On Jan. 26, the PBR Illinois team made its way back to McHenry, Ill., to host its annual McHenry Preseason I.D. event. This was the fifth year the team has made the trip up to host the showcase at Pro Player Academy. Every year, we uncover more and more prospects from this event to add to our watch lists and the same can be said about this year, too.

At the end of January, we posted our rapid analysis on the event in our Quick Hits post and we broke down each of the measured statistics in our Statistical Analysis story.

Over 100 prospects made it out to Pro Player for this event and Monday we began the positional breakdown. Today we continue with the outfielders from the day. 

2023 J.R. Nelson (Stevenson) was hands down the top defensive middle infielder on the day. Nelson has advanced actions, soft sure hands, can play on the move and has an overall moxy to his defensive game.

Rance Bryant (Schlarman, 2021) came in right behind Nelson on the list. Bryant has upside to his overall game, is a smooth easy defender with a quick release and creates leverage from the right-side of the plate.

Rounding out the top three was two-way prospect Braden Thelander (Prairie Ridge, 2022). Thelander has a twitchy frame that plays well in the right-handed batters box and on the infield. Thelander creates bat speed at the plate, has quick active feet on the infield and a strong arm that carries across the diamond.

For complete reports on each of the infielders from last month, continue on below. On deck is the pitcher analysis, so keep an eye out for that until then.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. J.R. Nelson, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-7, 140-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Open, crouched setup, short stride, aggressive swing. Quick hands, long bat path, fluid rhythm with a line-drive approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, displayed ability to throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball athletically.
Run: 4.65 runner home-to-first. 

2. Rance Bryant, Schlarman Academy (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Smooth rhythm, fast hands, long, uphill bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with carry.
Defense: Soft hands, smooth footwork, quick exchanges and plays athletically through the baseball.
Run: 4.53 runner home-to-first. 

3. Braden Thelander, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg kick stride, swings with intent. Quick hands, short bat path, fluid rhythm with a line-drive approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, quick exchanges and plays athletically through the baseball.
Run: 4.22 runner home-to-first. 

4. Tyler Castro, Huntley (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide, balanced setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Quick, loose hands, long bat path with extension, fluid rhythm with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays athletically through the baseball.
Run: 4.26 runner home-to-first. 

5. Felipe De Avila, Woodstock North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly crouched, balanced setup, short stride. Simple, direct swing, fast hands, short, uphill bat path, fluid rhythm and a line-drive approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.54 runner home-to-first. 

6. Ryan Weaver, Cary-Grove (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 182-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Hit: LHH. Crouched, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride. Easy effort, long bat path with extension, opposite field approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 82 mph. Long, loose arm action, 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Fluid footwork, soft hands and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.5 runner home-to-first. 

7. Maxwell Thompson, Warren (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 200-pounds. Proportional strength.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, balanced setup, pre pitch load back, leg kick stride. Repeatable swing, quick hands, short, level bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Fluid footwork, sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.5 runner home-to-first. 

8. Aidan Alig, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds. Wiry frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, short stride, simple swing. Long, slightly uphill bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short, athletic arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, and plays athletically through the baseball.
Run: 4.44 runner home-to-first. 

9. Josh Good, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, fluid rhythm. Quick hands, short, level bat path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.57 runner home-to-first. 

10. Owen Brock, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 170-pounds. Proportional strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, open setup, short stride. Quiet, quick hands, fluid rhythm, level bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays athletically through the baseball.
Run: 4.6 runner home-to-first. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

James Allie, Crystal Lake South (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-9, 146-pounds. Wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Slightly closed, balanced setup, short stride. Long, level bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 68 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 5.82 runner home-to-first. 

James Amptmann, Sycamore (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot, 190-pounds. Proportionally strong.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg kick stride. Quick hands, long, uphill bat path, smooth rhythm and looks to drive the ball in the air.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.69 runner home-to-first. 

Cody Connealy, Grant (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 172-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Simple swing, quick hands, short bat path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Sure-handed, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.45 runner home-to-first. 

Michael Dabe, McHenry (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, long stride, aggressive swing. Long, uphill bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean transfers and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.61 runner home-to-first. 

Evan Frasch, Johnsburg (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Athletic, proportional strength.
Hit: RHH. Open, balanced setup, leg kick stride. Quick hands, level bat path and a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Displayed ability to drive the ball with backspin during bp rounds.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Loose, short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Smooth footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.54 runner home-to-first. 

Joey Garlin, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-8, 145-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, simple swing. Long, level bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played true with carry.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.44 runner home-to-first. 

Brody Geary, Marmion Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 145-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, hands wrap for pre pitch load, long stride. Level bat path, fluid rhythm with a line-drive approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.75 runner home-to-first. 

Braydon Gibour, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Proportional strength.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open setup, leg kick stride. Quick hands, short bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean transfers and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.32 runner home-to-first. 

