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 pitchers in attendance. We’ll start at the top, with Hawaii-committed southpaw Cory Ronan (Routt Catholic). Ronan is a projectable lefty, standing at a lean 6-foot-2, who sits in the mid-80s but is capable of touching 88 mph, as he did at this event. The offspeed is coming along nicely, too, which gives Ronan a well-rounded profile that has him ranked as one of the state’s best prospects.

Fellow left-hander Jack Stellano (Reed Custer) propelled himself onto the radar at this event, where he sat 84-85 mph throughout his entire bullpen. We had not seen Stellano previously, so his emergence here has him primed to make a debut on the 2021 board at some point soon.

Like Stellano, RHP Drew Burkholder (Eastland) had not been to a PBR event previously, and his easy mid-80s stuff has him set to join the ranks of his junior peers soon.

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

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Cory Ronan, Routt Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Long, athletic frame, plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line and lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: LH. Long, loose and quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T88, 85-87 mph. Lively through the zone, works straight, average control.
CB: 66-68 mph. Fastball arm speed, 1/7 shape, feel for pitch.
CH: 71-74 mph. Flashed fade action.
 
2. Jack Stellano, Reed Custer (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Delivery: Smooth delivery, stays on-line and closed down the mound, hides the baseball, lands square and finishes athletically.
Arm Action: LH. Arm works long, loose and quick from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 84-85 mph. Lively through the zone, thrown for strikes, run and sink action.
CB: 69-72 mph. Inconsistent shape and feel. Flashed late, sharp action and maintains arm speed. 1/7 shape.
CH: 73-75 mph. Works the bottom of the zone and arm side. Sink and fade action.

3. Michael Rivera, Warren (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds. Athletic, lean frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm, lands square and in line.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, quick arm with regular effort, 3/4 release point.
FB: T87, 84-86 mph. Heavy, thrown for strikes.
CB: 73-76 mph. Sharp action, thrown with near fastball arm speed, 10/4 shape.   

4. Joey Hagen, Johnsburg (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned strength.
Delivery: Slow, repeatable, drop and drive delivery, stays on-line, lands square, minimal effort throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Loose, quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-83 mph. Heavy action, thrown for strikes at the bottom of the zone.
CB: 70-72 mph. Thrown aggressively, tight spin, sweeping shape.
CH: 74-76 mph. Fade action, plays at the bottom of the zone.
 
5. Drew Burkholder, Eastland (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Durable frame, strength in lower half.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, simple, repeatable and minimal wasted movement. Works on-line, lands square and easy effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose arm action works quick and out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Downhill tilt, pitches at the bottom of the zone, occasional run and sink.
CB: 68-72 mph. Better feel from the windup. 12/6 shape, late, sharp bite, occasional downer action and feel for the zone.
CH: 72-75 mph. Maintains arm speed, swing and miss action at times, feel, arm-side-run and sink.
 
6. Gavin Schmitt, Plainfield East (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Projectable, long and lean build with plenty of room for added strength.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, hides the baseball, works on-line and lands front toe slightly closed at times.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T86, 85-86 mph. Works straight, plays heavy when able to locate at the bottom of the zone with tilt.
CB: 70-73 mph. 11/5 shape, flashed sharp bite.
SL: 72-75 mph. 10/4 shape, small wrinkle.
CH: 78-79 mph. Straight action, thrown for strikes.

7. Ryan Risch, Warren Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, quick tempo, lands in line.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 release, quick arm speed with some effort.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. In the zone.
CB: 72-73 mph. 11/5 shape, thrown with near fastball arm speed, sharp action.
CH: 77-79 mph. Arm side run, thrown for strikes low in the zone. 

8. Jake Jakubowski, Huntley (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Works from the stretch only. Athletic delivery, highly-repeatable, works on-line and finishes athletically. Pounded the zone with a three-pitch mix.
Arm Action: RH.
FB: T76, 73-74 mph. Works the bottom of the zone, high-volume of strikes, late run and sink action.
SL: 64-65 mph. Sweeping action, feel for the zone.
CH: 67-69 mph. Advanced feel at the bottom of the zone, arm-side-run action.

9. Wilken Benjamin III, Mundelein (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-4, 165-pounds. Long-limbed, high-waisted, highly-projectable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Arm works loose and clean from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T83, 78-81 mph. Downhill tilt, works the bottom of the zone.
CB: 65-67 mph. 12/6 to 11/5 shape, feel for the zone.
CH: 72-75 mph. Fastball arm speed at times, works down in the zone.

10. Kyle Mack, Yorkville (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Strong, wide frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands square with level shoulders.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 arm slot, short and loose action with easy effort, strike thrower.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Hard action.
CB: 64-66 mph. 11/5 shape, power action, keeps it low in the zone.
CH: 75-76 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, in the zone. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Brett Berry, St. Patrick (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 190-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed and finishes upright.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut action.
CB: 67-70 mph. 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, short, late break, thrown for strikes.
 
Mitchell Bilek, Hampshire (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Strong, broad-shouldered frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, deliberate windup, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T77, 75-76 mph. Straight action, works down in the zone.
CH: 66-67 mph. Maintains arm speed at times, thrown for strikes, arm-side-run.
KN: 59-60 mph. Better command from the stretch, occasional tumble action.

Drew Buss, Joliet Catholic Academy (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. Strong frame, thick lower half.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, leads with his front hip, stays on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Arm works short and from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 80-82 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional heavy action and thrown for strikes.
CB: 67-70 mph. 10/4 sweeping shape.
CH: 73-76 mph. Works down in the zone.

Sebastian Caid, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Athletic build, strength in lower half.
Delivery: Stretch-only delivery, high leg kick at balance point, works slightly across his body, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action works out of a high 3/4 window.
FB: T79, 76-78 mph. Works mostly straight.
CB: 61-65 mph. 11/5 shape, occasional depth.
CH: 64-66 mph. Fade action at times.

Oscar Calhoun, Grayslake North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands open towards first base.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 release, regular effort.
FB: T76, 71-75 mph. Inside to righties.
CB: 65-68 mph. Thrown with near fastball armspeed.
CH: 67-70 mph. Keeps it down in zone, thrown with near fastball arm speed. 

John Creviston, Brother Rice (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-10, 157-pounds. Lean, well-proportioned build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, closed toe landing and occasional effort.
Arm Action: LH.
FB: T75, 72-74 mph. Thrown for strikes, slight arm-side-run.
CB: 62-64 mph. 2/8 shape, maintains arm speed, feel.
CH: 68-70 mph. Arm-side-run, thrown for strikes down in the zone.

Ryan Dysangco, Palatine (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 140-pounds. Slender build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 release, easy effort, strike thrower.
FB: T77, 74-76 mph. Outside to righties.
CB: 61-65 mph. Gradual break, thrown for strikes.
CH: 67-70 mph. Fading movement, thrown with near fastball arm speed. 

Grant Fowler, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 157-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive, stretch-only delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, over-the-top arm action.
FB: T78, 75-77 mph. Works straight.
CB: 63-67 mph. 12/6 to 11/5 shape, small wrinkle.
CH: 61-67 mph. Maintains arm speed, straight action.
KN: 59-62 mph. 

Jacob Furmanek, TF South (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot, 157-pounds. Athletic, projectable build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm, slightly across his body and lands front toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 window.
FB: T77, 76-77 mph. Thrown for strikes and plays straight.
CB: 63-65 mph. 12/6 shape, gradual action.
SL: 67-69 mph. 10/4 shape, short wrinkle.
CH: 71-73 mph. Feel, fade action.

Jacob Griffin, Riverdale (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 150-pounds. Wiry frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands open, towards first base, level shoulders.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, high 3/4 release, quick arm speed with easy effort.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. In the zone.
CB: 71-71 mph. 10/4 shape, thrown with near fastball arm speed.
KN: 66-69 mph. Solid movement/dance.

Jalen Hardiman, Kenwood (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 120-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works slightly across his body, lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T72, 70-72 mph. Slight run and sink.
CB: 59-63 mph. 2/8 shape, sweeping action at times.
CH: 66-68 mph. Near fastball arm speed, works mostly straight.

Will Henson, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 155-pounds. Lanky, athletic build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm, lands square, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 release point, quick arm speed with loose action, easy effort.
FB: T80, 77-80 mph. Late sinking movement.
CH: 68-72 mph. Sinking movement, thrown with near fastball arm speed, thrown for strikes.
KN: 67-70 mph. Up in the zone, arm slows down.

