On Sunday, Oct. 13th the Class of 2021 Showcase took place at The MAX in McCook, IL. The event was open to all high school juniors from across the state and featured close to 70 uncommitted prospects.

Today we continue the positional breakdown with a look at the infielders in attendance. At the top of the infield list is MIF Jaylon Nauden (Marian Catholic). Nauden continues to add quality strength and physicality to his frame and his game has taken strides as a result. Nauden swings an aggressive right-handed bat and is a natural middle infield defender with plenty of arm strength to stay on the left-side of the diamond.

Coming in at No. 2 is Jayden Gonzalez (De La Salle). Gonzalez has a compact, strong frame and his right-handed swing is his calling card. Gonzalez creates easy bat speed and took an impressive round of BP, making hard contact to all fields. Gonzalez also has confident, soft hands on the infield.

Nicholas Mulvihill (Hinsdale Central) is another middle infielder towards the top of the list. Mulvihill has a steady all-around game, continues to improve his right-handed bat and is sure-handed on the infield.

Below is a look at all of the infielders from the event.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Jaylon Nauden, Marian Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot-1, 187-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open set-up, short stride, smooth hand load.  Level to slightly uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, bat speed present. Swings with intent.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release, ball carries across the diamond.
Defense: Confident defender, clean exchange, soft hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60. Long strides.

2. Jayden Gonzalez, De La Salle (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Strong, compact build.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced set-up, smooth hand load, short stride. Short and level bat path, extension through the baseball, sprays to all fields, bat speed present. Quality overall round.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, over the top to high 3/4 release.
Defense: Advanced actions, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Plays through the baseball with rhythm.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60. 

3. Nicholas Mulvihill, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 156-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open set-up, smooth hand load, controlled leg kick into long stride.  Level bat path with extension through baseball, loose hands, fluid rhythm, consistent hard contact.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, accurate from multiple release points.
Defense: Steady defender, clean exchange, fields through the baseball with athleticism, glove presentation present.
Run: 6.93 runner in the 60. 

4. Michael Rivera, Warren (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds. Athletic, lean frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set-up, short stride, hands stay quiet by back shoulder.  Short bat path on a slightly uphill plane, extension through the baseball, fluid rhythm, simple and repeatable motions.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Quick, loose arm action, high 3/4 release, accurate. Baseball carries across the diamond.
Defense: Athletic defender, efficient feet, clean exchange, follows his throws.
Run: 6.95 runner in the 60. 

5. Kyle Mack, Yorkville (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Strong, wide frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set-up, toe tap stride, hands stay quiet through load.  Level bat path, quick and loose hands, bat speed present, ball jumps off the barrel with natural lift. Swings with intent.
Power: 97 mph exit velocity from the tee. Posted the top exit velocity off a tee at the event.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short, quick arm action, over the top release point.
Defense: Clean exchange, soft hands. Projects as a corner infielder.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

6. Will Henson, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 155-pounds. Lanky, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set-up, barrel tilt load, leg kick into short stride.  Direct bat path on a slightly uphill plane, line drive approach, stays in the middle of the field, balanced finish.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, accurate across the diamond from multiple arm angles.
Defense: Soft hands, plays through the baseball with rhythm, clean exchange, body control present.
Run: 7.33 runner in the 60. 

7. Nicholas Zappia, Detroit Catholic Central (MI), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. Wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Tall, slightly open set-up, smooth hand load, leg kick into long stride, balanced finish. Level bat path, extension through the baseball, loose hands, quick bat speed, natural lift.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release, accurate.
Defense: Plays through the baseball with tempo,  glove presentation present.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

8. Brant Singler, Providence Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: LHH. Tall balanced set-up, smooth hand load with slight movement downwards, controlled leg kick into short stride. Uphill bat path, pull-side approach, fluid rhythm, bat speed present. Swings with intent.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release, accurate.
Defense: Fields with tempo, hands play soft and out front, solid footwork/feel around the bag.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

9. Kyle Hussey, Providence Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 167-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Open, athletic set-up, hands load back, short simple stride.  Direct level bat-path, extension through the baseball, balanced finish, repeatable swing.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, over the top to high 3/4 release.
Defense: Active feet, fields through the baseball, clean exchange. Took a clean round.
Run: 7.26 runner in the 60. 

10. Jake Tapia, Belvidere North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open set-up, smooth hand load with barrel tilt, toe-tap stride.  Level bat path, loose hands, power to the pull-side.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release, accurate.
Defense: Solid actions, fields through the baseball with tempo, glove plays out front, clean exchange.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (Listed Alphabetically)

Chris Akers, Elmwood Park (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Fast bat, strong hands, level through the zone and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 76 mph. Arm works short and over-the-top.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Profiles best behind the plate. Reliable hands, quick feet, efficient out of the crouch.
Run: 7.41 runner in the 60. 

