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O'Hare Preseason ID: Quick Hits

February 11, 2026
Illinois Scouting Staff

On Sunday, February 8th, our staff hosted the annual O'Hare Preseason ID, one of our largest and more talented events historically on our winter calender. This year was no different, with nearly 160 players from the Chicagoland area coming to show the gains they have made this off-season in a pro-style workout, taking place at Bo Jackson's Elite Sports in Bensenville, IL. 

Today, we are beginning our post-event content with a look at a plethora of players that stood out to our scouting staff from the day, found below. 

Position Players 

+ C Ryan Wilberding (Libertyville, 2027) gave arguably the most impressive all-around look of the day, showing some significant gains made over the last couple months. He’s added noticeable strength and size to his now 6-foot, 217-pound frame with broad, rounded shoulders and proportionate strength in the lower-half. The right-handed hitter took a polished round, wearing out the left side of the field with lifted contact, utilizing controlled aggression throughout with loud results - peaking at 105.6 for the EV while averaging 95 mph (T387’). The BLAST numbers also stood out, averaging 75 mph for his bat-speed (T80 mph) and 22 mph for his hand-speed (T23 mph). The catch/throw stood out behind the plate, showing soft hands catching ‘pens with the ability to frame pitches around the zone with subtle moves. The arm is plenty strong, peaking at 84 mph from the chute with a pop-time down to 1.89, showing clean/crisp transfers from the chute. Also a 6.99 runner, it would not be far-fetched for him to transition somewhat easily into a corner outfield role. Well-rounded catcher with a hit tool that should continue to find success as he moves through the ranks, always performs for our staff. 

+ C Chase Estrada (New Trier, 2029) is a must-know backstop coming through the prep ranks. 6-foot, 192-pound frame, some present strength with room to continue to add quality muscle and size throughout the years. Took one of the more impressive rounds of the day - from a wide base he starts open and works back to even with a longer stride, creating separation in the hands that allows him to create bat-speed and whip through the zone. He was on the barrel for the majority of his round with pull-side results and some lifted contact, peaking at 95 mph while averaging 88 mph (T358’) - also averaging 76 mph for his bat-speed (T82.3 mph). Clean round of defense from behind the plate, worked down to a 1.98 for his pop-time, steady actions, clean transfers with sufficient arm-strength (T76 mph). High-follow right-handed bat with real power potential in the coming years. 

+ C Hunter Lockefeer (St. Viator, 2028) is a year removed from his breakout showing at this event in 2025, and he’s made some noticeable strides to his game. The frame is trending in the right direction, standing in at 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, still holding plenty of room to add more strength. The left-handed hitter showed a fluid and flat swing with length through the zone in his round, staying controlled and balanced through impact with some loud results, elevating the baseball with a peak EV of 97 mph (T347’). The defense still proves to be an asset for him, getting rid of the ball quickly down to second with accurate strikes, getting as low as 2.02 for his pop-time. High follow prospect, more to dream on and should continue to gradually tap into his strength.

+ C Jack McDaniel (Hinsdale South, 2027) is yet another backstop that showed some gains he’s made. He’s added some quality strength to his now 5-foot-11, 197-pound frame, and it appears to be paying dividends at the plate. The left-handed hitter showed a strong, balanced swing that was on the barrel repeatedly, peaking at 97 mph for his EV while averaging 90 mph (T374’), showing polish and control of the barrel to pair with the loud results. Perhaps the biggest jump he showed was behind the plate with actions that look to have become more clean and crisp, getting down to a 1.97 for his pop-time with a quick release and accurate throws. Left-handed hitting catcher to follow. 

+ C Patricio Velazquez (Libertyville, 2028) looks to be yet another talented underclassman the reigning 4A state champs will have in their program. There’s plenty to dream on in his long-levered 5-foot-11, 161-pound frame, and his tools are already starting to pop. The right-handed hitter took a clean, upside round of BP, posting a peak EV of 90 mph with a longer, loose swing that stays flat with line-drive intent. The defense is above-average with athletic actions and a strong arm (T79 mph), working in-line from the crouch with a clean transfer to create a pop-time as low as 1.94 seconds. High-ceiling catching prospect with his best days still ahead. 

