2025 Prep Baseball Iowa Preseason All-State: Record Breakers?
March 6, 2025
We recently dug into the Preseason All-State archives to check out the statistical leaders from the past decade—what Rob Allison calls the Catalina Wine Mixer of showcases.
Over the years, our data collection methods have evolved. Gone are the days of tracking exit velocity with a Stalker radar gun and a batting tee or measuring pitching velocity the same way. Now, we have multiple Trackman units that capture every detail of a thrown or hit baseball down to the last molecule.
We’ve also upgraded our batting practice setup. Overhand toss BP is out—Hack Attack Juniors are in, giving hitters firmer, more game-like rounds. This will be the first year All-State attendees experience this change.
Simply put, the event has come a long way since its early days, and it will keep evolving with new technology. Our goal remains the same: to provide players with cutting-edge metrics using the best tools available. That said, at the end of the day, the game isn’t called "metrics"—it’s baseball. These numbers help scouts and college coaches identify players to follow in live action, but performance on the field still reigns supreme.
A pitcher with elite velocity still has to throw strikes. A hitter who crushes BP fastballs has to handle breaking balls. An infielder with a cannon still needs smooth hands and quick feet.
Now, let’s dive into the numbers and see who on the 2025 Preseason All-State roster has a shot at taking over the leaderboards.
60-Yard Dash Leader: Cade Sears – 6.38
Sears clocked an electric 6.38 in 2023, and he’s only gotten faster—running a 6.16 at Iowa Central’s Scout Day this fall.
The first event of the spring is usually one of the “slower” events of the circuit. Most athletes have been limited in their sprint work, making our 60 track the first one they run since the previous year. Still, plenty of players make significant strides in the weight room and indoor space, finding an extra tick or two heading out of the winter.
This year’s All-State roster includes three players from the 2026 class who posted 6.5 last season: Manny Roemmich, Mason Tell, and Trent Grevengoed. Sioux City East's Cal Jepsen is another 2026 blazer to keep your stopwatch on. In the 2027 class, Johnston’s Ahvyance Taylor ran a 6.6 at the State Games last summer.
Infield Velo Leader: Jackson Wentworth – 94 MPH
The 2021 Waukee grad was selected in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays as a pitcher because clearly Wentworth has a big arm.
Ankeny Centennial’s Will Morris fired 93 across the diamond in 2024, making him one to watch.
Other names in the mix: Brody McInville, Jonathan Carrasco, and Matt Meeker, all of whom topped 90 MPH last year.
Outfield Velo Leaders: Tommy Specht, Trever Baumler & Isaiah Kettler – 95 MPH
Davenport North’s Brandon Bea (2026) hit 92 MPH last year, showing he’s got plenty of arm.
Three 2027s also flashed big-time outfield velocity:
+ Matt Meeker – 93 MPH
+ JJ Phillips – 91 MPH
+ Brady Smith – 91 MPH
Catcher Velo Leader: Gehrig Christensen – 86 MPH
Christensen threw 86 down to second at the 2020 Preseason All-State.
A few players could push that mark this year, including:
+ Maxim Mincks (Johnston) – 82 MPH
+ Rhylee Schmidt (Norwalk) – 82 MPH
+ Logan Roff (Pleasantville) – 81 MPH
It’s a big jump, but not out of reach.
Trackman Max Exit Velo Leader: Trever Baumler – 106.6 MPH
Baumler crushed a ball at 106.6 MPH before heading off to TCU to throw heat for the Horned Frogs.
In the 2026 class, Midland corner infielder Anthony Harrington topped out at 104.8 MPH last year at the Future Games and could push higher after an offseason of adding strength.
Interestingly, 2027’s Bridger Schmidt also reached 106.6 MPH at last year’s Super Sophomore Games. He’s got monster pull power and could eclipse that number this weekend. Another name to watch: Matt Meeker, who also hit 102.9 MPH last year.
Trackman Max Fastball Velo Leader: Cole Moore – 93.0 MPH
Van Meter’s Moore set the bar last year, but that mark could fall this weekend.
In the 2026 class:
+ Cael Kluever (Northeast) – 89.5 MPH
+ Trent Grevengoed (WDM Valley) – 89 MPH
+ Kaleb LaFavor (Sioux City Heelan) – 91.1 MPH at the Upper Midwest Procase a few weeks ago
For the 2027s, Brady Smith has been in the upper 80s this past year.