The Junior Future Games is an exciting time of year for the entire Prep Baseball staff, providing an opportunity to evaluate each state’s top up-and-coming freshman talent and project how they may develop over time. We spend all year shaping and molding the roster we bring through our various showcases and tournaments, so it is very rewarding to see how well this year’s Team Illinois Junior Future Games squad performed. 

This year’s Team Illinois squad was the most successful in the state’s history, riding a four-game winning streak all the way to the semifinals. Along the way, they faced a host of strong opponents, including Team Massachusetts, Team Georgia, Team Arizona, Team Mississippi, and Team Tennessee. There were numerous players from Team Illinois that made a loud statement at the event, and we will be highlighting some of the most notable performances, below. 

GAMEPLAY

Team Illinois finished with a 4-1 record, eventually falling 8-5 to Team Tennessee in the semifinals after a hard fought game. Along the way, the squad showed plenty of promise at the plate, slashing .333/.490/.455 over five games and scoring 37 runs. The squad’s defense as a whole stood out as well, only committing four errors the entire tournament. 

The infield of this team really stood out defensively with infielders SS Todd Dulaney Jr. (Nazareth Academy, 2029), 2B/RHP Cody Busch (Joliet Catholic, 2029), 3B/RHP Jake Pisano (Providence Catholic, 2029), and INF Andrew Jones (Marist, 2029) showcasing advanced feel for the position for their ages.

Dulaney Jr. flashed easy power in the opening game of the event, going 2-for-3 with a pull-side home run to left field. He also consistently displayed a strong defensive ability up the middle, projecting him to be one of the top defensive middle infielders in the midwest. That strong showing helped propel him to a No. 2 ranking in the state in our inaugural 2029 class rankings. 

Busch profiles as a true two-way follow, pairing plus defensive ability with bat-to-ball skills and pitchability on the mound. At the plate, the right-handed hitter was able to find gaps pretty easily, finishing 5-for-11 for the tournament and tying for the team lead with four RBIs. He also showed athletic actions up the middle, and it will be interesting to see how he develops as he continues to fill out his frame.

Pisano truly looked the part at the hot corner, saving multiple runs throughout gameplay with his steady glove. At the plate, the left-handed hitter displayed a smooth swing despite limited in-game results, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop as he matures.

Jones showed a hitterish presence throughout the event, consistently producing quality at-bats and earning six free bases in 11 plate appearances. The right-hander showcased strong barrel control, finishing 2-for-5 on the week with two RBIs. He also possessed an aggressive approach on the bases, always looking to take the next base with six stolen bases.

The team also featured two defensive stalwarts behind the dish with C Mason Carlson (Joliet Catholic, 2029) and C Jacob Kaspar (Brother Rice, 2029), both of whom made strong impressions at the event.

Carlson presents some loud contact to all fields, nearly leaving the yard to right field on an opposite-field double against Team Georgia. The right-hander finished the tournament 3-for-9 with two doubles and four RBIs. Defensively, Carlson proved to be a reliable framer and blocker with a strong arm behind the plate, recording a top pop time of 2.04 seconds during the testing portion of the event.

Kaspar is an athletic worker behind the plate who flashed an above-average arm during the testing portion. He showed quality catch-and-throw skills with accurate throws, tying for the ninth-best pop time of the event at 1.94 seconds. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the right-handed catcher as his bat continues to develop.

The outfield was anchored by a trio of intriguing outfielders who all showed well consistently throughout the tournament: OF Mason Koth (Jacobs, 2029), OF Tyler Lanzi (Providence Catholic, 2029), and OF Charlie Kohman (Downers Grove North, 2029).

Koth showed plenty of promise in the outfield, making several difficult plays while displaying a strong arm that reached 82 mph during testing. The projectable right-handed hitter also showed the ability to drive the ball from gap-to-gap, finishing 4-for-10 with two doubles and three RBIs. 

