2025 Rankings Update

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LOS ANGELES, CALIF.  A modest update to the 2025 California Rankings comes after many winter and early spring HS looks at several of the top players in the state. With that, we added 50 new players expanding the list to 200. There were some small changes at the top, but for the most part, changes were small tweaks as the class continues to come into focus. This 2025 class is looking like a special one where several of these top 200 are making substantial impacts on their HS teams this spring. Below, we take a look at the top 10 in the class, the top 10 uncommitted (outside of the top 10), and some scouting notes on 6 risers/newcomers.

RANKINGS RISERS

Diego Velazquez, MIF/RHP, Crespi HS (USC commit)

• Velazquez has exploded onto the scene with his play on both sides of the ball this early spring for Crespi. To start, he has a standout frame/build that projects well currently standing a lean/athletic 6-2/175. The strength he has added within the past year has been quite noticeable where while hitting a strong .528 (19/36) this early spring he has also slugged as he has 2 HRs, 5 doubles, and a triple. He has a relaxed presence in the box where his loose/quick hands deliver a whippy barrel through the zone. Then he can also jump on the mound and run it up into the high 80s. Through 24 innings he has given up just 3 runs (0.88 ERA) and has K’d 25. Look for Velazquez to continue climb up these ‘25 rankings especially if he performs well through the Mission League gauntlet.

Ethan Johnson, C, The King's Academy

• First noticeable given the physical body at 6-foot-2, 196-pounds, Johnson has the profile that stands a strong chance to draw attention from professional scouts in the future. He's a left-handed hitting catcher whose tools are of the standout variety. Last fall he came out to Islanders Field and put himself FIRMLY on our map at the Underclass Games. Behind the plate he showed off the BIG arm at 79 mph and the pops were in a competitive range (2.08 as a low time), which given his age, he has plenty of time to keep improving. Offensively he boasts big hitting tools as well, with a 96.9 max EV and 74.1 max bat speed. Definitely a 2025 to keep a close eye on in Northern California.

Davis Minton, MIF, Serra HS (San Mateo)

• Minton enters the rankings after a strong showing at the Peninsula Preseason ID in January and is making contributions at the varsity level for Serra in the strong West Catholic Athletic League. What stood out about Minton, aside from good numbers and metrics (85 mph arm, 93.8 max EV, 72.5 max bat speed, 22.9 max hand speed), was his swing. He's compact and has the ability to quickly get the barrel into the zone while maintaining control of the barrel through contact. It's a repeatable stroke and should lend to consistent hitting performance as he matures and embraces an approach that favors his hitting mechanics. Defensively the ball jumps out of his hand with carry, allowing him to profile at 2B, SS, or 3B.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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