With the end of the year right around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to highlight players who stood out to our staff throughout the year - whether it was at an event, a tournament, or a game in the spring. Today, we finish our rollout with a look at some of the pitching winners from the 2026 class.

Arm Barn

Jack Slightom RHP / C / Lyons Township, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 113 / POS: 34 From 4/21/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 9 in the state. 6-foot-3, 193-pound frame, some present strength in the lower-half, still has plenty of room to add strength, young look. Started on the mound and flashed four pitches, high upside with a starter profile. Hands work in sync with his leg-lift, high balance point, drop/drive lower-half, explosive down the mound, works in-line. Clean arm circle with a high ¾ release. Fastball played around 88-90 mph, touching 91 mph in the first inning, maintained velocity in the stretch still grabbing a 91, was more 87-90 in the second inning, collected swing/miss up in the zone and reached back for velocity when he needed to. Slider showed sharp action and 10/4 shape, 78-80 mph, flashed depth. Changeup is similar out of the hand to the FB, 79-83 mph, plays with gradual dive to the arm-side. Cutter flashed a short wrinkle, 85 mph, could be a quality fourth offering to play off the FB/SL. High-ceiling arm with his best days still ahead.”

Gavin Swartz RHP / 1B / Normal Community, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 219 / POS: 75 From 6/19/25: “Indiana commit, currently ranked No. 22 in the state. Projectable 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame. Started on the mound and hit out of the four-hole. Swartz shined Friday night as he struck out seven batters through seven and a third innings. Swartz did not allow a run until the eighth inning. The right-hander operates from a simple, controlled delivery with a high leg lift with a tall/fall approach. Long, clean arm action from a low ¾ slot. His fastball sat 90-91 in the first inning with 2300-2500 RPM. Settled down to 89-90 for the remainder of the game. Mixed in a slider that sat 79-81 with sharp, late depth that produced plenty of swings/misses. Went to it heavily the second time through the order. Also flashed a changeup that sat 83-85 that had sinking action.”

Kaeden Schatsiek OF / RHP / Brimfield, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 3 OverallRank: 278 / POS: 50 From 8/05/25: “RHP/OF Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield, 2026), the Northern Illinois commit, capped off the Illinois State games with potentially one of the lousiest performances on the mound Wednesday night. The built, 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame tossed his two innings, collecting six strikeouts and allowing one hit, in a dominant performance. The right-hander worked out of the stretch only, working quick down the hill with a high leg kick. Then the arm worked quick and easy with short arm action from a ¾ slot. Working with an electric two-pitch mix, the fastball was up to 92mph, sitting lower 90s, playing with tons of life, getting up to 23 inches of IVB. The slider was dominant, sitting lower 80s with a sharp gyro profile with 2300 RPMs. Beating hitters with ease, Schatsiek was working with tons of confidence on the mound, getting whiffs with the slider and making hitters look uncomfortable. Schatsiek also showed upside on the position-side of things throughout the event. He topped out at 94 mph from the outfield (2nd highest for the event), while leading the entire event in max EV (108.3 mph) and also posting an average EV of 95.2 mph - all with a wood bat. Schatsiek’s bat would show well in-game as well, collecting a couple hits while being on the barrel on more than one occasion.”

Zane Caves LHP / 1B / Minooka, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 12 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 286 / POS: 27 From 5/29/25: “The Michigan State commit struck out 11 of the 19 batters he faced against Bolingbrook. Caves picked up the win as he allowed one unearned run, two hits and one walk through four innings.”

Samuel Finn LHP / Plainfield North, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 14 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 292 / POS: 28 From 7/17/25: “Had an impressive outing against GRB Rays Illinois Yellow throwing two innings, while collecting four strikeouts and allowing zero runs. Finn stands at an intriguing 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with more room for added strength. On the mound he has a medium leg lift, quick tempo, and a compact high ¾ slot. His fastball was sitting 88-89 mph and paired with a 75-77 mph curveball. Finn is a name to know in the 2026 class.”

Ryan Duncheon Jr. C / RHP / East Peoria, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 367 / POS: 23 From 8/05/25: “RHP Ryan Duncheon Jr (East Peoria, 2026) is an Illinois State commit who capped off a strong summer season with an excellent showing on the mound Wednesday night. Dunecheon Jr tossed two innings, striking out three and allowing only two hits, working with tons of confidence. Showing a solidified three-pitch mix, the fastball was up to 91mph, sitting upper-80s, playing clean out of the hand with 21.7 inches of IVB. The slider was upper 70s with a sharp gyro profile, 2400 RPMs. The change-up was upper-70s, killing spin and sropping off from the fatsball with arm-side run. Working out of a staggered setup, driving down the mound with intent and a quick, whippy short arm action from a ¾ slot. Dunecheon Jr worked with high intent through his outing, collecting whiffs with the fastball, showing no fear on the mound.”