Lanzi was a major threat on the basepaths throughout the event, displaying his above-average speed with six stolen bases in gameplay. He combined that speed with a strong feel for the barrel, finishing 5-for-11 with two RBIs and three runs scored. 

Kohman’s hit tool stood out throughout the tournament, as he consistently found ways to get on base and drive in runs during gameplay. The left-hander was a key contributor to the offense, going 5-for-10 at the plate with three RBIs and four runs scored. He also showed fluid actions in the outfield, paired with a strong arm that gunned a runner down at home in the quarterfinals.

To cap things off on the offensive side, the lineup also featured a trio of power hitting utility players in OF/RHP Paulie Hobbs (Marist, 2029), 1B/RHP Dempsey Steinmetz (Marist, 2029), and CIF/RHP Leo Kelly (Loyola Academy, 2029), who our staff will keep an eye on as they continue to develop. 

Hobbs delivered one of the louder rounds of BP during the testing portion, posting the ninth-highest average exit velocity at 90 mph, with a max of 97.7 mph and a 378-foot max distance. That power carried over into gameplay, where the projectable right-handed hitter showcased excellent feel for the barrel. He would go on to finish 5-for-10 at the plate in gameplay, collecting a triple with two RBIs and three runs. He also offered plus arm talent from the outfield, recording throws up to 85 mph from a crow hop. 

Steinmetz displayed middle-of-the-order potential throughout the event, showing the ability to drive the ball to all fields with authority. The right-handed hitter got gameplay off to a strong start, lacing a two-run home run to deep left-center field. He later added an RBI double to left field in the quarterfinals, continuing his productive approach at the plate.

Kelly displayed two-way potential at the event, combining loud contact at the plate with an intriguing look on the mound. At the plate, he consistently found the barrel, recording multiple hits, including a double on the first day of bracket play. Defensively, he showed promise in the infield, flashing a lively arm that reached 84 mph across the diamond, a skill that also translated well to his pitching.

PITCHERS

Our Junior Future Games team had no shortage of pitching, with multiple players stepping up on the mound to deliver valuable performances. The most notable standout performance on the mound came from Busch, who threw a one-hit complete-game shutout against Team Arizona while striking out eight to send Team Illinois to the Quarterfinals. The right-hander attacked hitters with a fastball/slider combination that generated plenty of swing-and-miss. His fastball sat primarily in the upper-70s, touching 80.8 mph, while his sweeping slider consistently got hitters to chase out of the zone. His strong two-way performance at the event helped earn him a No. 4 ranking in the state in our inaugural 2029 class rankings.

Kelly showcased the loudest stuff on the mound of this Illinois group, posting a max fastball velocity of 84.1 mph. The projectable right-hander displayed gamer qualities on the mound, bouncing back after a tough first inning to earn the win against a strong Team Georgia squad. Over four innings, he allowed just two hits and recorded one strikeout. He complemented a low-80s fastball with a sweeping slider and a fading changeup, both of which consistently induced weak contact. His loud tools on both sides of the ball throughout the event helped earn him a No. 5 ranking in the state in our inaugural 2029 class rankings.

Hobbs provided an intriguing look on the mound over three innings, helping lead the squad past Team Mississippi in the quarterfinals. He finished with two runs allowed, three strikeouts, and just two hits surrendered. He kept hitters off balance by working his low-80s fastball (T82.8 mph) effectively around the zone. He also mixed in a horizontal slider and a fading changeup as his offspeed offerings. 

Rounding out the list of pitchers is RHP Hector Valdez (Nazareth Academy, 2029), who showcased an effective three-pitch arsenal capable of missing barrels. Valdez got the start in the first game of pool play, demonstrating the ability to consistently fill the zone with multiple offerings. His fastball sat in the upper-70s to low-80s (T 83.3 mph), complimenting it with a gradual slider and a late fading changeup. He pitched three innings in a winning effort, recording four strikeouts while allowing just two hits.