+ C Sam Christos (Glenbard South, 2027) impressed as one of the top defensive backstops from the day. His pop-times ranged consistently in the 2.01-2.08 range with notable arm-strength, peaking at 78 mph with accurate and lively strikes on the bag, playing true and with carry. At the plate, the right-handed hitter showed a longer, clean swing with intent to lift the baseball, staying mostly pull-side throughout his round. 

+ C Eli Fasanati (Maine South, 2027) deserves a mention for his loud round of BP. He showcased some notable bat-speed (71.6 mph avg.) with an intentful swing that created natural lift, sending his furthest ball 376’ with a peak EV of 100 mph, averaging 92.4 mph. 

+ C Tanner Beyna (St. Viator, 2027) is an intriguing switch-hitting catcher to know in the state. From the left side, he showed a short and flat swing that is easy with a line-drive approach, flashing backspin at times. From the right side, it was a similar look with some feel to lift up the middle with backspin, peaking at 97 mph for his EV (T360’). Quality actions behind the plate with clean/quick transfers and a strong arm, peaking at 78 mph from the chute with a pop-time down to 2.01 seconds. 

+ Nick Salata (Palatine) and Graham Stauber (Fremd) are a couple more 2027 catchers that took loud rounds of BP on the day and deserve a mention. 

+ OF Brady Koren (Lyons Township, 2027) stood out as an athletic right-handed hitter and he’ll be one to follow this spring. There’s some present strength to his 6-foot-1, 181-pound frame, and he’s an above-average athlete with a 6.74 in the 60. His round of BP was loud, showing a simple swing with a tight turn, creating bat-speed while working on the barrel up the middle and pull-side (T95.1 mph; T369’). Defensively, he attacks the baseball with aggressive routes and sure-handed actions, fielding the ball in-stride out front. Sufficient arm strength from a crowhop peaking at 85 mph, full arm circle and ¾ slot. High follow heading into the spring. 

+ OF Wesley Bogda (Crystal Lake South, 2028) took one of the louder rounds of BP on the day. Listed at a highly projectable 6-foot-5, 200-pounds, the long-levered left-handed hitter was all over the barrel in his round with an average EV of 91.2 mph, peaking at 96 mph. He showed consistent feel for the barrel with backspin to his pull-side, keeping the ball on a line with carry thanks to his flat, on-plane swing. He moves well for his size with a 7.18 in the 60, recording a 1.69 for his 10-yard split. He showed clean actions in the outfield portion, peaking at 81 mph from a crowhop with a full arm action and ¾ slot. High ceiling left-handed hitter with an impressive ability to control his long levers. 

+ INF/OF Caleb Prendergast (Evanston, 2028) appeared to be one of the toolsier prospects in attendance Sunday. 6-foot, 164-pound frame, lean and trim build with room to add more strength. Started his day with a 6.74 in the 60-yard dash, peaking at just under 21 mph for his run speed. At the plate, the right-handed hitter showed loose hands with intent to elevate the baseball, creating extension through impact mostly to the middle of the field, flashing gap-to-gap feel (95.5 mph peak EV). He showed well both on the infield and in the outfield with soft hands, athletic actions and a quick first step. His arm-strength stood out amongst the group, peaking at 88 mph on the infield and 92 mph from the outfield with carry, playing true to his target. 

+ Joseph Mueller (Barrington) and Ryland Contreras (Prospect) are a couple more junior outfielders that had loud rounds of BP, both peaking at 98 mph with clean swings. 

+ Luke Schneider (Rolling Meadows, 2028), Jack Lee (Lyons Township, 2027), Kyle LaRose (St. Charles East, 2027), Jimmy Stavros (Prospect, 2027) and Colin O’Brien (Maine South, 2028) are more outfielders that showed well on the day deserving of a mention - with Lee being one of the better runners with a 6.78 in the 60. 

