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What JUCO Prospects Will Make An Impact This Spring?

January 23, 2026
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 JUCO Opening Weekend underway, we’re spotlighting JUCO prospects who are worth following this spring. Please submit a JUCO player (or a few) from your state who you believe could make an impact this season. Include where you’ve seen them, what stands out in their game, and why they’re a name to know as the JUCO season gets going.

+ 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’ (1/23):

Alabama

+ Gabe Benton, RHP (Snead State CC HS, Sophomore) | University of South Alabama:

“Sophomore RHP Gabe Benton (Snead State) continues to trend upward, flashing an extremely high ceiling on the mound this fall at the ACCC Fall Showcase held at the newly opened River Run Park. The right-hander boasts an athletic, well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame with plenty of physical projection still ahead. His fastball operated comfortably at 91–92 mph, touching 93, showing life through the zone and the ability to miss barrels. The separator is a true wipeout slider at 82–85 mph (2295 RPM), featuring sharp action and late bite while generating consistent swing-and-miss. With size, athleticism, and two already above-average offerings in place, Benton is poised to make a significant impact for the Parsons this spring. ”

– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor

British Columbia

+ Luke Thomas, RHP (Vernon College HS, Freshman) | Uncommitted:

“Luke Thomas was one of the top senior arms in BC before heading to Vernon this fall and garnered looks from pro scouts during his final year in the country. The overall stuff ticked up this fall for Vernon, now sitting in the 91-93mph range and touching some 95s. Thomas should work some meaningful innings for the Chaps and should have plenty of Division I eyes on him over the next 12 months.”

– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director

California

+ Justin Tillar, 1B (Cypress College HS, Sophomore) | Texas A&M:

“Tillar was one of the best hitters in California going into his senior year, but because of his size and limited positional versatility (he played some 3B in high school), many colleges and most scouts didn't spend too much time evaluating him. At the 2023 California State Games Tillar was one of the premier hitters in the event that included over 35 players who went on to commit to a Division I program. Tillar finished with 10 hits in 13 at-bats over the three games he played. He showed our staff that he could handle third base, if not at an elite level, at an adequate level for a guy his size and build. Fast forward to last season at Cypress College and Tillar left no doubt about his ability to hit after hitting .377 in 199 at-bats. He set a school record with 22 home runs and drove in 84 runs in a conference not known for offensive power numbers. For good measure he added 11 doubles and a triple and 40 walks over his 51 games played. His season earned him several postseason honors and opened the floodgates to recruiters. Tillar eventually landed on Texas A&M as his future home. A member of the Prep Baseball JUCO Top 100, Tillar will once again take on all comers this spring as Cypress College looks to make a deep run towards a California State Championship and a potential selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. ”

– Les Lukach, State Director

+ Ned Futchey, RHP (Sac City College HS, Sophomore) | Arkansas:

“47 IP with a 1-4 record, 39 K , 11 GS, 14 APP at UC Davis as a true freshman. He's 6'5 with added strength this off season. Potential draft guy. Will be top 3 pitcher in the whole state. Head Coach Derek Sullivan at Sac City said: 'He's 93-95 mph with a REAL changeup and developing sweeper'. Big season ahead for Sac City.”

– Hank LoForte, NorCal Scouting Director

Illinois

(9/12/25)

+ Jimmy Anderson , MIF (Heartland HS, Sophomore) | Kentucky:

“Anderson is one of the top draft prospects in the entire country hailing from a junior college, coming in at No. 5 for our Top-100 Preseason Juco Prospects of 2025-2026. He's coming off a huge year for the Hawks, helping them to a 47-16 record and an NJCAA DII World Series appearance. He heard his name called in the 19th round by the Baltimore Orioles this past summer after he hit his way to a .439 average in 187 at-bats with 18 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 63 RBIs, 132 total bases and 31 walks to only 12 strikeouts - though he opted to stay at Heartland for his second year and is now committed to Kentucky for his four-year. The minimal swing/miss and bat-to-ball stands out against high caliber arms, and he has the defensive prowess to stick on the dirt long-term with tools across the board to pair, making him a highly intriguing name for the draft this coming year. ”

+ Jonah Weathers , UTIL (John A. Logan HS, Sophomore) | Louisville :

“Weathers has emerged as one of the top junior college prospects in the country, coming in at No. 28 on our Preseason Top-100 Juco Prospects list. A cornerstone in the lineup of a talented John A. Logan club, Weathers turned in a .345 average last season with nine doubles, four triples, five home runs and 49 RBIs - helping lead the Vols to a 49-10 record and District/Regional appearance. There's plenty of upside to still tap into with Weathers as he stands in at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds with a lean, athletic build. He has impressive strength and bat-speed, allowing him to create exit velocities well over 100 mph, and there is still more power to come in the future. His arm strength is plus, registering 97 mph across the infield and 98 mph from the outfield, and he has the defensive versatility to provide value in both spots as well. Pairing all of this with his well above-average speed (6.66 60-time) gives him multiple tools for scouts to dream on. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois/Wisconsin

Iowa

(9/19/25)

+ Brock Moore, C (Des Moines Area Community College HS, Sophomore) | Ohio State:

“Brock Moore is ready to anchor the middle of the DMACC order this year. After slashing .300/.409/.522 with 4 HR as a freshman, the sophomore catcher is coming off a huge fall and will be a catalyst for the Bears offense in 2026. Because of that strong freshman season and a good start to the fall, he committed to Ohio State University in October. Brock and the DMACC Bears were 1 of 14 schools to participate in the ICCAC Showcase put on by Prep Baseball Iowa. He had a strong showing at the showcase with 3 squared up balls in their game and a no doubt homer to left. Plenty to project on with the 2.01 pop time and 78 mph arm with 99.5 exit velocity in the box.”