FULL ROSTER

Cody Busch SS / RHP / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2029 Busch was a sparkplug for Team Illinois’ offense throughout the tournament. He has developing showcase tools but is a true gamer. In gameplay, Busch had five hits out of the leadoff spot, finishing the week 5-for-11 with four runs and four RBIs. There is true bat to ball skills and feel for the barrel present already for Busch, a top of the lineup bat with more room to add strength. In the first game of bracket play, Busch was given the start on the mound and didn't disappoint. The 5-foot-9 right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings, striking out eight, allowing just one hit and one walk. This was true dominance on the mound for Busch, the gamer mentality and intensity that he pitches with really stood out and was a large reason for his success on the hill. Busch is a name to circle as he enters his high school career at JCA.

Mason Carlson C / 3B / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2029 Carlson really impressed behind the plate with his receiving and blocking ability, Carlson stole many strikes for our pitcher and saved a number of runs with his ability to block and hold runners on. Carlson broke out at the event with multiple clutch hits as well. In the showcase, Carlson had a max EV of 92 mph with an average of 85 mph and max distance of 339’. In gameplay, had two extra base hits, and drove in four runs in ten at bats. Carlson is a physical 5-foot-7, 192-pound backstop that showed mature catching ability. Carlson is a name to follow for JCA.