Henry Humes RHP / Homewood Flossmoor, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 6 From 8/05/25: “RHP Henry Humes (Homewood, 2026) is set to rise in our rankings following a dominant appearance on the mound Wednesday night, Humes put together an eye-opening two-inning performance, striking out three and not allowing a single hit or walk. The right-hander worked with a three-pitch mix, the fastball sitting 88-90 mph, playing well out of the slot with 18.1 inches of horizontal movement. The slider was upper 70s, a gyro profile with slight sweep, 2200 RPMs. The changeup was mid-70s, killing spin, with a drop off getting -4.7 inches of IVB. The lanky, 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame with tons of room to fill out, worked out of a staggered setup, with the arm working long and loose from a lower ¾ slot. Humes, through his outing, showed complete dominance, showing a clear feel for his three-pitch mix, not afraid to go to his slider or changeup for out pitches.”

Caleb Cox RHP / 1B / Springfield Lutheran, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 30 / POS: 7 From 2/19/25: “One of the biggest and most impressive takeaways from this event is RHP Caleb Cox (Lutheran HS, 2026). The right-hander displayed a lengthy 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame with a ton of projectability. On the mound, he topped 91 mph while averaging 89 mph. He complimented his firm fastball with a slider that shows heavy horizontal movement and a fading changeup that he has a feel for. He utilizes his long levers down the mound, showing looseness and athleticism throughout. Cox is definitely a name to watch this year, and we only expect his stock to rise moving forward.”

Jason Phillips 3B / RHP / Plano, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 36 / POS: 3 From 3/07/25: “INF/RHP Jason Phillips (Plano, 2026) continues to impress as a physical two-way prospect in the state. He took an ulta-loud round of BP, reaching up to 103 mph for his EV while averaging 92 mph, showcasing a direct and quick swing with easy bat-speed (81.5 mph avg.), creating loud contact up the middle and to his pull-side. On the mound, the right-hander has a loose and whippy ¾ arm, creating a fastball with natural sink in the 86-88 mph range, topping at 89 mph. He paired the fastball with a slider that showed short 10/4 shape, flashing sharp action and depth at 77-79 mph (T2745 rpm). His final offering was a changeup at 77-80 mph, playing with hard running action to his arm-side.”

Chase Rhodes RHP / OF / Tremont, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 9 From 5/06/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 29 in the state. Projectable 6-foot-4, 192-pound frame with room to add strength. Started on the mound and hit out of the eight-hole. Rhodes dominated on the mound on Tuesday as he struck out seven batters through five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks. The right-hander operates from a tall/fall approach with a high leg lift while using the mound for plane. Full, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 87-89 while topping out at 90 with arm-side run. Mixed in a slider that sat 72-75 with depth and sweeping action. Also, showed a curveball that sat 67-69 with sharp actions.”

Josh Jones RHP / OF / Normal Community, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 40 / POS: 10 From 8/05/25: “RHP Josh Jones (Normal University, 2026) had an interesting outing on the mound Wednesday night, showing a heavy reliance on a bully fastball. The right-hander was tossing with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was living upper 80s, T91 mph, life through the zone with 19 inches of IVB, the curveball was 79-81 mph, with a more gyro profile, sharp break up to 2300 RPMs, and the changeup was lower 80s, with -13.8 inches of horizontal movement dropping off from the fastball. Jones would work out of a relaxed and easy high kick motion, followed by clean, quick, arm action from a high ¾ slot. As the 6-foot-1, 188-pound frame continues to develop on the mound, Jones will be a 2026 arm to follow.”

Zach Toma LHP / 1B / West Aurora, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 45 / POS: 7 From 8/05/25: “+ LHP/1B Zach Toma (West Aurora, 2026) came away one of the event’s biggest two-way winners. Coming off a huge spring, the physical left-handed hitter picked up where he left off in game one with a loud swing, driving a ball over the left/center wall for a home run. He finished the week 3-for-6 with the home run, three RBIs and a run scored. Toma then hopped on the mound and missed bats, recording three strikeouts in his two innings of work. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound southpaw sat 81-84 mph (T86) with his fastball that had late run to it, pairing that with a tight 71-73mph curveball. His changeup sat 73 mph and flashed fading action.”

