Winter Watchlist Names to Follow: Position Players

Arthur Adams V C / 1B / Bay Port, WI / 2027

From 7/23/25: “Adams would show an advanced feel for the barrel, consistently extra bases throughout the weekend, including two home runs during GRB North’s Saturday matchup with Halos National. Showed a strong right-handed barrel with loft-based tendencies and developing bat speed. Defensively showed fringy actions with confident hands and developing instincts. Strong 6-foot, 214-pound frame.”

Cayden Burtness 2B / SS / Pewaukee, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “Standing in at a compact 5-foot-7, 155-pounds with some twitch and athleticism in his profile. The rising junior improved his 60-yard dash time to 7.04 and features a simple approach at the plate that produced a strong round of batting practice. He has a short trigger, works his hands back and attacks the pitch with a compact, slightly uphill swing that produced a max exit velocity of 93.6 mph during his round. The bat-to-ball stood out in game, going for five hits across seven at-bats including a double. On the field, he stays light on his feet and has confident actions while attacking the ball, slowing up to receive it in rhythm to get it out of the glove quickly.”

Jonny Deets SS / 3B / La Crosse Aquinas, WI / 2027

From 3/19/25: “is one of the top sophomores in the state, showing up a stronger, more athletic version of himself over the weekend; standing at 5-foot-8, 177 pounds. Deets improved his run time from a 6.98 to a 6.80 seconds 60-yard dash and jumped 28.8 inches, second best of the day. At the plate, the right-hander reached 93 max exit velocity with average exit velocity of 88 mph displaying consistent barrel contact throughout the round. Possesses such a compact and repeatable swing with feel to hit. Defensively, Deets is a steady defender capable of playing sticking on the left-side, showing steady actions and range to both sides paired with arm strength up to 86 mph.”

Tyler Flemming C / 2B / Waukesha North, WI / 2027

From 3/28/25: “is an athletic backstop who can hit, defend and run. Flemming started his day with an impressive 7.06 seconds 60 yard dash showing quick burst and quick turnover. He then showcased a strong left handed swing making loud contact throughout his round and produced 93 mph off the bat and averaged 87 mph. On defense, Flemming’s pop time was 2.01 seconds with a quick transfer and accurate throws on the bag. He shows an advanced feel for the catching position in general and continues to be a player our staff really likes.”

Ira Hilbelink OF / SS / Cedar Grove-Belgium, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “put on about as strong of an all-round performance as you are going to see from anyone throughout the week. Currently ranked No. 5 in the 2027 class, Hilbelink stands in at a strong and athletic 5-foot-11, 195-pounds. The two-way talent produced a 7.03 60-time and showed off the arm with a 93 mph OF velo. At the plate, Hilbelink put together one of the most impressive rounds amongst all of the Future Game attendees. Hilbelink had a max EV of 103.3 mph, but his 99.4 average EV put him fifth among all Future Games throughout the week. He has quick hands through the zone that produces consistent hard contact with a simple approach at the plate and no wasted movement. Hilbelink had two multi-hit games throughout gameplay, going 4-for-9 with a double, home run, and two RBIs across his three games played at the plate. On the mound, Hilbelink worked a fastball/slider combo. His fastball stayed in the 86-88 mph range, topping out at 89.7 mph. His slider is a quality offering, staying in the low-70s and was up to 2,496 rpms.”

Ethan Hellengreen SS / RHP / Neenah, WI / 2027

From 3/4/25: “ is one of the top 2027 prospects from the northern areas of the state. To start the day, the athletically built 6-foot, 177-pound started the day off by dramatically improving his 60 time, going from a 7.52 down to a 6.95 run time. At the plate, the right-hander showed the ability to impact the baseball, reaching a max exit velo of 97.9 mph. Defensively in the infield, Hellengreen should sure hands with quality actions and enough arm strength to stick on the left-side, teasing his performance on the mound. On the mound, Hellengreen showed feel for four pitches, a two and a four seam fastball that both reached the mid-80s, topping out at 86 mph leveraging the pitch downhill with feel for the zone. The two secondaries each complement the arsenal, a sharp 11/5 breaking ball that was up to 71 mph and a firm changeup that plays with late fade and depth off the fastball. One of the bigger winners from the event and a name-to-know moving forward.”

