High school baseball might not be in full swing with some delayed seasons around the country, but southern states have been rolling for several weeks and many players are showing the effects of their offseason work. That is reflected in our latest update to the 2021 Overall Rankings. With an extended evaluation period due to the MLB Draft moving to July, this is far from our last adjustment.

SS Jordan Lawlar (Jesuit Dallas Prep, TX) holds onto the top spot as a premium athlete with true five-tool potential. Sliding in behind him is another shortstop with an excellent glove and upside at the plate in Marcelo Mayer (Eastlake HS, CA).

OF Tyree Reed (American Canyon HS, CA) and LHP Josh Hartle (Reagan HS, NC), who are yet to begin their spring seasons, check in at Nos. 3 and 4. At No. 5 is 3B Brady House (Winder-Barrow HS, GA), who is off to the blistering start you’d expect from someone with his offensive potential.

Between the Super 60 and early season returns, several players have made big jumps in the rankings. Most notably is LHP Brandon Clarke (Independence HS, VA), who finds himself inside the top 20. Tommy John surgery wiped out much of his 2020, but he was at full strength by November and electrified scouts with his bullpen at the Super 60 in Milwaukee. The Alabama recruit was 93-95 there while showing a sharp breaking ball and feel for a changeup. He was most recently up to 97 in his first game action as part of a spring preseason league in Virginia. The sample size is small at the moment, but his size, stuff and athleticism are all great starting points for an early-round pick.

Also jumping into the top 20 is RHP Jackson Jobe (Heritage Hall HS, OK). His upside has long been evident on the mound, but he had also been focused on working as a two-way player. He is now way more consistent in throwing strikes, which makes his stuff even more impressive. He can run his fastball into the mid 90s with excellent life and he shows a plus slider with elite spin rates.

LHP Maddux Bruns (UMS-Wright Prep, AL) is also showing improved control, tossing 18 innings so far this season and walking just five while striking out 34. He has run his fastball up to 99 recently, sitting in the mid 90s and mixing in his plus breaking ball.

RHP/OF Braden Montgomery (Madison Central HS, MS) and RHP Jose Pena (Tampa Prep, FL) were two other Super 60 standouts to make significant jumps. Montgomery has true two-way ability with a simple, powerful swing from both sides of the plate and lively fastball that can touch the mid 90s. Pena has the makings of a starter with his frame, delivery and three-pitch mix.

Speaking of Pena, Florida is gaining clarity every day, further proving its tremendous depth with this class. RHP Andy Painter (Calvary Christian Academy, FL) has a bit of a rocky start to the season, but remains the top prospect in the Sunshine State. OF James Wood (IMG Academy, FL) jumps to the No. 2 spot in the state and No. 11 overall thanks to his big left-handed power. OF Jay Allen (John Carroll Catholic HS, FL) has quick-twitch athleticism that gives him the upside of producing pop while playing a premium position. LHP Mason Albright (IMG Academy, FL) announced his presence at the Florida Preseason Classic and hasn’t let off the gas, commanding a low-90s fastball and just dominating opposing hitters. LHP Jac Caglianone (Plant HS, FL) has been up to 96 and is a southpaw to watch throughout the rest of the season. C Rene Lastres (Miami Christian HS, FL), who was a steady performer all last summer and fall, jumps into the state’s top 20, showing solid defensive skills behind the plate and power potential in the box.

California’s regular season is just getting underway and we will have to wait until May for official game action from the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, so we will undoubtedly see more changes in a class loaded with talent. For now, this is how things line up for us. 

Here's a look at the top 10...

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Jordan Lawlar	TX	Dallas Jesuit	2021	SS	Vanderbilt
2	Marcelo Mayer	CA	Eastlake	2021	SS	Southern California
3	Tyree Reed	CA	American Canyon	2021	OF	Oregon State
4	Josh Hartle	NC	Reagan	2021	LHP	Wake Forest
5	Brady House	GA	Winder-Barrow	2021	SS	Tennessee
6	Andy Painter	FL	Calvary Christian Academy	2021	RHP	Florida
7	Joe Mack	NY	Williamsville East	2021	C	Clemson
8	Izaac Pacheco	TX	Friendswood	2021	3B	Texas A&M
9	Kahlil Watson	NC	Wake Forest	2021	SS	North Carolina State
10	Daylen Lile	KY	Trinity	2021	OF	Louisville

 

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