On August 5th and 6th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the Illinois State Games, the premier invite-only event in our ecosystem. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown exponentially both in talent and in size, with this year wielding 20 teams with over 400 players in attendance.

There are already 67 commitments from this event, with many more still to come. Check out our State Games Commitment Tracker, HERE. 

Today, we are continuing our post-event rollout with a look at every single 2027 catcher that was in attendance, with a top-5 ranking of who our staff thought showed the best in both gameplay and the workout. 

One catcher that really stood out to our staff throughout the event was Beau Breyman (Freeburg), who impressed in the workout with a peak EV of 98 mph, averaging 93 mph throughout his round of BP. He also reached as low as 1.97 for his pop-time with a peak velocity of 76 mph. 

Top Catching Prospects

1. Tristan Steger, St. Laurence (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-2, 188-pounds. Compact and athletic frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Upright setup, short toe-tap stride. Easy bat-speed, loud contact up the middle and pull-side, can drive it all over the yard with authority.  71.3 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 106 mph max exit velocity (99.3 avg.); 389-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Clean, strong arm, short release, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 1.95-2.08 pop time range; Clean hands and actions, quick transfer, feet work in-line with second, stays low and grounded through his throws, soft blocker that deadens the ball out front.
Athletic Testing: 6.95 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.40-inch max vertical jump.

2. Rocco Triolo, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11.1, 173.7-pounds. Athletic, projectable frame with some strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Upright, narrow setup, rhythm in the hands pre-pitch, rhythmic load, short stride, linear lower half. Longer path, hands work on top of the ball, pull-side approach, flashes jump off the barrel. 69.9 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (94.4 avg.); 352-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 82 mph. Quick 3/4 arm action, throws plays with carry, accurate to the bag.
Defense: 1.93-2.00 pop time range; Soft receiver, quick transfers, replaces feet to second, reliable blocker, natural actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.38 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.6 Edge Score.

3. Shane Torres, Waubonsie Valley (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9.7, 189.6-pounds. Sturdy, athletic frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, quick and short stride. Strength in the hands, can drive it to all fields with authority, flat swing, bat speed. 63.8 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (89 avg.); 365-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.09 pop time range; Soft hands, quick out of the crouch, quick transfers, athletic actions.
Athletic Testing: 6.95 runner in the 60-yard dash; 28.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.52 Edge Score.

4. Brady Dunnett, Oswego (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 5-6.9, 166.2-pounds. Compact frame with some strength present throughout.
Hit: LHH. Balanced base, minimal stride. Loose hands, works to stay on top of the ball, on the barrel to the middle/pull-side. 67.6 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (84.6 avg.); 334-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 84 mph.  INF: Compact 3/4 arm action. C: Compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with some carry.
Defense: 2.00-2.15 pop time range; INF: Clean footwork, two hand gather out front, smooth action, works up, moves well laterally. C: One-knee receiver, quick first step, steady hands, works in-line, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.23 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 76.53 Edge Score.

5. Beckett Breseman, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-9.5, 162-pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, simple setup, short stride. Hands work on top of the ball, looks to keep the ball on a line, loose hands. 66.9 mph bat speed with 19g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (71.8 avg.); 257-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Quick, compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry, accurate.
Defense: 1.84-1.88 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, athletic mover, looks the part, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.24 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.83 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY) 

Beau Breyman, Freeburg (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9.8, 182.3-pounds. Compact, well-proportioned frame with some strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, some pre-pitching rhythm in the hands, medium lift/place stride. Intentful swing, flat path with some length through the zone, whole field approach, works to keep the ball on a line. 71.5 mph bat speed with 26g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (93.2 avg.); 353-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Longer, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: 1.97-2.09 pop time range; Steady glove-to-hand transfer, quick release, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.09 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.03 Edge Score.

Conor Broders, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-2.1, 192.7-pounds. Long-levered, well-proportioned frame with some strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, some rhythm in hands pre-pitch, short leg kick stride, linear lower half. Uphill path, longer through the zone, line drive approach. 65.2 mph bat speed with 4g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (72.1 avg.); 263-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Short, high 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.03-2.31 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, works in-line, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.72 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.21 Edge Score.

Myles Broome, Brother Rice (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9.1, 172.6-pounds. Compact build with some present athleticism.
Hit: RHH. Wider base, quiet hands, no stride, linear lower half. Uphill path, simple, hands work on top of the ball, line drive oriented, pull-side approach. 66.7 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (82.4 avg.); 317-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.27 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, soft hands, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.19 runner in the 60-yard dash; 29.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 61.06 Edge Score.

