By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff

The 2014 Prep Baseball Report Future Games are about two weeks away and we’re getting you ready for the event by highlighting some of the top players that will be there to showcase their skills for dozens of college recruiters. Last week’s Hotlist presented the top 2016 position players. This week features the top 2016 pitchers.

Tyler Benninghoff, RHP/SS, Rockhurst HS, MO
Standing at a projectable 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Benninghoff starts with a controlled vertical knee lift then explodes at the plate, utilizing a simple, fast arm action and a three-quarter slot. His fastball ranges from 83-86 mph and his 74-75 breaking ball has late, sharp break to it—definitely a potential out pitch as he learns to harness it. He also mixes in a 73-76 changeup. Benninghoff struck out 30 batters in 28.1 innings for Rockhurst this spring and was 4-1 with a 3.95 ERA for a top ranked team in Missouri Class 5. He is one of the country’s top two-way prospects, as well. His actions are fluid and natural and has an advanced plate approach.