Will Arnason, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall balanced set-up, smooth hand load, controlled leg lift into short stride.  Slightly uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, occasional pop to the pull-side, loose hands, fluid rhythm.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Clean exchange, soft hands, steady footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.93 runner in the 60. 

Oscar Calhoun, Grayslake North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, crouched set-up, short stride, hands load and set early. Level bat path, gap to gap, line drive approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Two-hand gather, clean exchange, fields in center of body.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Dysangco, Palatine (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 140-pounds. Slender build.
Hit: LHH. Tall set-up, toe tap into long stride, smooth hand load creates separation. Uphill bat path, gap to gap approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Quick arm action, low 3/4 release, accurate
Defense: Glove plays out front, clean exchange, fluid footwork.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

Peter Fischer, Wheaton North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Average build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set-up, long stride, hands load back and up.  Uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, finishes with two hands.
Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Fields in center of body, two-hand gather, clean exchange.
Run: 8.35 runner in the 60. 

Jacob Griffin, Riverdale (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 150-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall balanced set-up, quiet barrel tilt load, short stride.  Level bat path, line drive/gap to gap approach, tall finish.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release, accurate.
Defense: Clean exchange, fields from ground up, hands play out front.
Run: 7.35 runner in the 60. 

Trent Henderson, Stevenson (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Wide athletic set-up, slight hand load backwards, short stride. Level bat path, fluid rhythm, loose hands, bat speed present, sprays to all fields. Took a solid round.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 release point.
Defense: Plays from the ground up, two-hand gather, clean exchange.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Wayne Karlstedt, Saint Viator (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open set-up, leg kick into long stride, barrel tilt load. Level bat path, gap to gap, contact approach, extension through the baseball at times.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 release.
Defense: Solid actions, quick feet, clean exchange, bounces around.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Joshua Kendall, Andrew (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Crouched set-up, smooth hand load, leg kick stride, wide finish Level bat path, line drive approach, quick hands, fluid rhythm, Ball jumps off barrel.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 release, accurate.
Defense: Fields ball close to body, quick and clean exchange, active feet.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60.

Trevor Kucera, Plainfield East (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. Slender, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, open set-up, smooth hand load, short stride, fluid rhythm.  Level bat path, stays inside the baseball, opposite field tendencies, produced line drives.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Steady defender, soft hands, feet work in line with first base.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60. 

Darryl Loyd III, Morgan Park (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 220-pounds. Sturdy frame, strong lower half.
Hit: SH. Balanced set-up, hands stay quiet through load, slight leg kick into short stride.  Short level bat path, extension through the baseball, aggressive hitter, ball jumps off barrel.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release point.
Defense: Soft hands, clean exchange.
Run: 8.04 runner in the 60. 

Riley Ponio, Coal City (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall open set-up, leg kick into short stride. Short and direct bat path, finishes tall, balanced.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release, some accuracy.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields through midline of body.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

Samuel Rhodes, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced wide set-up, short stride, hands load back and up. Slightly uphill bat path, gap to gap approach with pull-side tendencies, balanced finish
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 release.
Defense: Steady defender, quick feet, plays through the baseball, clean exchange.
Run: 7.84 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Risch, Warren Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balance set-up, hands stay quiet through load, short stride. Short bat path on a slightly uphill plane, stays inside the baseball, gap to gap approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Long arm action, over the top to high 3/4 release point, baseball carries across the diamond.
Defense: Fields in center of body, two hand-gather, clean exchange.
Run: 7.59 runner in the 60. 

Nick Rodriguez, Bradley-Bourbonnais (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 6-foot-4, 180-pounds. Lanky, athletic build. Projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open set-up, smooth hand load, short stride.  Short bat path, gap to gap approach, extension through the baseball, loose hands.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, over the top to high 3/4 release.
Defense: Hands play out front, clean exchange, moves well.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

Damian Sanchez, Lyons Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-foot-6, 155-pounds. Compact build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open set-up, short stride. Short level bat path, produced line drives to all fields, feel for barrel, simple fluid rhythm.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Soft hands, clean exchange, feet work with tempo.  Projects as second basemen.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Reese Stanley, Saint Francis (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. Strong build.
Hit: RHH. Tall open set-up, barrel tilt load, slight leg kick into short stride.  Slight uphill bat path,loose hands, bat speed present, power approach to the pull-side, swings with intent. 
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, over the top release.
Defense: Hands play out front, fields through the baseball. Projects as a corner infielder.
Run: 8.59 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Sykes, Bradley Bourbonnais (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Present strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup, loads into backside, short stride. Hits off front foot, strong hands, short uphill bat path.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. OF - 80 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and in the outfield. Looked most natural in the outfield. Fundamentally sound fielding position, plays through the baseball in rhythm, steady hands.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

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