Michael Hughes, Lockport (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-3, 160-pounds. Long-limbed, projectable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, coiled at balance point, works slightly across his body, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Plays straight, occasional cut and thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-65 mph. 12/6 shape, maintains arm speed and feel for the zone.
CH: 73-76 mph. Works mostly straight, cut at times.

Kyle Hussey, Providence Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 167-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands in athletic position.
Arm Action: RH. Over the top, long and loose arm action, regular effort.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Decent feel for bottom of the zone.
CB: 67-69 mph. 12/6 shape, thrown for strikes.
CH: 73-75 mph. Thrown with near fastball arm speed, arm side run.

Lucas Kucharzyk, Lockport Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/
Body: 6-foot, 150-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Delivery: Full windup, deliberate pace, works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically.
Arm Action: LH. Arm works short, clean and loose out of a 3/4 slot.
FB: T76, 73-76 mph. Works straight, thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-65 mph. 2/8 shape, maintains arm speed.
CH: 64-66 mph. Sinking action.

Darryl Loyd III, Morgan Park (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 220-pounds. Sturdy frame, strong lower half.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands in line with level shoulders.
Arm Action: LH. High 3/4 arm slot with regular effort.
FB: T80, 73-76 mph. Features a 2-seam sitting at 67-71 mph.
CB: 59-64 mph. 1/7 shape.
CH: 60-67 mph. Arm side run. 

Dane McDonald, Stagg (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Delivery: Stretch-only delivery, works slightly across his body, lands front-toe closed and smooth rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action comes out of a high 3/4 window.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. Thrown for strikes, up in the zone at times and works mostly straight.
CB: 67-69 mph. Best secondary offering. Sharp spin, 11/5 shape and flashed late bite.
CH: 77-78 mph. Maintains arm speed, straight action.

Declan McGrath, St Charles North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. Thick, strong frame.
Delivery: Methodical drop and drive delivery, stays on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Slight plunge out of the glove and comes out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T73, 69-72 mph. Thrown for strikes, works mostly straight.
CB: 56-59 mph.
SL: 60-64 mph. 10/4 shape/
CH: 65-67 mph. Feel, maintains arm speed at times and fade action.

Nick Rodriguez, Bradley-Bourbonnais (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 6-foot-4, 180-pounds. Lanky, athletic build. Projectable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands closed with level shoulders.
Arm Action: RH. Over the top release point, easy to regular effort.
FB: T77, 72-77 mph. Slight run.
CB: 64-68 mph. 11/5 shape, late action.
CH: 70-73 mph. Thrown with near fastball arm speed, sinking action, low in the zone. 

Jaden Salazar, Fremd (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Wiry frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works slightly open down the mound and lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: LH. Clean arm stroke, over-the-top slot.
FB: T74, 71-74 mph. Works mostly straight.
CB: 63-64 mph. 12/6 shape, late action at times, depth.
CH: 68-69 mph. Maintains arm speed, straight action.

Marius Skaathun, McHenry (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered build.
Delivery: Simple, tall and fall delivery, stays on-line and lands front toe slightly closed at times.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T74, 70-72 mph. Works down in the zone, straight action.
SL: 61-62 mph. Downer action.
CH: 67-71 mph. Late fade and sink.
 
Reese Stanley, Saint Francis (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. Strong build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands square and in line.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 release point, easy effort.
FB: T77, 75-77 mph. Good feel from the stretch.
CB: 64-67 mph. 10/4 shape, thrown with near fastball arm speed, down in the zone.
CH: 68-71 mph. Down in the zone.

Zachary Taylor, Hampshire (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 140-pounds. High-waisted frame.
Delivery: Delivery works tall and fall, stays on-line, lands square and regular effort.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, 3/4 to high 3/4 slot.
FB: T67, 65-67 mph. Works straight.
CB: 53-58 mph. Sweeping shape.
CH: 60-62 mph. Near fastball arm speed at times.

Justin Waddell, Lockport (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, squared landing, balanced and quiet at foot strike.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Plays mostly straight.
CB: 67-70 mph. Occasional downer action, maintains arm speed.
CH: 65-69 mph. Sink and fade at times.

Brian Wrenn, Geneva Community (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lean, Athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, stays closed down the mound, works on-line and lands front-toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, some quickness out front.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Thrown for strikes, slight arm-side-run.
CB: 63-65 mph. 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, feel for the zone.
CH: 61-66 mph. Fade action.

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