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Draft Buzz: 18U Trials (Position Players)

August 1, 2025
Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

18U-POSITION-PLAYERS-WEBSITE

1. SS Aiden Ruiz (NY)

2. '27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)

3. 3B Beau Peterson (KS)

4. OF Kevin Roberts Jr. (MS)

5. SS James Clark (CA)

6. SS Tyler Spangler (CA)

7. '27 C Will Brick (TN)

8. CF EJ Booth (MS)

9. CF Brady Harris (FL)

10. SS Jacob Lombard (FL)/SS Grady Emerson (TX)

11. IF Landon Thome (IL)

12. SS Rocco Maniscalco (AL)

13. OF Jorvorskie Lane Jr. (TX)

14. SS Cole Koeninger (TX)

15. OF Jaxson Wood (AL)


+ SS Aiden Ruiz (Stony Brook School, NY)
Vanderbilt recruit. Listed at 5-foot-10, Ruiz is probably closer to 5-foot-9, 165-pounds, but commands significantly greater attention than his smaller frame would lead on. Simply put, there was no more alluring prospect at the event, and he was captivatingly good in all facets. Nestled in amongst 80 other top prospects, nobody thought the game as well as Ruiz, and there is no better player to build a gold medal roster around. Sure-handed at shortstop with a quick first step, it is a dynamic glove-to-hand ability, and he exhibited the quickest release of any of the shortstops while still maintaining near plus arm strength across the diamond. At the plate, the switch hitter sinks deeper into the legs with the hands held right at the ear before rocking back with minor hand separation. Quickly working directly to the ball with some drift, the bat-to-ball capability stands out as elite in the class, and he sprayed firmer line drives to all fields with perhaps a slightly better look from the left side (where he likely receives most of his at-bats). The impact of the bat will be monitored closely over the next 12 months as it was less powerful in this short stint. The comparisons to Eli Willits are surely to rise though Ruiz will be 18 months older than Willits at draft. Having said that, the New York native is a clear first round candidate and makes himself easy to like with the way that he plays.

+ SS Dylan Seward (Norco HS, CA)
Uncommitted. Seward was the best prospect in attendance and while he is set to rise to the #1 spot in the 2027 class at the end of the summer, he would challenge for that same spot in 2026. The 6-foot, 175-pound, switch-hitting shortstop took some of the crispest rounds of batting practice where tight turns and length in the zone were on full display as he peppered both gaps while providing a glimpse at some power from both sides. Building strength off the back side in a near buildup fashion, a slightly uphill path was delivered with the quickest of hands as he covered the plate and confidently took stellar at-bats against some of the more premier arms in the class. Still more, Seward’s arm strength was unmatched on the dirt and he looked the part of a plus-defender throughout the week. A 6.1-runner (!!!), the speed is elite and the five-tool potential pervades every facet of play.

+ 3B Beau Peterson (KS)
Texas recruit. Peterson looked the part of a future pro, and his presence in the box and on the dirt was that of a first round pick. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound third baseman had a marquee moment, defensively, where he slid to the backhand before spinning up to make a strong throw to first to rob a hit. He is athletic on the dirt with the makings of an above average defender with solid hands and a plus-arm. The bat, however, is clearly the selling point, and his loose-wristed stroke delivered some thunderous barrels throughout. Keenly matching plane with a slightly uphill approach with the ability to loft the ball effortlessly, the left-handed slugger was hitterish in the box throughout, even when coming in late off the bench.

+ Kevin Roberts Jr. (Jackson Prep, MS)
Florida recruit. Next to Ruiz, Roberts clearly had the loudest week of any player in attendance thanks to a no-doubt home run that was the most memorable moment. At 6-foot-5, 217-pounds, the right-handed hitting outfielder has an unteachable frame with the athleticism to match, and still looks to be able to add another 30 pounds of muscle without sacrificing anything. The right-handed hitter got off his best swings in game play as the batting practice session was less power-filled with some inconsistency to the timing and lack of impact from the barrel. However, his on-time swings and connection in game action saw the barrel work short-to-long with ultra-intriguing upside. There was the slightest sign of a barrel dump in the approach, but that appeared to be a more easily cleaned up strength issue, and the ability to slow things down in the box was impressive. His run times were more average in this look and he profiles as a corner outfielder with a plus-arm. One of the younger players in the class, Roberts will assuredly be one of the more polarizing prospects in the class and holds Top 10 pick potential.