(9/19/25)

+ Carter Giesen, RHP (Iowa Central HS, Sophomore) | Dallas Baptist University:

“Carter Giesen is a 6'0" 195lb RHP with quick arm action and a commit to Dallas Baptist University. The fastball can run up to 93 mph with two different breaking balls both at 81-82 mph and also using a changeup in that same velocity range. He proved his stuff at the ICCAC Showcase hosted in September by Prep Baseball Iowa. He is coming off a 2025 campaign where he struck out 82 in 62.1 innings and is looking to be a workhorse for the Tritons during the 2026 season.”

(9/19/25)

+ Brady Blake, SS (Kirkwood Community College HS, Sophomore) | Creighton University:

“Brady Blake is a 6'2" 195lb SS at Kirkwood Community College and a commit to Creighton University. He Impressed on both sides of the ball during the ICCAC showcase put on by Prep Baseball Iowa. The mature RH bat with quick, compact hands hits at 101.3 EV, 394 ft max, uses all fields. Blake is an athletic defender with range and easy arm strength, flashing smooth actions up the middle. Looking to help the Eagles during the 2026 season before heading onto Creighton this fall.”

– Tyler Cropley, Scouting Director

Kansas

+ Stocton Timbrook, RHP (Cloud County CC HS, Sophomore) | Kansas State:

“Timbrook will be a must-see arm for the Thunderbirds this spring after a strong fall that included several impressive looks at both our KJCCC Sophomore Showcase and KC JUCO Showcase. A strike-throwing competitor with a bulldog mentality, the Kansas State commit can overpower hitters with a fastball that sits in the low 90s and has touched 96 mph, while mixing in a swing and miss curveball/splitter combination that presents a tough challenge for opposing hitters. ”

+ Colin Coonradt, OF (Johnson County CC HS, Sophomore) | Uncommitted:

“A transfer from Iowa, Coonradt will be an impact bat for the Cavaliers this spring. A true hitter, he features big-time, effortless raw power from the left side that plays to all fields, paired with a strong feel for the barrel and a mature approach at the plate. Across multiple looks this fall, his performance at our Johnson County CC Scout Day truly turned heads, as he consistently produced triple-digit exit velocities while putting on a show in BP. Coonradt is poised to be one of the top bats in the country this spring and should make an immediate impact at his next stop.”

– Eliott Wilk, Central Region Operations Director

Louisiana

+ Andrew Clapinski, C (LSU-Eunice HS, Freshman) | Uncommitted:

“Clapinski, better known as “Clap,” announced his commitment to LSU–Eunice just days after putting on a standout performance at our Top Prospect Games in June of 2024. Fast forward to now, and it’s hard to believe he’s set to begin his freshman season in Eunice.

A proven in-game performer throughout his career, Clap has continued that trend on the Cajun Prairie. He enters the spring as the Bayou Bengals’ starting catcher and is expected to anchor the middle of the lineup.”

– Alex Armand, Scouting Director

Michigan

+ Gavin Harrold, RHP (Jackson College HS, Freshman) | Uncommitted:

+ Jacob Kucharczyk, OF (Kellogg Community College HS, Sophomore) | Penn State :

– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director

Minnesota

+ Noah Sundquist, RHP (Dakota County Technical College HS, Freshman) | Uncommitted:

“2025 ICCAC Fall Showcase-
FR. RHP Noah Sundquist, a slender 6-foot-3, 190, has wasted no time in turning projection into results. His fastball sat 93, peaked at 94.5, and carried nearly 18 inches of induced vertical break. The slider, 80–81 with spin north of 2400 rpm, bent in and out of the zone, a high-level secondary that made the fastball look even firmer.”

+ Isaiah Brennan, RHP (Iowa Central HS, Sophomore) | Uncommitted:

“2025 ICCAC Fall Showcase-
SO. RHP Isaiah Brennan, a sturdy 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, worked a quick inning with three pitches in the zone. His fastball topped at 94.2 with 17 to 20 inches of induced vertical break. The curveball, spinning at over 2500 rpm in the upper 70s, showed bite, while the changeup at 77 carried arm-side fade.”

– Andy Judkins, State Director

Nebraska

(9/19/25)

+ Brady Fitzpatrick, OF (Northeast CC HS, RS-Sophomore) | Uncommitted:

“Physical Left handed with athletic ability to play all three OF Spot.”

– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director

New York

+ Liam Hatfield, RHP (SUNY Niagara HS, Sophomore) | Uncommitted :

“Low to mid 90's RHP, another high end draft potential arm from Niagara. Once again scouts will be flocking to Western NY to see another high profile arm. ”

– Jared Carrier, Executive Director NY

Ontario

+ Raine Kreklewetz, OF (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M HS, Freshman) | Uncommitted:

“Raine Kreklewetz was the 3rd-ranked outfielder in Ontario's 2025 class and was a Senior Future Games participant in 2024. The left-handed hitting outfielder batted .500 in the fall for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and added three home runs. A school where several Canadians have gone and excelled, Kreklewetz has a good chance to add his name to that list starting in his freshman year.”

– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director

Pennsylvania

+ Deacon Brown, OF (Lackawanna College HS, Sophomore) | Uncommitted:

“Left handed bat that can hammer both gaps. Will be a steadfast run producer in Lackawanna's final year as a junior college. ”

– Jared Carrier, Executive Director PA

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