+ INF Madden Williams (Glenbrook North, 2029) was a big winner from the event, emerging as a name our staff will look to follow for the coming years. An athletic right-handed hitter standing 5-foot-9, 157-pounds, he showed to have advanced feel to hit for his age throughout his BP round. Williams was line drive oriented using the whole field, while showing the ability to backspin balls. He averaged 91 mph off the bat (T93.3), while reaching a peak batted distance of 336 feet. Williams had an athletic showing defensively as well, playing with quick hands while showing feel for the position - he also reached 82 mph from across the infield.

+ INF Angelo Vitale (Ridgewood, 2027) is a left-handed hitting middle-infielder to watch entering the spring. Presenting a lean, 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame, he showed a loose/easy flat path through the zone, while generating jump off the barrel (T97.2 mph EV), and utilizing a line drive approach to the middle of the field. Vitale also showed athletic actions on the infield, paired with a reliable glove that should allow him to stick up the middle at the next level.

+ INF Zane Schneider (Lemont, 2027) has continued to impress our staff in recent looks, and this event was no different. Standing at a physical and projectable 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, the right-handed hitter had a loud round of BP, peaking at 97.4 mph off the bat (avg. 88.6 mph), using the whole field and showing bat speed (avg. 70.9 mph). Defensively, he has a reliable glove and an accurate arm across the diamond (T83 mph), profiling more at one of the corner spots at the next level. 

+ INF Liam Allen (Hinsdale Central, 2027) has made noticeable strides in the short time since we last saw him. A lean and athletic right-handed hitter at 6-foot-1, 173-pounds, he showed a loose and athletic swing paired with a line drive approach. In the few weeks since we last saw him, he trimmed his 60 time from 7.50 to 7.26, increased his infield velocity from 78 mph to 83 mph, and also increased his max exit velocity from 93 mph to 99 mph. 

+ A pair of 2028 prospects swung it well in 1B Ryan Smith (Bartlett) and INF Santiago Garcia (Hersey).

Smith is a physical right-handed hitter who was all over the barrel during BP. He averaged 96.3 mph off the bat (led event), peaked at 100.5 mph off the bat (7th highest for event), hit every ball over 95 mph (100% Hard Hit %), and reached a max batted distance of 363 feet.

Garcia was another right-handed hitter who was all over the barrel during his round. At a lean and broad-shouldered 6-foot-1, 179-pounds he averaged 92.5 mph off the bat, peaking at 95.4 mph while tallying a peak batted distance of 361 feet. Garcia also had the quickest hands for the event, peaking at 26.2 mph while averaging 25.5 mph.

+ A trio of right-handed hitting juniors in attendance that had strong showings with the bat include infielders Reece Huber (Maine South), Jacob Wolfinger (Niles North), and Maddux Miller (Jacobs).

Huber, a strong 5-foot-11, 187-pound prospect had a very loud round. Since we last saw him just a few weeks ago, he increased his max EV by over 7 mph (now 100.4 mph) and increased his average EV by nearly 20 mph (now 95.9 mph) - all while posting a hard hit percentage of 89% on this day. Additionally, he shed his 60 time down from 7.70 to 7.37, and increased his infield velocity from 83 mph to 86 mph. 

Wolfinger, a lean 5-foot-10, 190-pound prospect showed loose hands with a line drive approach that worked to the middle and pull-side parts of the field. He peaked at 95.6 mph off the bat while also posting a max batted distance of 365 feet and average distance of 260 feet (tied for 8th best for the event).

Miller, a long-levered 6-foot-3, 186-pound prospect had loose hands and rhythm throughout his operation, flashing jump off the barrel at times. He peaked at 95.8 mph off the bat, paired with a max batted distance of 350 feet.

+ Three freshmen infielders that deserve praise after their showing with the bat are Michael Wente (York), Kellan Sherman (Buffalo Grove), and Colin Schacke (Maine South).