+ SS James Clark (St. John Bosco HS, CA)
Princeton recruit. A helium hopeful leading into the summer, Clark might just be the best prospect in southern California, and though he has an Ivy League commitment, his talent still warrants the closest of Day 1 attention. It was an impressive look at the 6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitter whose short stroke and quick hands stood out from the left side. There is some impact to the barrel with some controlled, late aggression being seen from a sturdy base at the plate. Even more telling about his Day 1 potential was the look on the dirt. Situated next to some of the finest shortstop defenders in the class, Clark looked their equal, and showed off some dynamic capability with the glove. Likely to get plenty of looks over the next year, there is plenty to get excited about from the SoCal native.

+ SS Tyler Spangler (CA)
Stanford recruit. Spangler continued to build his case for being the top prospect in the class with this look in Cary. Less results driven, the 6-foot-3 shortstop had great takes and got off dangerous swings in all counts against any and all pitches. More upright with a Seager-esq look, the left-handed hitter loads onto the back leg with hanging stride before using considerable torque to get off a dynamic stroke that works flat through the zone with impressive bat speed. Tracked with ease and slowing things down in the box, Spangler just missed a handful of pitches that fouled straight back, and he is likely to deliver some marquee moments the rest of the summer. There is a late, almost abrupt rigidity to the hands load that might be smoothed out in a hurry to provide a more consistent path, but the profile currently screams hit/power, and his impact potential outpaces the rest of the class. Defensively, his clean glove work and strong arm stood out along with crisp actions and athleticism that presented the look of a long-term shortstop although he moved admirably in the outfield and at third base.

+ 2027 C Will Brick (TN)
Uncommitted. The Prep Baseball All-American was sensational throughout a hot week that saw him bring incessant energy to the diamond while also showcasing high-level tools. Country strong with a projectable 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, the right-handed hitting catcher displayed a gritty approach with pristine tools at the plate. Sans batting gloves with strong hands, his tightly-connected yet fluid approach provided ample reason to believe that he will hit at a high level, and the bigger power displayed in batting practice only reasserted his claim to being the top catcher in the class. Agile behind the dish with an energetic look, he relentlessly blocked balls while stealing strikes. Brick already possesses plus arm strength and his defensive prowess, along with the elite athleticism of the frame, have his ceiling set very high.

+ CF EJ Booth (MS)
Vanderbilt recruit. Booth’s remarkable bat-to-ball ability, even in spite of an awkward inhibiting setup, stood out throughout the week. The 6-foot, 207-pound outfielder has a throwback approach at the dish with a loose-wristed, strong-handed left-handed stroke that saw him move the barrel all over the zone, manipulating planes successfully. His elite athleticism is surprising in person given the durably-built frame, but his low center of gravity provides ample lower-half strength and ground force on both sides of the ball. He battled deep into counts while registering several hits and just one strikeout. Most astounding, Booth’s simple, almost low-motor swing still produced some of the biggest exit velocities in workouts including multiple balls that banged the wall without getting 10 feet off the ground. He took solid routes in the outfield with apt closing speed and confident glove work with a near average arm. In short, it was a quality showing from the Mississippi native and one that will only allow scouting departments further evidence for a potential higher selection next July.

