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NPI Superlatives: Draft Focus (2025)

June 17, 2024
By: Shooter Hunt, Diego Solares, Ian Smith & Hudson Graham
Prep Baseball Staff

Prep Baseball’s National Program Invitational (NPI) marks the start of the summer baseball calendar for many of the top amateur players in the nation. The event was held at LakePoint's elite baseball facility in Georgia from June 6th to June 9th, the five-day event attracted MLB scouts, Agents, and College Coaches from around the country.

Shooter Hunt (@shooterhunt):

  • Biggest Winner: Jaden Fauske (East Cobb Astros)
  • Favorite Pitcher: LHP Caden Crowell (Indiana Bulls)
  • Favorite Hitter: OF Ty Peeples (Devine Baseball)
  • Sleeper Favorite: 3B Jackson Akin (Sticks-Brewster/White Sox Scout)
  • Must-Know Uncommitted: SS JD Stein (Indiana Bulls)

Already a big riser and helium candidate heading into the summer, Fauske asserted his presence early with a home run in the first game for the East Cobb Astros en route to a strong showing throughout the week. High-waisted and athletic at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds, the frame features lean, defined strength with strong forearms that provide ample flick and some of the loosest wrists in the class. Stoic in the box with an eye-opening ability to track pitches with ease, he shut down spin early out of the hand while presenting a relaxed approach that was never sped up. A strong bottom hand maintains the barrel in the zone as he covers the plate gracefully while getting off swings with controlled aggression. Twitchy from the left side, the hit-tool shines as one of the top in the class, and given the power production that is likely to be seen throughout the summer, it feels all but certain that Fauske should be considered one of, if not THE, best hitters in the class. A cold-weather hitter, his at-bats against quality arms should not have come so effortlessly, and only shines on future potential at the plate. A quality athlete who duals as a talented football player in the fall, Fauske was banged up a bit on the gridiron which has slowed his return to position work on the diamond, and that defensive ability, whether in a corner outfield spot or behind the dish, will likely ultimately dictate his prospect value.

Having climbed up to being the #5 left-hander in the class after a strong spring performance, Crowell kicked off his senior summer circuit in impressive fashion. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound southpaw came out flooding the zone at 90-92 from near ¾ slot while collecting swords with a sharp slider 80-81 and flashing feel for a slowed down changeup at 82-83. A premium athlete on the bump who fielded his position with the grace expected from a basketball standout, Crowell was ultra confident and polished as he worked exclusively out of the stretch while generating a plethora of whiffs in the zone early before expanding late. Supreme mound confidence blanketed the outing and the ease of operation held strong starter upside. A real weapon in this look, Crowell’s tunneled slider has ticked up a grade over the past year, and should it maintain that upward trend, there is a chance that he rises even higher in the class.

The advancements that Peeples showed, both physically and with regards to tools, were noticeable at the NPI, and should help carry him as a top end talent in the class. Thicker than the 6-foot-2, 185-pounds that he checked in at in Milwaukee at the Prep Baseball All-American Game, the left-handed hitting outfielder no longer holds the “wiry-athletic upside”, but rather a physically imposing presence that still shows signs of even further development. Getting off big swings in all counts, there was no cheat to the Georgia recruit’s approach, and his heavy barrel delivered some loud outputs including a booming triple and towering pull side home run. Still playing with a hard-nosed mentality, there was more assurance, internally, of his talent, and while some swing-and-miss was present at times, the impact potential given the jump in power should more than make up for that. Much of the value placed on Peeples in the past stemmed around his ability to stick in center field as a top-of-the-order type player, but given the astounding physical change, which still maintains impressive athleticism, and the bet on even more future power production, the future WAR value more than warrants being tied to what happens in the batter’s box.

