Each year, as March 1 approaches, the calls start coming in from college coaches with the same ask to all of PBR’s scouting directors: who do we NEED to see? Yes, those coaches are rarely ill prepared, and likely come in with a strong sense of which players they are targeting, but nevertheless, they value our staff’s opinion and deep knowledge of individuals, and are always looking to uncover hidden gems. In an effort to streamline that process, and make it even easier for college coaches to identify those “spring follows”, the need for On the Hunt: Follow List became paramount.

After many conversations with the numerous boots-on-the-ground staff, as well as my own looks, notes, and discoveries, this comprehensive list will hopefully serve to give uncommitted players an even greater opportunity to be seen by college coaches. While write ups and stories will continue throughout the spring, we have an open line of communication to discuss players in further detail, and will gladly help any college coaches looking for certain positions/players.

The initial rollout focuses on the 2023 class as it heads into the final summer circuit in hopes of giving many coaches a headstart on building a track record throughout the spring.

One caveat: although the list is broken down into regional pairings, many if not all of the players are willing to go to schools anywhere in the country. In some instances, talent has been overlooked or over scouted locally, and those players might end up flourishing away from home.

NORTH CAROLINA

Terry Kaler LHP / 1B / Northwest Cabarrus , NC / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 8 Kaler, along with his brother Tanner, present some of the highest upside of any uncommitted player left in the ‘23 class. A 6-foot-4, 190-pound southpaw, he was up to 88 mph last summer with much more likely on the way. Early spring bullpen sessions showcased a short quick arm combined with a clean delivery and fluid movement down the mound. Kaler provides a clear look at a potential future starter, and holds present feel for a faded changeup to go along with developing secondary spin. North Carolina upside arms, especially left-handed ones, have a strong track record of ticking up throughout the spring, and making even bigger jumps once they get on campus, so any schools looking to hit on a high ceiling left-handed starter will want to gravitate towards spring outings from either of the Kaler brothers.

+ LHP Tanner Kaler, Northwest Cabarrus HS, NC
+ OF Joshua Bussey, Pro5 Academy, NC
+ C Noah Quareless, Reagan HS, NC
+ RHP Ryan Hench, Orange HS, NC
+ 1B Bryce Meachem, Combine Academy, NC
+ Util Alex Naylor, North Davidson HS, NC

SOUTH CAROLINA

Andrew Bowers 3B / RHP / Oceanside Collegiate, SC / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 20 / POS: 1 Bowers holds considerable upside in all facets of the game, and is easy to spot thanks to an athletic and more physical, 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame. A right-handed hitter with a relaxed approach, and strong rotational acceleration while maintaining balance, he produced exit velocities up to 97 mph at a recent PBR Procase where the hand and bat speed also stood out. A potential run-producer at the next level, his controlled aggression at the plate promises future advancements. Increasing his potential value to college programs, he also shows promise on the mound. Up to 88 mph in a recent preseason bullpen with upwards of 2415 RPM, his clean/efficient delivery allows a quick arm to work freely to a high ¾ slot with much more velocity likely in the tank. Amplifying his feel for spin, Bowers also ripped off some breaking balls with up to 2704 RPM (74-76), and killed spin on a 80-81 (1835 RPM avg.) changeup. Look for the big, two-way prospect to garner plenty of interest moving forward.

+ RHP Taylor Rabe, Greenville HS, SC
+ RHP Kaden Roach, Byrnes HS, SC

+ SS Ethan Garner, P27 Academy, SC
+ RHP/OF Bryson Graves, West Florence, SC
+ OF Devin Parks, Legion Collegiate HS, SC

VIRGINIA

Luke Gouldthorpe RHP / OF / Jefferson Forest, VA / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 53 / POS: 21 Gouldthorpe closed out the fall with a strong performance in front of PBR Virginia that saw his fastball velocity climb up to 90 mph with upwards of 2454 RPM. Wiry-athletic with room to add to a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, the right-hander’s arm stroke works somewhat longer in the back before showcasing quickness up front. Clean and repeatable while working downhill, Gouldthorpe also showcased feel for landing a tighter breaking ball for strikes, and could see the pitch jump in coming years. Overall, the frame and arm speed present plenty to like for college coaches, and any schools looking for a potential future starter will want to get a closer look.

+ RHP/OF Garrett Mason, Mills Godwin HS, VA
+ SS/RHP Yoon Chae, Cape Henry HS, VA
+ RHP Daniel Lingle, Benedictine HS, VA
+ RHP/OF Ethan Blakeney, Bayside HS, VA
+ LHP/OF Zyhir Hope, Colonial Forge HS, VA

MARYLAND

Jai Sample SS / RHP / James M. Bennett , MD / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 3 Sample’s athleticism as a shortstop boosts his upside on the mound. While there is a chance he might two-way at the next level, the high-ceiling on the mound appears where his biggest value might ultimately come. The 90 mph arm that he showcases across the diamond carried over, at the end of the fall, to the mound where he was up to 87 mph with a continuous arm path that showed quickness out front. There is some feel for a curveball and faded changeup, but more than anything, the bet is being made on future progressions being made.

+ LHP Amari Allen, DeMatha Catholic HS, MD
+ RHP Leo Simpson, Walter Johnson HS, MD

 

RELATED CONTENT: