Pre-Season High School Top 100 Draft Prospects
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 8:00 AM EST
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The college draft crop is thin this season but the prep crop is very good. Like Jameson Taillon and Dylan Bundy, Lucas Giolito will be in the conversation for the 1st overall pick. Ultimately, I don't think he will be but he has a chance. The draft is very heavy in Pitchers and Outfielders with a few solid up the middle talents. Expect this list to change a lot by the draft as there are 60 players that could have 1st round talent. Taylore Cherry at #26 could be a top 10 pick with a good spring. The new CBA could really make this a wild draft as well, but more on that in the future. I will be detailing many of these guys in the coming weeks.
For now, here is how I have it.
|
Rank
|
Name
|
POS
|
High School
|
STATE
|
Commit
|
|
1
|
Lucas Giolito
|
P
|
Harvard Westlake
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
2
|
Trey Williams
|
3B
|
Valencia
|
CA
|
Pepperdine
|
|
3
|
Carlos Correa
|
SS
|
PR Baseball Academy
|
PR
|
Miami
|
|
4
|
Walker Weickel
|
P
|
Olympia
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
5
|
Max Fried
|
P
|
Harvard-Westlake
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
|
|
Rank
|
Name
|
POS
|
High School
|
STATE
|
Commit
|
|
|
|||||
|
6
|
Stryker Trahan
|
C
|
Acadiana
|
LA
|
Ole Miss
|
|
7
|
Byron Buxton
|
OF
|
Appling County
|
GA
|
Georgia
|
|
8
|
Lance McCullers
|
P
|
Jesuit
|
FL
|
Florida
|
|
9
|
Matthew Smoral
|
P
|
Solon
|
OH
|
North Carolina
|
|
10
|
David Dahl
|
OF
|
Oak Mountain
|
AL
|
Auburn
|
|
11
|
Clate Schmidt
|
P
|
Allatoona
|
GA
|
Clemson
|
|
12
|
Lucas Sims
|
P
|
Brookwood
|
GA
|
Clemson
|
|
13
|
Nick Williams
|
OF
|
Ball (Galveston, Texas)
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
14
|
Gavin Cecchini
|
SS
|
Barbe
|
LA
|
Ole Miss
|
|
15
|
Courtney Hawkins
|
OF
|
Carroll
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
16
|
Joey Gallo
|
3B
|
Bishop Gorman
|
NV
|
LSU
|
|
17
|
CJ Hinojosa
|
SS
|
Klein Collins
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
18
|
Hunter Virant
|
P
|
Camarillo
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
19
|
Lewis Brinson
|
OF
|
Coral Springs
|
FL
|
Florida
|
|
20
|
Anthony Alford
|
OF
|
Petal
|
MS
|
Southern Miss
|
|
21
|
Duane Underwood
|
P
|
Pope
|
GA
|
Georgia
|
|
22
|
Rhett Wiseman
|
OF
|
Buckingham Browne & Nichols
|
MA
|
Vanderbilt
|
|
23
|
Jameis Winston
|
OF
|
Hueytown
|
AL
|
Florida State
|
|
24
|
Jesse Winker
|
OF
|
Olympia
|
FL
|
Florida
|
|
25
|
Albert Almora
|
OF
|
Mater Academy
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
26
|
Taylore Cherry
|
P
|
Vandalia Butler
|
OH
|
North Carolina
|
|
27
|
Rio Ruiz
|
3B
|
Bishop Amat
|
CA
|
USC
|
|
28
|
Carson Fulmer
|
P
|
All Saints Academy
|
FL
|
Vanderbilt
|
|
29
|
Mitchell Traver
|
P
|
Houston Christian
|
TX
|
TCU
|
|
30
|
Tanner Rahier
|
SS
|
Palm Desert
|
CA
|
San Diego
|
|
31
|
Alex Bregman
|
SS
|
Albuquerque Academy
|
NM
|
LSU
|
|
32
|
David Thompson
|
OF
|
Westminster Christian
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
33
|
Jesmuel Valentin Diaz
|
SS
|
Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
|
PR
|
LSU
|
|
34
|
Ryan Burr
|
P
|
Highlands Ranch
|
CO
|
Arizona State
|
|
35
|
Addison Russell
|
SS
|
Pace (Fla.) HS
|
FL
|
Auburn
|
|
36
|
Corey Seager
|
3B
|
Northwest Cabarrus
|
NC
|
South Carolina
|
|
37
|
Austin Fairchild
|
P
|
St. Thomas
|
TX
|
TCU
|
|
38
|
Fernelys Sanchez
|
OF
|
George Washington
|
NY
|
Central Arizona CC
|
|
39
|
Austin Aune
|
SS
|
Argyle
|
TX
|
TCU
|
|
40
|
Carson Kelly
|
3B
|
Westview
|
OR
|
Oregon
|
|
41
|
Ty Buttrey
|
P
|
Providence
|
NC
|
Arkansas
|
|
42
|
Keon Barnum
|
1B
|
King
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
43
|
Josh Henderson
|
OF
|
Home school
|
VA
|
Liberty
|
|
44
|
Freddy Avis
|
P
|
Menlo
|
CA
|
Stanford
|
|
45
|
Jose Orlando Berrios
|
P
|
Bayamo, PR
|
PR
|
|
|
46
|
Tucker Simpson
|
P
|
Oxford
|
AL
|
Florida
|
|
47
|
Ty Hensley
|
P
|
Santa Fe
|
OK
|
Ole Miss
|
|
48
|
Avery Romero
|
3B
|
Pedro Menendez
|
FL
|
Florida
|
|
49
|
Andrew Pullin
|
OF
|
Centralia
|
WA
|
Oregon
|
|
50
|
Kayden Porter
|
P
|
Spanish Fork
|
UT
|
North Carolina
|
|
51
|
Clint Coulter
|
C
|
Union
|
WA
|
Arizona State
|
|
52
|
Matt Olson
|
1B
|
Parkview
|
GA
|
Vanderbilt
|
|
53
|
Christopher Chinea
|
C
|
Gulliver Prep
|
FL
|
LSU
|
|
54
|
Nick Travieso
|
P
|
Archbishop McCarthy
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
55
|
Nelson Rodriguez
|
C
|
George Washington
|
NY
|
Central Arizona CC
|
|
56
|
Ryan McNeil
|
P
|
Nipomo
|
CA
|
Long Beach State
|
|
57
|
Matt Crownover
|
P
|
Ringgold
|
GA
|
Clemson
|
|
58
|
Jason Goldstein
|
C
|
Highland Park
|
IL
|
Illinois
|
|
59
|
Corey Oswalt
|
3B
|
James Madison
|
CA
|
UC Santa Barbara
|
|
60
|
Cody Poteet
|
P
|
Christian
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
61
|
Skye Bolt
|
OF
|
Holy Innocents
|
GA
|
North Carolina
|
|
62
|
Kyle Twomey
|
P
|
El Dorado
|
CA
|
USC
|
|
63
|
Austin Dean
|
3B
|
Klein Collins
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
64
|
Mikey White
|
SS
|
Spain Park
|
AL
|
Alabama
|
|
65
|
Ty Moore
|
P
|
Mater Dei
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
66
|
Kolby Copeland
|
OF
|
Parkway
|
LA
|
|
|
67
|
Blake Hickman
|
C
|
Simeon
|
IL
|
Iowa
|
|
68
|
David Gonzalez
|
P
|
Gainesville
|
GA
|
Georgia
|
|
69
|
Curt Britt
|
P
|
Scotland
|
NC
|
South Carolina
|
|
70
|
Alec Rash
|
P
|
ADM
|
IA
|
Missouri
|
|
71
|
Ruben (RJ) Ybarra
|
C
|
Riverside Poly
|
CA
|
Arizona State
|
|
72
|
Tomas Nido
|
C
|
Orangewood Christian School
|
PR
|
Florida State
|
|
73
|
D'Vone McClure
|
OF
|
Jacksonville
|
AR
|
Arkansas
|
|
74
|
Cameron (CJ) Saylor
|
C
|
South Hills
|
CA
|
San Diego State
|
|
75
|
Brett Lilek
|
P
|
Marian Catholic
|
IL
|
Arizona State
|
|
76
|
Vincent Jackson
|
OF
|
Luella
|
GA
|
Tennessee
|
|
77
|
Daniel Starwalt
|
P
|
Granite Hills
|
CA
|
Stanford
|
|
78
|
Braden Bishop
|
OF
|
