2021 Future Games: Heff's Hits
August 16, 2021
The 10th annual Future Games took place on July 28-31 at LakePoint in Emerson, Ga. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2023 and 2024 participated in one of the most popular events each year.
More than 330 scouts from across the country were looking on as approximately 500 players participated on 32 teams, with these players representing 38 states plus Canadian prospects. This includes the four areas I work with: Ohio, Michigan, New England and Canada.
Having a close look at each of these area's teams, I decided to come up with an article that features numerous things that I saw in my time down in Georgia.
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2021 Future Games for these areas, see below:
- Team Ohio, click here
- Team Michigan, click here
- Team Massachusetts, click here
- Team Connecticut, click here
- Team Canada, click here
To view the entire 2021 Future Games stats, including the Trackman/Blast Analytics, please click here.
2021 Future Games: Heff's Hits
EMERSON, Ga. - The Future Games returned to LakePoint and the Prep Baseball Report event was once again one of the top events in the entire nation for uncommitted prospects to be seen. With 330+ scouts/coaches from around the nation, these prospects were seen by colleges from all each corner of the nation.
For myself, this was my 7th Future Games (I missed out in 2020 and 2012) and with each year, I see the growth of the event ... The facility is top notch, the talent opens eyes, the amount of coaches is mind-blowing, the PBR staff puts in work, etc... I could go on and on.
This is the first edition of Heff's Hits, with the focus being on the 2021 Future Games... Enjoy!
Single: The Landmark
The summer Georgia heat is no joke (I am thankful for the cooling towel that was recently purchased before the drive down to Georgia), but we couldn't ask for a better setting, better weather, or better facilities. LakePoint is a beautiful complex. The setup was perfect for the games. The scouts/coaches had more than enough space to scope out the prospects and communicate with each other, while the parents were able to relax under the shade and watch some outstanding baseball.
The weather cooperated for the most part, but of course the one lightning delay we had pushed back one of the most anticipated arms, Drew Graham, who did not disappoint once the two-hour delay ended.
Double: Seeing The PBR Guys And College Coaches
One thing that always brings a smile to my face when we have national events is being able to see all of the guys that I converse with throughout the year, but only get to see a couple times. Seeing the coaches in person that I have conversations with weekly was great. Getting to have a quick chat and fist bump with Sean Duncan or a nice conversation with Shooter Hunt about prospects in my area or thanking Yarbs (Matt Yarber) for all he does to help me with the back end of the website ... all of these things bring a smile to my face.
Being able to see all my Canadian friends and seeing the interactions with them along with my Ohio and Michigan guys ... way too many stories and laughs there. The interactions with the baseball guys from the Northeast always brightens my day as well! Great guys all around is what make Prep Baseball Report a great place to work with!
Triple: The Talent Being Seen
Every year at the Future Games, the focus is on the talent on the field, as it should be. In 2021, the talent level was high and the coaches/scouts loved what they saw ...
“It was amazing to see the 300+ college coaches back in attendance,” related Hunt, the vice president of scouting for PBR. “It was almost like returning to school after summer break and getting to see all your friends again. They helped bring some more energy to the yard, and I think the kids raised their level of play because of it.”
Sean Duncan, PBR President, echoed what Hunt had to say.
“This event is always about the players performing in front of college coaches, so it was great to see such an overwhelming amount of college coaches this year,” Duncan said. “More importantly, the players were really really good and performed up to their abilities. So many players have already committed shortly after the event, with hundreds more to come in the near future. And that ultimately is what this is all about: Bringing the top uncommitted underclassmen across the country and having them compete and perform in front of college coaches.”
Home Run: Family
This may be a "homer" pick for me, but the "home run" from the 2021 Future Games was getting to experience all of this with my dad, Bruce Hefflinger (PBR OH, MI, NE, Canada Senior Writer). Whether it was the talks during the more than nine-hour road trip, doing the "Dugout Chatter Interviews", the fun hotel talks about the prospects we saw that day, the good southern food, etc ... This was a memorable trip that won't be forgotten. Thank you as always to Chris Valentine for allowing this to happen! I can't wait until next year!!