'Eight to Know' 2025 MLB Draft:

Jacob Parker OF / RHP / Purvis, MS / 2025


The square-shouldered, 6-foot-4, 195-pound outfielder looks even bigger in person with an ultra-impressive, athletic frame that still holds considerable projection. Heavy off the barrel from a simple approach, the left-handed hitting slugger showcased a slowed down approach that yielded loud outputs with a blue collar approach. A corner profile, the run-producing left-handed stick carries the value, and given the ability to drive the ball to the back side that he displayed at Lakepoint, there is Day 1 upside to this young prospect. 

Grady Westphal RHP / SS / Blue Valley, KS / 2025

The Texas A&M recruit has long been an internal favorite at Prep Baseball and is sure to be one of the more polarizing arms in the class if his performance at the NPI is any gage of what the rest of the summer will bring. At 6-foot-3, 170-pounds with a wiry-athletic frame, there is some funk and deception to the delivery, but cleanliness to the electric arm stroke which provides for plenty to like from the scouting standpoint, and plenty NOT to like from any of those in the box. A metrics darling who backspins 2500+ with a hoppy fastball that sat mostly 89-91 and touched 93 mph at Lakepoint. Stacking the backside with strong use of the lower-half, Westphal delivers from ever-coveted higher slot/lower release height, and garnered a plethora of whiffs even without the gaudy velocities that are sure to jump up throughout the summer. The calling card, however, for the dynamic mover is a vicious slider that he manipulated (in this look) at 77-82 with more than 3200 rpm. A clear winner as the top secondary offering at the event, there is a chance that it might ultimately be featured as the top in the class, and he exhibited advanced aptitude for changing its shape early in counts while utilizing it as a kill-pitch with two strikes. An ever so slightly open gate down the mound seems hardly concerning, and given the exceptionally athletic movement patterns, lightning quick arm, and unteachable weaponry of the slider, Westphal’s ceiling has climbed much higher after this initial summer look, and might explode even higher in coming months, especially if the changeup ticks up. 

Danny Wallace OF / RHP / Papillion LaVista South, NE / 2025

The recent string of successful Nebraska natives only helps amplify the validation of the run that Wallace has been on over the past 12-15 months which included an MVP performance at the Future Games last summer. Featuring tight turns from a more upright stance, the raw bat speed is astonishing, and his innate bat-to-ball ability only helps lift the future upside in the box. An exceptional athlete who also pumps out low 90s fastballs on the mound, Wallace shows strong signs of sticking in center field thanks to a quick first step and ballhawking production. The freakiness of the athleticism is sure to excite the data community, and after this viewing (and all of the previous ones), it is getting more and more difficult to not see Wallace jumping up boards over the next 12 months. 

Brandon Logan OF / OF / Fort Wayne Snider, IN / 2025

The sum of his parts, the appreciation of Logan is seen best through a multitude of games. Less flashy at the plate from the right side, the 6-foot, 185-pounder sets from a crouched, athletic stance with rocking back of the hands and weight before quickly driving a flat path with plenty of plate coverage. Willing to battle late in counts along with a propensity for opposite field hits, the upside of the multi-sport standout lies in the development curve once the other sports are taken off the table. The preeminent outfield defender in the class, his crisp, polished routes pair well with the sensational athleticism in providing a top of the scale grade. 

Landon Harmon RHP / OF / East Union Attendance Center, MS / 2025

Harmon, a Mississippi State recruit, checked all the boxes with his initial outing of the summer, and is sure to have southeast area scouts hovering over the next 12 months. At 6-foot-5 with a lean, athletic frame, the big right-hander passes the eye test presently, and still exhibits considerable physical development to come. Loose out of the glove with a controlled arm path, he delivered slightly crossbodied at 93-96 with 2600+ rpm on the fastball which rarely came above the knees and featured some late life. Looking the part of a plus-pitch in the making, the fastball came with regular effort, and the clean delivery promises the potential for future command. The breaking ball took more survey shape at 77-80, and while it was thrown for strikes, graded out as a slightly below average offering with roughly 2400 rpm and varying, gradual depth. However, historically this event has shown breaking balls to play down a grade, and the makings of a firmer slider were seen in this look.

