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MLB Draft Buzz: 18U Trials Takeaways

July 22, 2025
Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

DRAFT-BUZZ-POSITION-WEBSITE

With the world games being held this summer in Japan, the USA baseball staff has the difficult task of quickly putting together a team of 20 players who will compete for gold. The difficulty comes in the fact that projection is less valuable in a situation like this. Win now is the goal, and molding a team on short notice is not easy to do. However, having 80 of the best prospects in the class is a good place to start. The trials can be a grueling process for a group of 16-18 year olds with long days in the heat under close scrutiny.

Below, a look at some thoughts from Prep Baseball Vice President, Shooter Hunt, on the status of this year’s MLB Draft class after four days in Cary.

Carson Bolemon

+ Southpaws Set the Tone


The debate is set to happen over the next 12 months about who is the better prospect with regards to LHP Gio Rojas (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL) and LHP Carson Bolemon (Southside Christian HS, SC), and for good reason. Each would have been at the top of last year’s class, and both bring attractive value as frontline starters. Even when winding down a dominant ‘25 campaign, Rojas still enjoyed premium command of a plus-fastball that ran up to 95+ in this quick look. His sweeping slider was effective and will likely make advancements, and he even tossed in a handful of average changeups to cap the repertoire. Boleman, whose secondary presently outpaces Rojas, can really spin a plus combo of curveball and slider to go along with a quality changeup, and ran his fastball up to 95 whenever he wanted. The two of them will enter the spring with Top 10 pick potential. Still more, LHP Spencer Evans (TNXL, FL) and his 95 mph fastball from an athletic 6-foot-3 frame will be tracked closely while upclassed, 6-foot-4 LHP Logan Schmidt (CA) has the big frame and power fastball/arsenal to contest for first round status.

+ Top Infielder: Who is it?


There is certainly high-end talent in this class, but the other certainty: the top end position players have not separated themselves. #1 SS Jacob Lombard (FL) got off some big cuts throughout the week with some swing-and-miss, but also found a handful of hits while routinely making his way on-base multiple times to go along with his usual plus-defensive work. His floor is the highest of the bunch, and the sensational athleticism and makeup make it easy to like. SS/P Cole Koeninger (TX), who was filthy in his two innings of work early on, might have the highest ceiling of the bunch with an unteachable frame, athleticism, and power, but chased some at the dish without having a marquee moment. SS Tyler Spangler (CA) has a chance to be the top player as well. His 6-foot-3 frame is easy to dream on and the left-handed stroke might be the best in the class. There is significant unteachableness and he looked the part at every position he went to while getting off big swings in all counts, and especially slowing things down in the box against some big arms. SS Aiden Ruiz (NY) is everyone’s favorite player, and for good reason. High energy without being obnoxious, there is ultra-feel on the diamond with a presence that screams “watch me” even though he is just 5-foot-9. Easily able to stick at shortstop, the switch-hitter has less impact in the barrel, but the bat-to-ball ability stands out. SS Grady Emerson (TX) holds a similar prospect profile to 2025 Royals 1st round pick, Sean Gamble, in that his simple left-handed stroke promises a hit/power profile. He did not have a loud, captivating week outside of the fact that the swing looks great and he comfortably took a multitude of close pitches while moving around the infield with ease. Two others of note, SS Rookie Shepard (NV) and SS Keon Johnson (GA) are likely to be polarizing follows for the scouting community. Shepard moves solid at shortstop, but probably profiles best as an offensive second baseman. There is some strength to his left-handed stick and he had some success around some swing-and-miss. Johnson’s right-handed stroke is a bit steep right now, but the frame and athleticism, and especially the plus-plus defense that he displays is something to follow closely. He has succeeded in the past but was a bit quick out of the zone from a deeper load while feeling for timing.


+ Outfielders: Strong Crop


The 2025 class was heavy amongst shortstops, but ‘26 appears to be stocked with athletic outfielders. Speed burst combined with power outputs at the plate and guys who can really go get it, there will be much to get excited about with regards to the outfield crop. Kevin Roberts Jr. (Jackson Prep, MS) grabbed the headlines with the loudest performance of the week including a no doubt home run in the first game. At 6-foot-5, 217-pounds, and one of the youngest players in the class, he has unteachable upside and potential, and the idea that he might add another 20-30 pounds of strength in coming years should excite all in the scouting community. Even twitchier, CF Jorvorskie Lane (OD Wyatt HS, TX) showed off the biggest raw power at the event and his top end bat speed and adjustability stood out even with some swing and miss. Still more, Blake Bowen (JSerra Catholic, CA) is as impressive of a specimen as there is, and fellow California native, CF Anthony Murphy (Corona HS, CA), who belted a no-doubt home run, can really go get it as the top tracking outfielder in the bunch. CF EJ Booth (Oak Grove HS, MS) is as gifted as any of them, and has one of the handsier swings with exceptional adjustability. Flicking balls off the front foot, his exit velocities stand out, even with the rawness of the look, and the bat-to-ball is innate. He enjoyed a successful week at the dish. OF Deion Cole (Etowah HS, GA) had a strong showing and tracked well in the outfield while getting off big swings from the right side. CF Malachi Washington (Parkview HS, GA) did not have a monster week at the plate, but the tools are clearly there and his closing speed is impressive. The top outfielder, Brady Harris (Trinity Christian Academy, FL), was not in peak form with his timing off some, but still found a way to succeed with a plethora of barrels. His actions in the outfield were the big takeaway, and he looks to be a longtime performer in center field. Finally, get used to hearing about CF Trevor Condon (Etowah HS, GA). This year’s Slade Caldwell or Slater de Brun, Condon has the most unique setup in the class, but the hand and bat speed is astounding and plays with alluring moxie.

