Class of 2026 Rankings Update
August 27, 2025
After a long and eventful summer, it is time to hit the refresh button on the class of 2026 rankings. It is long overdue, and there was quite a bit of movement throughout with countless players elevating their prospect status on the summer circuit.
Today, we are taking the time to break down some of the biggest risers in this update, found below.
For a look at the entire class of 2026 rankings, you can click HERE.
The Top-10
The top three remains the same in this update with INF Landon Thome (Nazareth; Tennessee commit) holding down the top spot. He’s coming off a big summer in which he showed his usual high-level hit tool, particularly at the Area Codes against premium competition - and he also recently accepted an invitation to our All American Game.
Another name set to represent Illinois at the All American Game follows right behind Thome in the rankings, and that is INF Ethan Bass (Glenbrook North; Wake Forest commit). Bass is an impressive athlete with loud tools across the board, providing a true shortstop profile at the next level.
Rounding out the top-three is CIF TJ McQuillan (Mount Carmel; Wake Forest commit). The physical left-handed hitter has long been one of the top bats in the Midwest, and he certainly looked every bit of that on the national circuit this summer with premium power potential and polish at the plate.
RHP Jack Slightom (Lyons Township; Cincinnati commit) is rising three spots to No. 4. There is so much more to come in his high-waisted, 6-foot-3, 194-pound frame, and his young look indicates more physicality in the near future. He showed well on multiple occasions for our staff, working his fastball into the low-90s with a true four-pitch mix and starter upside.
INF Kamrin Jenkins (Oswego; Missouri commit) finds the No. 5 spot in this update. It’s easy to dream on his high-waisted 6-foot, 183-pound frame, and he’s consistently been an in-game performer with the bat. His tools also have been trending in the right direction with improved measureables across the board.
OF Dominic Battista (Oswego East; Illinois-Chicago commit) just continues to get better and add on quality strength each time we see him, and he’s jumping 13 spots to No. 6 in this update. His tools continue to trend upwards as well, now boasting a 6.57 in the 60, and his 94 mph peak velocity from the outfield helps add to his centerfield profile at the next level. He was one of the biggest winners from the Illinois State Games, showing an athletic left-handed stroke that consistently gets off good swings in-game with loud results.
RHP Gavin Swartz (Normal Community; Indiana commit) is making a big jump up to No. 7 from No. 22, and it is very much deserved. He was the ace of a talented Normal Community team this past spring, and he carried his dominance into the summer. The ceiling is extremely high for the long-limbed 6-foot-3, 170-pound right-hander, and he was consistently working his fastball in the low-90s with a swing and miss breaking ball to pair.
Taking over the No. 8 spot is OF Nolan Ramoley (Brother Rice; Kentucky commit). When talking about loud tools, Ramoley is one of the first players that comes to mind, boasting a 6.52 60-time, 108 mph peak EV and 92 mph peak velocity from the outfield. He has premium upside and continues to look like one of the top players in the Midwest.
INF/RHP Jory Crocker (Willowbrook; Arizona commit) comes in at No. 9 in this update, and he’s another one that provides serious upside and projection as both a position player and an arm.
RHP Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield; Northern Illinois commit) is another name making a big jump as he is moving up 30 spots to round out our Top-10. He capped off the State Games with arguably the loudest showing of the entire event, running his fastball up to 92 mph with a firm slider to pair off it. Known more for his prowess on the mound, his results at the plate have become impossible to ignore, consistently making loud contact and even working up to 108 mph for his peak EV in the State Games workout.
Outside the Top-10
LHP Sam Finn (Plainfield North) is rising 44 spots to No. 14 after a dominant summer circuit. He was one, if not the biggest winner on the mound for Team Heartland at the Senior Future Games with a fastball up to 91 mph and a dominant outing. What really separates him is his curveball that plays firm around the 80 mph mark with nearly 3,000 rpm, kept typically below the zone while tunneling off the fastball. \
RHP/C Ryan Duncheon (East Peoria; Illinois State commit) is a name that just keeps getting better and performs each time we see him. We saw him dominate on numerous occasions throughout the summer on both sides of the ball. He goes right after hitters and attacks in the zone with a fastball up to 93 mph, and his slider has wipeout potential with above-average spin. He also swings a heavy barrel from the right side with near triple digit EVs, pairing with quality catch/throw behind the dish.
Recent Purdue commit C Brandon Thomsen (St. Viator) slides in at No. 19, and he’s one of the top defensive catchers in the Midwest. His catch/throw is premium regardless of who he’s handling, and he also has above-average power from the right side at the plate.
