Florida Scout Blog: Preseason Classic/Open
February 13, 2026
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The Florida Scout Blog delivers an inside look at the state’s top high school baseball talent, highlighting standout performances, emerging prospects, and key developments throughout the season. From tracking premium arms and power bats to breaking down defensive standouts and rising underclassmen, the blog provides timely updates and in-depth scouting insight from across Florida. It serves as a go-to resource for players, coaches, and fans looking to stay connected with the latest evaluations, notable performances and more around the Sunshine State.
Preseason Scout Blog
2026
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Wilson Andersen RHP / SS / Jesuit, FL / 2026Few, if any, have the pure ease of arm talent that Andersen possesses, and he came out of the gate at 92-96 in his first start of the year. Ultra-hoppy while peppering the top of the zone with near flawless back spin (2500+, 21-25 IVB), the Mississippi State recruit tossed two scoreless innings without a hit while striking out four and walking three. More of a focus issue than command, the walks came more on some cut fastballs to the glove side while he generated a full collection of near middle/middle whiffs (five on the fastball in the first inning alone), and looked to pepper the top of the zone. He countered with a near-average slider at 82-83, that flashed above average along with a straight changeup at 86 mph that mirrored the profile of the four-seamer. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-hander gathers well over the rubber allowing a strong move down the mound as he sticks the front side before bringing a quick arm to a higher ¾ slot. While the fastball exhibited less command in this early season look, it hardly felt concerning, and with roughly 60 MLB scouts and decision makers seated behind the backstop, he handled himself well in refusing to allow a run. The most pressing matter for the industry, and one that will dictate Andersen’s immediate Draft value, is likely to be if there is belief in player development uncovering a bottom of the zone (perhaps sinker/kick change) pitch along with where the progress is made with the slider throughout the spring. Andersen is an impressive athlete with a pristine frame that features a sturdy lower-half, and betting on his ability to make adjustments given his competitive nature, feels like a good bet.
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Tyler Arafet RHP / 1B / The First Academy, FL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 141 / POS: 40
Arafet was strong on Day 2 against a tough lineup, firing 2 shutout innings with 3 K, 0 H, 0 BB (75% K rate, 20% whiff) while touching 93 mph. Impressive post-injury showing on his huge 6'6", 225-pound frame. Fastball averaged 91.5 mph (2468 RPM, 13.5 IVB, 4.5 HM) with life up; curve 77.4 mph (2302 RPM, -10.2 IVB, -3.5 HM) for depth, cutter 89.6 mph (2476 RPM, 11.3 IVB, 0.1 HM) with late cut, change 80.4 mph (2200 RPM, 19.5 IVB, -4.3 HM) flashing fade. big arm stroke, downhill plane, and competitive edge.
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