced quickness and speed he possesses combined with the power at the plate, LWJ could be a legitimate 10 HR/ 20 SB candidate down the line with future professional ability.

Quick Hits: The QB1 for McDowell’s football team, Juchno has an ultra-athletic 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame with present physicality in his actions. The left-handed hitter opened eyes at our Preseason All-State Northwest event in Erie this winter with legit pull-side juice and a 92 mph bat-exit velocity featuring explosive hand speed through the zone. The hands demonstrate advanced rhythm with a rocking motion into the load allowing for stretch and explosive actions through the zone upon launching. Showing off the athleticism, the primary outfielder ran a 6.78 60-yard dash in that frame which is more than impressive. With arm-strength in the low to mid 80’s from his position, Juchno will most likely be limited to two of the three outfield spots, though he can give you quality defense with long, powerful strides creating advantageous routes to either gap. An overall talented prospect with gap to gap and RBI prowess in-game, Juchno is a high floor prospect with seasoning in all facets of the game. 

First Glimpse: 1/09/18 Beaver Valley Scout Day - 6.78 60-yard dash, 81 mph OF velocity, 90 mph exit velocity, top performer.  

Breakout Performance: 2/29/20 Preseason All-State Northwest - 7.16 60-yard dash, 82 mph OF velocity, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top round of batting practice, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Juchno has both mature and fluid actions on all sides of the ball which suggests above-average feel for his body and ability to be a plug and play recruit. The bat projects the best at the moment with the aforementioned rhythm in the hands creating noticeable barrel whip through the hitting window. A player that has hit well in-game and plays against some stiff competition for McDowell in District 10, the LHH should be expected to produce in a run creating role upon stepping on campus with the makings of a quality defender in the middle of the field. The power/speed option could be both a top of the order table setter or middle of the order RBI threat in a collegiate lineup giving recruiters flexibility while projecting him. Not to mention, more power could be on the way with a lower center of gravity in the lower half.

Quick Hits: The physical 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder showcases advanced quick-twitch ability in his movements with quality athleticism in the frame allowing him to post intriguing measurables across the board. A significant riser, Kohl has put on considerable size and strength throughout the years and continues to refine his game each time we put eyes on him.  The right-handed hitter jolted onto the scene this winter at the Bucks County Generals Scout Day with lightning quick hands and violent rotation recording an impressive 97 mph bat-exit velocity featuring loud pull-side juice. Uses the lower half well utilizing the ground to create power and in game action has shown a consistent approach at the plate and peppers both gaps with authority. The outfielder projects to play at any of the three positions at the next level with fluidity and ease in the movements while being a solid runner, (6.89 in the 60-yard dash). Takes quality routes to the baseball on either side and plays with extremely active feet creating downhill momentum towards the target yielding an impressive 90 mph throwing arm. An uber-athletic prospect who keeps getting better from year to year, Kohl’s ceiling might be higher than previously expected. 

First Glimpse: 2/09/19 Bucks County Generals Scout Day - 7.59 60-yard dash, 80 mph arm-strength from OF, 85 mph bat-exit velocity.

Breakout Performance: 2/10/20 - Bucks County Generals Scout Day - 6.89 60-yard dash, 88 mph arm-strength from OF, 97 mph bat-exit velocity, top batting practice round, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Kohl offers the total package in terms of ready to go outfielders who can get even better. Schools would be wise to look in this direction if they are needy for an early contributor at any of the outfield positions who can be an instant run producer in the order. Has handled velocity well in games we’ve scouted with ability to adjust to any offspeed in the zone which is further fuel to get that bat in the lineup someway or another. An above average baserunner, Kohl could further develop into a guy that regularly takes bags and is a consistent stolen base threat. The power and speed blend should be worth the investment and with the plus defense he offers, the Central Bucks West product could be a steal in the ‘21 class.

Quick Hits: The 6-foot-3, 200-pound outfielder exudes physicality and ease in all that he does standing out largely due to his advanced hit tool. Polo gets on-plane with the ball extremely early and works well through it creating loud contact in the middle of the field and suggesting extra base hit projection at the next level. The left-handed hitter has recorded a 95 mph bat-exit velocity and utilizes athleticism in the lower half to create fluidity in the hips upon launching. If that’s not enough, the outfielder is an above-average runner (6.98 60-yard dash), and has recorded an accurate 86 mph arm-strength from his position where he projects as a left fielder at the next level. The State College product should be expected to get even better across the board with a frame that welcomes the addition of 10-15 pounds, which would mean that bat will be even more dangerous come this time next year. 

