On Sunday, October 12th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the Class of 2027 Showcase at The Max in McCook, IL. This event was exclusive to players in the class of 2027, and allowed our staff to get a quality look at the 40+ players in attendance before the fall wrapped up.

Today, we are taking a look at every single position player from the day, along with a Top-5 ranking of who we thought showed the best in the workout.

1B Hayden Bates (St. Thomas More) is a high ceiling prospect to note from the day. Listed at 6-foot-5, 167-pounds, the long-levered right-handed hitter has all sorts of room to add on strength, and there looks to be upside in his swing along with fluid actions at first base.

INF Danny Corona (St. Rita) is a fluid-moving infielder to follow from the day, and he impressed with a loose, clean right-handed swing throughout his round.

INF/C Kayne Tagliavia (Elk Grove) took one of the louder rounds of BP on the day, peaking at 94 mph for his EV with a max distance of 343’ - showing a strong, balanced swing from the right side with some natural feel to lift the baseball.

Top Positional Prospects

1. Jackson Roberts, Barrington (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-1, 165 pounds. Athletic, trim build, highly projectable.
Hit: RHH. Balanced base, quick and simple stride, subtle hand load. Loose and athletic swing, balanced, flat swing, on-time up the middle, showed some feel to cover the plate and use the whole field. 67.9 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (79.8 avg.); 306-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Athletic, quick arm, quick to get rid of it, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Advanced defender with natural actions and feel for the position, soft hands, confident in the glove, plays from the ground up.
Athletic Testing: 6.78 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 68.79 Edge Score.

2. Jayden Ibarra, St. Rita (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 185 pounds. Proportionate, athletic build, rounded shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, balanced, easy stride, fluid rhythm. Easy and balanced, flat swing, intent to keep it on a line, fluid, consistently on-time up the middle, can drive it the other way, feel to use the whole field. 70 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (88.8 avg.); 326-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Clean arm, 3/4 slot, easy release.
Defense: Soft two-hand gather, sure-handed actions, secures the ball into his body, deliberate footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.13 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 43.48 Edge Score.

3. Jacob Becker, Jacobs (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 191 pounds. Some strength throughout, broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Balanced base, short and quick stride with a subtle hand load. Present bat-speed, intentful through the zone, barrel feel pull-side and middle. 67.8 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (91.1 avg.); 326-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. Medium arm circle, loose, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active footwork, moves well laterally, sure-handed actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.41 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 56.5 Edge Score.

4. Tyler Phillips, St. Charles East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 160 pounds. Athletic build, projectable frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base, hangs foot into a longer stride, loads the hands into footstrike. Rhythm in the hands, works on top of the baseball, can drive the ball up the middle and the other way, lived on the barrel up the middle. 68.4 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (83.3 avg.); 323-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Longer path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.25 pop time range; Clean transfer and glove to hand, gains ground through his target, active and athletic blocker.
Athletic Testing: 6.73 runner in the 60-yard dash.

5. Kevin Thatcher, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 158 pounds. Wiry, projectable frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, simple and short stride, minimal hand load. Short to the ball, easy and flat path, flashed ability to take the ball where it is pitched. 65.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (80.3 avg.); 288-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Quick release, short arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic footwork, plays low and through the ball, gains ground through his target, quick actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.10 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 75.17 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Hayden Bates, St. Thomas More (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-5, 160.9 pounds. Long levered, highly projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, medium stride, controlled. Some rhythm in the hands, direct path, flat swing through the zone, some natural lift at times. 68.9 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (79.4 avg.); 343-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady two-hand gather and footwork around the bag.
Athletic Testing: 7.63 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 78.47 Edge Score.

Jeremy Bogner, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-3, 190 pounds. Proportionate frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Evenly spread out, shorter stride, simple. Works on top of the baseball, steep path, pull-side and middle approach. 57.7 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (70.2 avg.); 242-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 65 mph. Medium circle, high 3/4 slot from a tight window.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, deliberate footwork and actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.82 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 64.96 Edge Score.

Alexander Burke, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-5, 127.7 pounds. Athletic, compact build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, slight knee-knock stride with rhythm. RH: Clean and easy swing, flat and even path through the zone, balanced, line-drive approach. LH: Balanced and easy, works on top of the baseball, middle of the field approach. 58.9 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (71.8 avg.); 259-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. INF - 74 mph. INF: Quick release, 3/4 slot, can play from multiple angles. C: Short to the ear, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.33 pop time range; INF: Smooth hands, clean actions, timing and feel with fluid feet, crisp transfers. C: Works in-line from the chute, clean glove to hand, simple actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.85 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 81.44 Edge Score.

Julian Collazo, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-9, 155.4 pounds. Evenly proportioned, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, more weight on back leg, short and simple stride. Athletic and balanced, loose hands, uphill intent at times, stayed mostly middle/pull-side. 61.6 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (80.4 avg.); 316-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 84 mph. Longer, full arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: One-hand gather, steady actions through the baseball.
Athletic Testing: 7.32 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 50.12 Edge Score.

