2026 East Arkansas Summer ID: Quick Hits

August 10, 2026
Mikel Howell
Arkansas Asst. Director

On Tuesday, June 23 the Prep Baseball Arkansas Staff hosted our East Arkansas Summer ID at Arkansas State University's Tomlinson Field in Jonesboro. This event consisted of 25+ players from around the state. All of our events offer players the opportunity to update their recruiting resume and showcase their talents in front of our staff. We also use these events as identifiers for future invite-only events, like our summer Top Prospect Games and the prestigious Prep Baseball Future Games that take place at the tail end of the summer. To see what our events offer click HERE.

Today, we are taking a look at a few of the standouts from the day with scout notes and video below.

Quick Hits

Caden Burnett RHP / 1B / Sylvan Hills, AR / 2028

Burnett is a pitcher measuring 6'3" and 225 pounds has run his fastball up to 92.4 mph, powered by explosive, athletic mechanics. He shows strong energy down the mound, generating momentum with his lower half and transferring it efficiently into the arm. His delivery is repeatable and accelerates with intent, finishing with violent, controlled mechanics that create late ball speed and impact. Overall, he profiles as a high-velocity power arm with clear explosiveness.

Sidney Palma OF / RHP / Greene County Tech, AR / 2028

An all-around two-way player with clean, repeatable skills at both ends of the game shows a slight uphill swing at the plate for lift and solid contact. Off the mound, he operates with clean, efficient mechanics, staying balanced and athletic through his delivery. That coordination translates into his fastball, which reaches 89 mph. Overall, he profiles as a complete contributor with quality swing path and dependable pitching mechanics.

Eli Mathis 1B / RHP / Valley View, AR / 2028

A player with long limbs produces easy power at the plate, using leverage to drive the ball to the pull side with strong consistency. His swing length and athletic timing help him turn contact into real impact. Off the mound, he generates easy velocity through clean mechanics and solid sequencing, reaching his fastball up to 87 mph. Overall, he brings athletic tools that translate smoothly from hitting to pitching.

Isaiah Brister SS / 3B / Conway Christian, AR / 2028

A twitchy two-way player shows standout athleticism in every phase of the game, with quick hands and a fast tempo both at the plate and on the field. On the mound, he ran his fastball up to 87 mph, and he’s capable of 87 mph across the infield with accurate arm action. At the plate, he produced a top exit velocity of 96.6 mph, showing the ability to turn his quickness into real pop. Overall, he profiles as a high-ceiling athlete who can impact the game as a hitter, defender, and pitcher.

Christopher (CJ) Lovelace 3B / SS / Jonesboro, AR / 2028

A two-way player with raw talent shows clean fundamentals across the entire diamond. He does the things that translate repeatable mechanics, sound positioning, and confident body control whether he’s hitting, fielding, or pitching. His overall polish suggests his skills can develop quickly as he gets more reps. Overall, he profiles as an all-around option with strong foundation and meaningful upside.

Max Taylor OF / LHP / Valley View, AR / 2028

An outfielder with a strong athletic profile shows impact both in the field and at the plate. He’s recorded outfield velocity of 83 mph, and at the plate he has a top exit velocity of 104.3 mph, reflecting real pop. His swing and approach allow him to create power to all parts of the field, not just pull-side. Overall, he profiles as a dynamic bat with arm strength that plays in the outfield.

Gabe Bledsoe OF / RHP / Batesville, AR / 2027

A physical, raw-talent player brings tons of twitch and athleticism to the diamond, showing quickness and coordination in both movement and timing. At the plate, he can drive the ball with a level swing that stays on plane, allowing him to impact pitches for power to all parts of the field. His combination of physical tools and ability to make consistent contact gives him real game-changing upside. Overall, he profiles as a high-ceiling athlete with wide offensive reach.

Brody Freeman OF / RHP / Valley View, AR / 2028

A twitchy athlete shows top-end straight-line speed, running a 6.65 60-yard dash. In the outfield, he can reach up to 89 mph with a strong, playable arm and athletic carry. At the plate from the left side, he has a smooth swing that allows him to stay balanced and make consistent hard contact. Overall, he profiles as a quick, toolsy presence who can impact the game with speed, arm strength, and offensive fluidity.

Barrett Mallett SS / 3B / Valley View, AR / 2028

A multi-tooled athlete brings high upside with raw athletic talent that shows up across multiple areas of the game. He plays fast, moves well, and has the kind of coordination that supports growth as he gets more reps. His versatility makes him a threat in different roles, whether it’s contributing with the bat or making plays in the field. Overall, he profiles as a dynamic prospect with real ceiling.

Henry Albert RHP / 3B / Jonesboro, AR / 2030

A young player stands out with a deceptive delivery off the mound from a low 3/4 arm slot, creating movement and timing challenges for hitters. His overall mechanics suggest he’s already throwing with intent and command potential. With continued development and maturity over the next few years, he has high upside to grow into more velocity and more consistent effects. Overall, he profiles as a promising arm with deception and long-term projection.