St. Francis
|
CA
|
Washington
|
|
79
|
Edwin Diaz
|
P
|
Naguabo
|
PR
|
|
|
80
|
Steven Golden
|
OF
|
St Francis
|
CA
|
|
|
81
|
Connor Baits
|
P
|
Point Loma
|
CA
|
UC Santa Barbara
|
|
82
|
Chase DeJong
|
P
|
Woodrow Wilson
|
CA
|
USC
|
|
83
|
Rock Rucker
|
OF
|
Redan
|
GA
|
Auburn
|
|
84
|
Jake Thompson
|
P
|
Rockwall-Heath
|
TX
|
TCU
|
|
85
|
Tyler Gonzales
|
P
|
James Madison
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
86
|
Nathan Kirby
|
P
|
James River
|
VA
|
Virginia
|
|
87
|
Vahn Bozoian
|
OF
|
Ayala
|
CA
|
USC
|
|
88
|
Eric Neitzel
|
3B
|
Gulliver Prep
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
89
|
Cole Irvin
|
P
|
Servite
|
CA
|
Oregon
|
|
90
|
Wyatt Mathisen
|
C
|
Calallen
|
TX
|
Texas
|
|
91
|
Mitch Nay
|
SS
|
Hamilton
|
AZ
|
Arizona State
|
|
92
|
Cameron Tekker
|
P
|
Cuthbertson
|
NC
|
Virginia
|
|
93
|
Brandon Lopez
|
SS
|
American Heritage
|
FL
|
Miami
|
|
94
|
Daniel Robertson
|
3B
|
Upland
|
CA
|
UCLA
|
|
95
|
Zach Green
|
SS
|
Jesuit
|
CA
|
Oregon State
|
|
96
|
Drew Jackson
|
SS
|
Miramonte
|
CA
|
Stanford
|
|
97
|
Matt Gonzalez
|
SS
|
Harrison
|
GA
|
Georgia Tech
|
|
98
|
Dylan LaVelle
|
SS
|
Lake Stevens
|
WA
|
Oregon State
|
|
99
|
J.T. Phillips
|
3B
|
Columbus
|
GA
|
Georgia
|
|
100
|
Wilfredo Rodriguez
|
C
|
Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
|
PR
|
106 comments
|
Add comment
|
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Comments
Few Q's
Which of the noted SS on the list are more likely to stick at SS long term?
Out of the Top 100 who are the 10 most athletic players?
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by JDizzidy on Jan 31, 2026 8:25 AM EST via Android app reply actions
The
Carlos Correa is likely a future 3B.
Gavin Cecchini can stick.
CJ Hinojosa should stick at SS but could move to 2B.
Tanner Rahier has good actions but not a typcial SS build. Could stick.
Alex Bregman is probably a 2B. Heard Catcher talk as well as CF.
Jesmuel Valentin Diaz should stick.
Addison Russell is a tough call. Arm is a little short but actions are good.
Austin Aune is likely a 3B.
I can’t write any of these guys off of SS but these are best projections.
Most athletic is tough. Not sure how you classify athletic. C.C. Sabathia is athletic. The top guys on the list are generally the most athletic guys since they are projections at this level.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
What about listing guys that are expected to move off SS as SS/3B or SS/2B?
At least at a glance it would give some hint as to whether they are viewed as being true SS’s or not.
Kila's slash for Apr 20 to May 4, 2011, right before he was sent down: .276 / .344 / .448
by SagehenMacGyver47 on Jan 31, 2026 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Moving
I don’t see Bregman as a SS. . .was working out at 2b at Perfect Games, and Catcher IIRC.
Russell looks more like a 3b to me. . .
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
"Russell looks more like a 3b to me. . ."