Samuel Jandrisevits OF / OF / New Berlin West, WI / 2027

From 2/28/25: “is an interesting prospect with some upside. His 5-foot-11, 147 pounds long and wiry frame shows considerable room to add more size and strength. His loose and fluid swing with a natural move and feel for the barrel was on display during batting practice. The sophomore right-handed hitter was all over the barrel throughout his round and registered a max exit velocity in the high 80s. He was also 86 mph from the outfield and showed aggressive and controlled actions through the ball. Jandrisevits is a player we are high on and are excited to view how he develops.”

Nolan Julseth SS / 2B / New Glarus, WI / 2027

From 3/12/25: “is measured at a wiry and projectable 5-foot-7, 148 pounds with an athletic frame. Julseth hit with a balanced and explosive swing from the left side and did an impressive job of controlling the barrel backspinning balls through the cage. He was up to 89 mph with his max exit velocity and there is more coming once he adds more size and fill to his frame. With the glove, the middle infield prospect is quick and explosive to both sides with soft hands and a good clock working through the ball. Julseth has definite upside and a name our staff likes for the 2027 class.”

Hayden Konczal OF / RHP / Nicolet, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “Standing in at a strong 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, Konczal steps into the box with a slightly open setup that produced some loud contact throughout the round. He has a small leg lift and gets a wide base to swing, possessing quality bat speed and with an intent to lift the baseball with a slightly uphill path and topped out at a 96 mph during his round of BP.”

Ethan Miller C / 3B / Slinger, WI / 2027

From 4/12/25: “Uncommitted, one of the top catchers in the state’s sophomore class. Compact strength at his 5-foot-10, 196 pound frame. Miller hit clean up while handling the catching behind the plate, collecting two hits across three at bats with an RBI, walking once. At the plate, the right-handed hitter took some of the better at-bats in the lineup, flashing bat-to-ball traits while using the entire field throughout the game. Defensively Miller is a steady defender with catch and throw traits that can easily translate at the next level.”

Will Nikolay 2B / 3B / De Pere, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “Standing in at a well-proportioned 5-foot-9, 180-pound frame, One of the top right-handed hitting infielders in the class with impact and minimal swing and miss. He continued to show off his natural hitting ability by putting together a loud round of BP, topping out at 96.4 mph for his highest batted ball exit velo of the day. He has a quiet, standard setup with little movement pre-pitch, before a quick leg-lift triggers the load where he is able to create separation. He has notably quick hands and bat speed through the swing. Defensively, Nikolay works to the ball with short footwork, staying in rhythm consistently.”

Anthony Pellitteri OF / RHP / Middleton, WI / 2027

Ryan Rose SS / OF / West Bend West, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “stands at 6-foot-1, 186-pounds and came into Georgia ranked No. 7 in the state. Rose put on a strong performance at the plate throughout his round of batting practice in the Future Games that saw consistent loud contact throughout his round. He averaged a 92.1 mph exit velocity, maxing out at 97.8 mph during his round. Rose has a simple approach at the plate with minimal wasted movement, producing a compact and slightly uphill swing with a strong feel for the barrel. His strongest day at the plate came during Game 3 versus Illinois, in which he finished with a 3-for-3 day with a run driven in.”

Tyler Smeiska C / OF / Mukwonago High, WI / 2027

From 2/26/25: “proved why he is a ranked player in our 2027 class with an impressive showing on Sunday. Smeiska possesses considerable strength in his hands and in his compact frame overall. The backstop measured at a 5-foot-7, 166 pounds with athletic proportions. He was all over the barrel throughout his round showcasing quite a bit of fluidity and hitability with the bat. His 95 mph max EV was one of the top marks among the 2027 group. His throwing arm from behind the plate has really ticked up and was 80 mph from the crouch in throwing runners out. He also registered a solid 2.05 pop time from behind the plate. Smeiska is a name to know in the state.”

Zachary Steichen OF / 1B / Brookfield East, WI / 2027

From 3/12/25: “measured at a compact and powerful 5-foot-11, 195 pounds with a very strong lower half. Steichen has an extremely explosive swing and was producing loud contact throughout his round at 98 mph max exit velocity. His line drive stroke shows all kinds of feel for the barrel and can drive the ball to all fields. He was 88 mph from the outfield and showed impressive carry through the target due to his ability to backspin the baseball through the target consistently. This top ranked 2027 and continues to open eyes with his ability on both sides of the ball.”

