Arizona Spring Rankings Update: Class of 2024
May 11, 2023
As the Spring of 2023 is coming to a close it is time to revisit our player rankings for the 2024 class. After multiple events in January, and being able to see live game play this High School season, the Arizona staff was able to make subtle changes while adding some new additions to the list.
As always the ranking process is a fluid and ongoing process, in which players are evaluated on multiple occasions, whether it be at an event or on the playing field at a local tournament. All players on this Top-100 list are well deserving and have a bright future ahead. The players at the top of the list have separated themselves from the rest, and proven they belong where they will be heading. Most of these prospects are very tough to compare, and through the entire Top-100, the players are merely interchangeable, including some of those that have been left out.
Full top 100
RANK | NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POS | COMMITMENT |
1 | Max Charles | AZ | Liberty | 2024 | OF | Louisiana State |
2 | Mason Russell | AZ | Casteel | 2024 | LHP | Arizona |
3 | Smith Bailey | AZ | Mountain Ridge | 2024 | RHP | Arizona |
4 | Chris Newstrom | AZ | Chaparral | 2024 | SS | Tennessee |
5 | Jackson Forbes | AZ | Mountain Ridge | 2024 | SS | Arizona |
6 | Gunner Geile | AZ | Salpointe | 2024 | OF | Arizona |
7 | Hustyn Wheeler | AZ | Sandra Day O'Connor | 2024 | OF | Oregon State |
8 | Landon Hairston | AZ | Casteel | 2024 | OF | Arizona State |
9 | Jake Sanko | AZ | Sandra Day O'Connor | 2024 | SS | Grand Canyon |
10 | Ky McGary | AZ | Sandra Day O'Connor | 2024 | OF | Arizona State |
New Addition Watch List
+ CJ Bott - Making his way into the top 100 and coming in at #30 is Notre Dame Prep RHP CJ Bott. Bott was a standout this spring for the Arizona staff, with a fastball sitting 88-90 while getting up to 92. Bott has a strong athletic frame on the mound with a quick loose arm from the right side. He showcases a 3-pitch mix with his best pitch being his heavy fastball at 2400 spin. Bott is currently one of the top uncommitted arms in the state of Arizona for the 2024 class. The Arizona staff looks forward to following Bott in the upcoming summer circuit.
24’ RHP CJ Bott
— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) April 14, 2023
(Notre Dame Prep)@PBR_Uncommitted prospect has made big time jumps in velo since the summer. Impressive 3-pitch mix with the ability to work inside with the FB ⬅️.
5IP/1ER/2BB/6Ks
FB 89-91 T.92 (2400+)
SL 78-80
CH 83-84#BESEEN ll @NDP_Athletics pic.twitter.com/WqPaQI3MjC
+ Gabe Schneider - Coming in at #37 in the Arizona 2024 state rankings is Casteel right handed pitcher Gabe Schneider. Schneider made a big impression for the Arizona staff is his outing against 6A Basha in this spring Boras Classic. Showcasing a 6-5 170 pound slender frame with big time whip in the arm from the right side and a fastball ranging 87-89 with arm side life. On the year Schneider posted a 1.4 era with 36Ks in 40 inn.
‘24 RHP Gabe Schneider
— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) March 17, 2023
(Casteel)#Uncommitted intriguing stuff from the 6-5 170 righty. Looseness in the arm with a heavy FB with some arm side life. Lots more in the tank.
FB 87-88 T.89 2250
SL 72-73 2150#BESEEN ll @gabeschn32 pic.twitter.com/OA2AboFviz
+ Justin Cherrington - Coming in at the #62 spot in the Arizona 2024 Rankings update is right handed hitter Chaparral’s own Justin Cherrington. Cherrington has a 6-foot-6 220 pound strong athletic frame with power potential+. With Cherrington’s large frame he has the ability to work short to the ball and use the middle of the field. On the year for Chaparral Cherrington served as the designated hitter, leading the team with a .405 avg, 34 RBI’s, 12 2Bs and 2 HRs.
+ Nathan Bayus - Coming in at #83 is the catcher and infielder Nathan Bayus out of Sandra Day O’Connor. Bayus is a two sport athlete with a strong athletic build at 6-foot 200 pounds. The left handed hitter has a strong and violent path that generates loft in his swing, translating to 8 doubles and 6 home runs on the season. While it is unknown whether or not Bayus will pursue football or baseball after college he is a high priority watch list for the Arizona staff this summer.
?PBR NUKE CAM?
— PBR Arizona (@PBRArizona) March 19, 2023
‘24 C/INF Nathan Bayus
(SD O’Connor)#uncommited sends this one into orbit over the RCF wall putting O’Connor on top 5-3. ?#BESEEN ll @BayusNathan pic.twitter.com/if5DuZ1xPH
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
2023 PBR CA-NV-AZ-UT ProCase (Invite Only) | AZ | 06/04 | University of Southern California - Dedeaux Field |
Top Prospect Games: Class of 2026 & 2027 | AZ | 06/06 | Legacy Sports Complex |
Top Prospect Games: Class of 2025 | AZ | 06/12 | Brewers Spring Training Fields - Phoenix, AZ |
Top Prospect Games: Class of 2024 | AZ | 06/13 | Brewers Spring Training Fields - Phoenix, AZ |
Scottsdale Open | AZ | 07/11 | Scottsdale Stadium - Scottsdale, AZ |
PBR Junior Future Games | NATIONAL | 07/25 | LakePoint |
2023 PBR Future Games (Arizona Invite) | AZ | 07/26 | LakePoint Sports - Cartersville, GA |
Tempe Open | AZ | 08/27 | Arizona State University - Phoenix Municipal Stadium |