Prep Baseball Report

UT Fall Top Prospects Games: Quick Hits - Catchers


Taylor Berg
Utah Scouting Director

The Utah Fall Top Prospects Games took place on Saturday/Sunday, November 1-2 @ Utah Valley University. This event will feature a collection of promising prospects from Utah's 2026–2029 graduating classes, each aiming to display the progress they have made over the course of the busy Summer and Fall schedule.

The UT Fall TPG allowed our staff to evaluate prospects before the Winter offseason. The event 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*


 CATCHERS SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Bentley Taggart C / 2B / American Fork, UT / 2027

Bentley continues to show his commitment and dedication to becoming great by displaying apparent growth, seemingly month to month. The 2025 Futures Games Alum significantly improved his metrics in important categories: pop time and EV. He set a new best with a 1.88 pop w/ 78 velo on throws to 2nd. He possesses Elite hands with clean exchange ability, and has shown consistent accuracy over multiple events. The bat has made a clear jump to me, with notable comfort and increased power since last July in LakePoint. I anticipate a breakout Spring for Bentley. 

 

 

Taven Lancaster C / OF / Provo, UT / 2028

Steady growth and improvement have been the theme for Taven in 2025. He consistently shows well, whether that be at our events or in-game with his HS or Club teams. The metrics are all on track for a high level prospect, and with the production I've seen to this point I think that will be the case. Flashing a new best 1.90 pop time along with a 97.8 EV during BP, I like the development and offseason work he has put in. He shows a real intent in the box to do damage, driving balls through the gaps on a line at 90.8 average clip. Count on Tav playing a huge role for Provo this year and a productive season to match. 

 

 

Brooks Pratt SS / Maple Mountain, UT / 2028

Brooks had the chance to attend our Fall TPG last weekend and delivered all over the field, showcasing massive leaps in almost every category, including a significant growth spurt since February (6’ -> 6’3”). As you would expect with his family tree and history of baseball, the IQ and high level ability to process the game are there right now. Currently, he can play all 9 positions on the field at a Varsity level, but may project the furthest behind the plate. A left-handed hitting true utility player, Brooks’ ceiling is extremely high and will continue to climb. You can count on a crucial Varsity role for the Sophomore this Spring for a Maple Mtn team that’s only lost 6 games the past two seasons.

 

 

Waylon Sorenson RHP / C / Gunnison Valley, UT / 2026

I really liked what I saw from Waylon last weekend. The small town Gunnison HS Senior displayed legitimate tools and skills as an all around player. The arm talent is there and he can generate velocity behind the plate, with accurate consistent throws to all bags, ranging from 1.96-2.01. Waylon’s done a great job keeping himself on the radar over the Summer and Fall, regardless of not playing in front of many others outside of his division during the Spring. Believe me when I tell you, his game plays at all levels. Versatile defender and productive offensive skillset with more to come, he has shown what he needed to prove he deserves a shot next year.

 

 

Braden Packer C / 1B / Lone Peak, UT / 2026

Steady improvement year over year is what we look for in a player throughout their HS career. Braden has clearly been investing time in his offseasons because this weekend really showed the best version of him to this point. Setting new personal bests all over the board, most notably in the pop time. At the West Coast Games last month his best was a 2.18 w/ 69 velo, and he drastically improved dropping his time to 1.96 and a 71 velo. Quick exchange and compact arm action, he gets the ball out and on target. Willing blocker and a quiet receiver, he controls the game well behind the dish. I count on another productive season for Packer in 2026, for a loaded Lone Peak squad w/ championship aspirations. 

 

 

Luke Banning C / OF / Ridgeline, UT / 2026

Prior to our TPG I was not aware of Mr Banning and his game, but I am glad he came out to our final event of the Fall of his Senior year. He has a lean, athletic frame with plenty of physical maturity to come, but showcased legitimate strength during his workout and gameplay. The R/R Senior posted one of the more consistent EV averages during BP (91), staying flat through the zone and extending through contact well. The catch and throw tool was solid and consistent and with small tweaks, could make a real jump. At 6’2 with above average athleticism and upside, I am eager to follow his Senior year where it is time to take the role of Varsity Catcher. He bided his time behind prior College guys and I expect a breakout campaign for Luke in 2026.

 

 

Cooper Norris C / 3B / American Fork, UT / 2029

Cooper has been on my radar for the past year, dating back to 13/14u when I coached against him on multiple occasions. You can count on consistency throughout his game no matter the situation or time of year. The type of player who thrives on coaching and learning any chance he gets. Defensively, he is ahead of most kids in his class and works hard for his pitchers. The hit tool shows real power potential with a willingness to shorten up when needed, and will continue to develop year to year at a top HS program in the State at American Fork. Keep your eyes on Cooper moving forward!

 

 

Max McKee C / OF / Jordan, UT / 2028

Max had a very intriguing weekend at TPG, because you can see the tools and frame of a high level player. The profile checks a lot of boxes as a LH hitting Catcher, at 6’1 in the Fall of his Sophomore year. I like the swing, displays a knack for timing and keeps the approach simple. Excellent bat to ball skills and keeps the hands inside the ball, has shown willingness to spray balls to all fields. When the physical maturity hits and he puts on weight, watch out. The type of player who could make a huge jump between now and next Fall. 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Central Utah Preseason ID UT 01/31 Nephi, UT
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/01 The MAX - McCook, IL
Salt Lake Preseason ID UT 02/07 Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Preseason All-State: (Invite-Only) UT 02/21 Crimson Cliffs - St. Geroge, UT

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