Yeah, I think that’s more and more the consensus. I’ve seen reports that Aune is the best SS in Texas for this class, which is remarkable with Hinojosa in there.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Kayden Porter
I hear he won the AAA Home Run Derby this past year (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700151026/Kayden-Porter-steals-the-spotlight-at-AAA-Home-Run-Derby.html). Don’t think his future is on the mound, though. As a matter of fact, we’ve recruited him as a 1B/RHP combo (http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=78&f=1412&t=6406133) and, from what I hear, he’s pretty much a 1B exclusively here in Chapel Hill.
by JoelGuzman'sScout on Jan 31, 2026 8:47 AM EST reply actions
I see him
kind of like Rookie Davis last year. Big power potential on the mound and at the plate but he will really have to hit if he is a future 1B.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
A bit surprised to see Buxton, McCullers so low
I’ve heard some talk they could be in the conversation for first overall along with Giolito.
I like that you’re being so aggressive with Trey Williams. I agree he is right around the top of this prep class.
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by OremLK on Jan 31, 2026 9:19 AM EST reply actions
McCullers
and Buxton could be anywhere from 2-10 depending on who you talk too. Just my personal ranking right now.
The more I see of Trey the more I like him. I’ve re-watched some video of him and I really like what I see.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
I like to see Stryker ranked so aggressively
I assume this means you expect him to stick at C?
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 9:28 AM EST reply actions
I do
I’m not sure that he can but the potential is crazy if he can.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
I just have a hard time seeing whoever drafts him keeping him behind the plate when he can probably adapt to several different positions just fine with his athletic ability. It’s just too big a risk to take with such a special talent. I would love to see what he could do as a backstop though, so fingers crossed.
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
I got to see
Giolito and Fried, as well as Rio Ruiz this past weekend. .
A not so in depth recap can be found here: http://www.bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=668:live-baseball-in-january-is-cool&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11
there’s video of all three (Fried from a few weeks back, but will be doing another video probably tonight to include video from behind the catcher in the pen).
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 10:06 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Nice work
Love the video since I live in the frozen north, it’s nice to see green grass.
Fried has a great delivery.
Giolito’s curve is amazing but that wrist tilt really telegraphs it.
Ruiz has a little crossfire in that delivery.
It’ll be interesting to see which direction a team goes with Ruiz, same goes for Gallo. I think both will be fall back guys if the bat doesn’t play.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Thx
I got video of a lot of these guys if want me to link some up tonight
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 2:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
fried
Gotta say I like the video I have seen of Fried.
by John Sickels on Jan 31, 2026 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
I really like the angle from behind the catcher
so will be adding that in some tonight. Spoke a lot with Fried’s dad too, very nice, genuine guy.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Very impressive.
I’d put Fried in the same echelon as Syndergaard, Norris and Nicolino.
"When you find your way. Then you see it disappear."
by padmadfan on Jan 31, 2026 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
As amateurs?
Fried is ahead of where they were going into Spring of their draft years…
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by alskor on Jan 31, 2026 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
As a Jays fan
I sure wouldn’t mind adding him into the fold along with those others.
Knowing what is known now about the prep and college players, how much of a chance is there that Fired would be left at 17 when the Jays draft (assuming each team grabs the best player available)?
by MjwW on Feb 1, 2026 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
It is possible
that he could slide that far. If he has an bad spring or if his signability is questioned. On talent, he should be gone by then.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Fernelys Sanchez
Glad to see him fairly high. He is a sleeper helium pick for me. Surprised to see him above his teammate, catcher Nelson Rodriguez, who some have ranked the top HS catcher, although behind Trahan is more likely. I will look at my own rankings and compare later. Thanks for sharing this!
by cookiedabookie on Jan 31, 2026 1:33 PM EST reply actions
I'm just worried
about Nelson’s size. The guy can hit but he’s so big behind the dish. I just worry that he’ll outgrow the position. I’ve heard the Ramon Castro comp with him. He is a good athlete for his size so I hope he can make it work.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think
many evaluators think Rodriguez is a catcher at the next level, and I’ve gotten too many opinions that simply don’t see a big future. Sanchez looks much, much better imo.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Rodriguez
big power, but man that’s a big boy. . .
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 3, 2026 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Fisk
Carlton Fisk was a mountain of a man.Is this guy bigger?
by Lil Jimmy on Feb 3, 2026 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know if he's
bigger than Fisk, but he’s nowhere near the defender, so it’s kind of a moot point. You should definitely be able to find some video of Rodriguez. Take a look at him. He takes a nice BP, I’ll say that.
by charles wallace on Feb 4, 2026 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Rodriguez
6’2" 230 lbs
Fisk 6’3" 230 ls
Stood next to Fisk while he was still playing and he was every inch of 6-3 and closer to 250 lbs.