	Todd Dulaney Jr SS / 2B / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2029 Dulaney Jr. is a projectable 5-foot-10, 150-pound infielder with lean strength that had an eye opening performance at the Junior Future Games. Dulaney Jr. is one of the most athletic prospects to come out of this event from IL and it showed in the showcase as well as in gameplay. At the showcase, Dulaney Jr. had a max EV of 93 mph with an avg. of 83 mph and tossed 77 mph across the infield with soft hands and athletic actions. In his first at bat in gameplay, Dulaney Jr. sent one over the wall in left for a homer, and added two more hits throughout the weekend. Dunlaney Jr. had an intriguing build and play style that is to be followed as he enters high school at powerhouse Nazareth Academy.
	Paulie Hobbs OF / RHP / Marist, IL / 2029 Hobbs is a physical 6-foot-1, 188-pound prospect that flashed all sorts of strength throughout the event. In the showcase, Hobbs sent his last two balls in BP over the wall in left center with a max distance of 379’ and a max EV of 98 mph (90 mph avg.) The outfielder also threw 85 mph from his respective position. In gameplay, Hobbs continued his success barreling balls left and right, finishing the week with 5-for-10 with a triple to right center, two RBIs, three runs, and three stolen bases. Hobbs also got the ball on the mound in the quarterfinal game against Mississippi and tossed three innings allowing two hits and struck out three. Hobbs’ fastball was 79-81 T83 mph with 17.4 in of avg. IVB, slider was low to mid 70s, and threw a changeup in the mid 70s. Hobbs has strength throughout and uses his physicality to his advantage. A prospect to follow coming out of the event.
	Andrew Jones SS / RHP / Marist, IL / 2029 Jones had an impressive week all around. During the showcase, Jones tossed 79 mph across the infield and had a standout BP round, with a max EV of 84 mph. Jones has previously impressed in front of our staff at the IL Rising Stars Games. In gameplay at LakePoint, Jones tallied two base hits (2-for-5), and in 11 plate appearances was hit by a pitch four times, and walked twice (.727 OBP) Also, swiped six bags in five games. Jones worked the whole field when at the plate, and plays smooth and quick on the infield. A name to follow as one of the top prospects in the IL 2029 class.
	Jacob Kaspar C / OF / Brother Rice, IL / 2029 Kaspar flashed athleticism throughout the week. Kaspar is predominantly a catcher but has the ability to track down balls in the outfield. In the showcase, Kaspar peaked at 82 mph EV, tossed 71 mph from the chute, and flashed pop times as low as 1.94. In gameplay, reached base in four of his 11 at bats, and tallied a stolen base. Kaspar’s tools will continue to tick up as he gains more strength and becomes more physical throughout his high school career. An impressive performance defensively for the backstop.
	Leo Kelly 3B / RHP / Loyola Academy, IL / 2029 Kelly may have had the loudest showing on the mound of the week. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander got the start against Georgia and didn't disappoint. In four innings of work, Kelly allowed two hits and struck out one. Kelly’s fastball reached 84 mph, sitting 79-82 mph, the slider was in the low 70s, and a changeup in the mid to upper 70s. At the plate, Kelly was on the barrel throughout the tournament, finishing with a couple hits and loud out, including a double in the first game of bracket play. Kelly has the build and the tools to be a serious prospect, the velocity will continue to tick up and he will continue to be a tough at bat for hitters. A solid get for Loyola Academy.
	Charlie Kohman OF / LHP / Downers Grove North, IL / 2029 Kohman had arguably the most eye opening performances of the week for Team Illinois. In the showcase, Kohman reached 87 mph EVs, working line drives from gap-to-gap throughout the round and tossed 77 mph from the outfield. In gameplay, the bat to ball skills and true hit tool stood out. Kohman was 5-for-10 on the week with three RBIs and four runs. Played a smooth outfield and showed off the arm, throwing a runner out at home in the quarterfinals. Kohman is a name that will continue to tick up in the IL 2029 class.
	Mason Koth OF / RHP / Jacobs, IL / 2029 Koth is another physical prospect standing 6-foot-2, 169-pounds, Koth impressed as an arm and a bat. Koth ran a 7.17 60-yard dash and tossed 80 mph from the outfield. During his round of BP, the right-hander reached 94 mph EVs with a max distance of 350’. In gameplay, Koth was 4-for-10 on the week with two doubles, drove in two and scored three times. On the mound, the right-hander was in relief and tossed two innings, allowing one hit and no runs. Koth is a name to follow heading into his freshman year for the Golden Eagles.
	Tyler Lanzi OF / RHP / Providence Catholic, IL / 2029 Lanzi had one of the most intriguing performances at the showcase. Lanzi ran a 7.10 60-yard dash, tossed 80 mph from the outfield, and had a max EV of 92 mph, while working line drives throughout. Lanzi continued his success in gameplay as he tallied five hits in 11 ABs, two RBIs, three runs, and six stolen bases. Lanzi is quick and athletic on the bases and can be on third in two pitches every time he reaches base. Lanzi was important to our offense, aggressive, athletic, and smart on the bases. The tools are there for Lanzi and will continue to get better as he gets stronger. A defiant follow.
	Jake Pisano RHP / 3B / Providence Catholic, IL / 2029 Pisano saved a number of runs with his defensive play at third base. Pisano made multiple diving/sliding plays throughout the weekend and made every play look easy. Pisano was on the barrel throughout the weekend though only one found the grass. The left-hander has a smooth swing with a lanky 6-foot-2, 160-pound frame. On the mound Pisano was up to 80 mph w/ sink on his fastball and showed a higher spinning curveball at 67-69 mph. An interesting prospect heading to Providence Catholic.
	Dempsey Steinmetz 1B / RHP / Marist, IL / 2029 Steinmetz showed some strength in both the showcase as well as gameplay. In the showcase portion, Steinmetz flashed a 95 mph max EV with a max distance of 360’. Also, threw 79 mph across the infield from first base. In gameplay, Steinmetz lined a ball over the wall in the first game of pool play for a homer, finished the week with three hits including two XBH, three RBIs, and three runs. On the mound, the right-hander worked a fastball up to 78 mph, a curveball in the high 60s, and a change in the low 70s. Steinmetz was a winner from the event, flashing some in-game juice and bat to ball skill.
	Hector Valdez RHP / OF / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2029 Valdez was given the ball in the first game of pool play and was effective. In three innings of work, allowed just two hits, two walks, and struck out four. Valdez worked a three pitch mix with his fastball at 77-80 T83 mph, a slider at 69-72 mph, and a changeup at 70 mph. Valdez was in control and got out to a hot start striking out the side in the first inning. Valdez’ velocity and spin rates will tick up with time, his ability to control the game was a tool that stood out.

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