First Glimpse: 2/18/19 Preseason All-State - 7.25 60-yard dash, 86 mph arm-strength from OF, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer.

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 PA/NY/NJ Procase - 7.19 60-yard dash, 86 mph arm-strength from OF, 94 mph bat-exit velocity, top batting practice round, top performer. 

The Future: The University of Pennsylvania commit is a high ceiling prospect continuing to round himself out in all facets of the game. The bat is the most next level ready at the moment with a mature approach at the dish along and noticeable bat to ball skills. Polo should be expected to add more strength onto that frame and will reap the rewards with a bat-exit velocity that will approach triple digits. The athleticism is sneaky and allows him to find consistent barrels at the plate making him one of the harder outs in his class. If he can get a little better defensively and add some speed, his stock could catapult into draft consideration in the distant future.

Quick Hits: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound outfielder displays athleticism in the frame and has sneaky strength in his movements on all sides of the ball. The left-handed hitter is rotational and uses advanced hip-shoulder separation to create barrel whip into the hitting zone. Creates natural loft to the pull-side gap on 87 mph bat-exit velocities and features strong wrists at the plate with ability to extend through the baseball. Has demonstrated explosive hand speed through the zone and doesn’t get cheated with healthy hacks each time up. Runs well (6.95 60-yard dash) with a quick first step and has shown the ability to handle any of the three outfield positions with above average athleticism and unique instincts. The skill set really comes out in game action evidenced by a huge performance in the 2018 PBR Future Games where he went 4 for 6 over the course of game action and has showcased extremely well each time we’ve seen him. Overall, Ducharme has a frame slightly smaller than his counterparts in the rankings, but the strength and athleticism in the movements is real and the production is hard to deny. 

First Glimpse: 12/31/17 PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase - 6.95 60-yard dash, 83 mph arm-strength from OF, 83 mph bat-exit velocity. 

Breakout Performance: 2/23/20 PA/NY/NJ Procase - 87 mph bat-exit velocity, one of the top batting practice rounds of the day. 

The Future: The Winthrop commit has all the makings of a table setter at the next level with pop to all fields and the ability to get even better. At the moment, Ducharme could add 10 or so pounds onto the frame which could catapult solid measurables at the plate into the eye-popping tier. The Spring-Ford product most likely projects as a left fielder early in his career where he will be able to cover space and track balls down in the gap. With more power expected to be on the way, Ducharme should have extra base hit capabilities at the next level and can leave the yard more often than you would expect.

Quick Hits: The physical, left-handed hitting 6-foot-1, 205-pound outfielder features two-way prospect capabilities at the next level and is impressive in all facets of the game. At the plate, Millan starts from a calm, controlled base using advanced strength in the lower half creating natural lift to the deep pull-side gap. Gets on plane early with the baseball yielding above-average bat speed through the zone and loud 93 mph bat-exit velocities. The primary outfielder moves around fluidly at his position taking consistent, quality angles to both gaps when he has to go get it. Recorded an impressive 87 mph arm-strength with present carry to the plate and notched a 7.39 60-yard dash suggesting a home at a corner outfield spot at the next level. The left-handed pitcher can step up on the mound and run it up to 84 mph with a solid three pitch mix including a 70-73 mph curveball with 1/7 action & depth and a 73-75 mph changeup with quality hand speed & deception. All in all, Millan is a competitor with the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways and that makes him a very intriguing prospect. 

First Glimpse: 4/04/19 North Pocono vs. Scranton Prep - Went 3 for 4 with 3 RBI, one double, and a run in the 12-6 victory. 

Breakout Performance: 2/09/20 Baseball U Scout Day - 84 mph FB, 73 mph CB, 75 mph CH, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, 87 mph arm-strength from OF, 7.39 60-yard dash, 4.25 home-to-first. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the North Pocono product has the makings of a quality two-way prospect at the next level with seasoning in all facets of the game. Millan gets his swing off with ease and should expect a slight bump in power to be on the way in the near future. The left-handed hitter has shown legitimate extra base hit ability and has a body ready for the next level now. Combine that with a chance to play above average defense and a solid arm option on the mound and you can see why the primary outfielder is being closely followed by scouts. With the bat more ready at the moment, Millan will need to continue honing his other skills but that only heightens his ceiling.