I did check out video of this kid.definitely big and strong.If he can’t catch it’s first base for this guy.
by Lil Jimmy on Feb 4, 2026 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
but
a kid of 17 weighing 230 is different than a man at 30. You have to figure a teenager weighing that much is going to be pushing 260+
by ScottAZ on Feb 4, 2026 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah,
and unlike the Ron Miller discussion below, Rodriguez isn’t a tight 230 lbs. You look at someone like Stryker Trahan, who is big for the position but very muscular, and you see why evaluators think he can stick at catcher.
by charles wallace on Feb 4, 2026 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
I agree
This kid is not flabby though.If you get him away from his moms cooking and he could actually slim down.
by Lil Jimmy on Feb 4, 2026 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
Cantwell
He’s in college. Stony Brook. Drafted by Orioles last year.
Unless he has a brother with the same name…
by Kyle Schnitzer on Jan 31, 2026 1:34 PM EST reply actions
Stony Brook seems to be a bit of a hotbed lately.
Nicholas Tropeano had a nice debut after going in the 5th last year, Cantwell is an interesting guy and obviously Jankowski. Nice to see talent collecting in unexpected places.
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
William Carmona too
Stony Brook has some talent.
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by alskor on Jan 31, 2026 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Good catch
had him in HS. He’s a college senior. Oops. Updated.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Good work, Matt
You have Fried a lot higher than most other lists that I’ve seen (maybe I’m wrong about this), any specific reason(s) why you like him so much, or is it just a gut feeling?
As an aside, damn, UCLA and Florida had monster recruiting classes for the 2013 season. I will be very interested to see how much the new CBA affects the percentage of 100 HS prospects actually choosing college over pro ball.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
by Fla-Giant on Jan 31, 2026 1:39 PM EST reply actions
I would bet it actually moves more HS talent higher in the draft
Josh Bell would be taken in the top 10 this year and would be a fool to pass on it as he would be betting that he could make maybe 1-2 million more in 2-3 years by playing in college. College players have less leverage and will drop accordingly
"Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage." ― Thucydides
by TomCat009 on Jan 31, 2026 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
i think there are two effects
top tier talent (like Josh Bell) would probably still be drafted and may even be drafted earlier like you said
lower tier talent (like Ty Linton) will no longer get drafted
by blue bulldog on Jan 31, 2026 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
I really like
Fried’s breaking ball and smooth delivery. Athletic, projectable lefty is hard to pass on.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
very smooth
delivery, three pitches that flash plus. Some room for projection too and was touching 93 in January. And he knows how to pitch, so there is a lot to like there.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
"You have Fried a lot higher than most other lists that I’ve seen (maybe I’m wrong about this)"
Fried has been consistently in the top four or five HS pitchers everywhere I’ve seen, and generally top half of first. It’s between him and Smoral for best LHP in the draft (not just HS as the college class is thin there) for most right now.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I have him at number 3 for HS pitchers, number one for HS LHP, number 6 overall for high schoolers, and number 11 overall for the draft.
by cookiedabookie on Feb 2, 2026 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Matt, really happy to see your addition to Minor League Ball. These posts are great and really help me get to know the upcoming class, in a year where most of the names are much more anonymous than the previous few years. Thanks so much.
Just want to point out a few names, and these are all names I’m hearing for the first time:
Walker Weickel, Stryker Trahan, Clate Schmidt, Jesse Winker, Rio Ruiz, Ty Buttrey, Skye Bolt, Rock Rucker, and Vohn Bozoian.
These are my favorite names on first glance, and by that I literally mean that I like these names. I really hope that one day the majors has guys named Stryker and Skye Bolt. Some of these sound like those names that could only be made up by a video game generator.
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by Kenneth Arthur on Jan 31, 2026 1:56 PM EST reply actions
Could you rank the top 10 OF by defensive value?