+ 2027s ?!?!


An argument could have been made that the collection of 2027 prospects in attendance were the best players at the event. SS Dylan Seward (Norco HS, CA) has emerged as the best player in the class and continued to assert himself in Cary. The switch-hitting shortstop holds real five-tool upside and was on the barrel from both sides of the plate while looking the part of a lockdown shortstop with plus-plus arm strength and athleticism. Not to be outdone, SS Rocco Maniscalco (Oxford HS, AL) looked more than comfortable competing against the senior players. The switch-hitting shortstop is more comfortable from the left side and had an emphatic moment early on with a missile line drive off a 94 mph fastball that nearly decapitated the pitcher. His actions on the dirt are clean and polished and his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame is as good as it gets in the class. Next, C Will Brick (Christian Brothers HS, TN) balanced both skill and high effort energy in presenting the look of a right-handed hitting version of White Sox catcher, Kyle Teel. A passionate defender with a cannon for an arm, he was on the back routinely at 1.95 in game. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has a simple setup at the plate with raw, country-strong forearms and hands, and had some success in limited game play while showcasing big power potential in workouts. Finally, OF Caden Dawson (Blessed Trinity HS, GA) took some advanced at-bats against some some arms that he easily could have folded against. Sturdy with a strong, 6-foot-2 frame, there is Harper-esq setup to the approach, and he showcased some pull side power throughout batting practice. However, it was the toughness that he displayed late in counts that promises a solid foundation to build upon as a hitter.

+ Florida is SO Back


Rightfully so, there were 13 players in attendance from the Sunshine State (with some others who attend high school there). Even beyond the frontline, well-known names like Lombard/Harris/Waechter/Borthwick/Andersen are another set of soon-to-be household names. Power arms like RHPs Jake Carbaugh, Brady Snow, Brayden Harris, and Joey Lawson are clearly names to know, and 3B Yodelkis Quevado has early Day 2 potential with some of the biggest power in the class. This is just a small sample size of what the state has set to deliver after a couple “down years”.

+ Shooter’s Standouts

Below are some quick thoughts and takeaways on some players who made an impact on my look.

+ SS James Clark (St. John Bosco HS, CA)
The Princeton recruit might be the best player in southern California, and after Yale recruit, C Michael Oliveto, was taken in the first round (supplemental) of this year’s draft, the protective wall around the Ivy League is no longer standing. Listed at 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, he appears leaner in person but with plenty of natural strength. There is thunder in the barrel from the left side and he got off some quality swings even when coming into games late. Perhaps more alluring, he nestled in next to the top defenders in the class and looked equally, if not more, impressive throughout workouts. In short, he can no longer be considered a sleeper.

+ IF Landon Thome (Nazareth Academy, IL)
Even without the gaudy production, the Tennessee recruit took some of the best at-bats of the week. The 6-foot, 185-pound left-handed hitter stands in the box like he owns it, quietly tracking each pitch as if it were in slow motion. He got off some big swings early on in counts, and barreled a few balls while getting some inconsistent action. But it was his takes that were the biggest selling point. In position to hit at all times with quiet explosion yielding, he shut down some great pitches out of the hand. Clearly one of the top pure hitters in the class, his defensive profile will receive the most attention over the next 12 months as it was more of an average showing at second base throughout the week.

IF Jet Berry (Queen Creek HS, AZ)
An Oregon recruit and switch-hitter, Berry’s quiet intensity and toughness was on display the whole time, and the daunting heat never had him waver. Instead, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder looked to be on a mission to make the team and found success at the plate throughout the week. It is a second base profile with a chance to roam the outfield and while there is some shoulder vibes to the swing from both sides, heaviness is seen in the barrel and he showcased some adjustability. In the ever-coveted bat-to-ball profile, Berry’s low whiff percentage on the week will be highlighted, and he showcased some sneaky pop as well.

IF Trey Ebel (Corona HS, CA)
Much different than his brother Brady who just went 34th overall to the Brewers, Ebel’s right-handed stroke is both aggressive and impactful. Balanced with athletic rhythm, there is some barrel tilt in the pursuit, but his quick hands generate considerable bat speed with some present power to the pull side. Featuring a strong arm on the left side of the diamond, he performed admirably in workouts at shortstop, but likely profiles as a versatile defender who can play all over the diamond. More than anything, Ebel played HARD without making a show of it, and it seems to be the only way he knows how to do things. 

Util. CJ Sampson (Tomball HS, TX)
Simply put: Sampson gets hits. A doubles machine against some of the best arms in the class, the Florida recruit has a track record of success on the national stage and can be considered hitterish. A physical 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, he features a relaxed approach from the left side with fast over quick hands and the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field with some authority.



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