Addison
Latko

Currently ranked No. 9 in the state, No. 260 nationally, C Addison Latko (DePaul College Prep, 2026; Illinois commit) was the lone sophomore in attendance, and he fit right in with the older crowd. His round of BP was plenty loud, averaging 94.7 mph for his EV with a max of 98.7 mph, reaching up to 335’ for his max distance. He creates impressive power through the zone with an average rotational acceleration of 22 G’s (T25.7), and he also averaged 77 mph for his bat-speed.

C Addison Latko (DePaul College Prep, 2026) continued to show why he is one of the top ranked players in Illinois’ 2026 class. A confident player and vocal leader, Latko impressed all-around during his time in Rantoul. He has clear athleticism and strength in his 5-foot-8, 157-pound build. He posted a max exit velocity of 92.8 mph and a max distance of 363 ft while consistently working on the barrel to the pull-side from a fast, intentful right-handed swing. Defensively, his athleticism played well where he produced his quickest pop time of 2.02 with his best throw being recorded at 78 mph. He continued to stand out in gameplay as his power was on full display. He barreled the baseball to all parts of the field, working mostly gap-to-gap. From the crouch, Latko showed soft hands with an ease to block the baseball, and a strong arm as he threw out multiple runners trying to steal second. The Illinois commit has all the makings of a high-end prospect in the state’s sophomore class. 

Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Athletic, quick-twitch frame.
Hit: RHH. Stock setup, fluid load and leg lift trigger. Swings with intent, above-average bat speed, athletic hands, accurate barrel, consistent hard contact. Finished game play 2-for-5 with two doubles, three RBIs, a run scored and a walk.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 88.2 mph. 363’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short, quick arm plays from a high 3/4 to over-the-top slot. Above-average arm for his age; plays accurate and with carry.
Defense: 2.02-2.05 pop times. Quick and athletic out of the crouch, light on his feet, directional and clean glove-to-hand.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60.

Illinois commit. Currently ranked No. 6 in the state. 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame, some present strength throughout, room to add on more as he matures. The right-handed hitter has well-above average bat-strength for his age, staying short to the ball and going with a pitch on the outer half to lift it over the right field wall for a home run. Swing projects to more power as he continues to develop, boasting present bat-speed with some whip in the barrel through the zone. High-level 2026 prospect. 

Verbally committed to Illinois.

C Addison Latko (DePaul College Prep, 2026) left a lasting impression at his PBR event debut. The dynamic right-handed hitting catcher turned heads with an explosive, athletic round of BP that was all over the barrel with authority, twitch, bat control and power potential. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound freshman launched his furthest batted ball 349’ while registering a peak exit velocity of 98 mph with an average of 91.2 mph; all well above-average for someone his age. Latko not only impressed with the bat, but also behind the plate - sticking around to catch ‘pens for the older group and handling the plus velocity with ease. He was also impressive throughout his workout, reaching as low as 1.99 for his pop-time with a max velocity of 79 mph. High motor individual that has the tools to be one of the top prospects in the class if he keeps ascending.

Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced crouched setup, leg kick load with minimal hand load. Advanced movement patterns, fluid, athletic and repeatable. Controlled intent, all over the barrel with loud, hard contact to the pull side.
Power: 98 max exit velocity, averaged 91.2 mph. 349’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Short arm stroke, comes out clean with life out of a high 3/4 window.
Defense: 1.99-2.07 pop times. Fast, athletic mover from the crouch. Gains ground and creates momentum towards the bag, soft hands with a swift, clean transfer. Receives on one knee in 'pens, glove works down-to-up with rhythm, steady hands with firm wrists.
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60.

This Top Tier squad brought a ton of talent to The Rock this weekend and it showed in their first win of the tournament. Latko started behind the plate for Top Tier and there he truly shows catcher instincts that are well above his age, with the ability to back pick as he did it multiple times. Not only did Latko impress behind the plate, while he was in the right-handed batters box he also showed bat-to-ball skills, as he tallied a single and one RBI.