+ CF Brady Harris (FL)
Trinity Christian Academy, FL) Florida recruit. Even without his best showing, Harris was able to produce and make an impact. Spring looks are likely to be much better as the ultra-competitive and athletic, 6-foot-2, 185-pound center fielder appeared a bit worn down throughout the week, but still managed to barrel a handful of balls with successful results. Perhaps a bit stiffer in the setup with the hands held deeper back below the shoulder, some inconsistency to the path provided for some struggles at time in workouts, although the bat and handspeed, and especially the lower-half strength, continued to show well. Hardly alarming, this look has become routine for many top prospects who are trying to fight through the mid-summer heat in Cary, and the fact that Harris was still able to succeed without being in peak form only amplifies his upside which holds strikingly similar status to that of Dylan Crews back in 2020. The bigger takeaway from gameplay and workouts was just how gifted and precise his footwork in the outfield is. A quick first step and an agile gate provide advanced closing speed that are lifted up by plus glove work and a plus arm. Running downhill with a low center of gravity, he looked the part of an above average center fielder throughout the week and is at or near the top of a stout crop of outfielders in this year’s class. The subtleties of this look combined with the long track record of success that Harris now carries, are more than enough to warrant many looks over the next year with earlier Day 1 consideration.

+ SS Jacob Lombard (FL)
Uncommitted. Lombard continued to impress as the most polished player in the class with graceful athleticism on both sides of the ball. His 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame stands out and should see a considerable amount of strength added while maintaining its nimble agility. The swing and impact potential of the bat is what will ultimately be the key to how high he can rise in the class from his highest of floors. There is a professional approach from the right side with acute intent to keep the barrel on the ball with a two-handed, emphasized stroke. Featuring a slightly uphill approach, Lombard rarely got cheated in getting off aggressive, controlled swings with some torque. There was some swing-and-miss throughout the event, namely to the top of the zone with fastballs, but he tracked effortlessly, even getting off big swings on adjusted breaking balls. Any attention paid to the whiff% should also be paid to the OBP as Lombard has routinely worked deep into counts with advanced strike zone awareness and even when not going at his best, still manages to get on base where his speed and instincts are another weapon.

+ SS Grady Emerson (TX)
Texas recruit. While the production was not there in game play, Emerson’s smooth left-handed stroke maintained its high-level look, and he is still clearly one of the best pure hitters in the class. The balance and approach from the left side stood out from the first pitch of batting practice as the 6-foot-2, 180-pound, athlete showed effortless lag in the zone from a crouched stance that displayed a sturdy base. Using a minor knee-knock stride to separate the hands down and back to a power position, he exhibited a slightly uphill path while taking professional rounds in all workout looks. Tracking in his legs with ease, his strike zone awareness was obvious throughout the week. Defensively he moved with solid actions at each of the infield positions including quality glove-to-hand ability with a quick release. Though he exhibited less swing-and-miss, the look was similar to the way that 2025 IF Sean Gamble (Royals 1st round) looked a year ago at the same event. This small sample size was not a loud statement from Emerson, but likely means that there will be more of that in coming weeks given the smoothness of the stroke and ability to slow things down.

+ IF Landon Thome (IL)
Tennessee recruit. Each year at this event there are a handful of premier prospects who don’t fill the stat sheet in unremarkable performances, but who go on to be marquee MLB Draft names in the spring. It is safe to put Thome in that category. The defensive work of the 6-foot, 185-pound second baseman is more average right now, but it is the bat that will drive incessant value moving forward. Potentially the best swing in the class, his ability to be on time with a heavy barrel was remarkable against a slew of power arms. Balanced, confident takes against any and all pitches, his tight, fluid stroke covered the plate with ease while also providing a glimpse at some pull power throughout batting practice. Thome is not going to immediately pass the eye-test when he trots onto the diamond, but the culminating sum of what his hitter profile provides is that of an elite bat in the class. Get on board now: the kid can flat hit.