Landon Schaefer SS / RHP / Fayetteville High School, AR / 2025

One of the more physically-gifted players in the class with a pristine, 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame that is easy to spot, Schaefer enjoyed a strong showing, and is sure to perk the attention of the scouting community throughout the summer. A quiet setup gives way to a semi-abrupt domino load with a medium-sized leg kick, and Schaefer was routinely on-time in this look albeit with some swing and miss present. He belted an opposite field home run, and displayed a willingness to drive the ball to all fields while playing hard and showcasing a quality run-tool. Quick with the first step at shortstop, his plus-arm (also in the low 90s as an intriguing pitcher) was less prevalent in this look. Overall, it was a quality kickoff to the summer from a prospect who is a big reason why this class is lauded for its shortstop depth.

CJ Gray SS / RHP / A L Brown High, NC / 2025

Already a major mover in the pre-summer class rankings, Gray capped a star-studded first day with an electric performance. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound dual-sport (football) prospect flooded the zone at 93-96 with north of 2500 rpm as the fastball sizzled through the bottom of the zone en route to 7 strikeouts over 3 innings. A dynamic mover whose rides the back side and uncoils with athletic fluidity, the explosive right-hander possesses top end hand and arm speed with what appears to be one of the top fastballs in the class. Jumping out of the hand and at the plate with some late heaviness, the ease of operation promises a potential tick even higher. Playing up in the twilight, the breaking ball took more 11/5, curveball shape at 74-78, but given the hand speed, there is likely the potential for a firmer slider throughout his future development. Even without the firmer slider, he exhibited some aptitude for the spin, and dropped the pitch in for a strike fairly easily. The changeup (81 mph) appeared to be more of a distant third offering. As scouts in the Carolina’s eye a bounceback year, Gray got things rolling in the right direction with his summer kickoff.

Joseph Parker SS / 2B / Purvis , MS / 2025

At this point, it appears destined for the scouting community to be split on which Parker brother they like better. But after this look, perhaps it is just fine to like them equally as much. The slightly shorter JoJo Parker, who still possesses an impressively athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame, was perpetually on the barrel throughout the week without striking out, and tracking pitches effortlessly. Perhaps more fluid at the plate than his brother, the left-handed hitter rocks into a power position as an open stance squares with a short stride before quick hands drive the barrel on a direct path with length through the zone and heaviness to the barrel. Parker sprayed the ball firmly to all fields while providing glimpses of impact potential at the plate with more power likely on the way. Moving well through impact, his tunnel-vision hard-working style of play showed some grace on both sides of the ball, and there is no reason to believe that he might not start off at shortstop, but should the frame blossom into greater physicality in coming years, the versatility that his soft hands provide should only help his draft value.

PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT with Sean Duncan:

Jordan Martin RHP / SS / JEFFERSON CITY HIGH, MO / 2025

Physically and athletically, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Prep Baseball All-American has few peers in the 2025 class, which makes Martin one of the highest ceiling prospects in the country. The question is, from a draft perspective, what’s his floor? And do you like him more as a pitcher or position player? Coming into the National Program Invitational, Martin was nursing a rib injury, then proceeded to take a 94 mph fastball to the ribs the day before he was scheduled to pitch out of relief for the Royals Scout Team. Well, if he was hurting, it wasn’t evident. Martin pitched two scoreless innings of relief, sitting 92-94 and tickling 95 a few times - a significant jump from his historical 89-91 fastball. It was never a question if Martin would jump in velocity; it was more a question of when. Dreaming on a triple-digit heater is not a stretch down the road. He also showcased an 81-82 mph slider with short horizontal bite. The slider shows promise of being a swing-and-miss offering down the road. Most importantly, Martin filled up the strike zone, worked fast and confidently while striking out the side in his first inning of relief. Martin works slightly across his body with a short, compact arm swing, making it a tough, deceptive look for hitters. A dynamic mover down the mound, his delivery is more drop/drive than in previous looks, which will likely be tweaked in the future. … An Arkansas recruit, Martin also is also an intriguing draft prospect as a SS/3B. For his size, he stays connected well and is supremely balanced throughout and generates effortless bat speed. He didn’t have anything to show for it in this look, but did loft a towering foul ball homer. … Exactly how athletic is Martin? Let’s put it this way: He plays basketball recreationally (i.e., doesn't practice), yet he became his high school’s all-time leading scorer (as a 6-5 point guard), led his team deep into the state tournament … and is now being recruited by SEC schools in basketball.