2021 Heff's Hits Elite 25: PBR Future Games
*** To view the full list in PDF form, click here.
The Elite 25 from the Future Games is a listing of the 25 guys that stood out to us from our areas (Ohio, Michigan, New England, Canada). These may not necessarily be our "25 best prospects", although many of these guys would find themselves within that list as well, but rather 25 guys who had outstanding performances in-game or during the showcase portion, or just stood out in their own way. Congrats to the 25 prospects who made the list and thank you to all of the participants down at the Future Games for providing outstanding baseball on the field for us to watch!
Catchers
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Noah Miller C / RHP / Monroe, MI / 2023Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 1
Report: Toolsy prospect who can do many things on a baseball field. Behind the dish, showed off an impressive 83 mph arm and 1.80-1.93 pop times. Can pick it at third base with a good arm across the diamond. On the bump, gets the fastball up to 90 mph. Had command problems, but the arm certainly works. Max effort in all he does. Already committed to Cincinnati since the Future Games. |
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Will Kocher C / OF / Kings, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 45 / POS: 7
Report: The stock continues to rise for this multi-sport athlete (talented QB in football). Defensively, Kocher showcases good athleticism behind the dish with a good arm. Has the athleticism and arm to shift to the outfield if needed. Offensively he features the bat speed and swing to be able to contribute at the next level and showed so at the plate at the Future Games. Good looking athlete who has a chance. |
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Jace Roossien C / 1B / Phillips Academy - Andover, MA / 2024Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 3
Report: Liked the defense from the 2024 catcher. Framed well and had solid catch/throw skills for his age. Offensively, the switch hitter worked the count well in all of his ABs, walking four times in seven at-bats. Look forward to seeing the progress of this youngster over the next few years. |
Infielders
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Alex Marot 3B / SS / Winchendon School, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 1
Report: 5-6 with 4 RBIs and a walk. This all being done while being visibly hurt with a hip problem. I look forward to seeing this talented RHH swing it while being at 100%, because no matter what percent he was at during the Future Games, this dude MASHED. Possibly my favorite hitter. Loved the aggessive approach at the plate. |
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Evan Blake 3B / SS / Taconic, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 9 / POS: 2
Report: 6-1, 205-pound athletic sturdy frame. Went 2-5 with a grand slam and double and 8 RBI. Bat speed is above average explosive, uses a loose uphill swing plane and high finish. He produced loud contact and found lots of barrels. Gap to gap aggressive approach. Defensively, the third basemen made all the plays, using athletic fluid footwork, and a clean natural exchange. Certainly a bat I enjoyed. Very good prospect here. |
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Jonah St. Antoine SS / RHP / Forest Hills Northern, MI / 2023Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 8
Report: Athletic 5-11, 170-pound left-handed hitting shortstop checked all the boxes at the Future Games. 6.81 60-yard dash, 96 exit velocity, and 86 mph infield velocity will play. Flashed the glove during the showcase and in game. Offensively, produced quality at-bats all week long. This prospect can play no doubt. |
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Chris Walsh SS / OF / Duxbury, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 5
Report: Walsh flashed the glove all week. The 5-11, 175-pound shortstop has a lean athletic build. During the showcase portion and in game, the smooth fielding shortstop made all the plays. The arm was up to 84 mph across the diamond through a clean natural exchange. Athletic fluid feet and next level soft hands. Laterally, movements were athletic and fielded the ball out front. Used a loose arm action and a high ¾ slot while showing consistent accuracy to the base. Runs a 6.70 60-yard dash. At the plate, showcased a projectable bat during batting practice and in game. He showed well for me in game defensively. I like his game. |
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Jake Hanley 1B / RHP / Mason, OH / 2024Report: The 6-5 left-handed hitting first basemen showed why he is already in the top 100 nationally for his class. Advanced feel for the bat at the plate. Has the ability to use all parts of the field. Big fan of his offensive game. Defensively, he showed well at first with the glove. Scooped the ball well, showed good foot work around the bag and has a good arm for the position. Also able to jump on the bump in the mid-80s. Outstanding prospect. Roped two doubles in game while producing solid contact in every at-bat. The sky is the ceiling for this impressive looking 2024. |