1B/OF Anthony Chavez (Mount Carmel; Illinois commit) is making a nice jump up to No. 20 after a great showing at the Senior Future Games. There’s plenty of power in his left-handed swing that he displayed in-game, leaving the yard and consistently putting together quality at-bats against premium arms down in LakePoint. There’s also plenty more power to project on as he continues to add strength to his 6-foot-3, 216-pound frame. It’s also worth mentioning that he’s a 6.88 runner in the 60 which helps add some defensive versatility to his profile.
INF James Feigleson (St. Charles East; Illinois-Chicago commit) is rising 37 spots to No. 28 as he was yet another big winner from the Senior Future Games. He’s a true infield prospect that should be able to stick on the dirt in college, and he’s an above-average runner with a 6.76 in the 60. The right-handed hitter was also a winner at the plate with quality at-bats and an athletic operation.
RHP Henry Humes (Homewood-Flossmoor) is also rising 37 spots, and he’s been one of the more dominant arms in the state over the course of the summer. There’s plenty more to dream on in his long-levered 6-foot-6 frame, and he’s made some velocity gains with a fastball up to 90 mph. He also pairs it with advanced feel for a changeup and a slider.
Another Northern Illinois commit making a jump is RHP Caleb Cox (Springfield-Lutheran), as Cox now sits at No. 30 in this update. Cox is a power arm with his best days still ahead of him, working up to 93 mph this past summer with a raw and upside delivery.
Another power arm making a jump is RHP Josh Jones (Normal University), as he climbs to No. 38 in the state. A recent winner from the State Games, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hander attacked in the zone with a high-spinning fastball up to 92 mph.
C Braden Fournie (Belleville East; Lindenwood commit) is rising 22 spots to No. 39. He’s a strong defender with soft hands and a well above-average arm, reaching as low as 1.80 for a pop-time in-event with a peak EV of 81 mph. He also swings a loud bat from the right side with EVs around the 100 mph mark.
Rising 14 spots to No. 40 we have LHP Blake Hoffer (Glenbrook South; Illinois commit). He’s a long-levered, 6-foot-5 southpaw with a mid/upper-80s fastball and he’ll also go to a slider/splitter combination to pair off it.
OF Patrick Connors (Hinsdale Central; Boston College) is coming in at No. 42 after a big cummer circuit. He set a school record for most stolen bases this past spring, and he plays a legitimate center field with advanced actions and reads off the bat. He uses his legs to his advantage any chance he gets, and he also has some sneaky jump in the bat with EVs just under 100 mph.
LHP/1B Zach Toma (West Aurora) was one of the more dominant players in the state this past spring, and he looked every bit the part of a top player at the State Games a couple weeks ago. He’s rising 129 spots to No. 43, and he provides real intrigue on both sides of the ball with a mid/upper-80s fastball and real juice in his left-handed bat.
RHP Tre Cole (Champaign Central) is another big riser, jumping 60 spots to No. 44. He took on the summer circuit by storm when he popped a 93 mph fastball at Grand Park, and he was routinely in the low-90s in each look after that. There’s also plenty to dream on and more in the tank for the 6-foot-2, 189-pound right-hander.
Outside the Top-50
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Connor McKay RHP / RHP / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 51 / POS: 14
From 5/10/25: “Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 119 in the state. Trim, high-waisted 6-foot-2, 174-pound frame. Got the ball to start for the Roadrunners and provided an upside look. Loose and simple mover down the mound, working from a stretch-only delivery. He showed to have a loose/quick arm from a ¾ slot. Primarily working with two pitches; his fastball sat 87-89 mph early in the outing, reaching that velocity easily, while he would settle in at 83-86 mph in the later stages of the game with sinking action. McKay would go to a 75-78 mph slider (2400+ rpm) as his secondary offering, that seemed to get better as the start progressed, playing in the zone more while inducing swing and miss in the later stages of the outing. McKay is a name to continue to follow as the spring goes on.” |
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Adam Kozak OF / OF / Lockport, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 53 / POS: 5
From 7/22/25: 2025 Senior Future Games: “OF Adam Kozak (Lockport, 2026) has long stood out in gameplay, and he had a strong showing in the workout portion of this event. He started things off with his best tool, running to a 6.57 in the 60 to start his day. He has a loose and athletic left-handed swing that looks to work the gaps, peaking at 96.2 mph for his EV. He also put up quality BLAST metrics with an average hand-speed of 21.5 mph and average bat-speed of 71.1 mph. His athleticism easily translates to the outfield with fluid footwork and easy reads off the bat, ranging easily to balls to either side of him. He also topped out at 83 mph from a crowhop, delivering accurate strikes to his target.” |
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Jake Matise RHP / Mt. Carmel, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 54 / POS: 16