Diego Solares (@DeegsBaseball)

  • Biggest winner: OF Jacob Parker (Knights Knation Scout)
  • Favorite Pitcher: RHP Nate Schlote (Building Champions)
  • Favorite Hitter: INF Colton Sims (Building Champions)
  • Sleeper Favorite: INF Landon Schaefer (Sticks-Brewster/White Sox Scout)
  • Must-Know Uncommitted: RHP Nate Schlote (Building Champions)

+ Jacob Parker, Purvis (MS), OF, 2025
One of the top ‘25 grads in the country, Parker’s powerful and premier left-handed stroke was on full display throughout the weekend. Packed with strength on a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, the Mississippi State recruit found multiple authoritative barrels from the left side with all fields feel to pair. There’s no shortage of juice and his ability to impact the baseball when he’s off platform, or in two strike counts, separates him from your prototypical high school slugger. All of that, coupled with his innate feel to hit and natural swing-and-miss, have Parker pegged to slot right into an impact spot in a lineup right away, whether it be in Starkville or professionally.

+ Nate Schlote, Shawnee Mission East (KS), RHP, 2025
Still uncommitted, Schlote turned heads early into his outing on Saturday at the NPI, bumping 95 mph in the first inning while pitching in the low-90s. It’s power stuff with a prototypical starter’s frame at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds and a fastball that’s able to miss bats up in the zone, or get uncomfortable swings-and-misses on the inner-half. Schlote matched his heater with an upper-70s breaking ball that flashed sharp downer spin at times. It’s a power pitch that offers whiff potential, though he’s still harnessing full feel for it, like he is with his fastball. Nonetheless, the high-octane right-hander from the ‘Sunflower State’ should be a name to watch for college coaches this summer.

+ Landon Schaefer, Fayetteville (AR), SS/3B, 2025
The top-ranked prospect in Arkansas, Schaefer’s gotten off to a hot start this summer for his Sticks club. He impressed at the PBR Showdown at LakePoint the week before and got off a handful of impactful hacks throughout the NPI, including a no-doubt home run over the left field wall in bracket play on Sunday. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Razorbacks’ recruit has a loose and fluid right-handed swing that stays through the hitting zone on an uphill path with intent to elevate. As he tacks on strength, Schaefer will add on more impact, and his upside at the plate is considerable given his polish and physical acumen. Defensively, he flashed fluid actions at shortstop with an internal clock that slows the game down, as well as an easy arm that’s able to play off platform. Should Schaefer continue his hot start throughout the summer, look for the Fayetteville standout to shed his ‘sleeper’ label and fully burst onto the MLB Draft scene.

+ Colton Sims, Shawnee Mission East (KS), 3B, 2025
Sims has done nothing but rise over the last calendar year and his prospect status as a whole has taken off since his commitment to Vanderbilt in early October. It’s an ultra-easy, effortless, and confident approach at the plate that offers a package of plate coverage with power. Sims turned around a low-90s fastball for a loud 101.9 mph double off the left-center wall on Saturday, getting off two authoritative swings to the opposite field in that same look. His ability to generate bat speed and thump with balance through contact stands out, and it’s an offense skill-set that’s going to provide positive production at the next level.