Tre Cole RHP / Champaign Central, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 46 / POS: 11 From 8/05/25: “RHP Tre Cole (Champaign Central, 2026) was catching eyes on the mound. Cole showcased an electric fastball Wednesday night, striking out two over his two innings of work. The right-hander would show a two-pitch mix with the fastball ramping up to 93 mph, sitting 88-91 mph, playing with lots of ride and run through the zone. The slider was 75-77 mph, with a sharp gyro profile. While struggling with command early in his outing, Cole showed the ability to adjust and settle in, not afraid to attack hitters. The high-waisted, 6-foot-2, 189-pound frame showed why he has some of the highest upside in the Illinois 2026 class.”

Devin De Loach LHP / 1B / Crystal Lake South, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 49 / POS: 8 From 8/05/25: “LHP Devin De Loach (Crystal Lake South, 2026) is an uncommitted senior arm that showed some swing-and-miss stuff on the mound, collecting six whiffs through two innings. Sturdy 6-foot-2, 252-pound frame with strength present throughout. The left-hander worked out of a drop-and-drive delivery, exploding down the mound, with a strong ¾ arm action. De Loach was able to pound the zone with both of his pitches, effectively keeping hitters off-balance throughout his appearance. His fastball played with heavy arm-side run and sat 84-87 mph, topping 87.9 with a IVB max of 20.7” and an IVB average of 18.5”. He also utilized a tight slider at 78-80 mph that got hitters to chase multiple times.”

Landon Crawford 1B / LHP / Farmington Central, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 51 / POS: 3 From 5/24/25: “Uncommitted. 6-foot-4, 175-pound frame, long-levered, wiry frame with plenty of projection and strength still to come. Started on the mound in a 2A Regional Championship, tossed a complete game with eight strikeouts, one run, four hits and five walks allowed. Although the complete polish was not there throughout, he flashed upside with his three-pitch arsenal. Simple and clean mover on the mound with minimal effort and showed a clean arm path with a shorter action. Fastball worked up to 87-88 mph in the first inning, but sat mostly 82-85 mph throughout his full outing, played with arm-side run. Mixed in a curveball with 11/5 shape, sitting 73-75 mph, flashed out-pitch potential. Also threw a change-up at 70 mph with fade and depth at times. Crawford emerged as a must-know uncommitted southpaw in Illinois’ 2026 class.”

Connor McKay RHP / RHP / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 52 / POS: 14 From 8/05/25: “RHP Connor McKay (Nazareth Academy, 2026) is a projectable, 6-foot-3, 179-pound frame who gave a solid look on the mound Wednesday night, striking out two and allowing zero hits through his two innings of work. The right-hander works from the stretch only, with a quick medium leg lift, quick down the mound. Then the arm works from a lower ¾ slot, staying loose with long extension in the back half. McKay would show a solid two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 86-88 mph, playing with sink, 19 inches of horizontal movement. The slider was 77-79 mph, with a gyro profile, gaining positive vert with an average of 6.4 IVB. In-game, McKay was fastball-heavy, attacking low and pitching to contact outs. The slider was on point, creating bad swings.”

Rocco Szambelan LHP / OF / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 56 / POS: 9 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.”

Jack Gianikos RHP / Maine South, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 59 / POS: 18 From 8/05/25: “+ RHP Jack Gianikos (Maine South, 2026) 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.”

Aiden David LHP / OF / St. Patrick High School, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 63 / POS: 10 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.”

Chase Lockwood RHP / 1B / Libertyville High School, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 64 / POS: 20 From 6/19/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 51 in the state. Athletic 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame with room to add strength. Started on the mound. Lockwood was the star of the game Friday night as he threw an eight-inning complete game while striking out seven batters, allowing one unearned run. The right-hander operates from a simple delivery with a tall/fall approach. Loose, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. His fastball sat 84-86 with life through the zone. Mixed in a curveball that sat 70-73 that had 2500-2650 RPM with a hard, late break while producing plenty of swings and misses. Also flashed a changeup that sat 78-80. Very impressive showing from the uncommitted 2026 arm.”

William Houston RHP / RHP / Stagg, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 80 / POS: 23 From 8/05/25: “RHP William Houston (Stagg, 2026) is a wiry, 6-foot, 153-pound frame. 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. On the mound, he works from a staggered setup, working down the mound, with a high leg kick. 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.”