Danny Corona, St Rita (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 170 pounds. Proportionate build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, quick and simple stride, subtle hand load. Athletic swing, flat through the zone with line-drive intent, middle and opposite field approach. 60.7 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (77.7 avg.); 286-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. Short and quick release, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed, plays low and through the ball, clean transfers, deliberate footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.34 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 57.37 Edge Score.

Curtiss Crossley, Brother Rice (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 5-8, 147 pounds. Compact, athletic build, round shoulders, proportionate.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, easy stride, simple and minimal load. Intent to lift pull-side, can drive it the other way in the air, uphill path, balanced finish. 66.5 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (79.4 avg.); 328-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 78 mph. Lower 3/4 release, medium path down and out of the glove.
Defense: Active pre-pitch footwork, fluid and shuffles through the ball, moves well into crowhop, steady hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.29 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 74.53 Edge Score.

Henry Domke, Barrington (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165 pounds. Lean, projectable frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, short and simple stride. Easy swing with some natural lift at times, athletic hands, some feel to use the whole field. 63.5 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (81.7 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Longer circle from the glove, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.34-2.41 pop time range; Clean transfers, works in-line and gains ground to his target, deliberate footwork, squares up the baseball on blocks.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 64.52 Edge Score.

Nathan Dugan, Vernon Hills (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 155 pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide, open setup, controlled stride with a subtle hand load. Simple swing, athletic, balanced, flat path, line-drive intent, works the middle and other way. 50.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (70.9 avg.); 254-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Can play from multiple angles, lower 3/4 slot primarily.
Defense: Active feet, steady two-hand gather, shuffles through the ball in-line with his target, confident in the backhand.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 69.87 Edge Score.

Josh Escobedo, Franklin Road Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-7, 150 pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Athletic and evenly spread out base, short and simple toe-tap stride. Balanced, easy effort, short to the ball, some spray to the whole field. 54 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (68.1 avg.); 191-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. Can play from multiple angles, clean circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, steady two-hand gather, some feel and timing through the ball, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.33 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 65.54 Edge Score.

Aiden Fitzgerald, Bradley-Bourbonnais (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 155 pounds. High-waisted, proportionate frame, lean.
Hit: LHH. Tall, balanced setup, controlled and simple stride, creates some separation in the hands. Works on top of the baseball with a steep path, balanced through impact, pull-side feel. 70.4 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (82.3 avg.); 330-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 77 mph. Full arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed actions, fluid footwork, one-hand gather off the front foot.
Athletic Testing: 7.17 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 64 Edge Score.

Adyn Fowler, Oswego East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-9, 160 pounds. Compact and proportionate frame, broad shoulders and trim waist.
Hit: LHH. Narrow base, toe-taps into a long stride. Easy with length through the zone, intent to lift, balanced, pull-side approach with barrel feel. 59.8 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (78.9 avg.); 317-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 78 mph. Full arm circle, whippy 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the ball with intent, athletic actions, quick feet, sure-handed actions, confident one-hand gather off the front foot.
Athletic Testing: 7.13 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 62.48 Edge Score.

Erick Garcia, New Haven (IN), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-0, 170 pounds. Proportionate frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly bowed in front leg, short stride. Direct, works on top of the ball with a steep path, middle/pull-side approach. 64.7 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (76.1 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Shorter, 3/4 slot, can play from multiple angles.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, deliberate footwork through the ball, moves well laterally.
Athletic Testing: 7.34 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 53.11 Edge Score.

Ethan Gonzalez, Fenwick (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 165.4 pounds. Proportionate build with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, controlled stride, loads the hands in-sync with stride. Intent and quick from launch, looks to lift middle of the field, balanced through impact. 63.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (84.7 avg.); 325-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Higher 3/4 release, can play from multiple angles.
Defense: Soft hands, bounce in the footwork with fluid actions, feel for the position, range to both sides of the glove.
Athletic Testing: 7.58 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 80.98 Edge Score.

Jonathan Guzman, IC Catholic Prep (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 175 pounds. Athletic build, lean with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, coils into a longer stride, gains ground to the mound. Works on top of the baseball, compact finish, flat path, worked mostly pull-side, flashed elevated contact up the middle. 63.6 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (75.3 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. OF - 80 mph. Clean arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball with intent, one-hand gather, active feet.
Athletic Testing: 7.26 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 66.15 Edge Score.

Danny Harris, Andrew (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-0, 170 pounds. Proportionate build, room to add strength.
Hit: LHH. Wide and spread out base, no stride, simple. Short to the ball, looks to stay middle/away, line-drives, simple. 53.9 mph bat speed with 20g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (84.1 avg.); 269-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Medium path, high 3/4 slot, some quickness out front.
Defense: Steady hands, two-hand gather out front, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.28 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 62.48 Edge Score.

