Quick Hits: Salt Lake Preseason ID
February 9, 2026
The Salt Lake Preseason ID took place on Saturday, February 7 @ Corner Canyon HS in Draper at their brand new, incredible indoor facility. This event featured a collection of promising prospects from Utah's 2026–2030 graduating classes, each aiming to display the progress they have made over the course of the busy Fall and Winter offseason schedule.
The ID allowed our staff to evaluate prospects before the Spring season and served as an identifier for future invite-only events such as the Preseason All-State, Top Prospect Games, Future Games, and more.
Each participant received a full Prep Baseball profile update, including headshot, video, showcase statistics, and advanced data analysis. With profile access by more than 1000 college programs across the country, the event provided valuable exposure for players while offering an in-depth evaluation heading into the offseason.
*PLAYERS LISTED IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER*
2026 CLASS
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Stephen Starnes RHP / OF / Bear River, UT / 2026Stephen signed up as a PO for this event, and was impressive enough to earn the title of Breakout Performer of the day. The lean, 6’4 right-hander out of Tremonton displayed legitimate dominant stuff with a high-ceiling profile moving forward. Athletic mover with a high leg kick into a drop and drive down the mound technique, generating significant force and utilizing his levers well through release. The mound presence was there with a mature bullpen over his 20 pitches, flashing an array of quality and a feel for the zone. Stephen will be an exciting follow this Spring and after today, shouldn’t stay uncommitted for very long. Highlights: FB (88-90.9) CV (72-75) CH (79-82)
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Preston Hansen C / RHP / Springville, UT / 2026Preston has been on our list of names to see since September, based on a strong recommendation from a local Club coach who saw him compete vs a college program and hold his own behind the plate. Preston showcased very well overall, putting together a strong workout while also posting top numbers in several categories. The physical 6’1 190 lb frame with broad shoulders stand out, providing a strong player profile for the next level. Quick exchanges with matching feet during throwdowns, accuracy and improved arm strength saw his pop times all under 2.0. Consider Preston one of the top uncommitted catchers in the 2026 class. Highlights: Pop Time (1.88-1.97) Max EV (97.7) 60 (7.39)
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Broden Fry SS / 3B / Brighton, UT / 2026Broden attended his 1st event with Prep Baseball this weekend, and really made a strong impression. The 6’2 180 lb Senior out of Brighton had one of the loudest rounds of BP all day, and posted the top EV of the event at 101.3. Present physicality and a CIF player profile that showed quality agility in the 60 as well. Currently uncommitted, a productive Spring will ensure a future collegiate home for a RH power bat with his frame. One to follow! Highlights: Max EV (101.3) Max Dist (354’) 60 (7.2)
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Max Livingston OF / RHP / Wasatch, UT / 2026Strong performance overall for Max, Senior right-hander out of Wasatch. At 6’2 165 lbs with a broad shoulders and projectable frame, Max displayed his present athleticism and sneaky explosive actions all day. He was a top performer in multiple categories, including leading the event with the top 60 time and a top 5 FB. Strides have been taken in the past year since we saw him last as he posted new PR’s in most areas. Poised for a crucial role this Spring, Max looks ready to be a leading producer wherever needed on the field. Highlights: 60 (6.76) Max EV (92.6) Max FB (85) OF Velo (85)
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Jaxon VandenAkker SS / 2B / Olympus, UT / 2026Jaxon was recommended by his coach as someone we needed to get a look at, and after Saturday it’s clear why. The Senior MIF played the part all day, showcasing the skills and athleticism you want to see from those in that position. Quick twitch actions and a strong sense of timing/rhythm shown during BP. Bat to ball skills are there now and the defensive metrics match the profile of a next level 2B. Look for Jaxon to produce throughout the Spring for a strong Olympus team. Highlights: Max EV (93) 60 (6.97) INF Velo (81)
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2027 CLASS
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Hudson Malmrose 2B / 3B / Bountiful, UT / 2027Hudson attended his 1st Prep Baseball event this weekend and put together a strong workout overall, solidifying the skills we saw during the Summer tournament circuit. An athlete with strong physical upside and offensive skills that should see him have a breakout type season this Spring. At 6’ 166 lbs, the Junior out of Bountiful looks the part of next level CIF and potential RH power bat. Highlights: Max EV (92.8) Max Dist (339’) INF Velo (82)
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Joshua Treend 1B / RHP / East High, UT / 2027We got our first look at Josh this weekend at a Prep Baseball event, and he made the most of the opportunity. The imposing 6’4 230 lb Junior out of East really shined in the BP portion of the workout. Present strength and a large frame with Broad shoulders and long levers, Josh utilized his leverage well and showcased a high power upside, launching balls throughout the round. A future 1B player profile, he moved well for his size and flashed the potential for a future elite, power RH hitter at the next level. Highlights: Max EV (98.3) Avg EV (91.3) Max Dist (365’) 60 (7.55) INF Velo (76)
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RyLee Hoth C / 1B / Logan, UT / 2027Rankings StateRank: 89 / POS: 13
Rylee had another strong workout at the SL Preseason ID this past weekend. When it comes to power, RH bats in the 27’ Class Rylee is one of the top options. There is present strength and physicality throughout his 6’3 230 lb frame, producing legit power and bat speed consistently. He keeps the hands tight through the turn and displays a strong sense of timing and barrel awareness, routinely squaring up the baseball. Defensively sound with high upside offensive tools, keep Rylee in mind moving forward as we expect a very productive Spring season. Highlights: Max EV (98.5) Avg EV (92.1) INF Velo (76) |