Mason Sturma SS / RHP / Waterford, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “Stands in at a lean 5-foot-11, 142-pounds with good proportions and room for added strength. At the plate, he features a tall, simple setup and stays loose throughout, features slight toe-tap trigger and possessed a strong feel for the barrel with a line drive approach. Defensively, he stays light on his feet, showcased range to both sides, with soft hands to receive.”

Colton Topp OF / OF / Arrowhead, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “Standing in at 6-foot, 166-pounds and hitting from the left side of the plate, Topp maxed out at 95.0 mph and averaged an 88.0 mph exit velocity. Topp steps in with a tall, open set-up with an easy and repeatable swing with strength, working slightly uphill through the zone with barrel awareness that transfers into game. Defensively the outfielder takes natural and efficient routes to the baseball and looks like a capable defender at each spot in the outfield.”

Ethan Woller 2B / SS / Elkhorn Area High, WI / 2027

From 3/28/28: “athletic and projectable and will most definitely add to his 5-foot-9, 147 pound frame. Woller ran a solid 7.05 seconds 60 yard dash, showcased smooth actions in the infield and impacted the baseball at 91 mph with his quick right-handed swing.”

Braun Wotruba SS / RHP / Pulaski, WI, WI / 2027

From 7/31/25: “big winner at the Wisconsin State Games, showing clear feet to hit throughout gameplay collecting three hits including a triple throughout three games. The 5-foot-9, 183-pound infielder has consistently hit in front of our staff throughout the year, no matter the class or velo, during the workout the right-handed hitter reached a peak exit velocity of 95.8 mph showing consistent and repeated feel for the barrel throughout his round. Defensively Wotruba is a versatile defender capable of playing multiple spots on the infield showing enough arm strength to stick on the left-side.”

Max Egan 3B / OF / Whitefish Bay, WI / 2028

From 2/26/25: “one of the more interesting prospects that is part of this exciting 2028 group. During his round of batting practice, he hit with a very controlled swing and a compact hand path and was able to produce EV’s up to 90 mph. On defense, the feet and hands worked well through the baseball towards first base and he was 80 mph across the infield with a clean arm stroke. Egan has considerable upside due to his long and projectable 6-foot-1, 176 pounds frame with long levers and strong hands.”

Yanni Douros SS / C / Shorewood High, WI / 2028

From 3/12/25: “Is a proportional and strong 5-foot-8 right-handed hitter. At the plate, the right-hander found the barrel with ease, taking a compact and flat path through the zone with extension with overall feel to hit. Defensively in the infield, Douros showed confident and fluid action with soft hands and quick release with arm strength up to 82 mph.”

Eli Hart SS / RHP / Bay Port, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “One of the top players in the state with a two-way ceiling standing at 6-foot, 170-pound frame. At the plate the right-handed hitter swings a smooth and strong bat with feel for the barrel maxing out at 93.8 mph throughout his round while also earning MVP honors going 5-foot-6 with a home run. Showed a three pitch mix on the mound with an upper-70s fastball topping out at 80.7 mph while showing two breaking balls in the upper-60s.”

Sebastian Lopez OF / Homeschool (Sparta), WI / 2028

From 10/5/25: “measured in at a projectable 5-foot-8, 146 pounds and displayed some bursty athleticism at the start of the event by running the quickest 60-yard dash of the event at 6.93 seconds. He then hit with a compact swing with a flat bat path that produced a max exit velocity of 89.6 mph. On defense, Lopez displayed clean and athletic actions during his outfield work and was up to 82 mph with backspin and carry through the target. This was the second time we’ve seen Lopez in the showcase setting and we came away impressed with the overall profile and will keep a close eye on him and look forward to future developments in the winter at the preseason ID.”

Jacob Madlung 3B / RHP / Arrowhead, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “Stands at 6-foot-4, 187-pounds with room to add to the frame. At the plate the right-handed hitter takes a direct path to the baseball reaching a max exit velocity of 94.9 mph throughout his round while also finding the barrel for a hit in gameplay. On the mound the right-hander showed upside across two innings showing a three pitch mix topping out at 83.8 mph showing a low-70s curveball with tight action and an upper-70s changeup.”

