Tools of the Trade: Best Fastball
December 17, 2025
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Tools of the Trade is a new series that will highlight the best of the best from around Virginia/DC. These are the best ten players in a specific category, all grad classes included. Each category has it's different vantage points from the various members of our staff, but at the end of the day these players were voted on by five members of the Virginia/DC scouting staff. The majority of the weighting was carried by the certain tool category and how it played in game play, not just from a data standpoint alone. There is no "qualification" necessary for someone to be included in this, just simply being in front of our staff at some point and time, high school included, and showcasing a dominant tool.
This first category is Best Fastball. These ten arms showcased a fastball that not only stands out from a velo or metric standpoint, but has a certain uniqueness about it that allows these pitchers to win at bats with the fastball. Without further ado, let's take a look at the ten Best Fastballs from Virginia/DC.
Tools of the Trade: Best Fastball
1.
Aaron Dierks
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGHState: VA
- Summer Team: Padres Scout 17U
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Height: 6-3Weight: 210lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
3.18.25
2.
Daniel Nienaber
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Glen AllenState: VA
- Summer Team: USA Prime national 17u/Detroit Tigers Scout Team
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Height: 6-4Weight: 195lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
4.23.25
3.
Evan Salapka
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: AtleeState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves Platinum 17U
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Height: 6-5Weight: 205lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
3.27.25
4.
Matthew Swanson
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 3B
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High School: WalsinghamState: VA
- Summer Team: Venom 17U Ian Heisel
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Height: 6-4Weight: 191.4lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(8/17/25)
5.
Cole Cinnamond
Class of 2027 / LHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2027
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Primary Position: LHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Great Bridge HighState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves Platinum 16u
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Height: 6-4Weight: 205.5lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/L
Videos
(7/23/25)
6.
Daniel Sanchez
Class of 2027 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2027
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Primary Position: RHP
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High School: Briar Woods HighState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves Platinum 16u
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Height: 6-6Weight: 225lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/R
Videos
(7/23/25)
7.
Drew Christine
Class of 2026 / LHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: LHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: St. John's CollegeState: VA
- Summer Team: Cadets Showcase
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Height: 6-3Weight: 170lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/L
Videos
(9/18/25)
8.
Tristan Lange
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHP
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High School: North CrossState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags National
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Height: 6-3Weight: 205lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
3.15.25
9.
Logan Clark
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Halifax County HighState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves
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Height: 6-2Weight: 194lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/R
Videos
(8/17/25)
10.
Jalen German
Class of 2026 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Trinity EpiscopalState: VA
- Summer Team: 2026 Dirtbags National
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Height: 6-2Weight: 234lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R

