MD/DE Scout Blog: Naill's Notes (Month of April)

Ethan Frank OF / CALVERT HALL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, MD / 2026

A 2024 Future Games alum, Frank is making a statement this spring both at the dish and defensively in the outfield. Speed and added physicality in 2025 has propelled the 5-foot-10, 185-pounder into becoming one of the more sought after uncommitted players in the 2026 class. It’s a smooth, controlled approach at the dish with the ability to spray line drives to both gaps with some added power to the pull side. Quick hands and an accurate barrel bodes well for a high contact rate at the next level, and if this frame continues to fill out, look for the power ceiling to continue to rise.

Michael Goldsmith C / 1B / Mount Saint Joseph, MD / 2026

One of the more intriguing uncommitted backstops in the state, Goldsmith turned plenty of heads at the 2024 Future Games last summer and has continued the momentum into a strong spring thus far. In each look, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound backstop has been on barrel consistently at the dish and continues to showcase power to the middle of the field. Torque in the hips with some added lower half involvement, the hands are fluid with strong wrists. When the approach stays to the middle, this is one of the more exciting hit tools in the class.

Bo White RHP / Landon School, MD / 2026

James Ortiz SS / 3B / North Hagerstown High School, MD / 2026

One of the biggest standouts this preseason, I was eager to get eyes on Ortiz in-game this spring and it certainly did not disappoint. Quick, whippy barrel action through the zone with sneaky power to the pull side and some of the most explosive athleticism was on full display. This is an impact player on both sides of the ball and the arm strength continues to tick up in each look. If you want a hard-nosed, high contact bat and versatile defender, Ortiz definitely fits the mold.

Isaiah Babcock SS / RHP / Tuscarora High, MD / 2026

An arm that our staff loved last summer, Babcock has been highly regarded in this 2026 class for a few years now, and a look at the arm in early April definitely checked a ton of boxes. The fastball has ticked up since last look, now sitting comfortably in the mid to upper 80s, featuring a new pitch to the arsenal in a tight, shorter shaped cutter in the low 80s. The curveball has always shown sharp, late shape and the confidence continues to grow with it. This is a true 3 or 4 pitch arm that finds ways to miss barrels in the zone and get outs at a quick pace. As the feel for the zone increases and the heater continues to tick up, look for this to be one of the more intriguing uncommitted arms in a loaded 2026 class this summer.

Joviel Silva SS / OF / Col. Zadok Magruder High, MD / 2026

When you look at this frame, you wouldn't necessarily think there's any power upside in the bat, however, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound shortstop continues to showcase some sneaky juice to the pull side with a consistent ability to spray line drives to all fields. Rhythm and balance is at the forefront of this hit tool, and the quickness in the hands continues to garner my attention. The versatility and athleticism has ticked up, and the defensive actions continue to impress. 

Chase McLaughlin 3B / OF / Northeast High, MD / 2026

Physicality and an explosive hit tool has always been the thing that catches my attention each time I get a chance to see McLaughlin. Controlled explosiveness at the dish with plenty of power to the middle, the hands work quick with balance and a consistent backload. Strong lower half and the ability to stay level through the zone bodes well for consistent success at the next level. When looking at the body and makeup, the athleticism catches you off guard, as the run tool only adds to the intrigue when evaluating the physical infielder. 

Cooper Meeks C / 1B / Northeast, MD / 2026

Power hitting catchers are often highly regarded across the recruiting world, and Meeks certainly fits this mold. Rhythm in the hands with the ability to manipulate the barrel, the power is to the middle of the field and continues to tick up in each of our looks. Defensively, the arm strength is advanced behind the dish with quick, active footwork and an accurate arm.  

Hunter Reed C / OF / Home School, MD / 2026

Yet another big time bat that got added to the Brunswick lineup in 2025, Hunter Reed possesses some of the most intriguing physicality in the class and the hit tool impresses in each look. Gap-to-gap strength with the ability to backspin to the alleys, the power upside is absurd and should only continue to tick up as the barrel awareness and swing decisions increase. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame is certainly imposing, however, the run tool and sheer athleticism is something that sticks out the most, personally. This is a versatile athlete that can play multiple positions and really run it down in the outfield. 

Cory Godlove OF / LHP / Middletown High, MD / 2026

One of my favorites for years, Godlove is the epitome of a hard-nosed, high contact left-handed hitter and certainly a guy you want on your team. It’s a controlled left-handed stroke with loud line drive tendencies to the middle and pull side with the ability to fit the mold of a top-of-the-order profile with speed. Highly athletic, Godlove can impact the game in multiple facets and can really go and get it in the outfield. 

Reid Kimball OF / OF / Poolesville, MD / 2027

Possessing one of the smoothest and fluid left-handed strokes in the class, Kimball continues to showcase some of the more consistent barrel feel I’ve seen this spring and the power continues to tick up. It’s a balanced setup at the dish with an explosive, yet controlled operation through contact. The strength is to the pull side, yet has shown the ability to spray line drives to the middle as well. Still plenty of room to fill out this frame, look for more success to be on the brink as the summer months quickly approach.

Carter Vinar SS / RHP / Brunswick, MD / 2027

Coming off a state title in 2024, Brunswick’s offense has gotten even stronger in 2025 with the help of this smooth swinging, athletic sophomore. It’s a top of the order profile with a high contact rate and intriguing doubles power to the pull side. Quick barrel action with some whip, this is a hit tool to get eyes on for years to come. As the maturity sets in in the frame and strength is added, look for this to be a helium hit tool as we inch closer to the summer. 

Grady Beaver OF / 3B / oakdale high school, MD / 2027

A player that I did not know too much about heading into the spring, Beaver impressed immensely in my look earlier this week. It’s a controlled, yet explosive approach at the dish with fairly advanced strength to the middle of the field, showcasing the ability to backspin to the alleys and manipulate the barrel. The physicality opens eyes at first glance, and the three-sport attribute only increases athleticism. As the frame continues to fill out and core strength increases, look for this to be a highly regarded name to follow for years to come

Landon Rosenberg RHP / 1B / Tuscarora, MD / 2028

I got my first glance at Rosenberg at a Rising Stars event last summer and the advanced physicality and hit tool caught my eye immediately. It’s a powerful left-handed stroke with immense power upside that showcases well to both gaps. Quick and controlled bat speed plays well into the barrel feel with line drive tendencies to the middle. Maturation in the frame is only beginning, making this one of the top 2028’s in the state.

Cooper DeWaal SS / RHP / Oakdale High, MD / 2028

A freshman that I had on my “high follow” list heading into the spring, DeWaal has not disappointed and this hit tool has impressed. A standout performance this winter, this left-handed stroke is powerful and the barrel feel and quick hands certainly provide intrigue for future success. Possessing an already advanced 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame, the power is still developing with already consistent barrel control and a high contact rate. A quiet, yet explosive makeup, keep eyes on this 2028 for years to come.