Wente is an upside athlete at 6-foot-2, 166-pounds. From the right side, he showed a flatter path with length through the zone. He averaged 88.4 mph off the bat (T94.9) and had impressive bat speed for his age; averaging 73.5 mph (8th best for event) and maxing out at 75 mph (tied for 15th best for event). He also rounded out his impressive showing with a 7.12 60 time.

Sherman impressed with his hitterish look in the box and feel to hit from the left side; possessing a loose swing, line drive approach, and ability to use the whole field. An upside name to monitor moving forward.

Schacke is another upside left-handed bat to note, standing at a trim 6-foot-1, 164-pound frame that shows projection. Working from an uphill path, he was able to generate natural loft on the ball at times, and work primarily to the middle of the field throughout his round.

+ Rohan Khemani (Lycee Francais De Chicago, 2029), Anthony Eorio (nazareth Academy, 2027), Austin Beckman (Notre Dame College Prep, 2029), Nick Verden (Lake Zurich, 2027), Ryan Rappoport (Evanston, 2027), Eli Sigal (Stevenson, 2028), Bennett Kono (Loyola Academy), and Quinn Forst (Lyons Township, 2029) are more infielders that deserved a mention for their performances.

Two-Ways

+ OF Evan Steinbrunner (Hersey, 2028) is a left/left outfield prospect to keep close tabs on moving forward. He has an athletic, projectable frame, standing in at 6-foot-1, 183-pounds, and he impressed all around the board Sunday morning. He started things off with a 6.80 in the 60, reaching over 20 mph for his peak speed with a 1.67 10-yard split. The left-handed hitter has a longer, flat swing with a whole field approach, creating loud contact all over the yard with power to all fields, peaking at 100 mph for his EV (T369’). He showed a strong arm defensively, peaking at 87 mph from a crowhop with athletic actions to pair, and the arm-strength showed no issues transferring over to the mound. He showed a clean, athletic delivery on the mound with feel for all of his offerings, topping at 82 mph with the fastball to set up a sinker/slider mix with a changeup to round things out. The slider looks like the primary secondary at the moment, showing depth and some horizontal bite with over 2,400 rpm at times. High-follow prospect with an intriguing profile and toolset. 

+ OF/RHP Abel Diaz Jr. (St. Laurence, 2029) looks to be a name to follow in the coming years. The left/left outfielder showed athletic and fluid actions in the outfield to start his day, fielding the ball in-stride with confident hands. At the plate, the left-handed hitter showed an upside swing with loose hands and a steep path, working on top of the baseball with some whip through the zone and a whole-field approach with line-drives. On the mound, Diaz showed loose and athletic movement patterns with a polished arsenal for a prospect his age. He’s a name to watch heading into his freshman year spring season.

+ INF/RHP Gavin Weston (Hampshire, 2028) turned in a quality all-around showing. Offensively, the right-handed hitter showed a flatter path with intent to keep the ball on a line off the bat. Defensively, he showed confident actions and feel for the position, pairing with an accurate arm and reliable glove. On the mound, the right-hander has a loose ¾ arm action and clean delivery, working his fastball up to 81 mph to pair with a curveball/slider mix in the low-70s. He also featured a changeup in the 73-74 mph range with up to 20” of run at times and around 2.9 IVB on average. 

+ CIF/RHP RJ Krefting (St. Patrick, 2029) is a freshman to know following the event. Offensively, the strong 6-foot-1, 177-pound left-handed hitter showed strong hands and a line drive approach to all fields while flashing jump off the barrel. On the mound, Krefting works from a shorter, clean ¾ arm action with a simple and repeatable delivery. The fastball worked in the upper-70s, pairing with a tight 11/5 curveball and a slider he could land in the zone. 

+ INF/RHP Nathan Patterson (York, 2028) is a left-handed hitting two-way prospect to know moving forward. He showed loose hands paired with an athletic, uphill path that stayed on-plane (82% on-plane efficiency). Patterson peaked at 94.5 mph off the bat while also reaching a max batted distance of 351 feet. On the mound, he’s a loose, athletic mover with a quick arm, creating layback into a ¾ slot. The fastball jumps out of the hand at 83-86 mph with some carry traits, pairing well off a 12/6 curveball that has out-pitch potential. His final offering was a changeup that comes out of a near identical window to the fastball, 75-77 mph. 