+ SS Rocco Maniscalco (Oxford HS, AL)
Uncommitted. Few have the pristine frame and projection that the 6-foot-2, 180-pound, switch-hitting shortstop exhibits on the diamond. Able to slow the game down with graceful ease, Maniscalco flowed well at shortstop throughout the week where he confidently attacked balls before showcasing a strong arm across the diamond. The left-handed swing has historically shown better than the right, but this look saw a strong approach from the right side with plenty of reason to continue. However, the left-handed stroke delivered the biggest impact including a resounding missile line drive up the middle off of a 94 mph fastball from Cole Koeninger that should not soon be forgotten. The barrel gets on plane early with flat path that creates considerable length in covering the plate. Staying behind the ball, the Alabama native looked to be a future doubles machine who will likely develop significantly more power in coming years. Playing loose amongst prospects a year older, the youngster stood out as equal if not a step ahead of others in attendance.

+ OF Jorvorskie Lane Jr. (TX)
Uncommitted. Nobody showed off the raw electricity of Lane, and while he featured some swing-and-miss throughout the week, the dangerous intent of each swing and upside of the athleticism far outweighs any holes. Featuring the biggest raw power in attendance that included losing an abundance of balls into the trees of the complex throughout batting practice, his right-handed stroke powered by the quickest of hands and heaviest of barrels. Working in tight windows with length in the zone, Lane got off great swings against premium arms, and is likely to see fast development in coming years. He moved well in center field, playing hard throughout the week while showcasing a near plus-arm. The profile screams early Day 1, and should he cut down on the whiff rate the rest of the summer, the impact potential of his high ceiling warrants ample first round consideration, especially when accounting for the fact that he is one of the younger players in the class.

+ SS Cole Koeninger (Keller HS, TX)
Tennessee recruit. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Adonis showed off one of the higher upsides on the mound with a hammer curveball at 82-84 and firm, hoppy fastball at 92-94, but his position player impact should carry the most value looking ahead to next July. The right-handed hitter with a pro-ready, ultra-athletic frame showcased top end bat speed and power potential while also exhibiting some swing-and-miss. Nearly unmatched in terms of the batting practice look, his scissor finish and strong hands sent balls screaming from gap-to-gap with a high likelihood of power to all fields. Smooth on the dirt, his physical frame is deceiving as to how nimbly and athletic he moves at shortstop with a potential plus-defend tool exhibited. The bat-to-ball will have to continue showing itself throughout the rest of the summer, but Koeninger has top 5 highest upsides in the class, and the impact potential is impossible to ignore with strong 1st round consideration.

+ OF Jaxson Wood (Hoover HS, AL)
Tennessee recruit. Just 5-foot-9, 165-pounds, Wood still made a big impact on the event as a grinder who brought energy to everything that he did. Using every ounce of his 165-pound frame, the right-handed hitter got off big hacks in all counts while producing a handful of hits in game play. Willing to utilize the whole field, he sneakily showed off some pop to the pull side in batting practice as the overall look and vibes gave off the usual “Pedroia” look. A versatile defender who fits best at second base, his hard-nosed play allowed the tools to play up in game. It is not quite on the level of Steele Hall, especially the ease of operation, but Wood is sure to receive some comparison to his fellow Alabama native over the next year.

+ IF Brody Schumaker (Santa Margarita HS, CA)
TCU recruit. It was more of a subdued look at one of the higher floor, advanced bat-to-ball prospects in the class as Schumaker showed off crisp actions with spray line drive barrels.The 5-foot-10, 170–pounder took mature, professional batting practice rounds moving the barrel around with his best contact coming with line drives to the opposite field. Staying within himself at all times, the hands work with ease before delivering a more direct path with some length in the zone. Looks the part at second base (where he projects) and plays the game at full speed without looking efforty. He has shown some sneaky pull power in the past and has a track record of success against premium arms, so while this look was a quick glance, his pitch tracking and swing decision, bat-to-ball profile is (finally) being valued by clubs and there is a chance his sleeper Day 1 status grows with strong performances the rest of the summer.

