With the 2022 draft cycle coming to a close, the summer circuit is starting to come alive. Cape Cod is ramping up, the prep showcase and tournament slate is alive and well, and now USA Baseball is starting their annual Collegiate National Team campaign.
This year will be different than last, as the Stars vs. Stripes series will no longer tour the Appalachian League. Instead, USA Baseball will revert back to its former schedule, with a five-game intra-squad series being hosted in Cary, Durham, and Charlotte from June 30th to July 4th. 48-50 of the top prospects in the nation have received invites to the team and will try out before a final 26-man roster is finalized for a tournament in the Netherlands the following week.
In this preview, I will cover the full roster of invitees. There are some 2022 prospects included on this list, with Zach Agnos, Jack Payton, and Luke Savage all being eligible for next month’s draft. Wake Forest and Ole Miss lead the way with three invitees each, respectively. Schools like Campbell, Davidson, Grand Canyon, and Longwood will have their first ever players invited in school history. And, as per usual, there will be a handful of 2024 eligible players on this list. Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, fresh off winning the national championship, will head the squad. Without further ado, here is the 2022 Collegiate National Team roster.
INF/RHP Zach Agnos, East Carolina (2022)
2022 Slash Line: .330/.405/.479, .884 OPS, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 10.9% BB rate, 21.1% K rate
2022 Pitching Line: 21 Games (0 Starts), 23.1 IP, 2.31 ERA, 8.4% BB rate, 22.9% K rate
Summary: One of the better two-way players in the country. Shows patience at plate and has strong contact, though can get a bit streaky with strikeouts. Utilizes all fields to hit, solid raw power that hasn’t shown much in-game. Solid defender with excellent range and internal clock. Up to 95 on the mound, regularly sits low-90’s with a good change-up, has slider as well. Relief profile. Sixth ECU player to be invited to CNT in school history, 5th player selected since 2018.
SS Maui Ahuna, Tennessee (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .396/.479/.634, 1.113 OPS, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 11.9% BB rate, 20.8% K rate
Summary: Former Kansas Jayhawk that transferred to Tennessee right after the end of the college season. One of the better hit tools in the college ranks, ran a contact rate ~76% in 2022 and began to tap more into his power. Utilizes all fields, showcases solid gap-to-gap power. Smooth actions at shortstop with good arm with accuracy and range. Room to add more strength to his frame, expect a big test moving to SEC in 2023, especially with his ability to hit breaking balls.
RHP Drew Beam, Tennessee (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 76 IP, 2.72 ERA, 7% BB rate, 20.8% K rate
Summary: True freshman that left a big statement in the SEC. Athletic on the bump, throws plenty of strikes with a quality pitch mix. Fastball runs up to 95 MPH, regularly sits low-90’s with some ride and run. Throws curveball in mid-upper 70’s with 10/4 shape and depth to lefties, slider in low-80’s with some sweep to righties. Change-up in mid-80’s has fading action and good feel. Good feel for pitchability. Plenty of projection remaining to his frame.
OF Enrique Bradfield Jr., Vanderbilt (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .317/.415/.498, .913 OPS, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 14% BB rate, 13.7% K rate
Summary: One of the fastest players you’ll lay your eyes upon. Patient at the plate, racks up walks while limiting strikeouts. Uses all fields to hit and has started to tap into some power, mainly pull-side. True 80 grade runner and has been a menace on the basepaths throughout his career. Dynamic defender in center field, speed allows him to make highlight reel plays and steal base hits. Very fun player to watch.
LHP Ryan Bruno, Stanford (2023)
2022 Slash Line: 30 Games (0 Starts), 39.2 IP, 2.72 ERA, 19.8% BB rate, 40.1% K rate
Summary: Stocky, physical frame for Bruno, who was one of the hardest throwers in the Stanford bullpen in 2022. Fastball has reached upwards of 96 MPH, regularly sits in the low-mid 90’s with a combination of ride and run. Change-up sits in the mid-80’s and fades away late from right-handed batters, low-80’s slider has some bite and backfoot abilities. Strikes are at a premium sometimes with Bruno, though he did a better job of limiting free passes in the post-season.
