On Sunday, February 8th, our staff hosted the O'Hare Preseason ID at Bo Jackson's Elite Sports in Bensenville, IL. This packed event is annually one of our largest and most talented, with this year proving no different. There were nearly 150 players in attendance, with a number of them impressing our staff with the gains they have made over the off-season.

Today, we are starting our post-event rollout with a look at every single catcher from the day, along with a Top-5 ranking of who our staff thought showed the best on the day, below. 

A handful of catchers to make note of from the day are Tanner Beyna (St. Viator, 2027), Sam Christos (Glenbard South, 2027), Eli Fasanati (Maine South, 2027), Graham Stauber (Fremd, 2027) and Kenan Torlo (Maine South, 2028). 

Beyna, a switch-hitting backstop, showing an upside swing from both sides with a flat path and some backspin tendencies, peaking at 97 mph for his EV. He also showed a strong arm behind the plate with a pop-time of 2.01 (T78 mph).

Christos had one of the more impressive defensive showings on the day, pairing athletic and explosive actions with an above-average arm (T78 mph; 2.01 pop-time) - also showing upside at the plate with a clean right-handed swing. 

Fasanati took one of the louder rounds of BP on the entire day, showing an easy and repeatable swing with little perceived effort, averaging 92 mph for his EV while peaking at 100 mph. 

Stauber is another one that took a loud round of BP, peaking at 97 mph while averaging 91. His toolset is well-rounded, also boasting a 7.07 in the 60 and a peak velocity of 79 mph from the chute. 

Torlo, the youngest of the bunch, looks to be an above-average defender all-around with a simple, strong right-handed swing (T92 mph EV). 

For a look at the entire event page, click HERE.

Top Catching Prospects 

1. Ryan Wilberding, Libertyville (IL), 2027; Marshall commit
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 217 pounds. Strong, physical build, developed lower-half, rounded shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, slightly crouched, hands start lower. Strong and on the barrel, natural lift pull-side, controlled aggression, control of the barrel with extension through impact, bat-speed stands out, very loud round with an advanced hit tool and present power.  74.7 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 106 mph max exit velocity (95 avg.); 387-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 84 mph.   Short and to the ear, high 3/4 slot, plays with life.
Defense: 1.89-2.10 pop time range; Advanced actions, quick/clean glove to hand, works in-line with quick transfers, minimal wasted movement, athletic from the crouch. Soft receiver, steals strikes around the zone with strong hands and subtle moves.
Athletic Testing: 6.99 runner in the 60-yard dash; 28.40-inch max vertical jump. 

2. Chase Estrada, New Trier (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-0, 192 pounds. Lean with strength, room to continue to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slightly open, toe tap stride.  Longer, aggressive swing with uphill intent, creates bat-speed with loud results pull-side, real power potential as he continues to mature.  75.9 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (88.4 avg.); 358-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph.   Quick, athletic arm action, high 3/4 slot. Throws flash carry.
Defense: 1.98-2.09 pop time range; Clean and athletic actions, explosive out of the crouch, feet work in-line.
Athletic Testing: 7.21 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.70-inch max vertical jump. 

3. Hunter Lockefeer, St. Viator (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 160 pounds. Trim build, proportionate levers, room to add strength.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, simple, medium stride. Strong hands, works on top of the baseball, fluid and flat swing with length through the zone, controlled and balanced.  73.6 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (86.9 avg.); 347-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.  OF - 85 mph. C: Short path, high 3/4 slot. OF: Quick arm, clean path and high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.02-2.03 pop time range; C: Clean transfers, works in-line from the chute, athletic, soft block out front. OF: Soft hands, athletic and aggressive to the baseball with a one-hand gather in-stride.
Athletic Testing: 7.19 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 62.9 Edge Score.

4. Jack McDaniel, Hinsdale South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 197 pounds. Some present strength, proportionate build.
Hit: LHH. Standard setup, balanced, short and simple. Clean swing with strength, easy effort, controls the barrel, whole field approach, creates lift with ease.  73.8 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (90.1 avg.); 374-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 78 mph.  INF: Half circle, clean, athletic, 3/4 slot. C: Short and to the ear, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 1.97-2.06 pop time range; INF: Steady two-hand gather, some feel around the bag, quality footwork. C: Crisp and clean transfers, quick, stays in-line with quick feet, minimal wasted movement.
Athletic Testing: 7.63 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.05 Edge Score.