Quick Hits: At 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Nugent is physical at the plate with looseness in the hands allowing for barrel whip upon launching through a slightly uphill bat path in the hitting zone. The right-handed hitter has recorded consistently loud bat-exit velocities as high as 92 mph and is repetitively in attack mode contacting the ball out in front of the plate with regularity. The strength is sneaky at the plate but is evident in the healthy hacks he takes and noticeable bat speed. Needs some work defensively albeit he can run well (7.01 60-yard dash in the past) and takes advantageous routes working downhill at all times to the baseball. Currently projects as a left fielder at the next level but has the ability to open more options up in the future if the defense rounds out. Overall, the Central Bucks East product should be viewed as a legitimate offensive threat who is currently flying a little bit under the radar but won’t be for long. 

First Glimpse: 1/27/18 Preseason All-State Showcase - 7.19 60-yard dash, 87 mph bat-exit velocity. 

Breakout Performance: 8/08/19 Underclass Games - 7.35 60-yard dash, 92 mph bat-exit velocity, top round of batting practice, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, the Central Bucks East rising Senior will have a host of schools hot on his trail once baseball activities resume in the state. The hit tool is ready for the next level with above-average maturity and understanding of what he is doing each time up at the plate. Couple that with the chance to continue getting even more athletic in the frame and you have a prospect that could see his stock rise throughout the next year. With better arm-strength and more dynamic lower half movement in his actions, Nugent could go from an already quality prospect to a legitimate follow.

Quick Hits: The 6-foot-5, 200-pound outfielder is long and lean with present athleticism and extreme projectability in the frame. The right-handed hitter creates leverage by getting on-plane early and extending deep through the zone allowing for bat-exit velocities in the mid to upper 80’s with room for more as he fills out. Runs well for his size taking long strides and recorded multiple home-to-first times of 4.50 on a turn demonstrating the athleticism he possesses in that body. Tracks the ball well in the outfield and can cover ground in space with advantageous routes to either side. The RHP has two-way capabilities with a quality three pitch mix featuring a fastball in the low to mid 80’s, 70 mph curveball with late depth, and a mid 70’s changeup displaying deception. With more strength and power on the way, Hower should be an extremely close follow heading into a Senior campaign that could see his stock skyrocket. 

First Glimpse: 6/21/18 Northwest PA College Prospect Showcase - 7.12 60-yard dash, 83 mph arm-strength from OF, 81 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 4/24/19 McDowell vs. Erie High School - Went 2 for 2 with 2 runs in a 9-1 drubbing. 

The Future: The Dartmouth commit has a high baseball IQ to go with a perfect balance of projectability and athleticism to warrant a close follow entering his Senior campaign. With the ability to add roughly 20 pounds onto the frame, the ceiling is extremely high and could catapult Hower into a professional down the road if he continues improving as expected. The bat to ball skills at the plate are intriguing in a frame that long, and with more power on the way as we mentioned, he could become even more of a force offensively. The chance to be an impact two-way player for the “Big Green'' is for real and Hower might project equally on the mound as well with a loose arm action and ability to tunnel pitches. With the raw measurables combined with a professional level frame, you can see the excitement surrounding the McDowell product.

Quick Hits: The 6-foot, 175-pounder is uber athletic and utilizes noticeable quick twitch in the actions yielding impressive measurables across the board. Offensively, the right-handed hitter uses rhythm and quickness in the stroke with a strong top hand creating natural backspin to all fields on 93 mph bat-exit velocities. Features fluidity in the lower half and can go get the low pitch allowing for quality barrel awareness at the plate. The outfielder has recorded a 6.54 60-yard dash showing off his plus run tool with ability to track down anything hit in the air in the middle of the field. The twitch is noticeable defensively too, creating powerful downhill momentum through the ball and towards the target notching an 82 mph arm-strength from his position. With advanced instincts and burner-type speed, Musser should be able to slot in at any two of the three outfield positions at the next level. A legitimate threat to run at all times, the Manheim Township product can create extra fastballs for hitters at the plate when he’s on base, giving you a good understanding of his wide-reaching impact on a game. 

First Glimpse: 8/17/20 Fall Kickoff Showcase - 6.97 60-yard dash, 78 mph arm-strength from OF, 82 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

Breakout Performance: 3/01/20 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day - 6.54 60-yard dash, 82 mph arm-strength from OF, 93 mph bat-exit velocity, top performer. 

The Future: Currently uncommitted, Musser is a very hard worker who continually gets better each time we see him. With a frame that can hold 5 to 10 more pounds, the right-handed hitter could become an even bigger gap to gap power threat and could see his bat-exit velocity measurable approach the mid to upper 90’s. Combine that with the aforementioned game breaking speed and you can imagine why scouts are enamored at the overall skill set. Not to mention, Musser will be an above-average defender at the next level and could be tasked with handling centerfield duties from day one at the next level. Schools with a need should act accordingly as he could very well see his stock jump even higher in the near future.