Kallen Magli SS / RHP / Sun Prairie West, WI / 2028

From 3/19/25: “was one of the biggest winners of the day on Sunday. The freshman’s athleticism was on display by running a 6.85 seconds 60 yard dash which was the best mark of the day among the freshman group and the 5th best mark overall. He also jumped an impressive 28.9 inches for his vertical jump which was the best mark of the day. Magli showcased all kinds of feel for the barrel with his quick right-handed swing and produced solid exit velocities in the upper 80s throughout his round. On the mound, Magli was pounding the zone with the fastball in the upper 70s and two different breaking balls. Magli is shaping into a name to know in the state for the 2028 class.”

Ian McClure OF / RHP / Reedsburg Area, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “Is one of the top athletes in the class standing at 6-foot-3, 198-pounds with more room to continue to add to his frame as he continues to mature. At the plate the right-handed hitter showed both strength and feel for the barrel reaching a max exit velocity of 98.8 mph throughout his round while averaging 91.9 mph throughout, found the barrel for a double in gameplay. Defensively McClure has the actions and footspeed to play any spot in the outfield with arm strength up to 85 mph.”

Braedon Paczocha C / 1B / Mukwonago High, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “continue to showcase a quality, developing toolset. At the plate, presents a balanced base with some pre-pitch rhythm while utilizing a short stride to get into a position of launch. Showed an easy, repeatable right-handed swing with some present feel for the barrel and an ability to hit to all fields. Showed some present barrel strength, producing a max exit velocity of 96.8 mph during his round of batting practice. One of the top defenders in the state behind the dish with athletic actions to pair, making consistently accurate throws from the chute with poptimes in the 2.09-2.16 second ranges while looking like an asset receiving and blocking. Developing 5-foot-11, 167-pound frame with some present athleticism.”

Toay Ragatz C / 3B / Lancaster, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “Standing at 5-foot-9, 198 pounds with strength throughout his frame. At the plate the right-handed hitter swings a strong bat with feel to drive the ball on a line reaching a max exit velocity of 95.4 mph throughout his round of BP. Defensively Ragatz is a quality defender behind the dish with arm strength up to 79 mph and a consistent pop-time to second around 2.00.”

Ryan Reesman SS / RHP / Memorial, WI / 2028

From 2/19/25: “athletic two way prospect with an impressive feel for the game. Time will tell if Reesman will end up as a PO, a shortstop of two-way prospect but he is making a case for the latter after what he showcased on Saturday. With the bat, Reesman impacts the baseball with a smooth and natural swing and registered an impressive 93 mph max exit velocity with his line drive stroke. There is a good chance Reesman sticks on the left side of the infield with his soft hands and smooth actions fielding through the baseball and velocity across the infield at 80 mph. On the mound, Reesman showcased a smooth and repeatable delivery with outstanding touch and feel for his arsenal. He drove the fastball through the glove that was up to 80 mph which set up his hard and late lateral breaking slider. As good as the slider was, Reesman’s change up may be his best secondary offering with considerable horizontal movement to the arm side of the plate. Overall, it was a great day for the freshman and Ryan Reesman that remains firmly on our staff’s radar.”

Tyson Resch 1B / RHP / Menomonee Falls, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25:

Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 214-pounds. Strong, broad-shouldered frame.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, medium stride, balanced base. Easy strength, works on plane with feel to elevate, pull-side approach. 67.3 mph bat speed with 7 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 87.2 mph. 333' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-79 mph. Long arm action, side arm slot.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, shuffles through to target, feel around the bag.
ATH: 8.05 runner in the 60. 1.92 and 4.44 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 18.80 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 64 Edge Score

Benjamin Smet-Cooper 3B / 1B / Central High School Of Westosha, WI / 2028

From 10/23/25: “continues to shine in front of our staff. The sophomore infielder has a serious knack for the barrel and showcased his natural hitability by hitting rockets throughout his round of batting practice. Smet-Cooper’s max exit velocity of 99.4 mph and average exit velocity were both far away the best of the day. His smooth and quick left-handed swing plays both in the showcase setting and in game. In the infield, the feet and hands worked in rhythm with fluidity through the ball showing quality actions that paired well with plenty of arm strength across in the infield (84 mph) to be able to stick at the hot corner. There is a reliability and confidence that comes with watching Smet-Cooper field a groundball in the infield. Overall, it was another impressive look at the 2028 grad who is poised for a big winter showcase season.”