Nick Dreves-Hunt, Lyons Township (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9.3, 155.4-pounds. Athletic, compact build with some strength present in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Upright, open setup, short leg kick stride, works back to even. Uphill path, intent to lift the ball, loose/easy hands through the zone, hands stay on top of the ball. 62.1 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (76.8 avg.); 283-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.04 pop time range; Works low-to-high, steady hands, clean transfers, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.31 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.43 Edge Score.

Connor Eydenberg, Plainfield North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8.8, 175.7-pounds. Athletic frame with more strength coming.
Hit: LHH. Stock setup with some pre-pitch rhythm, short leg kick stride, linear lower-half. Easy bat speed, flat path with length through the zone, middle of the field approach while staying on the barrel, line-drives. 64.5 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (82.6 avg.); 317-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Longer path, high 3/4 arm action, throws carry.
Defense: 2.07-2.15 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, clean transfers, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.74 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump. 

Brody Lindemann, Belleville East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-1, 183.2-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with some present strength in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, medium stride, simple. Easy and balanced swing, loose, worked up the middle of the field,  63.2 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (85.8 avg.); 319-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.03-2.16 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft hands, clean transfers, works in-line to second, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 8.07 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.35 Edge Score.

Hudson Lovell, Morton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10.1, 189.4-pounds. Physically developed frame with noticeable strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, some pre-pitch rhythm in hands, minimal stride. Loose hands into a direct path, intent to lift at times, whole field approach.  71.7 mph bat speed with 21g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (88.1 avg.); 369-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Compact, high 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 1.97-2.19 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, works in-line, steady blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.57 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.05 Edge Score.

Sam McCully, Normal West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 174.2-pounds. Lean, well-proportioned frame with some room to grow physically.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, stock setup, pre-pitch rhythm in the hands, step-back stride, aggressive lower half. Quick hands, compact path, pull-side approach, line drive oriented. 71.2 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (81.3 avg.); 315-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Compact, loose 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.03-2.13 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, works in-line, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.45 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.34 Edge Score.

Jack McDaniel, Hinsdale South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10.4, 181.2-pounds. Athletic, proportionate build with rounded shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Narrow base, medium stride, controlled. Direct path, balanced and compact, intent to stay up the middle.  68.2 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (88.1 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Clean, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: 2.06-2.22 pop time range; Plays on his feet, quick first step, replaces feet to second, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.68 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 78.17 Edge Score.

Brandon Oke, Batavia (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-5.9, 155.4-pounds. Compact build with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, medium stride, slight load in the hands. Intentful swing, loose hands, longer path through the zone, flat, works middle/pull-side. 71.2 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (91.3 avg.); 344-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Compact 3/4 slot, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.12-2.19 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, works in-line, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.59 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.56 Edge Score.

Liam Schultz, Burlington Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 197.1-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with present strength and rounded shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, works into his legs during stride. Strong hands with strength at impact, line drive approach, controlled, intentful swings. 65 mph bat speed with 21g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (91.1 avg.); 318-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 80 mph. Short, high 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.16 pop time range; Works low-to-high, quick first step, athletic mover, clean transfers, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.55 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 81.28 Edge Score.

Michael Thompson, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-2.5, 201.1-pounds. Long-levered, projectable frame with more fill to come.
Hit: RHH. Medium base, short lift/place stride. Uphill path, intent to lift the ball, utilizes all fields. 66.8 mph bat speed with 21g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (84.3 avg.); 343-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Loose, over-the-top arm action, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.01-2.12 pop time range; Soft hands, works low-to-high, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 8.29 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.63 Edge Score.

John Timmons, Champaign Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-11, 163.6-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame with additional room to fill in.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short leg kick stride, static hands pre-pitch, utilizes lower half. Direct to the ball, works uphill at times, intent to lift the ball, pull-side approach. 73 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (89.1 avg.); 318-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Compact, loose 3/4 slot.
Defense: 1.97-2.09 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works down-to-up, quick first step, clean transfers, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.09 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.75 Edge Score.

Luke Tyrakowski, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-10.3, 196.4-pounds. Compact frame with rounded shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Upright, narrow setup, slight pre-pitch rhythm in the hands, short leg kick stride, utilizes lower half. Longer path through the zone, intent to lift the ball, pull-side approach. 68.3 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (81.2 avg.); 315-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Short, 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.09-2.13 pop time range; Works down-to-up, replaces feet towards second, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.30 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.40-inch max vertical jump. 

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