What are you thankful for this year?

November 27, 2025
By: Andy Sroka
National Managing Editor, Scouting

The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.

This week’s topic: With it being Thanksgiving week, we’re keeping it simple: What are you thankful for this year in your state? This can be a player, coach, program, event, performance, or moment that stood out in 2025 and made an impact on you or your staff.

+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.

♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (11/27):

California

(9/26/25)

+ Jacob Quintero, SS (Ridgeview HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“For me the player who made one of the most impactful statements I want to be thankful for during the 2025 calendar year was the 2028 SS Jacob Quintero of Ridgeview High School in Bakersfield. The athletic high ceiling player was flying off the radar after his FR. season despite being a prominent piece of a Ridgeview program that claimed a CIF-Central Section and CIF South Region title in 2025. But, in August of 2025 I was introduced to the talent that Quintero possessed when he attended our Bakersfield Summer ID where he showed off an intriguing blend of physical projection to dream on with his 6' 148 lbs. wiry frame which has plenty of room to add strength on it. With a leaner present build the tools that Quintero possesses standout for the present ability, but even more what you can dream on from him in the future. His performance at the Bakersfield Summer ID earned him an invite to the West Coast Super Sophomore event held at PK Park on the University of Oregon campus. It was in Oregon where Quintero quickly made his present ability and future potential known to the entirety of our West Coast scouting staff and Shooter Hunt. With his impressive workout day opening eyes including the silky-smooth actions at SS and the impact in his RH hitting profile from a loose simple operation tantalizing those in attendance. Quintero would go on to showcase the high level to which he can perform in game with those tools over the course of three games at PK Park leaving all in attendance intrigued to just how high his profile can continue to rise in the coming years. As good as the Bakersfield product was on the field it was his character, personality, work ethic and baseball IQ which earned him as much praise from those in attendance at West Coast Super Sophomore. Upon his return home the name Jacob Quintero has become well known amongst college coaches, advisors, MLB scouts and more who will be tracking the future development of this highly talented Shortstop over the coming year. Quintero will return to the Prep Baseball California event stage in early January at the Los Angeles Preseason All State held at Los Angeles Valley College before he heads into his Soph. season for the Ridgeview program looking to defend their pair of titles."

– Steven Hardesty Associate Director SoCal

“This was my first full year under my belt with Prep Baseball, couldn’t have asked for a better one. ”

– Hank LoForte, NorCal Scouting Director

Canada

“What I am most thankful for is the ability to work with programs and players across the country and provide a platform for Canadian baseball players to be seen. I am also grateful to the players, parents, and coaches that supported Prep Baseball Canada throughout the entire year, which was our best year yet! ”

– Josh Arce, Director of Canada

Georgia

(11/8/25)

+ Trey Windham, OF (North Forsyth HS, 2026) | Young Harris College:

“2026 OF Trey Windham had an injury where he had to get screws in his back. Missed the 2025 high school and summer season. After recovery he put on 15 pounds. Showed up at LakePoint for a fall tournament and had a big time performance. Attending the Fall campus tour series at Georgia and had a standout day, doing 4 for 4. Committed to Young Harris 1 week later. ”

– Hudson Graham, Scouting Director

Illinois

“I am thankful for the staff we have in Illinois. Drew Locascio is the best boss I've ever had and he cares so much about us and amateur baseball in Illinois. Gavin Smith is second to none when it comes to managing content and overseeing what we publish on a day-to-day basis, as well as what he has done to grow The Bullpen podcast. Tyler Defibaugh is one of the best young scouts in the company with tremendous knowledge of the game. Nick DiBenidetto and Dane Poe are also extremely fundamental in what we do on a day-to-day basis, whether it be helping to direct the content or scouting - they are extremely valuable pieces to us. We are extremely lucky in Illinois to have the staff we do, and I am very thankful for them. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director, Illinois

Indiana

“Speaking for the Indiana staff, we have several things/people to be thankful for that help us to continue to do what we do. First, the high school and travel programs that continuously support our efforts in providing high level coverage of prep baseball in the state of Indiana. We can't be more thankful for the relationships we have in all corners of the state. In similar fashion, we are thankful to have the mecca that is Grand Park in our backyard, and even more thankful for the tournaments and operations staff at GP that continue to help us provide the highest level of coverage to the players who participate in our events. Next, we are thankful for the facilities around the state that continue to develop our players, and allow us a winter home to run events. Finally, we are thankful for the players we have in the state of Indiana, and the opportunity that we get on a daily basis to build lasting relationships along with providing guidance, and a platform, to help them reach their goals. ”

– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director

Kentucky

“As 2025 comes to a close there is much to be thankful for in Kentucky from players, parents, programs, High School Coaches, and the College Coaching staffs to name just a few. As a Director however, I can say that I am most thankful for the staff that makes the Prep Baseball Kentucky staff run so here is a special shout out to all of them that are behind the scenes that don't receive the credit they so richly deserve.