From 8/05/25: “RHP Jake Matise (Mount Carmel, 2026) continues to impress with each look our staff gets on him. Showing feel for four pitches, the lean 6-foot, 190-pound righty sat 82-86 mph (T87) with his fastball that played with ride through the zone to all corners of the plate. His curveball has depth at 68-70 mph, while the slider flashes sweep at 71-72 mph. Matise rounds out his arsenal with a 76-79 mph changeup that he throws with fastball intent and displays fading action. He would go on to punch out two batters in his two innings of work. An uncommitted name who has won big games throughout his high school career and continues to perform.” |
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Rocco Szambelan LHP / OF / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 55 / POS: 10
From 8/05/25: “LHP Rocco Szambelan (Joliet Catholic, 2026) stood out on the mound at the Illinois State Games with an impressive showing. The southpaw featured a running fastball that sat comfortably at 85-88 mph, touching 89 mph, and showed significant arm-side life with -16.7 inches of horizontal movement. He paired it effectively with a tight-breaking slider, which he consistently landed for strikes, demonstrating advanced feel for the pitch. Szambelan works with a loose, athletic delivery, featuring an easy leg lift and explosive finish through release.” |
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Aiden David LHP / OF / St. Patrick High School, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 61 / POS: 11
From 8/05/25: “LHP Aiden David (St. Patrick's, 2026) is a well-proportioned, 6-foot, 185-pound frame, David gave a good look on the mound, striking out two and allowing only two hits through his two innings. The left-hander sets up with a wide base, medium leg kick, and drop and drive motion. The arm works from a clean and quick short arm action from the ¾ slot. Dealing with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 87-89 mph, jumping out of the hand with 19.3 IVB, and the slider was 75-77 mph, with sharp break, working low and away with 2200 RPMs. When David was commanding in the zone, hitters couldn't keep up with the fastball and put on uncomfortable swings with the off-speed.” |
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Mickey Lotus SS / OF / St. Laurence, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 64 / POS: 15
From 6/19/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 120 in the state. Lean 5-foot-9, 143-pound athletic frame with room to add strength. Started at second and hit out of the two-hole. Lotus impressed on Friday as he went 3-for-4 at the plate. The switch-hitter operates from a wide, balanced base with a small foot lift. Compact swing that is direct to the ball with strong hands. Whole field approach with quality bat-to-ball abilities. In his first plate appearance, Lotus connected on a line drive into center field for a single. Worked an eight-pitch at-bat for a walk in his second plate appearance. In his third plate appearance, Lotus connected on an inside-pitch for a double into right field. Smooth operator at second base.” |
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Jack Gianikos RHP / Maine South, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 74 / POS: 22
From 8/05/25: “Showed some loud stuff on the mound through his two innings of work. Projectable, well-proportioned 6-foot-4, 175-pound frame. The right-hander possessed a hybrid delivery, utilizing a rocker step into leg kick, with a drop-and-drive lower half that works in-line. He also showed a full arm action from a loose, low ¾ slot. His fastball showed life out of the hand and sinking action at 87-89 mph, touching 89.6 twice with a max IVB of 19.1” and a max HM of 18.7”. He also showcased a tight two-plane slider at 73-76 mph with a max spin rate of 2,328 rpm, and a heavy fading changeup at 75-77 mph with an average HM of 14”. Another strong look at one of the top uncommitted arms in the state. |
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Sammy Atkinson OF / 2B / Providence Catholic, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 76 / POS: 9
From 8/05/25: “put together a loud showing throughout the week. He was all over the barrel in the workout with a 104 mph peak EV, averaging 95 mph. He continued to swing it well in-game, finishing 2-for-5 with two doubles three RBIs and a run scored. The right-handed hitter stays short to the ball with a twitchy, longer path through the zone with extension. 6.81 runner to pair with quality reads off the bat in the outfield. |
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Arjun Patel OF / LHP / Conant, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 77 / POS: 10
From 8/05/25: “...consistently found ways on base throughout the two-day event. Athletic 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame. Patel, recent Harper JC commit, went 6-for-10 at the plate while swiping seven stolen bases. The left-handed hitter displayed advanced bat-to-ball abilities with a whole field approach. Defensively, Patel showed off his range in the outfield as he played in all three spots.” |
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Drew Hyland OF / RHP / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 78 / POS: 11