5. Patricio Velazquez, Libertyville (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 161 pounds. Lean, projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open stance, standard hand height, simple and repeatable.  Long, loose swing, flat path, line-drive intent, pull-side approach, simple.  60.9 mph bat speed with 4g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (83.5 avg.); 321-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph.   Loose, athletic arm, throws play with life, quick release and high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 1.94-2.05 pop time range; Clean, athletic actions that work in-line, gets rid of it quickly, simple with minimal wasted movement.
Athletic Testing: 7.40 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 62.23 Edge Score.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically) 

Harrison Aiello, Benet Academy (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0, 205 pounds. Physical build with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, knee knock into longer stride, aggressive lower-half. Strong with intent to lift, some feel to use the whole field, steep path. 65.5 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (85.3 avg.); 313-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph.   Quick, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws around the bag.
Defense: 2.13-2.27 pop time range; Athletic actions and footwork out of the crouch, steady transfers, intentful. Receiving: Comfortable one-knee setup, presents target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, loose-wristed.
Athletic Testing: 7.68 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump. 

John Artinghelli, Huntley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9, 147 pounds. Athletic, trim build.
Hit: LHH. Longer knee knock stride, Slightly wider stance, standard hand height. Athletic and clean swing, on-plane and flat, intent to lift pull-side.  61.8 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (81.2 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph.   Short arm action from the glove, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.10-2.20 pop time range; Quick feet, works in-line from the chute, loose and athletic actions, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.71 runner in the 60-yard dash.

Tanner Beyna, Saint Viator (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-1, 180 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with some present strength.
Hit: SH. LH: Slightly wider stance, medium stride.  RH: Slightly more crouched, balanced base. LH: Short to the ball, flat swing, easy and balanced, line-drives, some backspin at times. RH: Works on top of the baseball, some feel to lift up the middle of the field, backspin.  69.5 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (85 avg.); 360-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph.   Short, whippy arm action, 3/4 slot, arm speed out front.
Defense: 2.01-2.13 pop time range; Athletic and intentful out of the crouch, explosive at times. Receiving: Flexible one-knee setup, presents large target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, loose-wristed receiver.
Athletic Testing: 7.52 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 73.03 Edge Score.

Bennett Chapman, Univ of Chicago Lab School (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-6, 145 pounds. Compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Toe tap stride, rhythmic setup, standard hand position. Works on top of the baseball, balanced, feel to use the whole field.  66.7 mph bat speed with 4g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (66.8 avg.); 300-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. INF - 72 mph.  C: Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate around the bag. INF: Plays from multiple angles.
Defense: 2.05-2.15 pop time range; C: Quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, feet work in-line. INF: Plays through the ball, two hand gather into body, shuffles through to target, athletic actions, feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 8.21 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 68.95 Edge Score.

Sam Christos, Glenbrook South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Physical build.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance, toe tap stride, hands slightly higher to start. Longer swing, intent to lift, clean, generates jump off the barrel.  mph bat speed with g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (76.9 avg.); 292-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph.   Quick, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. Throws have carry, mostly accurate around the bag.
Defense: 2.01-2.08 pop time range; Clean and fluid actions out of the crouch, athletic footwork, intentful. Receiving: Flexible one-knee setup, flashes large target pre-pitch, active receiver, works up through the baseball, presents pitches well at the bottom of the zone.
Athletic Testing: 7.18 runner in the 60-yard dash.

Max Chudgar, New Trier (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-8, 154 pounds. Compact, athletic build, high waist.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open narrower stance, controlled. Works on top of the ball, easy and strong from launch, some pull-side feel, balanced.  64.6 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (81.6 avg.); 322-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph.   Medium arm circle, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.47 pop time range; Loose actions, gains ground in-line from the crouch, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.68 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.80-inch max vertical jump. 

Michael Corcoran, Maine South (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-10, 181 pounds. Athletic frame with some present strength.
Hit: RHH. Wider stance, toe-tap stride, aggressive lower-half. Loose hands, uphill path, intent to lift, pull-side contact, hands work on top of the ball at times, flashes jump off the barrel. 65.4 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (81.9 avg.); 310-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph.   Compact arm action with whip, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.18-2.34 pop time range; Steady actions out of the crouch, clean transfers, steady footwork. Receiving: Comfortable one-knee setup, flashes target pre-pitch, steady hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.79 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 40.26 Edge Score.

Eli Fasanati, Maine South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 195 pounds. Proportional frame with some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Toe tap stride, rhythmic setup, standard hand height. Intentful, on the barrel, loud with bat-speed, natural lift.  71.6 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (92.4 avg.); 376-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph.   Short arm action, releases by ear.
Defense: 2.14-2.41 pop time range; Steady actions out of the crouch, reliable transfers. Receiving: Comfortable one-knee setup, presents large target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, comfortable receiving actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.49 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 56.78 Edge Score.

Blake Harmon, Barrington (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 172 pounds. Strong with some present physicality.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open and wide setup, simple and quiet load, toe tap stride. Flat path, loose hands, pull-side approach, flashes noticeable jump off the barrel. 63.3 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (81.7 avg.); 309-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 63 mph.   Quick, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate around the bag.
Defense: 2.31-2.51 pop time range; Quick transfers, quick footwork, athletic out of the crouch. Receiving: Flexible one-knee setup, presents large target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, works to present pitches.
Athletic Testing: 8.17 runner in the 60-yard dash.

