What Prospects from the 2024 Class Will Impact Their College Programs this Fall?
August 22, 2024
The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.
This week’s topic: Fall is near, college football opens this weekend, students are headed back to school, and with that we're already thinking about which freshmen on campus are going to impact fall ball rosters right away. Please share a player from your state's recently graduated Class of 2024 who you believe will be making waves in college as soon as this fall's scrimmages.
+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (8/22):
Alberta
+ Stevyn Andrachick, INF (Vauxhall Academy HS, 2024) | Sacramento State:
“During his high school career, Andrachick showed us on a consistent basis why he is one of the top hitters in Canada’s 2024 class. The bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline are in a league of their own. During the Vauxhall/Bucks Scout Day last September, Andrachick had one of the best rounds of BP we’d seen all year. 15 of his 16 batted balls were 91+ mph, 9 of his 16 were 95+ mph, and he reached a max exit velocity of 101.6 mph. He consistently elevated balls back up the middle, with several leaving the yard. Andrachick was just as impressive in-game at high profile events. He was one of the top hitters at both Best of the West in May of 2023 and the Canadian Futures Showcase, which is hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays annually. The Sacramento State commit will be one to follow when fall scrimmages begin.”
– Brady Turner, State Director
Arizona
+ Mason Russell, LHP (Casteel HS, 2024) | Arizona:
“Russell the #2 prospect in the state of Arizona this past season with a fastball sitting 89-92 with glimpses of touching 94. Russell is a ultra competitor with a true 3 pitch mix with a good chance to be a plug and play guy as a starter for the Arizona Wildcats. Russell has an act for winning leading the Casteel Colts to back-to-back state titles in 2022-2023. With the Wildcats coming off a great season in 2023 winning the regular season Pac 12 along with being the Pac 12 tournament champions. Look for Russell to help continue that thread. ”
– Shea Sbranti, Arizona Scouting Director
Colorado
+ Easton Miller, RHP (Fossil Ridge HS, 2024) | Air Force:
“Miller is Colorado's reigning 'Player of the Year' after producing 100 strikeouts across 51.1 innings to go with his 1.09 ERA and a 7-0 record this spring. There is a strong chance that Miller is able to make an immediate impact for the Air Force Falcons thanks to his fastball that sits around 90-93 mph with a higher level sweeping slider around 2,500 rpms. Miller has shown great pitch-ability over the last year with plenty of electric swing and miss stuff. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Connecticut
+ Alex Benevento, OF (New Canaan HS, 2024) | Brown:
“Outfielder with speed and pop in the bat. Performed extremely well in the high school season. ”
– Trevor Brown, New England Co-Scouting Director
Idaho
+ Dax Whitney, RHP (Blackfoot HS, 2024) | Oregon State:
“The top overall prospect to come out Idaho this past year, RHP Dax Whitney (Oregon St. commit), put together a strong performance at the 2023 Prep Baseball Western ProCase and really put himself on the MLB Draft radar heading into his senior season at Blackfoot HS. The right-hander led the way for Broncos all year long as he dominated on the mound, while also producing at a high-level on the offensive side.
Whitney picked up 12+ strikeouts on eight different occasions this year and punched out 130 batters while issuing just 11 walks. His stuff was difficult to put in-play as he sat 91-94 the majority of the season while touching 95s and paired it with a quality slider in the low 80s. The Oregon State commit is projected to be Idaho's first high schooler off the board in July's draft and is currently the 17th-ranked right-hander in the country. It was a dominant run this year, and over the past four years, that the Blackfoot program won't soon forget.”