Logan Lutes, Libertyville (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 180 pounds. Strong, broad shoulders with a trim and high waist.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, medium stride, loads the hands into footstrike. Strong hands, flat path, gets some extension through impact, middle and pull-side results. 66.1 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (81.4 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Full arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady actions, one-hand gather, footwork breaks down through the ball.
Athletic Testing: 7.22 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 79.38 Edge Score.

Tyler McCafferty, Sterling (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 175 pounds. Evenly proportionate build, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base, controlled stride with length. Some uphill intent, controlled aggression in the swing, opposite field and middle results. 61.4 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (80 avg.); 301-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Medium arm circle, clean, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady two-hand gather out front, shuffles through the ball and in-line, active feet, quick actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.75 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 76.96 Edge Score.

Tyler Mueller, St. Rita (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 5-8, 155 pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base with a shorter stride, minimal hand load. Intentful swings, flat path, some intent to lift at times, stayed on time up the middle for a majority of his round. 63 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (69.4 avg.); 297-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. OF - 72 mph. Medium arm circle, over the top slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, attacks the baseball, sure-handed one-hand gather.
Athletic Testing: 6.89 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 59.39 Edge Score.

Landon Paul, St. Charles North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 200 pounds. Proportionate build, some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, open setup, long stride, loads the hands into footstrike. Intent to lift the ball, uphill path, middle/opposite field results. 70.3 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (75.1 avg.); 359-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Clean arm, whippy 3/4 release with looseness.
Defense: Soft hands, confident one-hand gather with feel around the bag, fluid feet with awareness.
Athletic Testing: 7.58 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 54.69 Edge Score.

Michael Peck, Oak Forest (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 160 pounds. Trim and proportionate frame, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base into a long stride, hangs foot, shorter hand load. Flat path, loose with length through the zone, fluid hands, mostly pull-side approach in the round. 64.3 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (74.8 avg.); 326-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Shorter and compact arm, tight window, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Some pre-pitch bounce and active footwork, long/athletic strides, quick actions, attacks the baseball.
Athletic Testing: 7.50 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 74.78 Edge Score.

Alexander Przyzycki, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-9, 158.5 pounds. Compact, athletic build, rounded shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Slightly closed off setup, knee-knocks into a longer stride, subtle hand load. Works on top of the baseball with a steep path, line-drive intent pull-side. 71.1 mph bat speed with 3g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (79.2 avg.); 326-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 76 mph. INF: Short, compact circle, clean, high 3/4 slot. C: Short path, higher back elbow with a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.31-2.35 pop time range; INF: Active footwork pre-pitch and through the baseball, steady two-hand gather. C: Works in-line from the crouch, deliberate footwork, clean transfers, quality blocker, squares up the baseball.
Athletic Testing: 7.70 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 62.2 Edge Score.

Richard (Richie) Ricciardi, St Francis (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-11, 155 pounds. Trim, athletic build, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Slightly bowed in front leg, some weight in the back hip. Longer, steep path, works on top of the baseball, balanced finish, stayed middle/pull-side.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (80.3 avg.); 317-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 85 mph. Quick, clean arm, short circle, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic footwork with some bounce, one-hand gather off his front foot.
Athletic Testing: 7.08 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 69.33 Edge Score.

Cooper Schilly, Festus (MO), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Athletic and proportionate, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced and spread out base, lift and place type stride. Strength in the hands, explosive with bat-speed, flat path, pull-side approach with feel for the barrel. 66.6 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (89.3 avg.); 355-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Quick release, compact arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady two-hand gather out front, pre-pitch hop, some bounce in the step.
Athletic Testing: 6.71 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 73.37 Edge Score.

Kayne Tagliavia, Elk Grove (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 190 pounds. Evenly proportionate frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, works in his legs, short and simple stride. Strength in the hands, bat-speed with whip in the barrel, flat path, middle of the field approach with some feel to go the other way and pull-side. 70.4 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (83.2 avg.); 294-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. INF - 73 mph. INF: Short and clean path, 3/4 slot. C: Compact circle, 3/4 slot from a tight window.
Defense: 2.22-2.34 pop time range; INF: Steady two-hand gather, active feet, plays low and through the ball, deliberate footwork and actions. C: Clean glove to hand, quick footwork from the chute.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 71.8 Edge Score.

Luke Tyrakowski, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-10, 196.4 pounds. Some present strength, evenly proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Wide, even base, toe-taps with a longer stride. Easy with strength, balanced with the ability to stay on pitches on the outer half, whole field approach. 67.3 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (84.9 avg.); 343-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. INF - 76 mph. INF: Shorter arm action, high 3/4 slot. C: Compact arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.12-2.14 pop time range; INF: Two-hand gather, secures the ball into his body, steady footwork around the bag. C: Quick footwork from the chute, works in-line with his target, deliberate glove to hand, deadens the ball out front on blocks.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash.

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