+ C Sean Dunlap (IN)
Tennessee recruit. The big power and raw athleticism continues to be the calling card for the 6-foot-3, 205-pound backstop who can also shift to center field given the top end tools. Dunlap’s polish was not on the same level of some of the other top tier prospects in attendance, but his raw tools and high ceiling outpaced many of them. Aggressive at the plate at all times, he builds energy off the back leg in moving strong through impact with intent to do damage. He showcased some of the biggest pull power at the event throughout batting practice as there was distinct intent to stay middle/pull. Game at-bats were inconsistent with some swing-and-miss throughout, but the pure bat speed, aggressiveness, and strength provide plenty to like. An adequate defender behind the plate with plus arm strength, his defensive look was similar to the offensive profile in the sense that more high-level game action will ultimately allow him to develop in a hurry and ultimately reach the high ceiling.

+ IF Rookie Shepard (Faith Lutheran HS, NV)
Miami recruit. Shepard now has a long track record of production on the national circuit and had a solid week in trials working deep into some counts. The 6-foot, 190-pound left-handed hitter continued to show off a heavy barrel in batting practice with some pull side power present. There was some swing-and-miss in game play, especially at the top of the zone as the barrel worked slightly uphill from semi-choppy barrel dump positioning. Although not a premier shortstop defender, the hands and glove showed as average-to-above with near-average arm strength. He profiles best as a versatile defender who can move all over the diamond (including catch as he has done in the past). Run times were more average to slightly above with the profile telling of a bat-first prospect who showed off a mid Day 1 look with plenty of time to raise his profile over the next 12 months.

+ CIF Easton Autrey (TX)
Texas recruit. Autrey carries a hulking frame that is similar to what 2025 C Taitn Gray (Rays 3rd round) looked like a year ago, and had a Travis Haffner-esq presence in the box. At 6-foot-4, 233-pounds, he has an imposing presence in the box, which he engulfs with a wider, slightly open stance. Looking to do damage in the air, there was a pronounced upwards path that featured clear intent to pull while gaining strength from the ground up with impressive bat speed. He jumped on a double to the wall in his first game at-bat, but had trouble reaching fastballs at the top of the zone for the remainder of the event. The impact potential of the bat, even with the swing-and-miss, will be intriguing to follow over the next 12 months. A first baseman or left fielder only, the athleticism is a bit stiffer on the dirt with less natural comfort in the hands. OF Noah Wilson (TN) Vanderbilt recruit. After sitting out the spring with a hand injury, Wilson had a breakout showing at the NPI in early June, but almost appeared to be hobbled by the hand a bit at trials. Slipping off the handle at times, there was some swing-and-miss though he was routinely on-time, but just missing, against some big arms. There is a semi-unorthodox look to his trigger from the left side with a little hitch, but the barrel gets ignited in a hurry with quick, strong hands, and the 6-foot-2, 195-pound center fielder took quality batting practice rounds throughout including showing off loud contact and power to the middle of the field and pull side. Less remarkable in this small sample size, Wilson is a clear early Day 1 talent and his ability to jump into first round consideration will be seen throughout the rest of the summer.

+ OF Anthony Murphy (CA)
LSU recruit. Gameplay at the event lacked many impact moments, but Murphy provided one of them with a resounding home run to the pull side. The 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitter possesses premium bat speed with advanced, smooth athleticism that allows him to track as well if not better than any other outfielder in the class with a near plus-arm to go along with it. A more pronounced barrel tip and tilt gets him vertical at the dish with a propensity for hammering balls down and over the plate. He got off swings with controlled aggression and displayed some swing-and-miss throughout game play. Murphy has produced in front of decision makers for two years at Corona High School so there will be plenty of familiarity with his talent from directors. This was a later Day 1 look from an outfield prospect who will be in consideration with the rest of the upper echelon in a stellar positional group.

+OF Deion Cole (GA)
Georgia Tech recruit. Cole showed off a high floor look with crisp actions throughout the week including some excellent work on defense in his corner outfield spot. Sturdily built at 6-foot-1, 200-pounds with defined strength in the lower-half, the right-handed hitter set up in a firm base with a slight crouch, rocking the hands back in a near scoop-like manner before exhibiting above average bat speed with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. It was a good week from Cole who holds high-floor value and will have ample opportunity to push into Day 1 consideration with the state of Georgia primed for another strong year.

