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2026 NY Preseason ID: Pitcher/Catcher Analysis: Quick Hits

March 25, 2026
New York Scouting Staff

On Friday, March 3rd, the Prep Baseball New York staff hosted the 2026 NY Preseason ID: Pitcher/Catcher Analysis at Velo U in Pleasantville, NY. Over 45 players made it out to this event, providing us with updated looks and a new list of players to follow in New York this upcoming spring.

We begin our post-event content today with our quick hits from the event, highlighting some of the notable players from the day and their numbers.

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

Catchers

+ C Phileep Nowakowski (Poly Prep, 2028):
Currently ranked No. 22 in the state’s 2028 class, showed a quick, efficient catch-and-release with pop times 1.95–2.04 and 78 MPH arm strength out of the crouch. At the plate, shows a flat, plane-efficient bat path producing 99 MPH max EV, 90 MPH avg EV, and 360+ ft max distance. Bat speed up to 76 MPH with 20g rotational acceleration and 73% OPE. Well-rounded profile with continued strength gains likely to enhance both arm strength and offensive impact moving forward.

+ C Avery Farrell (Goshen, 2027):
Currently ranked No. 120 in the state’s junior class. Showcased violent bat speed producing 97 MPH peak EV and 345 ft max distance. Barrel tilts early into a plane-efficient path through the zone. Behind the plate, shows quick, efficient transfers with pop times as low as 1.95 and 75 MPH arm strength out of the crouch. Physical development points to future gains in both power output and defensive consistency.

+ C Thomas Zakaria (Deer Park, 2028):
Currently ranked No. 46 in the state’s sophomore class, high-upside 6-foot, 170-lb sophomore catcher with efficient defensive actions and a clean release (75 MPH arm with carry). The offensive profile is built on a simple, strong-handed swing supported by advanced metrics (26 MPH hand speed, 73 MPH bat speed, 28g rotational acceleration), producing 96 EV and 89 average EV. Physical projection and underlying metrics point to a future power bat with continued defensive growth behind the plate.

Two-way Players

+ RHP/SS Declan McDermott (Kingston, 2027):
Currently ranked No. 47 in the state’s junior class, the former future gamer is a high-upside 6-foot-3, 191-lb two-way prospect with a clean, repeatable release and full three-pitch mix. FB up to 88 MPH with arm-side life; CB (2500 RPM) shows depth; CH adds a heavy third offering—consistent release enhances deception. Offensive profile shows real strength with 78 MPH bat speed, producing 100 EV, 367 ft max distance.

+ C/RHP Tyler Zizza (St. Anthony’s, 2028):
Currently ranked No. 16 in the state;s sophomore class, Long, slender 6-foot-5 two-way prospect with presence on the mound. Frame oozes projection. FB up to 88 MPH with 21” IVB; SL spins up to 2410 RPM and pairs with a CB showing added depth. Behind the plate, shows seamless transfers with 81 MPH arm strength and pop times down to 2.00. At the plate, a whippy barrel works through the zone, producing middle-to-pull side power with EVs up to 100 MPH. High-upside frame suggests continued strength gains, with velocity and overall impact trending upward.

Pitchers

+ RHP Gavin Keating (Pelham Memorial, 2027):
Currently ranked No. 122 in the state’s 2027 class. Long, projectable 6-foot-4, 182-lb right-hander. Riding FB up to 87 (2354 rpm, 22” IVB) from a low 3/4 slot; SL 75-76 mph (2361 rpm) shows sharp, two-tier break; CH plays heavy to the arm side. A high-upside frame with room to add strength—velocity and swing-and-miss potential should continue to trend upward.

+ RHP Matthew McCarthy (Albany, 2027):
Currently ranked No. 81 in the state’s junior class, high-upside 5-foot-10, 157-lb right hander with a dynamic FB/CB pairing. FB shows ride and life beyond its velocity (85-86, 2536 RPM, 17” IVB); CB projects as a potential plus offering with high spin and swing-and-miss shape (71-72 mph, 2892 rpm, -7” IVB, -19” HM). CH adds depth to the mix with consistent tunneling. Wiry, projectable frame points to future velocity gains and a potential breakout as the arsenal continues to develop.

+ RHP Brody Racan (Kingsway, 2028):
Currently ranked No. 20 in the state’s sophomore class, a high-upside 6-foot-2, 190-lb athlete with a strong, downhill operation. FB shows carry and life (88 MPH, 21” IVB); SL features high spin and developing sharpness; CH adds a heavy third offering. Physical build and delivery point to future velocity gains and a more complete swing-and-miss arsenal.