– Brett Harrison, West Region Supervisor
Illinois
+ Kenny Perez , MIF (De La Salle HS, 2024) | Western Illinois :
“Perez gave a solid showing on both sides of the ball for the Meteors. Starting with his day at the plate, Perez went 3-for-5, with two doubles that both nearly left the yard, while tallying two RBI as well. The right-handed hitter emits a quiet confidence in the box, while swinging with a slightly uphill path that creates line drive contact to the middle and pull-side parts of the field. Defensively, Perez looks the part consistently at shortstop, playing with smooth and advanced actions and an accurate arm to pair.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Illinois
+ Jackson Smith, MIF (Providence Catholic HS, 2024) | Bradley :
“The Bradley commit and Providence Catholic shortstop was pivotal to the Celtics’ 4A State championship title by leading in numerous offensive categories and providing multiple clutch offensive performances. He won the Chicago Catholic League’s Lawless Award for the best senior player and earned his way into our First-Team All-State by hitting .416 BA with 52 hits, 48 RBIs, 12 doubles, 6 home runs, and 19 stolen bases on the season. The left-handed hitter was a key piece of the state championship squad coming up big in multiple playoff games, including a two-RBI game in a 3-2 Super-Sectional win over Mt. Carmel. Smith will make his way to Bradley in the Fall after capping off a three-year career with a final season as a 4A State champion, Lawless Award winner, First-Team All-State selection, and as one of Illinois’ top middle infield prospects.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Reid Howard, SS (Forest Park HS, 2024) | Western Kentucky:
“Howard was a top rated shortstop in our very talented 2024 class and arrives on campus in Bowling Green with a chance to make an impact early on in his career. A flat-out gamer that represented Indiana at the 2022 Prep Baseball Future Games, Howard was a two-time All-State honoree throughout a decorated career at Forest Park. The combination of present in-game feel, with upside in his lanky, athletic, 6-foot-1 frame, and the instincts / baseball IQ that come with being the son of a high school coach should allow Reid to compete for time in the middle of the Hilltoppers' infield this spring. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Indiana
+ Cole Decker, OF (Evansville North HS, 2024) | Indiana:
“Decker was the No. 10 player in the class at the conclusion of his senior year, a speedy left-handed hitter with strong defensive abilities in centerfield. His ability to defend at a high level will at least give him the opportunity to contribute late in games as a defensive replacement immediately, and his high contact rate at the dish should translate to the college level to allow him to compete for a starting job in the Hoosiers' outfield. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Iowa
+ Trever Baumler, RHP/OF (Dowling Catholic HS, 2024) | TCU:
“Baumler will offer intrigue this fall at TCU as a 2-way player for the Horned Frogs. Known more readily by scouts as a RHP- the Dowling product has continued to develop as an offensive threat vs. premium pitching. Athletic in all areas; Baumler should have an opportunity to compete on the mound and as a position player for TCU his freshman year.”
– Rob Allison, Upper Midwest Supervisor
Kentucky
+ Carson Van Haaren, RHP (Tates Creek HS, 2024) | Eastern Kentucky:
“Van Haaren burst on the scene in 2022 at the Future Games with a dominant outing drawing the attention of multiple Power 5 schools. The young righty built up a great relationship with then Head Coach Chris Prothro and now Head Coach Walt Jones and The Colonels got a big commitment from The Super 60 alum. A Fastball that will work in the low 90's, an above average Change Up, and a vicious Slider that generates a ton of whiffs in and out the zone. Look for Van Haaren to make an immediate impact in Richmond and compete for high leverage innings as soon as he steps on the field. The ceiling is high for the Lexington native and if it's not immediately reached his floor will still see Van Haaren being an instant problem for Atlantic Sun Conference hitters. ”
– Jamie Tessoff, Kentucky Scouting Director
Louisiana
+ Mark Collins, OF (Opelousas Catholic HS, 2024) | Louisiana-Lafayette:
“Collins was the offensive leader for Opelousas Catholic this past spring, helping lead the Vikings to the LHSAA Select D-IV State Title. He led the semifinals off with a home run to left field, and then led the state title game off with a perfect drag bunt, while turning in a 4.07 home-to-first time. UL-Lafayette Head Coach Matt Deggs loves guys with power and speed, and Collins definitely fits that bill, which is why he’ll likely be a fan favorite this fall in Lafayette, LA. ”
– Alex Armand, Louisiana State Director
Massachusetts
+ Cesar Gonzalez, C/RHP (Springfield Commonwealth Academuy HS, 2024) | Boston College:
“One of the premier catch and throw prospects I have seen in many years. The defense skill set is through the roof for this guy. Not too mention, he can jump on the bump and sit 92-94. He will play really early so I expect him to contribute to BC early on.”