+ 1B/LHP Harris Resis (New Trier, 2027) had a loud showing on both sides of the ball. At the plate, the left-handed hitter worked up to 100 mph for his EV, peaking at 390’ for his max distance with impressive BLAST metrics to pair (74.6 mph avg. bat-speed, 23 mph avg. hand-speed, and 19.2 Gs avg. rotational acceleration). On the mound, the southpaw paired a low-80s fastball with a shorter bullet slider and a changeup he could land in the zone. 

+ LHP Max Dabbs (Stevenson, 2028) stands in a hard-to-miss frame at 6-foot-6, 202-pounds with long, wiry levers and plenty of upside to dream on. He’s an up-tempo mover on the mound with a long and easy arm path. There’s minimal effort in his delivery, showing a fastball that worked up to 81.7 mph in this look with arm-side action to pair. His curveball showed 12/6 shape with some depth, and he killed spin on his splitter that showed fade and depth. Dabbs emerged as an arm to follow throughout his prep career. He’s easy to dream on at the plate as well, creating mid-90s exit velocities with a loose, long-levered swing that should continue to get more physical and loud in the coming years. 

Pitchers 

+ RHP Connor Saip (Crystal Lake Central, 2028) made his Prep Baseball event debut this past weekend and impressed during his bullpen. Saip stands in an athletic 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame with present strength throughout. He’s a simple mover on the mound with minimal extra movement, showcasing a fastball that sat 81-83 mph (T83.5). His curveball sat in the upper-60s and played with 11/5 shape, and he showed a changeup at 72-74 mph with the ability to land it in and around the zone. Saip rounded out his mix with a splitter at 72-73 mph with a similar profile to his change-up.

+ RHP Henry Schott (Glenbrook South, 2027) is an intriguing arm on the mound that stands in a lean 6-foot-1, 173-pound frame. He worked only out of the stretch with minimal effort showcasing a lively fastball that sat 86-87 mph. He mixed in a curveball and slider – his curveball played with 12/6 shape while his slider showed more 10/4 shape. The off-speed looks like it’s continuing to develop, but the fastball and movement patterns look like he still has more to come.

+ RHP Elliot Paul (Evanston, 2027) came away a big winner on the mound from Sunday’s event. Paul stands in an athletic frame and impressed with his movement patterns on the mound. It’s easy, loose and repeatable with a clean and long arm path. His fastball sat 87 mph throughout his ‘pen, before turning to a 10/4 shaped slider that played low in the zone, averaging 2272 rpm. To round out his three-pitch mix, Paul threw a changeup that sat 76-77 mph with fade. He made significant gains since the last time we saw him, and it’s easy to imagine continued velocity gains as he adds strength to his 146-pound frame. To add to Paul’s status, last spring he earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore after tossing 44.2 innings on the mound with 43 strikeouts.

+ RHP Blake Yankowski (York, 2027) provided a quality look during his first bullpen at a Prep Baseball event this past weekend. He stands in a projectable 6-foot-1, 181-pound frame with athleticism throughout. He’s a quick worker on the mound, showing a clean, compact arm with clear acceleration out front. His fastball came out of the hand clean, sitting 84-85 mph and topping out at 86 mph. He then turned to a slider that showed sharp, 10/4 shape with quality spin (avg. 2572 rpm), an average of -10.9” horizontal movement and -5.0” of induced vertical break. Yankowski’s curveball showed equally impressive metrics, averaging 2472 rpm, an average of -12.9” of horizontal movement and -11.0” of vertical movement. He rounded out his arsenal with a hard changeup that played straight. There’s polish and upside in the repertoire, and Yankowski left Sunday’s event as a must-follow uncommitted arm.