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by TomCat009 on Jan 31, 2026 2:12 PM EST reply actions
No
I really can’t. I will be detailing more of these guys over the coming months. Hopefully that will give you more insight to rank them how you would like.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
Wow
Great video I looked fir the wrist tilt on Giolito in the pen session. I checked the slo-mo and didn’t see it. Is at release or when you see the hand at the bottom of his wind-up? Btw, the last pitch he thriws on the tape..the K, is hot. What a future for this kid.
by Byyronbb on Jan 31, 2026 2:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He tilts his wrist to
get the snap on the curve. Look at the vid at 2:42-2:45. He angles his wrist differently than when he throws a FB. Not major but I can pick it up. I sure as hell couldn’t hit it, but I can tell you that it’s coming as he reaches the top of his delivery.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Winston
So he’s set to sign with FSU tomorrow for football, any chance he gets drafted high enough in baseball to skip being a Seminole?
by BlueVol03 on Jan 31, 2026 3:20 PM EST reply actions
I would say
no but it just takes one team. From what I know, he’s a better QB recruit but I’m not up on football.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
He's a dynamite football recruit
- QB in the nation for many. Absolutely killed it in the Under Armor game. He does love baseball as well, but my guess is he plays both in college.
by RynoRooter on Jan 31, 2026 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
He has the potential to be a high first round draft pick in the NFL
Great size, elusive runner, great mechanics and an absolute cannon for an arm. Has the makings of a high first round pick. I can’t see him going the baseball route.
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
SS's
Matt, re: Cecchini, Correa, and Marrero…you are the GM and are concrete on taking a SS, all of them still on the board, who do you take?
Caveat: you have time to develop the HS kids. So I suppose you are projecting the ML ceiling of the three (a better question to ask maybe).
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by bigboneded on Jan 31, 2026 3:30 PM EST reply actions
Follow up…Giolito is on the board as well. Is he good enough to take over positional need, i.e. “the best prospect available.”
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by bigboneded on Jan 31, 2026 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
Giolito is good enough to be #1 overall in this draft.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Correa
is probably a 3B long term, so it’s down to Cecchini and Marrero. Marrero is more proven, I take him.
by Matt Garrioch on Jan 31, 2026 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
FWIW
I think Correa can stick at short. I saw some very good actions from him and arm strength. I’ve said this before, but right now I like his D better than the bat, I was very impressed by him.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"When you find your way. Then you see it disappear."
by padmadfan on Jan 31, 2026 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
looks like a more athletic defender than Cecchini, for instance.
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by alskor on Jan 31, 2026 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
Count me in on Correa as a SS, even at his size for a 17-year-old. Find some fielding video and watch the footwork and arm angle on throws. He’s a natural.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I'm on a short lunch break. . but here's some other video links:
Most have a little slideshow of pics first. . . then get into video
cecchini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcxdWvLMJLc&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=5&feature=plcp
trahan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JYoLzlY0fM&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=7&feature=plcp
porter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKT1fc5DDpQ&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=9&feature=plcp
McCullers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjsFrrUkKY&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=10&feature=plcp
trey williams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
addison russell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
correa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
Jameis Winston: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
nelson Rodriguez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
Barnum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BNeIex0Z0Q&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=12&feature=plcp
Bregman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBoCNbBf_58&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=47&feature=plcp
nick williams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBoCNbBf_58&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=47&feature=plcp
courtney hawkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBoCNbBf_58&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=47&feature=plcp
joey gallo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBoCNbBf_58&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=47&feature=plcp
bout all i can put in right now, sorry if there’s shabby formatting here. .
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 4:28 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Alex Bregman
is 4 different people? Draft him now!
by sourstuff on Jan 31, 2026 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
my bad, i loaded these quick
nick williams http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6_KaVw6fE&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=48&feature=plcp
courtney hawkins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLJuHQYroJM&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=49&feature=plcp
joey gallo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrDcKVNf0Rk&list=UUOhCpO7pj-UYll_jihBOQNg&index=53&feature=plcp
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
updloaded another Fried video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx5BeK3n0to
this has pretty much the full warm up in the pen… I guess I like him a bit, I’ve put together three videos on him now, and will probably do one more after Compton. ..
