NPI, Day One: Shooter's Selects

Gio Rojas LHP / Stoneman Douglas, FL / 2026

Rojas, the top pitcher in the country, was flat-out electric, working 94-97 mph for much of his outing, with spin north of 2,700 rpm on a hoppy fastball that he pounded to the bottom of the zone at will – and elevated when necessary.

He countered with a slurve-y sweeper, ripped at 78-80 mph at over 2,700 rpm with above-average action and the chance to quickly move towards becoming plus. He also featured a faded change, 79-80 mph, later in the outing as the Miami recruit was the total package thanks to a dynamic movement pattern down the mound that allowed a quick arm to routinely find a ¾ slot. The arsenal and athleticism are elite, but it is the fact that Rojas has graduated from a budding underclassman to the anointed “top gun” without any hesitation. That is something that the scouting community should take note of. There is no hoping for success, but rather the expectation of it, and Rojas appears hellbent on proving he is the best with each outing this summer.

FINAL LINE:

+ 3.1 IP
+ 8 K; 2 BB
+ 1 H; 0 R

Kaden Waechter RHP / SS / Jesuit, FL / 2026

Meanwhile, Waechter came out pumping 93-96 mph on a hoppy, 2,700-plus rpm fastball that seemed to yell as it jumped through the strike zone with some late sizzle to the arm side. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder – who also doubles as one of the better shortstops in the class – dared hitters to try an make contact while running on adrenaline for the first two dominant innings.

Producing a crisp, polished delivery that moves with ease down the mound, he featured a short power slider, 85-87 mph, along with an equally as powerful changeup, 87. As the adrenaline of the first two innings wore off, each secondary pitch started to show even better life. More relaxed instead of trying to force whiffs, the slider featured more depth, diving late out of the zone, and the changeup ran heavy to the arm side with sink. An ultra-competitor whose efficient delivery and athleticism shine at all times, it was a stellar first summer look at the Florida State recruit who appears fresh for a breakout summer in front of decision makers.

FINAL LINE:

3.2 IP
5 K; 1 BB
1 ; 0 R

Trevor Condon OF / Etowah, GA / 2026

Condon (No. 38 overall; Tennessee commit) is situated among giants in a USA Prime Aces lineup, one that is both incredibly skilled and impressively physical, and he sets himself apart at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds and plays like the biggest one of them all. Hitting in the leadoff spot, he promptly greeted a 96 mph first pitch from one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in the class with a thunderous barrel that screamed off the bat at 103 mph for a hustle double. Making the turn at 4.3 in his usual hooded garb with hard-nosed athleticism, the talented left-handed hitter set the tone for the game.

Featuring one of the most unique setups in the class, his ability to work to a powerful position allows his electric hands and bat speed to work with alluring strength given the slighter frame. This look provided even more evidence that the Tennessee recruit is unwilling to back down to any opposing pitcher, and there is a strong chance that the scouting community will gravitate towards his style of play and especially the bat-to-ball and burst that he displays at all times.