First impressions—they set the tone and lay the foundation. The rise of the 2024 class into the prep ranks this summer did not come without its own obstacles and hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic stunted much game play across the country, which did not make it easy for the new high schoolers to announce their arrival on the national stage...and yet, they did.

With precautions, and the ability to adjust and improvise, the baseball world sought some form of normalcy. And while the conditions were less than ideal, at times, the young group of future prospects rose above the adversity to announce itself with authority.

There are sure to be many new players that enter the 2024 Overall Rankings over the course of the next four years. These are merely freshmen in high school. All will continue to develop and get better, and many more will be uncovered and discovered as elite players. Regardless, the Prep Baseball Report remains committed to getting out to games, practices, events, or anywhere else baseball is being played, to provide the most comprehensive and credible information in amateur baseball.

Below, click for an initial look at 200 players in the 2024 class. Our boots-on-the-ground forces look forward to finding even more talent in the future.

TOP 200 CLICK HERE

Jackson Sanders (AL)

LHP Jackson Sanders (Valley HS, AL), an Auburn recruit, comes in at No. 1 in the first rendition of the 2024 Overall Rankings. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound southpaw carries eye-opening “right now” stuff, including a fastball up to 91 mph, along with quality feel for a potential swing-and-miss breaking ball. But what elevates his status as the top player in the class is the future potential and upside. Sanders generates power stuff with a frame that is still very much developing, and with a loose, quick arm, competitive nature, and overall athleticism, there is a strong chance that he continues making even bigger progressions in the future.

The top 10 is well-stocked with impact bats and exciting athletes. Eight of the 10 are position players, and already present themselves as difference makers at the next level. Two Lone Star State players clock in back-to-back at Nos. 2-3. C Cade Arrambide (Tomball HS, TX), a Florida recruit, and SS Theo Gillen (Westlake HS, TX) each showcase plenty of upside but already perform with the polish of players much older. Arrambide’s twitchy hands and ability to turn the barrel stand out from the right side with controlled aggression and ability to move through impact with advanced rotational acceleration. Gillen, a left-handed hitter, slows the game down impressively, and his relaxed approach ignites into loud exit velocities to all fields with plenty more on the way.

George Wolkow (IL)

+ Checking in at No. 4, SS/RHP George Wolkow (Downers Grove North HS, IL), a South Carolina recruit, is a 6-foot-6, 210-pound two-way prospect who carries a full arsenal of tools. While his quick arm already produces mid-80s velocity, it is the exciting potential that his smooth left-handed stroke presents which lands him so high on this list. With such long limbs, it should be hard for Wolkow to put together consistent barrel accuracy, but his athleticism provides for an advanced understanding of movement patterns. The imposing slugger rips the barrel through the zone with a strong bottom hand, and already exhibits elite power potential.

 

Andre Modugno 3B / SS / Don Bosco Prep, NJ / 2024 3B Andre Modugno (Don Bosco Prep HS, NJ), a Duke recruit, already possesses a pro frame at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, but still shows signs of developing and adding even greater strength. The hit tool stands out right now, as he remains balanced throughout the approach, but the present and potential power is what carries him to No. 5. Modugno has shown no issue handling velocity and older pitchers (including present Power Five arms), and his baseball maturity is highly advanced. Add to the fact that he is nimble at the hot corner with soft hands and a strong arm arm, along with 6.8 speed, and he has the makings of an elite prospect.

 

P.J. Morlando (SC)

+ Slugging left-handed hitting catcher, P.J. Morlando (Fort Dorchester HS, SC), a Mississippi State recruit, already carries a must-watch status for each of his at-bats. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder seeks to do damage with each swing, and can drive the ball with authority to all fields. His power already flirts with being a plus tool, and the future potential is obviously exciting.

 

Jack Frankel RHP / 1B / Prestonwood Christian Academy, TX / 2024 Talented right-handed arms are sure to continue to be uncovered, as they tend to be the most prevalent across the country, but they all will be playing catchup with the next power-armed Texan in RHP Jack Frankel (Prestonwood Christian Academy, TX). Frankel has been up to 90 mph (2338 RPM) with polish and feel for four pitches. At 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, he sports some present physicality with the upside of developing into a workhorse-type starter. A quick, continuous arm delivers pitches out of the same high-3/4 window, including both a sharp slider (76-79) and multi-tier curveball (77 mph), along with a fading 77-78 changeup. A full arsenal with an athletic, powerful frame is sure to bring plenty of eyes to each of Frankel’s future starts. {{Playerss code=playervideo id=250344 asset=367046 player=Jack%20Frankel}

 

Chris Newstrom (AZ)

+ The final three spots belong to a trio of dynamic athletes. SS/C Chris Newstrom (Chaparral HS, AZ), an Arizona State recruit, possesses advanced defensive abilities on the infield thanks to soft, confident hands, but might have even higher upside behind the plate where he is a quiet receiver with a strong arm that serves to shut down opposing running games. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Newstrom’s frame projects to carry much more strength in the future, and the right-handed hitter, who already demonstrates an ability to cover the whole plate, should see even more power production sooner rather than later.

 

Michael Mullinax (GA)

+ Georgia’s top player, CF Michael Mullinax (North Cobb Christian HS, GA), brings exciting athleticism to the diamond with game-changing speed and top-of-the-order potential. The 6-foot, 174-pound switch-hitter has quick hands with astonishing bat speed, and produces high exit velocities with the ability to get to top speed in a hurry. His force on the ball and acceleration out of the box make Mullinax a must-watch player over the next four years.

Derek Curiel OF / OF / Orange Lutheran , CA / 2024 Rounding out the top 10 from what is sure to be another stout crop of players in California, is OF Derek Curiel (Orange Lutheran HS, CA). The wiry-athletic, 6-foot, 160-pound speedster is just starting to physically develop, but already produces some sneaky pop from the left side. With advanced barrel accuracy and a knack for producing against big arms in big spots, Curiel combines an exciting set of tools with the intangibles and in-game production that should have him making an impact not only in the country’s toughest high school conference (Trinity League), but also on a national stage.

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