Jack Joiner, Wheaton North (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-1, 194 pounds. Proportionate frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, slightly crouched, medium stride. Easy swing, uphill intent, uses the whole field, balanced finish, controlled, comfortable going the other way.  62.6 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (83 avg.); 314-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 78 mph.  INF: Full arm action, 3/4 slot, can play on the move. C: Short arm circle, higher 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.26 pop time range; INF: Controlled, athletic actions, fluid footwork with timing, plays low and in his legs, long/easy strides, clean actions and transfers. C: Steady hands and transfers, works in-line from the chute, quick release.
Athletic Testing: 7.89 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.31 Edge Score.

James Noll, Timothy Christian (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 158 pounds. Wiry, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly crouched, sits in legs, short and simple stride. Flat path with a one-handed finish, balanced, easy, pull-side and middle approach.  62.8 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (79.7 avg.); 303-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.   Compact arm action with some whip in the finish, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.14-2.20 pop time range; Steady actions out of the crouch, reliable transfers, feet work in-line. Receiving: One-knee setup, presents target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, works to present pitches.
Athletic Testing: 7.58 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 66.12 Edge Score.

Nick Salata, Palatine High School (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 200 pounds. High waisted, round shoulders with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Rhythmic setup, wider stance, balanced. Works on top of the baseball, strong, pull-side approach, present bat-speed.   68.1 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (84.9 avg.); 326-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph.   Short, whippy arm action, releases by ear. Mostly accurate throws around the bag.
Defense: 2.09-2.32 pop time range; Steady actions out of the crouch, steady transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.99 Edge Score.

Mick Soucheray, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-0, 155 pounds. Wiry, long-levered frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Standard setup, quiet, repeatable, toe tap stride. Works on top of the baseball, longer path, some length through the zone with whip.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (76.1 avg.); 296-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph.   Compact, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws flash carry.
Defense: 2.20-2.33 pop time range; Clean actions out of the crouch, reliable footwork, clean transfers. Receiving: Comfortable one-knee setup, flashes large target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, comfortable receiver.
Athletic Testing: 7.26 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 62.21 Edge Score.

Graham Stauber, Fremd (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-2, 180 pounds. Lean, long-levered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, hands start back, longer stride. Longer flat swing, intentful, jumps off the barrel with backspin up the middle and pull-side.  68.1 mph bat speed with 27g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (91.3 avg.); 358-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph.   Quick, whippy arm action with arm speed out front, releases by ear. Throws flash carry.
Defense: 2.05-2.08 pop time range; Quick and athletic movements out of the crouch, feet work in-line, steady transfers. Receiving: One-knee setup, presents large target pre-pitch, works up through the baseball, comfortable receiving actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.07 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 67.24 Edge Score.

Zach Surowiec, Downers Grove North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 166 pounds. Lean build with present strength.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, simple, slightly lower hands. Steep path, intent to lift, easy and balanced, fluid rhythm.  67.4 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (79.8 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph.   Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.01-2.19 pop time range; Clean actions out of the crouch, reliable transfers, feet work in-line. Receiving: Comfortable one-knee setup, flashes target pre-pitch, loose-wristed receiver.
Athletic Testing: 7.33 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.41 Edge Score.

Maddox Tobecksen, Maine South (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-2, 166 pounds. Athletic and trim build, projects.
Hit: RHH. Hangs foot into longer stride, hits into backside. Loose hands, steep path, pull-side approach working on top of the baseball.  59.6 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (81.1 avg.); 264-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph.   Medium/longer arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.27 pop time range; Easy, simple actions, works in-line from the crouch, quick and fluid transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.85 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 78.64 Edge Score.

Kenan Torlo, Maine South (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 185 pounds. Durable build, present strength, wide shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Wider stance, balanced, standard hand height. Short and simple, strong, works on top of the baseball, pull-side and middle approach.  65.9 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (80.6 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.   Short arm circle, high 3/4 slot, quick arm.
Defense: 2.02-2.19 pop time range; Athletic actions, works in-line from the chute, stays in his legs, soft and easy block.
Athletic Testing: 7.99 runner in the 60-yard dash; 14.70-inch max vertical jump.

Luke Tyrakowski, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-10, 204.2 pounds. Durable, strong build, room to continue to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Early stride, slightly open, balanced. Simple and strong, pull-side intent, flat swing, able to lift the baseball with some carry.  61.8 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (81.6 avg.); 323-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.   Short arm circle to the ear, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.08-2.21 pop time range; Quick transfer, works in-line from the crouch, simple and doesn't waste movement, soft blocker. 

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