Director of Operations Jeremy Baioni who is always on point and making sure everything is ready to go for each event so things can be accomplished in a timely well organized manner.

Director of Social Media Carter Floyd who has worked tirelessly on a regular basis to provide coverage and giving maximum exposure to our players throughout Kentucky.

Our Swiss army knife Wil Hannah who can handle any tech issue with an uncanny ability to troubleshoot and keeps things running smoothly. Selfless with his time he also provides scouting coverage during the High School season while still finding time to help in multiple surrounding States with showcases and tournaments.

Kevin Goins who has been around for years who will do anything asked of him from running cameras, throwing BP, hitting fungo to now feeding the hack attack which I am sure HE is thankful for.

Lastly but certainly not least, Blake Perry, Chad Martin, and Patrick Cooper who make themselves available for events as needed and are always willing to discuss players on the recruiting front.

There are many things to be thankful for from 2025 in Kentucky but these men are just a few of the many that work behind the scenes for the player and parents that deserve a pat on the back for their efforts. Happy Thanksgiving Kentucky, JT”

– Jamie Tessoff, Scouting Director

Louisiana

“The Thanksgiving holiday is always a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and appreciate what we’re most thankful for. As the State Director for Prep Baseball Louisiana, I’m incredibly grateful for a few things in 2025.

First, I want to sincerely thank our two Area Scouts, Tyler Leary and Davis Johnson, for their tremendous work and commitment to the Bayou State. Their efforts elevated our coverage across Louisiana this year and helped more players earn opportunities at the next level than ever before.

Second, I want to personally thank the parents and players who continue to trust us with their sons. The growth we’ve seen across Louisiana over the last five years has been remarkable, and none of it happens without the support of families, coaches, and communities across our great state.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, blessed, and memorable Thanksgiving with family and loved ones. We can’t wait to see you all at the ballpark in 2026!”

– Alex Armand, State Director

New Jersey

“New Jersey extends its sincere appreciation to all the families who traveled to support the Prep Baseball Future Games this summer. This premier event would not be possible without the commitment of parents and families willing to journey across the country to provide their sons with the opportunity to participate.”

– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout

North Carolina

“I am thankful for the many wonderful baseball families across North Carolina. In our baseball community, the word family stretches well beyond its traditional meaning. With the way the high school game has evolved, players are supported not only by their immediate families, but also by the families of teammates, coaching staffs, and the families behind those staffs.

High school baseball brings with it a demanding schedule and countless decisions, and every week we speak with families who are doing everything they can to put their players in the best possible position. With so many moving parts, it’s impossible for any one person to “know everything,” and that’s where our staff steps in. We’re thankful to be part of the village each family relies on, and we take that responsibility seriously.

This gratitude extends to the families of our own staff as well. We miss games, practices, and personal events so we can cover high school baseball and help create opportunities for the players we scout. Our families support that sacrifice because they understand the impact of the work and believe in the value it provides.”

– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director

Oklahoma

“This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the depth of high-quality baseball throughout the state of Oklahoma from 6A to Class B. In 2025, we saw prep stars Eli Willits get drafted #1 overall by the Washington Nationals from class B Fort Cobb-Broxton HS and Ethan Holliday get drafted by the Colorado Rockies at #4 from 6A Stillwater HS. Two prep Okies in the top four picks that combined for over 17 million in signing bonuses (both signing record high school deals at the time) speak to the quality of our game in the Sooner State from top to bottom. This point is further emphasized each year with the Fall State Tourney with 2A, A, and B schools displaying hard nosed, fundamental baseball that will see numerous prospects perform at the next level. We are blessed to be surrounded with such high level talent and quality coaches across the state, and can't wait for the 2026 spring to be here!”

– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director

Pennsylvania

“This year, Prep Baseball Pennsylvania is especially thankful for the hard work and dedication of our players, whose commitment continues to elevate the game across the state. We are equally grateful for the families whose support and sacrifices make these opportunities possible. Together, with the guidance of coaches and the strength of our baseball community, Pennsylvania remains a proud home for emerging talent and unforgettable performances..”