From 5/17/25: “Uncommitted. Hyland showed an intriguing profile across the Saturday Doubleheader. The right-handed hitter had a hitterish presence in the box, presenting a strong athletic base, utilizing a short leg kick to get into a position of launch, with a direct bat path and quick, strong, intentful hands. The Nazareth junior presents an athletic 5-foot-9, 161-pound frame with wiry strength & remaining physical projection. An uncommitted name to follow as we enter the summer.” |
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William Houston RHP / RHP / Stagg, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 79 / POS: 23
From 8/05/25: “Houston gave one of the more interesting outings on the mound Wednesday afternoon. The right-hander worked through two innings, striking out three and allowing only two hits. The arm works loose and whippy, from a ¾ slot. Dealing with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 88-91mph, life through the zone with 18.7 IVB, the slider was lower 70s, with a sweeper profile, -18.1 inches of horizontal movement, and the changeup was 79-82 mph with a similar profile to the fastball. In-game a great mover on the mound, filling up the zone, relying on the fastball. As Houston continues to develop his secondaries and fill into the frame, he will be an arm to know throughout Illinois.” |
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Brandon Pelz RHP / SS / Bartlett, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 82 / POS: 26
From 8/05/25: “RHP Brandon Pelz (Bartlett, 2026) is an uncommitted arm entering his senior year who gave a quality showing in his outing. Presenting a durable 6-foot, 195-pound frame, he flashed feel for his entire arsenal. His fastball sat 86-90 mph with life through the zone. Pelz then showed a sweeping slider at 72-76 mph and a 76 mph curveball that showed depth, while completing his arsenal with a 78-81 mph changeup that showed fading action.” |
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Quinn Roberts OF / OF / DePaul College Prep, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 90 / POS: 15
From 8/05/25: “Showcased an all-around impressive toolset across both the showcase and gameplay of the event. Took a quality round of batting practice showcasing a loose, line-drive oriented right-handed swing with easy power that would eventually show up in game after producing a max exit velocity of 99.1 mph average and 91.9 mph average. Also showed some present bat speed with a max of 75.5 mph and an average of 73.7 mph. Was on the barrel throughout gameplay, collecting multiple extra-base hits throughout. Defensively showed clean actions in the outfield with quality routes and an arm that has been 89 mph at past events. Ran a 6.79-second 60-yard dash with foot speed that played up on both sides of the ball. 6-foot, 171-pound frame with present strength and athleticism. A must know uncommitted name within the state's senior class.” |
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Billy Main SS / RHP / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 91 / POS: 17
From 2/13/25: “+ RHP/INF Billy Main (Hinsdale Central, 2026) put together one of the more complete ‘pens of the day at a well-proportioned 6-foot, 176-pounds with present muscle throughout the frame. Main worked primarily out of the stretch, showing a repeatable delivery with athleticism out of his balance point. His arm plays with short action out of an athletic and whippy ¾ slot with arm-speed out front. Main’s arsenal was headlined by an 87-89 mph (T89.7) fastball with carry (avg. 17” IVB) through the zone, playing clean out of the hand with a firm finish. His offspeed showed plenty of intrigue, notably his changeup that tunneled well off the fastball, maintaining fastball arm-speed and playing with arm-side fade located to both sides of the plate. Rounding out his repertoire was a 9/3-shaped slider at 71-75 mph with depth, thrown for strikes (67%). On the other side of the ball, Main is a strong right-handed hitter and impressive athlete, reaching up to 94 mph for his max EV, 90 mph across the infield, and recording a 6.96 in the 60-yard dash.” |
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Justin Canvin C / SS / Oak Lawn, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 92 / POS: 12
From 2/19/24: Positional Profile: C/SS |
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Nolan Lebert RHP / SS / Mascoutah, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 98 / POS: 28
From 5/07/25: “Uncommitted. Athletic 5-foot-8, 167-pound frame with room to add strength. Lebert got the start on the mound, and batted leadoff during Wednesday’s contest. The right-hander possessed a controlled leg lift, into a tall and fall delivery. His fastball sat 83-86 mph, topping 87 mph in his first inning of work. His curveball was 67-69 mph with an 11/5 shape that produced weak contact. At the plate Lebert displayed a wider base with loose, rhythmic hands, and a minimal stride. He had a strong day for the Indians at the dish, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI to help his cause.” |
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Jack Stefani OF / RHP / Glenbrook South, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 101 / POS: 17
From 8/06/24:
Positional Profile: OF/RHP Positional Profile: OF/RHP |