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 1, 2026 2:16 AM EST up reply actions
Darrell Miller Jr?
think he’s a UCLA signee. Where does he stand?
by ScottAZ on Jan 31, 2026 5:01 PM EST reply actions
saw him last year
at the showcase in Compton, not a great body. He was the only junior there, and I wasn’t all that impressed. Not a great receiver, and was a little sloppy behind the dish.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Jan 31, 2026 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
He has potential to get drafted
but I think he’ll be a college guy. Not a top 200 high school prospect for me at this point.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
if
you could answer the follow up question I asked socalsox please do
by ScottAZ on Feb 1, 2026 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Compton Academy
aside from Trey Williams is there any high end talent there this year? Only other Comp kid I’ve seen is Ron Miller (played for Team USA as a soph) and he hasn’t gotten any taller, just fatter. He was 5’11", 180 as a soph and now looks 5’11", 210 as a senior. Whats the story on him?
Last year there was a windfall of Compton kids- Amir Garrett, Kenny Peoples, etc.
Any this year?
by ScottAZ on Feb 1, 2026 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
there is supposed to be a press release with the rosters
I called the Academy the other day, and they directed me to call the Scouting Bureau, but they said rosters weren’t in yet. From talking with some of the parents, Giolito, Fried, and Rio Ruiz should be there. And Hunter Virant thinks he will be there. I’m still waiting though.
I believe Ron Miller was at Area Code games, I think I have some footage, will try to check. If it’s the guy I think it is, I wasn’t impressed. I think he was on the Brewers, and they had a kid that looked a little sloppy.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 2, 2026 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
oh
and just watched a Cespedes type of video on Miller on youtube. I remember him, legs have gotten very big, and not just muscular. Body kind of stood out. good bat speed, but the body is a concern.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 2, 2026 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
Link?
to the video please?
I haven’t seen him recently but have a few aquaintances close to the Academy. They say he’s gained 30-40 pounds the past 2 years and not necessarily good weight. He plays 3B, scouts want to label him an OFer, but heard he’ll be a 1B.
He does have some big power though.
by ScottAZ on Feb 3, 2026 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
miller video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkkUpc3rvRM
I’ll try to put something together tonight from the Area Code Games
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 3, 2026 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
good vid
kid doesn’t have a 16/17 yr old body. Looks like a sloppy 25 yr old former high school linebacker type.
On youtube there are vids of him fielding at 3b and that’s probably where I’d start him until he plays off the position and moves to 1B. No way the kid plays OF, even a corner.
Bat will have to carry him.
Looking forward to area code writeups
by ScottAZ on Feb 4, 2026 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
interesting
funny that the Academy was supposed to be a showcase for poor inner city African American kids but has become a showcase for rich private school kids like Giolito, Fried, etc
by ScottAZ on Feb 3, 2026 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
The Academy
is in Compton, and they do a lot of stuff day to day for inner city kids. The RBI showcase is ran by MLB Scouting Bureau, and just played in Compton. It’s just one of the last showcases before high school ball gets into full swing, so one last chance to collect the best talent in SoCal.
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 3, 2026 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
here's a pic of Miller,
trying to find some video
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 3, 2026 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
sorry to take up so much space, this one
shows the body a little better though
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 3, 2026 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
and a little video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5ELZn-KR0
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by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 4, 2026 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
kid
the kid at 16 already has a Kirby Puckett frame. 5’11", 230 is not good that young. He apparently works hard and trains, so this isn’t likely something he’ll be able to improve, just try to keep somewhat in check.
I’d try him at 3b, he seems to have decent agility and ok footwork. If he gets too slow 1b may ultimately be his spot
by ScottAZ on Feb 4, 2026 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
There's a bit of
a Jon Singleton look here.
by charles wallace on Feb 4, 2026 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Kevin McCanna?
How much consideration was Kevin McCanna given? He’s a RHP from the Woodlands TX and he’s committed to Rice. He also pitched well in the Area Code games.
by Mick Mac on Jan 31, 2026 9:24 PM EST reply actions
he was considered
probably in the 115-130 range.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Lewis Brinson
I feel like he’s ranked just too high here…he has outstanding tools but is beyond raw, in fact, that may be an understatement…a ton of potential to crash and burn hard in pro ball. Big time BP hero, and was woefully overmatched at the East Coast Pro Showcase
by smoked on Jan 31, 2026 10:02 PM EST reply actions
I agree there is a ton
of “potential to crash and burn” but there is also the potential for him to grow into a star player. I could see him being in the 40’s or lower for some, but I like the potential.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Could you give me a profile on Matt Olson?