+ LHP Myles Minier (Fremd, 2027) showed some big strides after seeing him at the same event the year prior. Minier is a strong-bodied 6-foot-4, 206-pound southpaw that showed an easy, minimal effort delivery on the mound. His fastball sat 83-85 mph, topping out at 86 mph with arm-side action at times. Minier’s curveball showed 1/7 shape with shorter action, and his change-up was thrown hard with slight fade and depth. Still uncommitted, Minier’s frame and ease of operation makes his prospect status on the mound intriguing moving forward.

+ LHP Conor Fallon (Glenbrook South, 2027) is an interesting southpaw on the mound standing in a sturdy 6-foot-1, 212-pound frame. He’s an easy mover on the mound with a long and clean arm path that works out of a ¾ slot. His fastball played with arm-side action at 81-84 mph. He mixed in a curveball at 66-70 mph with shorter action and 2/8 shape, as well as a changeup with slight fade at 72-73 mph. Fallon is an uncommitted arm that’s worth following the rest of his prep career. 

+ LHP Tucker Soske (Barrington, 2028) made a strong mark on our staff in his Prep Baseball event debut. Soske stands in a hard-to-miss, 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame with long, wiry levers. He’s an easy mover on the mound, and he controls his long levers well, showing a clean and compact arm action. His fastball worked up to 82 mph with arm-side run, while also showing a curveball with 12/6 shape that he threw with fastball arm-speed and the ability to land in the zone. He rounded out his three-pitch mix with a changeup with slight fade, sitting 70-72 mph. There’s plenty of upside still to dream on with Soske considering his movement patterns and frame.

+ RHP Colin McMurray (Vernon Hills, 2027) showed an easy operation on the mound with a long, clean arm path out of a ¾ slot. He showed a four-pitch mix on Sunday, and his fastball sat in the low-80s, working up to 83.7 mph. McMurray’s curveball showed 11/5 shape with short depth at 71-73 mph, and a slider with shorter, horizontal shape. He rounded out his mix with a changeup at 75-76 mph, playing mostly straight.

+ LHP Aaden Colon (Jacobs, 2027) should be an arm to follow this coming spring. Listed at 6-foot, 188-pounds with some present proportionate strength, Colon displayed a quality three pitch mix in his ‘pen. The fastball sat 83-85 mph, topping at 86 mph with straight action, pairing well with a slider in the 75-77 mph range with sharp 1/7 bite (T2415 rpm). His final offering was a straight changeup in the 77-79 mph range. 

+ RHP Sam Sehlhorst (Glenbrook South, 2027) is a projectable 6-foot-5, 202-pound right-hander to know from the day. He has a tall/fall, over the top delivery that helps create a tough angle from his already deceptive operation. The fastball played in the 86-87 mph range with some carry traits and running action, showing some feel around the zone. The slider has developing spin but quality action in the 67-71 mph range, playing with 10/4 shape and around 12-14” of run. The splitter looks like a potential weapon, killing spin with some tumble at times in the 72-74 mph range. 

+ RHP Blake MacMillin (Stevenson, 2028) is a young right-hander to follow moving forward. He’s an athletic mover with a hybrid, up-tempo delivery, working into a medium leg-lift and drop/drive lower-half. The arm action is clean and full out of the glove, playing from a ¾ slot. The fastball jumped out of the hand in the 81-84 mph range with running action arm-side, playing around the zone. His slider showed shorter 10/4 shape with developing spin, 68-69 mph - while the changeup played 71-74 mph with heavy arm-side run and some feel around the zone. 

+ RHP Julian Stump (DePaul College Prep, 2028) is another sophomore to make note of from the day. Listed at 6-foot, 170-pounds with some present strength throughout, Stump worked exclusively out of the stretch with an in-line delivery. The arm action is athletic and clean with present arm-speed, playing from a ¾ window. The fastball sat 81-83 mph with some carry traits and feel around the zone, pairing with a sharp curveball with tight 10/4 shape (T2413 rpm), 71-73 mph. He rounded things out with a changeup in the 73-75 mph range, showing arm-side run and occasional feel around the zone. 

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