Wisconsin Natives in the MLB: Then & Now

Drake Baldwin C / Madison West, WI / 2019

From 7/10/18: "Missouri State commit. 6-foot, 190-pound, left-handed hitting catcher, strong, durable build. Offensively, relaxed, open setup, rhythmic back load, knee to knee leg kick trigger, balance maintained throughout. Hands are strong and loose, short to the ball, gets extension through the hitting zone, comes off the bat hard, occasional top spin, goes with the pitch. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 1.98-2.09. Natural/smooth instincts behind the plate, fleet footed, receives in rhythm, soft hands to quick and clean exchange, short/easy arm, over the top slot, clean release, accurate throws topped 77 mph from the crouch. Present foot speed, 6.95 runner in the 60."

2025 National League Rookie of the Year

Jarred Kelenic OF / Waukesha West , WI / 2018

From 2/4/18: "Louisville recruit. Currently ranked No. 2 overall in the PBR Draft 100 list, and after delivering one of the single best performances in 16 years of the Super 60, it's easy to see why he's widely considered a high first-round draft prospect. ... 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, advanced strength, rock-solid muscle throughout; overall explosive and polished quick-twitch athlete. True five-tool prospect. ... As the only junior at the Super 60 last year, Kelenic was unequivocally the top prospect in attendance, and he easily surpassed his expectations this year. Kicked off his day by running a 6.55 laser-timed 60, second fastest at the event. Defensively, he consistently fired mid-90 mph strikes to the catcher, topping at 96. Moves with confidence, natural outfield actions, fields the ball with rhythm while gradually gaining speed; ball explodes out of the hand. ... Offensively, he's remarkably balanced, quiet, consistent and, above all, explosive. FlightScope data illustrates exactly how consistent Kelenic was during his two BP rounds. He did not register an exit velocity below 93 mph, with a high of 104.39, and an average of 99.08. Nine of his 12 hits went over 325 feet, with an average of 310 and a best blow of 380.15. His launch angles were remarkably consistent, too, with an average of 20.1 degrees. No hitter at the Super 60 delivered as consistent FlightScope results as Kelenic, further highlighting his offensive polish."

Gavin Lux SS / Indian Trail, WI / 2016

From 4/26/16: "Arizona State commit. Currently ranked No. 27 in the PBR Draft 100. Multiple national level scouts on hand to see him on a brutally cold day. Has seen his draft stock rise this year, showing improvement with the bat form the summer. Playing with a chip on his shoulder this spring. 6-foot-2, 182-pound left-handed hitting shortstop with an athletic frame, has continued to fill out physically with room to add more strength. Offensively had a big day at the plate going 2-3 with a home run. Hits from a balanced setup with a leg lift trigger. Short, uphill swing path with fast hands, creating whip. Gets extension thru contact. Jumped on the first pitch of the game for a homerun to leftfield. Second at bat turned around another first pitch fastball for a single to left. In his final plate appearance worked the count to 3-0 and then popped up on the infield, reaching on an error. Well known for his exploits on the defensive side. Turned what should have been a routine single into a close play at first ranging deep into the hole after the third baseman wiffed on a one hopper, jumping and making a strong throw across the diamond."

2x World Series Champion (2020 & 2024)

Owen Miller SS / Ozaukee, WI / 2015

From 4/26/15: "6-foot, 185-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop with an athletic frame. Currently ranked no. 2 in the Wisconsin class of 2015, no. 151 in the PBR overall coverage area. Committed to Illinois State. Sure handed shortstop with soft hands, quick release, and athletic actions. At the plate hits form a balanced, relaxed setup with looseness in the hands and a level swing path. Good plate coverage, looks to work up the middle away. Solid all around player."

Alan Roden C / Middleton, WI / 2018

From 7/7/17: "Creighton commit. 5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed hitting utility player with a strong frame. Hits in the leadoff spot for GRB. Had a monster tournament hitting .500 (11-22) with ten RBIs and five triples. Roden has an advanced approach at the plate with good feel for the strikezone. Shows the ability to consistently square up pitches. Bat will keep him in the lineup at the next level, has the ability to catch, play a corner outfield spot as well as second base."

Ben Rortvedt C / Verona Area, WI / 2016

From 4/12/25: "Arkansas commit. Currently ranked No. 22 in the PBR Draft 100. 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher with a strong and flexible frame. Third game of the season, with multiple crosscheckers in attendance. Offense separates himself from the rest of the catchers in the draft class. Hits in the leadoff spot for Verona in hops of seeing more pitches to hit. Projects as a middle of the order hitter with power to all fields. Balanced, relaxed setup at the plate, with a short, smooth weight transfer to the backside. Middle away approach at the plate with good feel for the barrel. Plus strength in the wrists and forearms generating good bat speed. Went 1-3 on the day with a double. Defensively has a loose arm action, showed ability to throw from different arm angles in pregame. Popped 1.82-2.01 in warm-ups, throws showed carry. Still working on receiving consistently in games."

2025 World Series Champion

Daulton Varsho C / Marshfield, WI / 2014

Terrin Vavra SS / Menomonie, WI / 2015

From 3/4/18: 

Dan Jansen C / Appleton West, WI / 2013

From 2/3/13: "A physical catcher, 6-foot-2, 215-pounds. Strong lower half, forearms show structure, typical catchers build with projection. Shows soft hands defensively, wrist is solid, receives well, quiet actions behind the plate. One of the better receivers of the baseball at the Super 60. 1.97-2.05 pop times, exchange is quick and clean, arm shows some carry, 78 mph from the crouch. Offensively hits from a balanced setup using a short stride, sets hands high pre pitch. Balance is excellent throughout. Makes hard contact with the barrel repeatedly, creates carry and backspin, 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Jansen is an elite level receiver who shows pop to his pull side."

Alex Call OF / River Falls, WI / 2013

2025 World Series Champion

Alec Marsh RHP / Reagan College Prep, WI / 2016

From 2/7/16: "Arizona State recruit. 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame, sturdy-athletic build, proportional strength with room for continued physical development. Repeatable athletic delivery, good tempo and feel, works down the mound well, advanced three-pitch mix, strike-thrower with all three. Arm action is clean and loose, quick strong arm, high-3/4 slot. Fastball topped at 92 mph, sat 87-90, late arm-side finish, heavier feel. Advanced feel for changeup, thrown aggressively with fastball arm speed, 78-81 mph, with sinking action. Curveball ranged between 70-73 mph, shows depth, hard, late break, overall good feel for pitch."