Inland Empire Preseason ID: Quick Hits
January 28, 2026
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CORONA, CALIF. - On Sunday, January 25th, the Prep Baseball California team hosted the Inland Empire Preseason ID at Corona High School in Corona, Cal. This was an open event for high school classes (2026-2029), and gave our staff an ample look at the area's top prospects.
Over 60 players made their way to Corona and participated in a pro-style workout, gathering unrivaled access to data through our state-of-the-art tech partners, as well as in-depth scouting analysis from our Prep Baseball California staff.
Today, we will look at some standout performers from the Inland Empire Preseason ID.
TOP PERFORMERS
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Ryder Fredriksen OF / 3B / JSerra Catholic, CA / 2027Rankings StateRank: 89 / POS: 21
Fredriksen showcased some of the loudest tools and metrics of the entire event, pairing physicality with real athleticism. The 6-1, 200-pound frame is strong and well put together, and it translated directly into impact at the plate. Fredriksen posted a 103 mph max exit velocity during BP with an impressive 97.3 mph average, while driving the ball to a max distance of 365 feet. His swing is powered by elite hand speed (24-25 mph) and bat speed, averaging 76.9 mph and peaking at 82.5 mph, allowing him to consistently impact the baseball with authority. Despite his size, Fredriksen moves well, clocking a 7.11 60-yard dash, and he showed the defensive tools to fit a RF profile, unleashing 80 mph throws to the bag with carry and accuracy. The combination of physical strength, bat speed, and functional athleticism makes Fredriksen one of the more intriguing power bats in attendance, with a profile that continues to trend upward.
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Leland 'LA' Ingraham III OF / RHP / South High, CA / 2027Rankings StateRank: 288 / POS: 72
Ingraham has made noticeable strides in his overall game since the SoCal Uncommitted Games in the fall, and the improvements were evident in his offensive output. He showcased a heavy barrel, posting a 97.7 mph max exit velocity with an impressive 95.1 mph average, while producing an 80% hard-hit rate and a 361-foot max batted distance. Ingraham showed a mature, gap-to-gap approach, consistently driving the ball to the middle and opposite field with a swing built to lift and impact the baseball in the air. Athletically, he ran a 7.17 60-yard dash and paired it with an accurate 82 mph arm, fitting well into a corner outfield profile. The combination of improved offensive metrics, approach, and defensive tools points to a player trending upward, with continued development still ahead as his game continues to mature.
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Max Eldridge OF / 3B / Santiago High, CA / 2027Eldridge delivered the loudest swings of the day, putting together one of the most impressive offensive performances of the event. He led all players with a 104.9 mph max exit velocity and averaged 96.1 mph, while driving the ball to a 357-foot max distance. Eldridge consistently produced heavy, line-drive contact, backed by a standout 85.7% hard-hit rate, showing a rare combination of power and barrel control. His big, physical 6-3, 226-pound frame is built for impact, and the raw strength shows up in every swing. Defensively, Eldridge also stood out with the strongest outfield arm at the event, reaching 89 mph, firmly fitting the mold of a power-hitting outfield profile. Despite his size, he moves exceptionally well, clocking a 6.89 60-yard dash, which adds another layer of value to his athletic profile. Overall, Eldridge turned in a complete, high-impact showing at Corona.
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Jonathon Thornton C / Santiago, CA / 2027It was a strong all-around showing for Thornton, highlighted by impact at the plate and solid defensive actions behind the dish. Offensively, he posted a 98.3 mph max exit velocity with a 365-foot max batted distance, consistently working with a line-drive oriented swing and showing a relaxed, controlled presence in the box. His approach produced firm contact to multiple parts of the field, pointing to a bat that can translate in game situations. Behind the plate, Thornton impressed during the workout with 2.02-2.08 pop times, pairing quick transfers with 78 mph carry to the second-base bag. His defensive actions looked clean and athletic, and he moved well for the position, further highlighted by a 7.16 60-yard dash. With a 5-10, 177-pound frame that already shows present strength and room to continue developing, Thornton profiles as a well-rounded catcher with both offensive upside and defensive reliability.
