Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2018 Player Rankings (March)
March 21, 2017
By Aaron Wilson and PBR Staff
PBR Michigan Director of Scouting
Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2018 Player Rankings (March)
With the fall and winter showcases coming to a close, Prep Baseball Report Michigan takes a look at the 2018 rankings. Many new prospects come into the rankings while many prospects have made jumps, some drastically. Below we will take a look at “What’s New At The Top”, “Rising Prospects”, and some of the top uncommitted prospects.
To view the entire list of 250 prospects please click here.
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WHATS NEW AT THE TOP
We completed our Winter showcases with a bang at our Preseason All-State event, that featured a lot of the state’s top committed as well as uncommitted ball players. Our top 6 remains in tact with Spencer Schwellenbach and John Malcom holding down the top two spots. Joining the top 10 after big time off seasons is #7 LHP/OF Cameron Tullar and # 9 RHP/OF Kyle Jones.
Tullar is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way prospect. He caught the attention of several schools last summer at the Future Games. He has added muscle to his 6-foot-2 frame, raising his velocity as well as power at the plate. Had a brilliant performance at the Preseason All-State event. We knew he could pitch, but showcased a 90 mph OF velocity and 93 mph exit velo.
Jones is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound prospect with a four-pitch arsenal on the mound. He literally dominated our 5 week fall program on the mound. Showcasing a mid-80s fastball along with a sharp curve with a hard break. Late breaking slider and sinking changeup. Also shows a smooth swing from the left side. Should play a big role on his defending state championship high school team.
The Risers
While running winter showcases and scout days, we stumbled across a few guys that turned heads. #22 C/RHP Jake Heilman, #33 C/3B Khale Showers, and #35 1B/LHP Spencer Vainavicz all had big time performances at the Diamonds scout day. Both Heilman, and Vainavicz improved their previous ranking while Showers joined the rankings.
Heilman is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect with a strong frame. He passes the eye test when he steps on the diamond. Presents a large target for pitchers to throw to. Quick feet and a strong throwing arm behind the plate popping a 1.89-1.97. Also posted a 96 mph exit velocity.
Showers is a 5-foot-11, 187-pound strong framed catcher with an ideal size behind the plate. Comes from a family of collegiate athletes and he should be next to join the ranks. Handles pitchers well behind the plate, can control the running game. Also knows how to swing the bat.
Vainavicz is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound well developed two way prospect and natural lefty. Was impressive on the mound sitting 82-84 low in the zone showcasing a curve as well as a changeup. In the field has a good feel for his position. Also crushed the ball at the plate registering a 93 mph exit velocity.
Top Uncommitted Prospects By Position:
- Top Right-Handed Pitchers: Kyle Jones, Brandon Smith
- Top Left-Handed Pitchers: Cameron Tullar, Ethan Hoffman
- Top Catching Prospects: Jake Heilman, Chase Mendendorp
- Top Corner Infield Prospects: Brett Upton, Tommy Blitchok
- Top Middle Infield Prospects: Connor Hnilo, Michael Engelhardt, Noah Miller
- Top Outfield Prospects: Reese Trahey, Caleb Jackson, Will Morrison, Lewis Beals
- Top Two-Way Prospects: Gaetano Vallone, Spencer Vainavicz, Keaton Hamilton
PBR Michigan Class of 2018 Top 250
Rank |
Name | State | School | Class | Pos | Commitment |
1 | Spencer Schwellenbach | MI | Saginaw Heritage | 2018 | SS | Nebraska |
2 | John Malcom | MI | Country Day | 2018 | 1B | Vanderbilt |
3 | Miko Rodriguez | MI | Forest Hills Central | 2018 | OF | Texas A&M |
4 | Cole Daniels | MI | Saline | 2018 | LHP | Kentucky |
5 | Mason Minzey | MI | Bishop Foley | 2018 | C | Texas Tech |
6 | Jacob Erickson | MI | Allen Park | 2018 | SS | Michigan State |
7 | Cameron Tullar | MI | Brighton | 2018 | LHP | |
8 | Brian Martin | MI | Westland John Glenn | 2018 | RHP | Michigan State |
9 | Kyle Jones | MI | De La Salle | 2018 | RHP | |
10 | Caleb Jackson | MI | Brother Rice | 2018 | OF |
***** To view the entire top 250, please click here.