One of my best friends lives in Atlanta and is a personal friend of his, says he’s a nice guy and not too cocky despite being all the attention, I’d love to get some info on him. And obviously this is all hearsay, but apparently he’s almost a lock to pursue his college career at Vandy.
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 11:13 PM EST reply actions
being the center of attention all the time*
by kyuss94 on Jan 31, 2026 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
He's a huge
kid at 6’4, 225. He is agile for his size which allows him to be average at 1B but is a slow runner. His value is in his bat. He has a nice, easy swing from the left side that should enable him to hit for average and power. I really believe the bat can play. If he does go the Vandy route he could follow in the footsteps of Aaron Westlake and be an impact college bat and get drafted toward the top of the draft but he won’t play much until his Sophomore year because Conrad Gregor is in front of him.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Freddy Avis
Any one have anything on him? I know he’s planning on going to Stanford, but was curious if anyone knows a ton about him.
by TLau3789 on Jan 31, 2026 11:37 PM EST reply actions
Not a ton
small framed pitcher with a low 90’s fastball with solid secondary pitches. I think he is one of the highest percentage guys to attend college from what I have heard and read.
He was a helium guy last season. It’ll be interesting to see what this spring does to his stock.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah,
seems like he jumped up after ACG or a similar event. Stanford commits are pretty strong as Matt says.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Signability?
Matt: how likely Giolito and Fried sign? Don’t they both go to the same high school as Austin Wilson of Stanford? Any residual new CBA effect you can see? UCLA has alot on the line with these two.
by Byyronbb on Feb 1, 2026 12:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think both
will get chosen high enough that the money will keep them from college. I think UCLA fans should be hoping Cody Poteet or Hunter Virant make it. I think Fried and Giolito are off to the pros.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 1, 2026 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Would you take Giolito at the top of the draft if you were the Astros?
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by Patrick Harrel on Feb 2, 2026 12:09 AM EST reply actions
I would.
Crazy arm speed. Ridiculous secondaries. Big, durable athletic build.
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by alskor on Feb 2, 2026 1:00 AM EST up reply actions
He might be the most likely guy to take a step forward and solidify himself as the best of the draft
Considering the only real negative with him so far is that he is inconsistent (and the simple fact that he’s a prep arm).
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by OremLK on Feb 2, 2026 1:26 AM EST up reply actions
I'd wait to make that decision.
I’m on the clock for that choice since I’ve use the Astros for my shadow draft the last 2 years and will in the future.
In reality, I’d be surprised if Giolito goes #1 just because he’s a high school arm. I don’t agree with that logic, but it has held firm for a long time.
He is probably the top player right now but I really like Gausman and Marrero as well. Solid hitting SS are hard to find and if Gausman has a great season this year, he could put himself at the top.
by Matt Garrioch on Feb 2, 2026 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
"I really like Gausman"
Watch this space.
by charles wallace on Feb 2, 2026 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Inconsistent...
I think thats what people say about Giolito to find something wrong with this beast. I heard he’s walked like 4 guys in 25 innings this winter. That’s some strike throwing for a 17yo. Tough decision for Houston. Do u take the college guy or the HS guy whose 3 years younger, bigger and can match him pitch for pitch.
by Byyronbb on Feb 2, 2026 2:07 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Yeah,
inconsistent seems like a strange word to apply to Giolito. By HS standards he’s anything but. I think Klima just threw a 66 OFP on him on a so-so day. That’s nuts for a 17-year-old who’s already 6-6 and should be struggling just to maintain his delivery.
by charles wallace on Feb 3, 2026 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
Based on my own rankings
You seem to be a bit low on Taylore Cherry, Ty Hensley, Carson Kelly, and Cody Poteet. Are you just a bit more conservative in ranking HS arms?
You are also higher than me on Courtney Hawkins and Clate Schmidt.
Wondering what you think about James Matthew Crownover, Johnny Bladel, Jake Cosart, Jamie Callahan, and Hayden Hurst.
by cookiedabookie on Feb 2, 2026 11:26 PM EST reply actions
Matt
Do you plan on posting the news/links roundup here that you did at MLBBB?
by cookiedabookie on Feb 3, 2026 9:58 PM EST reply actions
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