Braxton Thiede LHP / OF / Jefferson, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “one of the top performers of the Wisconsin State Games. The left-hander stands in as a lean 5-foot-8, 166-pound frame, working out of a downhill, high kick motion with clean, quick arm action, getting full extension in the back half, working from a ¾ slot. Showing a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 78-81 mph, T82 mph, playing with lots of ride and slight cut, averaging 18 IVB (23 IVB max). The curveball was sitting 62-65 mph, with sweep, averaging 12.3 HM. Through his two-inning outing, Thiede was generating soft contact, attacking with the fastball, and generating whiffs with the curveball, while working with a high pace on the mound. At the plate the right-handed hitter shows feel for the barrel and the ability to make consistent contact while playing quality defense at all three spots in the outfield.”

Jurenth Tiedemann C / SS / Watertown, WI / 2028

From 3/09/25: 

Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-6, 129-pounds. Athletic and projectable.
Hit: SH. LH: Stock set up, balanced, strong back elbow, lands on time with balance. RH: Wide, stock setup, loose, repeats. LH: Downhill and direct path to and through the ball, barrels the ball up to all fields. RH: Direct path, downhill, can drive it to all fields, has feel for the barrel. 59.2 mph bat speed with 12 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 76.1 mph. 235' max distance.
Arm: RH. C-70 mph. High 3/4 slot, accurate arm.
Defense: 2.03-2.16 pop times. Very quick transfer with very quick right foot, turns the ball around quickly.
ATH: 7.92 runner in the 60. 1.88 and 4.35 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 20.50 max vertical.

Maddex Welzien SS / RHP / West Bend West, WI / 2028

From 7/31/25: “continue to show quality actions on the dirt that make him a must-follow name. A natural defender with easy athleticism, Welzien would get up to 82 mph from across the diamond with carry on his throws. At the plate showed an athletic right-handed swing with a developing feel for the barrel and pull-side tendencies. Took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 91.3 mph and an average of 86 mph. Would also run a 6.85-second 60-yard dash. Athletic 5-foot-11, 157-pound frame. On the mound Welzien showed feel for three pitches across a 1.2 innings outing.”

Casey Helgren 3B / RHP / South Milwaukee, WI / 2029

From 4/4/25: “left-handed hitting infielder with a wiry frame that should allow room for him to develop as he matures physically. It’s an upright, open set-up with high hands at the plate, a repeatable stance. The bat is whippy out front and through the ball, allowing him to hit the ball to all fields. In the field, Helgren stays low with a smooth funnel into the midline of the body, showing athleticism and range. It’s a quick, accurate arm across the diamond up to 68 mph.”

Oliver Peltz OF / RHP / Whitefish Bay, WI / 2029

From 7/31/25: “projectable, long levered 5-foot-11, 157.5-pound frame from Peltz would impress down at the Junior Future games, showcasing advanced athleticism in the outfield as well as a quick, compact RH swing. Evident balance throughout the swing, still head, barrel stays in the zone. Peltz would collect a single in-game three, sending a line drive to left-center field.”

Robert Perez II OF / LHP / Bay Port, WI / 2029

From 7/31/25: “Not only did Perez play with the highest energy all weekend, but the left-hander also brought the hottest bat, ending his weekend 3-for-5 with three singles and a walk. Staying on the barrel all weekend long, Perez was able to work up the middle on a line, with game speed to follow on the base paths. Instinctive movements in the corner outfield positions with arm strength that plays well.”

Chris Von Haden SS / RHP / Sauk Prairie, WI / 2029

From 3/15/25: 

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Strong build, athletic, will add.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, works back to even, repeats. Some loft to path, drives it to all fields, hand quickness through the ball, ball jumps through both gaps.
Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 76.6 mph. 273' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-72 mph. 3/4 slot, with accuracy to the throws.
Defense: Two hand gather, quality footwork through the ball, soft hands.
ATH: 7.30 runner in the 60. 1.68 and 4.01 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.