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.

NEW JERSEY

Bruce Wadiak III RHP / 2B / St Augustine Prep, NJ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 19 Hailing from New Jersey powerhouse program, St. Augustine Prep, Wadiak was up to 89 mph (2408 RPM) last summer, and could be a sleeper to jump up even higher this spring. The wiry-athletic, 6-foot, 166-pound right-hander is a smooth mover down the mound which enables a longer arm stroke to play free in the back before releasing out of a ¾ slot with quickness out front. His tighter slider features late break at 73-75, and will likely continue tunneling the fastball in future looks. He also flashes developing feel for a 71-75 changeup. Above all else, the athleticism displayed on the mound combined with a quick arm is likely to attract multiple college coaches to future starts this spring and throughout the summer.