Updated Class of 2022 Rankings
August 29, 2020
After a summer packed full of events, including the PBR Future Games, a significant update was needed for the Class of 2022 rankings. This is a significant overhaul, with several new faces jumping into the rankings and several big risers who have continued to develop as players.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE 2022 RANKINGS
First, let’s talk risers, and there were three big ones.
Catcher Jake Bennett put on a power display during batting practice at the PBR Future Games. His longest home run measured 383 feet according to Trackman that day. Bennett showed excellent ability in handling pitchers. He’s a polished receiver and blocker, and the arm strength has improved significantly to match his other defensive skills. He jumps all the way to the No. 7 spot in the rankings.
After finishing his round 2022 C Jake Bennett has to be brought back for a few swings that weren’t picked up by the technology. He took that opportunity to hit 4 of the 5 pitches for HRs #TeamKY #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/P1roGmyfgN
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 2, 2020
2022 C Jake Bennett with an RBI 2B to drive in 2022 C Luke Gaffney who tripled to lead off the game #PBRFutureGames #TeamKY pic.twitter.com/Q8vpN3Bc6q
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 2, 2020
Hayden Robbins is also a big riser. The lanky 6-foot-2, 175 pound SS is really starting to come into his own on the diamond. He was one of the top offensive performers for Team KY at the Future Games, and he continues to get faster and stronger each time we see him. He makes a big jump to No. 26.
2022 SS Hayden Robbins with his 2nd RBI single of the game, this time driving in 2. #TeamKY now leads 7-2. #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/yj5MTfT744
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 3, 2020
RHP Alex Bridgewaters jumps into the top 10 at No. 9. He’s a physical 6-foot-1, 208 pounds and ran his fastball up to 90 at the Future Games. He pitched at 85-89 and really settled in during his second inning of work as he started to land his 77-81 mph slider for strikes.
2022 RHP Alex Bridgewaters is bringing the heat this morning! Quick Arm #TeamKY #PBRFutureGames
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 3, 2020
FB: 85-89, T90
SL: 77-81 pic.twitter.com/M8WWpA6l47
As for newcomers, two players made a big splash into the rankings, including one in the top 10 and one in the top 25.
RHP Nic Schutte arrived in a big way at our Top Prospect Games in Bowling Green. The 6-foot-2, 190 pound righty worked up to 88 with his fastball, and featured a sharp breaking curveball with a max spon rate of 2324. He committed to Western Kentucky following the event.
2022 RHP Nic Schutte working 85-88 T88, feel for big breaking CB at 66-68 with spin rate up to 2368. 6'2/190 frame. pic.twitter.com/f1tRecTU8e
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) July 1, 2020
Gunner Collins, a physical 6-foot-1, 205 pound 3B jumps into the rankings at No. 24. Collins has power in his right-handed bat and shows good athleticism at the hot corner.
2022 1B/3B Gunner Collins with an RBI double to put #TeamKY up 3-1. #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/YEONNV25LB
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 2, 2020
As for the top 5, OF Korbyn Dickerson remains in the top spot. The Louisville commit blazed a 6.59 60-yard dash and put on a BP laser show at our Top Prospect Games this summer. He also acquitted himself well at the Area Code Underclass Games.
Really like the athleticism that ‘22 CF Korbyn Dickerson (KY) brings.
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 8, 2020
Tracks very well in CF w/ crisp routes & has a heavy barrel at the plate. Drives this one the other way for a deep double that he tried to stretch for 3.
Twitchy. @LouisvilleBSB recruit@PBRKentucky pic.twitter.com/d5sKOPoQmh
Justin West, a 6-foot-3, 170 pound LHP and long time Louisville commit, occupies the No. 2 spot after showing the expected velocity increase this summer West has run his fastball up to 88 and has stellar command of three pitches, including a curveball that generates plenty of swing and miss.
LHP Justin West hasn't allowed much loud contact apart from the HR. 83-87 and spins a big 1/7 CB. 6 Ks thru 3 IP. Louisville recruit. @PBRKentucky @LouLegendsbb @ShooterHunt #NPI2020 #pbrspinzone pic.twitter.com/xR6Jb6Bh7s
— Nathan Rode (@NathanRode) June 25, 2020
6-foot-3, 194 pound RHP Bennett Myers jumps into the No. 3 spot after a dominant performance at the PBR Future Games. He worked two hitless innings with four strikeouts in one of the cleanest outings of the event. His 84-87 mph fastball spin rate averaged above 2500 rpm’s which was the highest of the Future Games, and his curveball spin rate was also in the top 10. Myers committed to Tennessee this week.
2022 RHP/1B Bennett Myers. 4 strikeouts in two innings. Gets good extension, long projectable frame (6-3, 195), pounded the zone, sharp CB.
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 3, 2020
FB: 86-87 in first, 84-85 in second inning. Spin rates 2400-2508, a lot of swing and miss
CB: 68-70, Spin rate 2250-2350 #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/ielxSxNrm4
Chase Alderman, a high-upside 6-foot-4, 178 pound RHP claims the No. 4 spot. Alderman was impressive at the Future Games with a fastball up to 89 and a sharp 71-74 mph curveball he routinely threw for strikes with a spin rate that peaked at 2458 rpm. He features easy velocity and the ability to work both sides of the plate.
2022 RHP Chase Alderman with the three-pitch strikeout. Long, projectable frame (6-4, 178).
— PBR Kentucky (@PBRKentucky) August 3, 2020
FB: 84-88, T89
BB: 71-74#TeamKY #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/XMnNpzubAT
Bryce Blevins checks in at No. 5. The 6-foot, 185 pound lefty, a Kentucky commit, worked up to 87 this summer with a swing and miss 72-74 mph curveball. He features excellent pitchability and an aggressive mentality on the mound.
2021 (LHP) @UKBaseball commit Bryce Blevins on the mound for @MidlandBraves. He fills up the zone and has a great 4 pitch mix. #SCWS
— PBR Ohio Tourney Coverage (@PBROhioT) July 18, 2020
FB:84-86 t-87
CB:72-73
CH:77-78
SL:75-76 pic.twitter.com/AOHFFPQMNm