On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Prep Baseball Wisconsin team is traveling to the northwest portion of the state to host the second-ever Eau Claire Preseason ID—taking place at the recently built Valley Sports Academy. This is an open event to all high school classes (2024-27), and continues the winter showcase circuit early on in 2024. 

For a closer look at the showcase details and the technologies we’ll have on-site to assist our in-person evaluation for all in attendance, click here. For a complete look at those registered to attend this event, view the most up-to-date version of the roster by clicking here. 

EVENT HISTORY

In Prep Baseball Wisconsin’s continued comprehensive coverage of the Badger State’s high school baseball scene, the talent that has emerged from the Eau Claire area has made this showcase one to follow over the course of the winter. 

As mentioned previously, the history of a winter showcase in Eau Claire has been a short, but exciting one. After last year’s quality turnout, there have been 10 commitments and multiple standouts from the 2023 Eau Claire Preseason ID. 

3B Leo Lauscher (Eau Claire Memorial, 2024; Southeastern CC (IA)) was one of the top hitters at last year’s event before enjoying a strong spring and summer. C Chase McQuade (River Falls, 2024; Concordia Univeristy - St. Paul) followed closely behind at the plate—providing exit velocities in the low-to-mid-90s. 

While both of those prospects committed to play at the next level with their bats, RHP’s Chase Watkins (Eau Claire North, 2024; Wisconsin-Eau Claire) and Jake Bjerke (Eleva-Strum, 2024; Winona State) each garnered attention at Valley Sports Academy a year ago. Both arms range in the low-to-mid-80s, and put on quality performances with their multi-pitch arsenals during the summer after showing well in the winter. 

2024 ROSTER

The 2024 roster looks to match 2023’s performance and provide a spark, momentum for the upcoming season. 

Starting on the mound, RHP Nick Hirsch (Hudson, 2025) is an intriguing 6-foot-2, 194-pound athlete who made a name for himself on the varsity stage in a weekend tournament in front of our scouting staff. In a fluid motion, his fastball jumps out of the hand in an effortless fashion—ranging from 82-85 mph (T86) during the spring. The right-hander complements his fastball with two strong breaking balls and an occasional changeup. His growth and development over the summer and offseason proves to be noteworthy come Saturday’s showcase. 

Similarly, RHP Ethan Oatman (Mosinee, 2025) experienced a velocity jump in his pitch mix over the course of the summer into the fall. Presenting himself at a lean 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame, Oatman emerged as a winner from the Northern Wisconsin Open in October, where his fastball reached 87 mph. The right-hander has a mature feel for the slider as well—averaging nearly 2,500 RPM per pitch. Oatman continues to elevate his game to the next level—entering Saturday’s event ranked as the No. 41 prospect in Wisconsin’s 2025 class. 

Altoona entered the WIAA spring season with high hopes and delivered in 2023—ending their year at the state tournament in Appleton. The ace of that group and Middle Border Conference Player of the Year, RHP Bennett Stokke (2025), is making another appearance at the Eau Claire Preseason ID after showing well last year. Stokke is a strike-thrower with a mature feel for every pitch—allowing him to navigate through games with ease. His teammate, UTL Kellen Smith (2025), was a key piece in the order for the Railroaders and will be making an appearance Saturday. Smith averaged 85.6 mph in exit velocity during the summer at the Western Wisconsin Open—building off of the momentum he gathered during the spring season. 

INF Cole Perlberg (Chippewa Falls, 2025) and C Isaiah Ahlberg (Solon Springs, 2026) are two scrappy athletes that made noise in front of our staff over the past year. Perlberg was a standout at the plate throughout the PBRT Wisconsin Open in Mauston. The right-handed hitter’s bat-to-ball skill set is one-to-follow Saturday from a projectable 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame.

Ahlberg has a simple right-handed swing that showcases an up-the-middle approach. Defensively, Ahlberg is fundamentally sound and has thrown up to 75 mph from behind the dish. His quick feet and smooth transition on throwdowns resulted in pop times ranging from 2.01-2.12 seconds. The backstop enters Saturday as the No. 62 ranked prospect in the Badger State’s 2026 class—looking to climb amongst a strong pool of prospects. 

Another underclassman in C/OF Logan Hagman (Hudson, 2027) rounds out an exciting roster of athletes attending Saturday’s event. Hagman is making his first appearance in front of the Prep Baseball Wisconsin staff after representing Prep Baseball Minnesota at the PBR Junior Future Games last year. Hagman provides power in all aspects of his game in a 6-foot, 175-pound frame. The incoming freshman posted exit velocities in the low-to-mid-90s down in Georgia and found success in the gameplay portion of the event, too. He reached 76 mph with his arm from behind the plate, and rounded out his day with a 7.04-second 60-yard dash. 

While there are many familiar faces attending the 2024 Eau Claire Preseason ID, our staff is interested in adding more new names to our list of prospects after Saturday’s showcase. 

EVENT CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Saturday’s event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smartphone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their Prep Baseball profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.

ITINERARY

POSITION GROUPS

+ All Position Players:

Check-in: 9:00-9:15 A.M.

+ Pitchers-Only:

Check-in: 11:30 A.M.

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Vizual Edge, and Blast Motion have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports—and they’re also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data that can be applied to their game. Finally, wear baseball clothes—assigned and numbered Prep Baseball jerseys will be provided. 

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