Josh Giebelhaus, Fremd (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 205-pounds. Proportional strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth pre pitch load, short stride. Aggressive swing, quick hands, long bat path, fluid rhythm with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.91 runner home-to-first. 

Cooper Gillette, Harlem (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-7, 185-pounds. Physical, thick lower half.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, short stride and minimal load.   Flashed bat speed, level bat path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 to over-the-top slot.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Steady hands behind the plate.
Run: 4.61 runner home-to-first. 

Clayton Glasby, Wauconda (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 127-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, smooth load, short stride. Quiet swing, uphill bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.79 runner home-to-first. 

Caden Guenther, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-6, 115-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, pre pitch load back, leg hang stride. Fluid rhythm, short, level bat path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 63 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 63 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork and plays through the baseball athletically.
Run: 4.94 runner home-to-first. 

Dylan Harer, St. Viator (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open, balanced setup, toe-tap stride, swings with intent. Quick hands, level bat path with extension, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Short arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork and clean transfers.
Run: 4.51 runner home-to-first. 

Zach Hollister, Boylan Catholic (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-foot, 190-pounds. Proportionally strong.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Fluid rhythm, quick hands, short, level bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Sure-handed, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.65 runner home-to-first. 

Chase Jetel, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 173-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, short stride, loose swing. Level bat path, fluid rhythm, line-drive, opposite field approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.43 runner home-to-first. 

Ryan Kempf, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide, crouched setup, minimal load and leg-kick timing trigger. Handsy swing, works level through the zone, line-drive approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 74 mph. Arm works short and from a high 3/4 slot behind the plate.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Catcher; clean, directional out of the chute, steady hands.
Run: 4.69 runner home-to-first. 

Cole Kersten, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Aggressive swing, quick hands, uphill bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.44 runner home-to-first. 

Austin Leonard, Hampshire (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-10, 176-pounds. Present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Wide crouched setup, short stride and no load. Simple, repeatable swing, level bat path, woks gap-to-gap.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 69 mph. Loose arm action, plays from an over-the-top slot from behind the plate.
Defense: Worked out at catcher and on the infield. Looked most natural behind the plate. Flexible setup, quick release. Willing blocker.
Run: 4.38 runner home-to-first. Advanced runner for position.

Dillon Maciaszek, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, hands wrap for pre pitch load, leg kick stride. Long, slightly uphill bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.76 runner home-to-first. 

Talan Maskivish, Hampshire (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-10, 135-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Tall, wide setup, no stride. Level bat path, line-drive, middle of the field approach.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 66 mph. Short arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean transfers.
Run: 4.51 runner home-to-first. 

Mason Mckim, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, short stride, repeatable swing. Long, level bat path, fluid rhythm with a line-drive approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Quick footwork, sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.51 runner home-to-first. 

Harout Meyer, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds. Wiry, wide-shouldered, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, long stride. Short, uphill bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long, loose arm action, low 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.63 runner home-to-first. 

Gavin Micklinghoff, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds. Wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Long, level bat path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, over the top arm slot, throws played true to target.
Defense: Fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.87 runner home-to-first. 

Nick Model, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 140-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide, athletic setup, no stride. Simple swing, short, level bat path, fluid rhythm with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 68 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, smooth footwork and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.41 runner home-to-first. 

Cole Modrich, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, closed setup, short stride, simple swing. Quiet, quick hands, level bat path, fluid rhythm with a line-drive approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.43 runner home-to-first. 

Joseph Pflug, Westosha Central (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 135-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short, leg lift stride. Simple swing, long bat path with a pull side approach.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short, loose arm action, 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, clean transfers and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.54 runner home-to-first. 

Ryan Quinlan, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 140-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, leg hang stride. Quick hands, long bat path, smooth rhythm and a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long, loose arm action, 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.37 runner home-to-first. 

Caleb Rhodes, Conant (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot, 210-pounds. Proportionally strong.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open setup, short stride. Repeatable swing, quick hands, short, level bat path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.69 runner home-to-first. 

Ben Rossi, Grant (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Fluid rhythm, level bat path with a line-drive, middle of the field approach.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.62 runner home-to-first. 

Caleb Royer, Grant (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 170-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, short stride. Short, uphill bat path, looks to drive the ball in the air.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed, fluid footwork and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.69 runner home-to-first. 

Ricardo Saucedo, Fenton (IL), 2020
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, loads back pre pitch, toe-tap stride. Long, uphill bat path with an opposite field approach.
Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed and fluid footwork.
Run: 4.87 runner home-to-first. 

Parker Schuring, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 215-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, long stride, quiet hands. Simple swing, short, uphill bat path and a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork and clean transfers.
Run: 5.33 runner home-to-first. 

Nate Summy, Marian Central (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, short stride. Long, slightly uphill bat path, fluid rhythm with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws played with accuracy.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.93 runner home-to-first. 

Connor Wallace, Richmond-Burton (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 6-foot-1, 155-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Simple swing, fluid rhythm, short bat path with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Sure-handed and clean exchanges.
Run: 4.64 runner home-to-first. 

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