+ IF Trey Ebel (CA)
Texas A&M recruit. The 6-foot, 180-pound infielder plays the game with a quiet intensity that is enjoyable to watch. Built with athletic strength throughout, the right-handed hitter rhythmically rocked into a power position with the weight felt on the back side with a leg kick that strode out with a controlled forward move before tightly turning the barrel on a more direct path. There is present strength that he gets to, especially to the back side, and the bat speed stands out alongside the aggressiveness. He profiles best as a versatile infield defender with clean glove-to-hand ability. It was more of a modest showing on the week from Ebel, but the tools and makeup, when compiled, stand out and he is likely to gain the favor of the scouting community.

+ OF Trevor Condon (GA)
Tennessee recruit. It was not the breakout performance that would have catapulted Condon into the Slade Caldwell/Slater de Brun discussion, but the 5-foot-11, 175-pound center fielder continued to show off some alluring tools including eye-opening bat speed with some barrel manipulation. The left-handed hitter got off some dangerous hacks in plus counts from his patented, unique setup and continued to give plus-times down the line. There is length in the zone with some electricity to the hands, and while the frame is not imposing, the twitch and athleticism are, and the remainder of the summer will reveal just how high Condon’s ceiling is.

+ OF Blake Bowen (CA)
Oregon State recruit. At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds with a barrel-chested frame with defined strength throughout, Bowen holds a pro-ready frame with tantalizing tools. His right-handed stroke displays elite bat speed, and the exit velocities were heard throughout the park during batting practice as his rounds sounded different as balls screamed off the barrel with ease. He tracks gracefully in the outfield with acute attention to detail and a plus-arm. There was some steepness to the path with the barrel exiting the zone quickly throughout game play as he faced some tough arms with some whiffs throughout. Regardless, the impact of his five-tool potential is too much to walk away from, and should the bat-to-ball ability show itself more on the summer circuit (and in the Trinity League next spring), Bowen has as high of a ceiling as any prospect in the class.

+ C John Stowers (AL)
Auburn recruit. In its quest for gold, Team USA is likely to enjoy the luxury of Stowers’ plus-defend tool behind the plate which includes the silky smooth receiving ability and strong arm. As gifted of a receiver as there is in the class, the 6-foot, 205-pound backstop demonstrates loose hips and a near plus-arm. A left-handed hitter with present pull side power, he stacks on the back side seeming to drift through impact though it is a controlled forward movement with the hands stretching back and providing ample lag in the zone. There was some swing-and-miss throughout the week, but the power threat combined with the plus-defend provides ample Day 1 upside as a prep with the potential to jump even higher after three years on campus.

+ SS Keon Johnson (GA)
Vanderbilt recruit. Johnson’s prowess as a plus-defender at shortstop (and any other spot on the infield) continued to show well even as the bat scuffled a bit. Smooth and athletic with quality glove-to-hand capability and a strong arm, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder has one of the more projectable frames in the class. A right-handed hitter, the hands kept getting deeper throughout the week providing for an inconsistent path that was short and steep out of the zone. However, the raw tools at the dish still should provide ample opportunity for adjustments over the next 12 months, and the walk away vibe of his prospect status maintains considerable value.

+ IF Jet Berry (AZ)
Oregon recruit. Unassuming at a listed 5-foot-10, 170-pounds, the switch-hitting Berry had a solid week showcasing impressive bat-to-ball from both sides of the plate. Somewhat upright with some drift throughout the approach, the hands stretch further back before displaying a more direct path the barrel showing some heaviness with innate plate coverage. A second baseman who can easily shift to the outfield if necessary, Berry’s no nonsense approach to the week was refreshing as it was easy to observe that he was on a mission to make the club and not merely showcase his talents. He looked to do the small things and while the bat did not exhibit impact results, it did make an impact on the look, and his high energy, yet controlled, style of play is likely to be enjoyed by the scouting community the rest of the summer.


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