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Caleb Koster RHP / OF / Cajon High, CA / 2027Koster turned in one of the most complete two-way performances of the event. He opened the day with a 6.98 60-yard dash, then showed off one of the stronger arms in the outfield, reaching 87 mph with carry and accuracy on his throws. Offensively, Koster worked with a contact-driven approach, flashing quick hands with a max hand speed of 22 mph and a compact, efficient swing path. The standout portion of his day came on the mound. In his bullpen, Koster sat 83-85 mph, topping out at 86.1 mph, pairing the fastball with a slow-breaking curveball at 67-70 mph and a changeup at 73-75 mph that showed late fade. He consistently worked around the strike zone, showing feel for all three pitches and an ability to repeat his delivery. His 6-foot, 153-pound frame moves athletically down the mound, and shows there is physical development still ahead.
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Rourke Julio RHP / 3B / Vista Murrieta, CA / 2029Julio is a highly intriguing young arm with a frame and projection that stand out immediately. Still at just 14 years old (and 10 months), he already owns a long, physical 6-2, 183-pound build that looks the part of a future starter. In his bullpen, he worked 82-84 mph with the fastball and 2200+ spin, showing early signs of life and carry through the zone. His secondary mix showed advanced feel for his age, featuring a 71-74 mph curveball with 2400+ spin, a 71-73 mph sweeping slider with strong horizontal action. He rounded out his mix with a developing changeup at 75-77 mph, spinning it at 1800+ rpm. While still a work in progress, he flashed one changeup with true late dive, hinting at a potential fourth weapon as he continues to refine the pitch. Expected to see time this spring on varsity at Vista Murrieta as both a pitcher and potential corner outfield bat, Julio is already a 2029 name to circle in Southern California, with upside that will continue to grow as he develops.
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Grady Klovstad SS / RHP / Mater Dei, CA / 2029Klovstad is another name to know in Southern California, bringing a highly projectable 6-3, 166-pound frame with clear two-way upside. After being seen by our State Director, Les Lukach, on the mound this winter pitching on varsity for Mater Dei, Klovstad showed up this time as a position player and turned in a strong offensive performance. He posted a 91.6 mph max exit velocity, producing consistent line-drive contact with a 60% line-drive rate and a 70% sweet spot percentage. Working from a wide, leveraged stance, he stays through the baseball well and shows a swing that should only continue to trend upward as he adds strength. With more weight and physical development coming to his frame, Klovstad has the potential to make significant offensive strides, with real power still to unlock.
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Nathaniel Nunez C / OF / Newbury Park High, CA / 2026The 5-9, 172-pound backstop turned in a strong all-around showing, highlighted by his defensive ability behind the plate. He displayed an accurate 79 mph arm with plenty of carry to second base, pairing it with quick feet, soft hands, and clean receiving actions during bullpens. His pop times ranged from 1.95-2.09, reinforcing his efficiency in the catch-and-throw game. Offensively, Nunez produced loud contact with a 97.9 mph max exit velocity and an impressive 96.2 mph average, working with a consistent pull-side approach and showing real barrel feel. He also ran well for the position, posting a 7.22 60-yard dash, which adds to his overall athletic profile.
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Matteo DAquanni RHP / 1B / Murrieta Valley High, CA / 2029D’Aquanni is another young prospect with a frame that’s easy to dream on. At just 15 years old, he already stands 6-4, 190 pounds, with real upside—especially on the mound. In his bullpen, D’Aquanni sat 84-85 mph and touched 86, showing ride through the zone with his fastball. His curveball (72-73 mph) featured downward action with late east-west movement, while his developing changeup (76-78 mph) flashed high spin but the potential to become a legitimate third weapon in his arsenal. Despite the impressive pitching showing, D’Aquanni also showed offensive tools, posting a 97.1 mph max exit velocity with a 367-foot max batted distance. With his size, athleticism, and two-way ability at such a young age, D’Aquanni is an extremely intriguing 2029 profile and a name worth keeping close tabs on moving forward.
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