Billy Main SS / RHP / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 92 / POS: 17 From 8/05/25: “+ RHP Billy Main (Hinsdale Central, 2026) is an athletic and lean, 6-foot, 176-pound frame, showing why he is a high-celling arm to watch in the state of Illinois. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 88-90 mph, T91 mph, playing easy, averaging 20.1 IVB. The slider was sitting 71-75 mph, with gyro shape, still developing. He relied mainly on the fastball throughout his outing. On the mound, looking like a shortstop, working from the stretch only in a staggered setup with a small leg lift. The arm was working from a lower ¾ slot, with easy and clean arm speed that jumps out. As the Main counties to develop as a pitcher, it will be a high-follow through the state of Illinois.”

Nolan Lebert RHP / SS / Mascoutah, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 100 / 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.”

Max Young RHP / 3B / Mahomet-Seymour, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 105 / POS: 31 From 8/05/25: “+ RHP Max Young (Mahomet-Seymour, 2026) struck out two over 1 ⅓ innings pitched. Lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 173-pound frame with room for additional strength. Fluid, athletic delivery with a high leg lift into a directional drop-and-drive move. Smooth arm-action out of a ¾ slot. Strong two-pitch mix while flashing a third offering. Fastball sat 84-86 mph (T87) with life (max 17.3 IVB). Showed a high spinning slider at 72-75 mph with sweep (max 2467 rpm). Flashed a changeup at 80 mph killing spin.”

Hayden Foster RHP / Kaneland, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 106 / POS: 32 From 8/05/25: “+ RHP Hayden Foster (Kaneland, 2026) is a wiry, long-limbed, 6-foot, 160-pound frame, Foster gave an interesting first look on Wednesday morning. Striking out four over two innings of work, Foster showed complete feel for a four-pitch mix, filling up the zone and attacking hitters. The fastball was 86-88 mph, with late ride. The curveball 68-73 mph, late break, 2600 RPMs. The slider was 73-75 mph, with sweeper shape -20.5 average horizontal movement. Then the changeup was 75-76 mph, with arm-side run. All four pitches worked well off each other, keeping hitters guessing at the plate, with distinct separation from each pitch. Foster works from a Reptable, drop and drive, high kick motion, with clean full-circle arm action from the ¾ slot.”

Darren Law RHP / RHP / Oak Park-River Forest, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 119 / POS: 38 From 8/05/25: “RHP Darren Law (Oak Park-River Forest, 2026; Lewis) showed an elite feel for spin in his two innings, leading the event in spin rate on both his curveball and his slider. Highly projectable, long-levered 6-foot-3, 179-pound frame with room for additional strength. The right-hander was an up-tempo mover on the mound, utilizing a rocker step, with a medium leg lift into a drop-and-drive delivery. He also showed a longer, loose ¾ arm action. Law attacked hitters with his four-pitch arsenal, consistently being able to find the zone with each pitch. His fastball played with ride through the zone at 83-85 mph, topping 86 mph with max HM of 16.6”. His 11/5 curveball played with sharp, late break at 71-72 mph, consistently staying in the 2,900+ rpm range with a max HM of -20.1”. His slider showed a sweeping action at 71-73 mph, showing a spin rate in the ranges of 3,000-3,100+ rpm with a max HM of -20.7”. He also flashed a downer changeup at 74-75 mph with a max HM of 17.4”. Impressive stuff from the recent Lewis commit, who will play a big part in the Husky pitching staff this year.”

Cooper Chapple RHP / SS / Waubonsie Valley, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 162 / POS: 50 From 6/10/25: “RHP Cooper Chapple (Waubonsie Valley, 2026) came to his first Prep Baseball event and showed very well. The right-hander lean, wiry 6-foot-3, 160-pounder sat 84-85 mph with a spin efficiency of 96%. His changeup sat 69-71 mph with an average HM of 15.2 inches. Chapple’s curveball shows a lot of potential as it sits 65-68 mph with an average spin rate of 2339 RPM and an average HM of -18.8 inches while having an average IVB of -12.7 inches.”

Hayden Noha C / 3B / Oak Forest, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 177 / POS: 21 From 12/10/25: “Noha cracks the rankings at No. 177 after a strong showing this past summer. He’s 6-foot-2, 170-pounds with present athleticism, and he’s also a basketball standout. He moves well down the mound with a fastball up to 86 mph, though we’ve heard recent rumblings of the fastball getting north of 90 mph. The ceiling is high with Noha and we expect him to continue to make strides.”

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