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Grant Wilson SS / RHP / St. Edward, OH / 2024Report: The versatile 6-0, 194-pound Wilson showed well at third base and the outfield for Team Ohio. At the plate, the right-handed hitter hit possibly the furthest home run of the weekend at the Future Games. During the showcase portion, Wilson was one of the top bats at the event. Although he didn't pitch at the Future Games, he can also jump on the bump and look the part. This 2024 has a high ceiling, look forward to seeing him over these next few years. |
Outfielders
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Javar Williams OF / Tabor Academy, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 6 / POS: 1
Report: In my first time seeing this left-handed hitting outfielder, I became a big fan. The 6-2, 180-pound speedster checked all of the boxes, with a 6.44 60-yard dash while showing off a smooth swing from the left side. In game went 3-6 with a triple, a couple walks and a few stolen bases. This prospect stood out to me. |
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Gabriel Pitts OF / SS / Worcester Academy, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 2
Report: If you were wondering if the 6.39 60-yard translates to the game, we got to see with our own eyes that it does for Pitts. Getting on base six out of eight times with three walks, a hit-by-pitch, and two singles we would hope to see a few stolen bases and Gabe did not disappoint as he swipped six bags. Defensively, he glides in the outfield and to add to that, shows a good enough arm in game, throwing out a runner at third base with an outfield assist. Another prospect that certainly stood out to me. |
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Andrew Manning OF / Boston College, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 32 / POS: 4
Report: The 6-0, 195-pound outfielder displayed speed and athleticism at the event, recording a 60 time of 6.66 with a 103 mph exit velocity and an 81 mph outfield velocity. During the BP portion, he had lots of barrels with loud contact. Gap to gap approach. In game, the right-handed hitter went 2-4 with four walks. |
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Cameron Chee-Aloy OF / SS / Neil McNeil, ON / 2023Rankings StateRank: 2 / POS: 1
Report: Impressive looking 2023 outfielder. The 6-0, 175-pound right-handed hitter popped all the numbers you'd want to see during the showcase portion, a 6.62 60-yard dash, 95 exit velocity, and 94 mph from the outfield. Although it wasn't a hit, his first AB was one of the loudest barrels of the weekend, launching one to deep centerfield that Michigan's CF Adrian Epps made an outstanding over-the-shoulder catch. Loved the swing here. |
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Matt Evans OF / Glendale, ON / 2023Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 3
Report: Another impressive looking 2023 outfielder from Ontario. The 6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitter also popped all the numbers you'd want to see during the showcase portion, a 6.64 60-yard dash, 94 exit velocity, and 84 mph from the outfield. Barrel stays through the zone well in his swing. Another toolsy prospect from Canada I liked. |
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Dylan Larkins OF / 1B / U of D Jesuit, MI / 2024Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 4
Report: What isn't to like about the 6-3, 180-pound L/L lanky outfielder? At the plate, in the outfield, on the bases, it all looks the part. Runs a 6.95 60 with a 93 mph exit velo and 84 mph outfield velo. The swing is pretty and it produces loud contact. One of my favorite swings I saw at the event. |
Pitchers
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Gavin Moczydlowsky RHP / 3B / New Boston Huron, MI / 2023Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 6
Report: Strong lower half RHP went right at hitters with a power fastball from a high-3/4 arm slot. Struck out four of the six batters he faced in his two perfect innings of work wher he ran his fastball up to 90 mph. Complimented the fastball with a mid-70s sharp breaker. Totally dominated in his two innings, not much to dislike here unless you were rooting for the opposing team. |
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Jay Tuttle RHP / C / Owosso, MI / 2023Rankings StateRank: 35 / POS: 11
Report: A new career high in velo while not allowing anyone to reach base is a way to get on the Elite 25 squad, and that is just what RHP/C Jay Tuttle did while providing two scoreless innings of work against Team Pennsylvania. The fastball sat 87-89 mph and complimented that with a low-70s slider that was on. Good looking arm here. |
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Jayden Longdin RHP / 3B / Lewis S. Mills, CT / 2023Rankings StateRank: 88 / POS: 27
Report: Five strikeouts out of the six batters the righty faced, with the outlier getting a lazy pop up to right field. Fastball velo wasn't up there with the other guys on this list, but the command was pinpoint and he had batters off balance all game. Longdin knows how to get outs. |