– Dennis Healy, New England Co-Scouting Director
Michigan
+ Isaac Sturgess, OF (Powers Catholic HS, 2024) | Michigan State:
“Dynamic outfielder with project ability and speed and growing power with the bat. Can see Isaac making early impacts for MSU this fall as he prepares for his first semester in East Lansing. Has upside on mound as well up to 88-89 from left side.”
– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director
Minnesota
+ Drew Rerick, RHP (Fargo Davies HS, 2024) | Texas:
“Rerick, is a power arm that has been up to 96 and settles in the low 90s. A four pitch mix combination of a fastball, slider, curveball and change-up. A lot of growth and development over the last few years. While he’s already reaching 96+ it feels like there’s more left in the tank. Rerick will be an exciting follow from North Dakota.”
– Andy Judkins, Minnesota State Director
Nevada
+ Burke Mabeus, C (Bishop Gorman HS, 2024) | Oregon:
“The physical backstop out of Bishop Gorman had his breakout campaign in the 2022 spring, helping lead the Gaels to a state championship in 2023. The present tools on both sides of the ball and on both sides of the plate helped Mabeus earn his spot on Team USA as he headed into his senior campaign in the 2024 Season. As his Spring progressed, he saw his game continue to take off after his breakout performance at the NHSI where he announced his presence with the bat, then continued it into the remainder of the season making him one of the top overall draft prospect in the state, regardless of level. ”
– Brett Harrison, West Region Supervisor
Ohio
+ Jake Hanley, 1B / RHP (William Mason HS, 2024) | Indiana:
“Impact freshman who is stepping onto campus at 6-foot-5, 230-pounds. Will have a shot at being a legitimate two-way in the Big10. On the mound its 92-94 with the ability to run it up to 96, expect that to climb a bit this year at Indiana. Played primarily first base the last few years of high school but he moves well in the outfield and could see time there at Indiana. Power LH stick. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Ohio State Director
Ontario
+ Cam Gravelle, SS (West Niagara HS, 2024) | Toledo:
“Gravelle has hit throughout his entire high school career, but really took it to the next level in his senior campaign. An easy left-handed swing with a mix of average/power, Gravelle was one of the toughest outs in Ontario and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that trend continue when he steps on campus at Toledo.”
– Josh Arcé, Ontario Scouting Director
Pennsylvania
+ Tague Davis, 1B/LHP (Malvern Prep HS, 2024) | Louisville:
“Pro frame/build (6-3, 210) and DNA (Dad Ben Davis played in MLB). 2-way ability gives added value to college programs with new roster limits. Advanced actions at 1B with big time power (easy juice) from the left side. LHP with low 90's fastball and advanced feel for off speed give him several ways to make an early impact at the next level. ”
– Charlie Spano, VP of Scouting PA/NY
Tennessee
+ Hudson Barton, RHP (Grace Christian Academy (Franklin, TN) HS, 2024) | Vanderbilt :
“Hudson Barton had Tommy John surgery following his sophomore season in high school, which caused him to miss his entire junior high school season, while rarely participating on the mound on the showcase circuit. Despite being a Vanderbilt recruit, Barton has mainly flown under the radar until this past spring where we got to see him pitch a few times and popped a few mid 90’s fastball, while also showing the ability to carry heat deep into pitch counts. Hudon showcases feel for 3 pitches at the moment with a low 90’s fastball out of a lower arm-slot that generates plenty of riding action. He shows promise with two breaking balls including a low 80’s slider and an upper 70’s mph curveball. At 6 foot 3 and 190 pounds, Barton comes in with a well-built frame that should be able to pack on clean mass as he gets in a college strength program. Look for Barton to draw plenty of attention early at Vanderbilt and push for immediate innings, important ones too. Starter upside that has a chance to go really high in the draft in 3 years. ”
– Hunter Martin, Tennessee Scouting Director
Tennessee
+ Chace Clatur, RHP (Nolensville HS, 2024) | Murray State:
“Chase Clatur (Nolensville, 2024) Clatur jumped on my radar last spring as an uncommitted junior with plenty of ability and arm talent that projects for much more down the line. The strike-throwing ability and presence is easily noticeable with him as he does a great job of controlling the game and staying composed in pressure moments. Really strong competitor and was evident getting multiple strikeouts when he had himself in danger with runners in scoring position. The fastball generates a lot of late arm-side run, while coming in consistently in the upper 80’s (T89). The slider was also equally as impressive with late sharp bite that had hitters swinging over it and half-checking their swing. The body has plenty of flexibility and will be able to add 20 pounds over the next few years where he should find himself in a position to get MLB scouts on his radar. ”
– Hunter Martin, Tennessee Scouting Director
Utah
+ Naulivou “Junior” Lauaki, 1B (Springville HS, 2024) | Oregon :
“The big man, who was recruited out of the 2022 Future Games as a power armed RHP up to 94 with a low 80’s sharp breaking SL, has reversed course over the last 2 years and has turned himself and his 70 raw power (EV 109.3 and a max distance of 421’) into a bonafide beast at the plate and that’s what he most likely will be focusing on, as he reported to campus last weekend in Eugene. A Prep Baseball staple at many events and also a West Coast ProCase alum, Lauaki had a massive junior and senior campaigns, where the hulking slugger as a senior hit .437 with 7 HR and 24 RBI and was rarely pitched to or opponents treaded very lightly after a monster junior year, that saw “Junior” hit .586 with 9 HR’s, 29 RBI and a state leading 15 2B’s! But it was this summer, that saw Lauaki take his offensive game to a new level with a wood bat in hand, as he played for the best post HS player development league in the country with the MGF Marshalls League based out of Salt Lake City, UT. The 6 team league boasts 95% incoming D1 recruits from all over the country and the pitching is top notch to prepare one for arriving on campus. All the big man did was terrorize the league in 34 games played, hitting .405 with a gaudy 15 HR’s, 50 RBI and 12 2B’s in 147 PA’s. With nearly a HR every 10 plate appearances and against high 80’s to consistently low 90’s velocity, Mark Wasikowski and company have got to be thrilled that this development has taken place and so fast, as he arrives on campus ready to make a mark as one of the top incoming freshman in the country! ”
– Jeff Scholzen, Utah Scouting Director
Wisconsin
+ Noah Wech, RHP (Manitowoc Lincoln HS, 2024) | Oklahoma State:
“The Cowboys successfully landed Wech despite being selected by his home state Brewers in the 19th round of July's MLB Draft. Ultimately, Oklahoma State is getting a premium arm. Wech continued to tick up and up throughout his prep career, athletic enough to act as one of the top two-ways in the state as a prep. In college, he'll be an intriguing arm to follow – he has the stuff to operate as a lights out reliever right away, with low-90s velo that can reach the mid-90s at time, especially if he's operating from the 'pen, mostly. He pairs that with a swing-and-miss breaking ball that was really sharp as a senior this spring, which helped him become one of three Wisconsin prep players drafted last July.”
– Andy Sroka, Managing Editor, Scouting
Wisconsin
+ Easton Stone, RHP (Rice Lake HS, 2024) | Minnesota State-Mankato:
“Given the recruiting landscape and all of the changes that have shifted the environment all around in the last few years, there's quite a bit of talent seeping into the Division II, III, and JUCO ranks – now more than ever, maybe – and Stone is a DII power arm to follow out of Wisconsin. He's headed next door, to Minnesota State-Mankato, where he figures to crash inside the pitching staff early on. Stone has shutdown closer-type stuff, if he isn't stretched into a starter at first. He has a vertical, whiff-inducing fastball that should miss plenty of bats on its own, and he spins a biting breaking ball that pairs next to it nicely. We're eager to see how Stone progresses at the DII level and it won't limit his ceiling in any way – it could do the opposite, in fact.”
– Andy Sroka, Managing Editor, Scouting