Ian Smith (@IanSmittyGA)

  • Biggest Winner: OF Terrance Bowen (East Cobb Astros)
  • Favorite Pitcher: RHP Landon Harmon (Easley Baseball Club)
  • Favorite Hitter: SS Ethan Holliday (Scorpions Scout Team Black)
  • Sleeper Favorite: IF Marshall Louque (Knights Knation National)
  • Must-Know Uncommitted: OF Samford Halcomb (eXposure)

+ Terrance Bowen, Alexander, OF/SS, 2025
The National Program Invitational is the first week of the summer that area scouts get a real feel for the upcoming draft class, and Terrance Bowen made sure to stand out in a big way. The former Future Gamer is beginning to look the part of true power bat as he generated hard-hit contact in almost every batted ball event throughout the week. Utilizing a highly selective approach at the plate, Bowen deploys electric bat and hand speed from a lower hand slot that allows the Oklahoma State commit to match plane efficiently in a line-drive oriented swing. Produced triple-digit exit velocities into both gaps with strength to drive the ball over the wall on a frozen rope. It’s a healthy mix of hit and power projection, and only continues to get more physical in a lean 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame.

+ Ethan Holliday, Stillwater, SS, 2025
The two-time Prep Baseball All-American and top player in the 2025 national rankings, Holliday was impressive from his first swing of the week. The Oklahoma State commit showed the limitless power potential in the barrel as he drove a changeup on the outer half off the left field wall for extra-bases. With an advanced feel for the zone in a well-leveraged left-handed swing, Holliday was able to create some of the loudest contact of the week every time he was on the barrel including exit velocities of 104.3 and 105.1 in bracket play. The low heartbeat that Holliday exudes every time he steps in the box stands out consistently with an obvious plan to attack and ability to ambush pitches in any count. Defensive profile continues to expand on the left-side of the dirt with an excellent ability to bend and soft hands that allows to attack balls with confidence as well as having the arm strength to make any throw necessary. Holliday remains having one of the highest ceilings in the class, but the floor is just as significant.

+ Marshall Louque, Lutcher, MIF, 2025
I use the term “hitterish” often but there's no better way to describe Louque throughout the week. The LSU commit took one of the best swings of the week in the semifinals game as he unloaded on a 87 MPH fastball for an absolute no-doubt shot to CF. 103.1 off the bat while traveling 410ft. With an extremely quiet setup pre-pitch, Louque shows strong pitch recognition with excellent plate coverage from a linear bat path that allows for consistent hard-hit line drives to both gaps. Positional flexibility is a major asset for Louque with present ability to profile across the infield with long-term potential at second or third. It’s a tablesetter profile that continues to get better and off to a scorching start to the most important summer of his high school career.

+ Samford Halcomb, North Gwinnett, OF, 2025
Halcomb has emerged as one of my favorite players in the 2025 class this spring and opens the summer with a strong performance on a huge stage. Paired with above-average speed and advanced routes, the outfielder shows true staying power in CF with potential to develop into an above-average or better glove. At the plate, Halcomb deploys a bit of an unorthodox approach with a near horizontal bat angle pre-pitch, but shows a quick trigger to get into hitting position quickly while taking extremely quick turns on the ball. The feel to hit is present, and will utilize an all-fields approach without ease. A plus athlete with real tools on the gridiron as well, Halcomb will be a major asset to a school’s 2025 recruiting class.

Hudson Graham (@Hudson_PBR)

  • Biggest Winner: INF Carson Hodges (East Cobb Astros)
  • Favorite Pitcher: RHP Peyton Robidoux (643 DP Cougars)
  • Favorite Hitter: INF Landon Kemp (Devine)
  • Sleeper Favorite: OF Mason Gazaway (643 DP Cougars)
  • Must-Know Uncommitted: INF Carson Zagryn (643 DP Cougars)

More of Georgia's winners from the NPI, according to the state director:

+ Carson Hodges, 3B, Mount Paran, 2025
+ Peyton Robidoux, RHP, Whitfield Academy, 2025
+ Landon Kemp, INF, Cherokee Bluff, 2025
+ Mason Gazaway, OF, Marietta, 2025
+ Carson Zagryn, INF, Blessed Trinity, 2025

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