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Drew Graham LHP / 1B / Avon Lake, OH / 2024Report: A young 2024, Graham proved that he's that dude on the bump. The southpaw was arguably the most talented arm on display at the entire event. Smooth mechanics with an easy delivery. The fastball gets up to 91 mph. To compliment the fastball, the lefty has a wipeout breaking ball, sharp slider, and quality changeup. What else is there to say about this one? Every college should be on him for a reason. |
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Brayden Krenzel RHP / OF / Dublin Jerome, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 5
Report: 6-2, 170-pound physical projectable frame from this 2024. Athletic on the bump, ¾ arm slot with long arm action and above average arm speed. Easy effort delivery. Fastball ramped up to 90 mph. Compliments the fastball with a sharp upper-70s breaker and a change-up to 80. This 2024is someone I would certainly like to take another look at, good thing I live in Ohio and will get to see him multiple times over the next few years. |
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Grant Bradley RHP / SS / Napoleon, MI / 2024Report: An arm that came out of nowhere for us in Michigan took a full leap forward in my eyes at the Future Games. The fastball/breaking ball combo works, as evidence by him striking out the side in his second inning of work. Uptempo delivery from a high-3/4 arm slot. Ran the fastball up to 89 mph with a mid- to upper-70s breaker. Having seen this arm for the first time a couple of weeks before the Future Games, seeing the 2024 a second time was eye opening. I look forward to seeing him over the next few years. |
Utility
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Andrew Edrington SS / RHP / Princeton, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 5
Report: A true two-way talent, Edrington flashed the glove defensively while hitting 92 on the bump. To compliment the electric fastball, the righty showed a tight mid-70s slider. Made multiple plays at short and second, showcasing that he is a top talent defensively. His first inning of work on the bump and the defense he played was electric, a prospect I will be keeping an eye on. |
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Alfredo Velazquez OF / LHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2023Report: Two-way prospect who did well in all fascets of the game. On the mound, the southpaw sat in the upper-80s, using a clean motion with an uptempo pace. Loose arm action with command of both sides of the plate. Low- to mid-70s breaker with sharp bite keeping hitters off balance. Struck out three and produced lots of roll overs and soft contact. At the plate shows fast hands with a quiet approach. Uses all parts of the field well. Quick actions in the OF covering ground with a rapid release throwing 91 mph. I have seen Alfredo multiple times, and each time I see him I get more and more happy ... this dude can play! |
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Payton Manca 1B / LHP / Combine Academy, MA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 1
Report: Imposing frame at 6-5, 245 pounds. The two-way lefty certainly looked the part. The exit velo is 100 mph and he touched 87 mph on the bump. At the plate, showed a good eye, walking four times. During the showcase portion, he found a lot of barrels with gap to gap approach. Feet work well around the bag at first. On the mound, the southpaw got one inning of work, striking out two while featuring a four-pitch mix. Combination of size and coordination has me very intrigued by Manca. |
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Sebastian Jaimes C / 3B / Western international, MI / 2023Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 2
Report: The 6-0, 220-pound right-handed hitting catcher/third basemen has always produced at the plate and during the Future Games and it was no different this time, reaching base in all but one of his at-bats. During the showcase portion, popped sub-2.00 pop times with an 80 mph arm. "Seabass" seems like a winner to me. He knows how to get on base, knows the game, and his team almost always seems to win. Who doesn't want that on their team? |
2021 Heff's Hits Elite 25: PBR Future Games Starting 9
The Starting 9 from the Future Games is who I would make my starting lineup with all of our areas combined (Ohio, Michigan, New England, Canada). This was an impossible decision to make, as there were so many talented players I had to leave off, with only nine being picked. Congrats to those who made the Starting 9.
2021 Heff's Hits Elite 25: PBR Future Games "Starting 9"
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| Lineup | Name | Position |
Class | High School |
| 1 | Gabriel Pitts | LF |
2023 |
Worcester Academy (MA) |
| 2 | Javar Williams | CF | 2023 | Tabor Academy (MA) |
| 3 | Alfredo Velazquez | RF | 2023 | Brother Rice (MI) |
| 4 | Alex Marot | DH | 2023 | Winchendon School (RI) |
| 5 | Jake Hanley | 1B | 2024 | Mason (OH) |
| 6 | Evan Blake | 3B | 2023 | Taconic (MA) |
| 7 | Grant Wilson | 2B | 2024 | Lakewood St. Edward (OH) |
| 8 | Noah Miller | C | 2023 | Monroe (MI) |
| 9 | Chris Walsh | SS | 2023 | Duxbury (MA) |
| SP | Drew Graham | SP | 2024 | Avon Lake (OH) |
| Closer | Gavin Moczydlowsky | CP | 2023 | New Boston Huron (MI) |
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