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Dawson Ferguson OF / OF / Westlake, UT / 2027Rankings StateRank: 67 / POS: 13
Dawson continues to improve and display his offensive skillset each occasion we see him. The LH swing stays simple and direct to the ball, with quality extension through contact. His offseason work is apparent as his physical profile has taken a noticeable jump and manifested itself in all his power numbers across the board. A strong, quality athlete with high upside offensive production from the left side, keep an eye on Dawson this Spring. Highlights: Max EV (93.2) Max Dist (343’) OF Velo (82) 60 (7.0) |
2028 CLASS
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Tait Caldwell 1B / RHP / Bountiful, UT / 2028Rankings StateRank: 39 / POS: 3
Tait continues to showcase improved offensive abilities each time we see him, and elite bat to ball skills are the highlight. He takes a very mature approach into the box from the left side, willing to adjust his swing mid-AB and do what’s needed to extend an at bat. The strength and physicality have also taken a noticeable uptick since this Fall’s Super Sophomore Games, which have led to increased power numbers and overall agility. With a significant Varsity role ahead this Spring, we will get a quality overview of just how talented the hit tool can be. We expect a very productive Spring for Tait. Highlights: Max EV (93.1) INF Velo (75) 60 (7.45)
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Truman Munier OF / OF / Corner Canyon, UT / 2028We had a significant number of first time Prep Baseball attendees, and one of the players headlining that group was Truman Munier. The pure OF had a strong workout over the course of the day, producing in all categories and posting top numbers in multiple areas, regardless of Class. The athleticism stands out along with a strong, 5’10 162 lb frame that still shows room for added growth in the next few years. During BP he flashed real upside, backspinning a number of line drives back through the middle with relative ease and consistency. Intriguing day for the CC Sophomore and will be an exciting follow moving forward. Highlights: Max EV (92.3) 60 (6.88) OF Velo (80) Max Dist (317’)
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Sam Heyborne 1B / RHP / Herriman, UT / 2028Sam really impressed for the class with his present strength and physicality on a large 6’1 205 lb frame. He produced quality numbers all day throughout the workout, proving that he was an athletic mover with huge power upside. Sam absolutely warrants a closer look and addition to our list of must follow names in the 2028 Class moving forward. Highlights: Max EV (97) FB Velo (82) 60 (7.48) Bat Speed (73.8) INF Velo (77)
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2029/2030 CLASS
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Hawkin Rasmussen RHP / 3B / Spanish Fork, UT / 2029Two-sport athletes are a theme here in Utah, and Hawkin is one of the better overall athletes in the Class. After playing Varsity QB all Fall, he has shifted his focus to baseball now and the athletic upside is clear. At 5’11 183 lbs the strength and presence are there in the box and on the mound. The Freshman right-hander has the arm talent you could see becoming elite over the next couple of years, putting him on the list of players that project to become two-way prospects at the next level. Highlights: Max FB (80.4) Max EV (93.6) INF Velo (82) Max Bat Speed (71.8) |
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Jax Skola SS / RHP / Northridge High, UT / 2029Jax made a strong impression at his first Prep Baseball event, showcasing above average physical tools and athleticism for the Class. The arm talent really stands out, leading the entire event with 88mph across the infield with mature feet and glove skills to match. We see the advanced offensive skills and sense of timing, producing numerous backspinning LDs throughout the BP rounds. Very intriguing day for the Northridge Freshman and will be an absolute must follow moving forward. Highlights: INF Velo (88) Max EV (93.8) 60 (7.23) Max FB (81.4)
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Devon Robinson OF / LHP / Northridge High, UT / 2030One of the most impressive overall workouts of the day, also came from one of the youngest. Devon really showcased high level skills in every portion of the workout, most notably during BP and the bullpen. An athletic, fluid L/L mover with a whippy arm that could become elite over the next few years. Very exciting look at 2030 Grad Devon Robinson, looking forward to following his career moving forward. Highlights: Max FB (76) Max EV (90.1) Max Dist (326’) OF Velo (80) 60 (7.77)
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Johann Garcia 3B / RHP / Westlake, UT / 2029Johann made his first appearance at a Prep Baseball event and made a strong impression, most notably due to his frame and athleticism, especially for the Class. The 6’3 Freshman displayed extreme high upside and performed well in every category. You could see the physicality and strength taking significant jumps over the next few years, as the long levered frame has ample room for added growth. The arm talent is there now and works well downhill from the mound. Strong showing for Johann and will be an exciting follow from here out. Highlights: Max FB (81) 60 (6.93) Max EV (93.9) INF Velo (79)
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Upcoming Events
| Showcase | State | Date | Location |
| Utah Preseason All-State: (Invite-Only) | UT | 02/21 | Crimson Cliffs - St. Geroge, UT |
| Northern Utah Rising Stars ID | UT | 04/01 | West Field HS - Taylor, UT |
| St. George Rising Stars ID | UT | 04/18 | Crimson Cliffs - St. George, UT |
| Salt Lake Rising Stars ID | UT | 04/25 | Riverton HS - Salt Lake City, UT |
| 2026 Four Corners ProCase | UT | 06/02 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Utah Rising Stars Games (Invite-Only) | UT | 06/04 | Salt Lake City, UT |