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Joe Kelly RHP / RHP / Loyola Academy, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 105 / POS: 33
From 8/05/25: “RHP Joe Kelly (Loyola Academy, 2026) is a well-built 6-foot-1, 191-pound frame, Kelly was attacking hitters with his full arsenal Wednesday afternoon. The right-hander worked from an easy rocker motion, strong lower half, drop and drive motion with a whippy arm working from the ¾ slot. The fastball was sitting 87-88 mph, with 19.3 IVB, and the slider was 73-75 mph, with sweeper shape. As Kelly got deeper into the outing, the command followed as he began to overpower bats and locate in the zone.” |
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Jackson Stahl RHP / Hononegah, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 107 / POS: 34
From 8/05/25: “Kept hitters off-balance with his three-pitch arsenal, securing four strikeouts. Long-levered 6-foot-2, 184-pound frame. The right-hander possessed a simple, up-tempo delivery, with a full arm circle from a loose ¾ slot. Stahl tossed two innings in Day Two’s gameplay, only allowing one hit on one run with four strikeouts and four whiffs. His fastball was 85-88 mph, touching 88.5 mph with a max IVB of 16.2”. He also utilized a tight slider at 74-78 mph with a max spin rate of 2,363 rpm, and a cutter at 77-79 mph with a max spin rate of 2,360 rpm. |
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Griffin Meeker SS / RHP / Tremont, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 108 / POS: 20
From 3/07/25: “INF Griffin Meeker (Tremont, 2026) came away a winner from the day, showing well particularly at the plate. Listed at a projectable and lean 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, the right-handed hitter took a quality round of BP with a direct and slightly uphill stroke, working on the barrel throughout with a middle/pull-side approach (T92 mph EV). On the infield, he plays low and through the baseball while securing the ball out front, gaining ground through the ball and into release (T86 mph).” |
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Nolan Kendall C / OF / Andrew, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 110 / POS: 14
From 4/29/25: “Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 120 in the state. Stands in at a lean 5-foot-10, 158-pound frame with room for added strength in the future. Batted leadoff and started behind the dish for the T-Bolts. A left-handed hitter, he was on the barrel repeatedly, showing an athletic swing that stayed in the zone for a long time. In his first at-bat he lined out to center field, then hit a hard line drive single into right his next at-bat, and in his final at-bat he was on the barrel again - this time lining out to right. Behind the plate, he has a leadership presence about him, and flashed high-level receiving abilities; working up through the baseball, showing loose wrists, and the ability to steal pitches on the corners. An uncommitted backstop for schools to know.” |
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Lou Ratcliffe 3B / OF / Lyons Township, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 125 / POS: 10
From 8/05/25: “INF Lou Ratcliffe (Lyons Township, 2026) posted one of the top BP rounds during Tuesday’s workout. The right-handed hitter collected six 96-plus mph exit velocities with his top coming in at 103.3 mph. Strong 5-foot-10, 178-pound frame. Ratcliffe operates from a wide base with a small leg lift. Has a pure swing that is quick through the zone with pull-side power. Ratcliffe also posted a 6.77 60 time. Ratcliffe is another 2026 name that has versatility defensively and will be an interesting name to keep an eye on.” |
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Darren Law RHP / RHP / Oak Park-River Forest, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 126 / POS: 41
From 5/02/25: “Uncommitted. Long-levered and projectable 6-foot-3, 178-pound frame, wiry with room to add strength. Impressed with a brief look out of the ‘pen, striking out the side in his inning of work. Up-tempo delivery, high leg-kick into a coiled balance point, tall/fall, works in-line. Longer arm action out of the glove, full circle, ¾ slot, whippy with arm-speed. Attacked in the zone with his fastball, sitting around 86-87 mph with life and finish through the zone. Went to a slider with wipeout action, 10/4 shape with depth and sharp break, 74-75 mph. High-ceiling arm with loud stuff, dynamic FB/SL mix.” |
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Jacob Jelinek SS / 2B / St Ignatius, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 130 / POS: 24
From 2/13/25: “+ An uncommitted name to know is INF Jacob Jelinek (St. Ignatius, 2026). Listed at 6-foot-2, 181-pounds, Jelinek has a lean build with a high waist and room to add more strength. He took a loud round of BP from the right side, showing some whip in the barrel with a flat path, utilizing a rhythm with some confidence as he got going, favoring his pull-side with a max EV of 99 mph, averaging 90 mph throughout his round with a max distance of 368’. His arm strength will allow him to stay on the left side of the infield (T88 mph), and he also has fluid actions/hands to pair. His footwork looks to be athletic as well, showing some timing and feel for the position while moving well laterally to both sides. |
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