C Michael Carico, Davidson (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .406/.559/.843, 1.401 OPS, 21 HR, 57 RBI, 16.9% BB rate, 12.9% K rate
Summary: Davidson’s first ever CNT member, Carico is an athletic backstop with a very good bat at the plate. He’s got a selective approach and mashes pitches in the zone with all fields power. Very good feel for the strike zone, which attributes to his high walk rate, and has a quick bat. Moves well behind the plate and threw out eight baserunners in 2022, resulting in a ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove as a result. Plenty of projection remaining to his frame, very high follow for 2023 draft class.
OF Dylan Crews, Louisiana State (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .349/.463/.691, 1.153 OPS, 22 HR, 72 RBI, 13.7% BB rate, 18.2% K rate
Summary: The current favorite to go 1-1 in the 2023 draft, Crews is a dynamic, physical athlete that could project to have plus hit and power tools moving forward. Possesses plenty of bat speed, has double plus raw power to all fields in BP and covers the plate very well. Exit velocities routinely hit triple digits. Some swing-and-miss to profile, but takes a healthy amount of walks. Moved to centerfield this year, shows off range and speed and could very well stay there in the future.
LHP Wyatt Crowell, Florida State (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 28 Games (0 Starts), 51 IP, 2.12 ERA, 7.8% BB rate, 33% K rate
Summary: Primarily a reliever in 2022, Crowell has a good chance to move into a starting role in 2023. Clean and easy delivery from the left side with a low release, fastball gets up to 96 MPH and routinely sits in the low-mid 90’s with serious sink and bore that catches up to hitters. Primary breaking ball is a high-spin slider with plenty of sweep that is really tough on lefties and induces plenty of chases. Utilizes low-spin change-up that mirrors fastball, but is sparsely used. Commands ball very well and has plenty of projection remaining to a slender, athletic frame.
OF Chase Davis, Arizona (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .289/.414/.583, .997 OPS, 18 HR, 54 RBI, 16.6% BB rate, 22.8% K rate
Summary: Highly regarded prep in 2020 draft class, Davis moved into an everyday role with Arizona and shined. Smooth swing from left side with a finish that resembles Carlos Gonzalez, Davis has a powerful bat with plenty of raw power to his pull-side. Swing-and-miss is prevalent in his profile, but takes a lot of walks and power can become game-changing. Has plenty of speed and covers a ton of ground in the outfield, with a strong arm to boot. Fun overall profile.
LHP Ross Dunn, Arizona State (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 16 Games (11 Starts), 48 IP, 4.88 ERA, 11.7% BB rate, 34.7% K rate
Summary: Former Florida State arm, Dunn completed a transfer closer to home with Arizona State in recent weeks. Came into 2022 as Sunday starter, was relegated to bullpen. Fastball touches mid-90’s from left side, good riding action with some run, as well. Curveball sits low-80’s with slider shape, plays off fastball well and has good bite. Replicates arm speed on change-up, though it’s pretty firm. Easy delivery, though command and control are sporadic.
LHP Hunter Elliott, Ole Miss (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 20 Games (12 Starts), 80 IP, 2.70 ERA, 10.2% BB rate, 30.7% K rate
Summary: True freshman for Ole Miss, Elliott delivered throughout the year after a promotion to the rotation mid-season. Fastball gets up to 92 MPH, routinely sits 88-91 MPH with good life in the zone from a low release. Features fading change-up in the low-80’s and will alternate between a slider and curveball. Slider has more horizontal tilt, while the curveball has more depth. Good pitchability, will look to improve arsenal as time progresses.
RHP Brenton Fisher, Longwood (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 21 Games (0 Starts), 24.2 IP, 4.01 ERA, 9.1% BB rate, 32.7% K rate
Summary: Formerly an NC Central arm, Fisher entered the portal and transferred to Bethune-Cookman, where he assumed the closing role and won SWAC Reliever of the Year before going to the Big South with Longwood. Has been up to 94 MPH in the Draft League, sits 90-93 with some life. Slider is primary breaking ball, a short biting pitch with two-plane break. Will flash a high-80’s change-up and a curveball, as well.
LHP Ethan Flanagan, UCLA (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 25 Games (7 Starts), 60.1 IP, 3.28 ERA, 10.6% BB rate, 28.8% K rate
Summary: Tall, projectable pitcher with a near over-hand arm slot. Fastball sits 89-91 MPH and has gotten upwards of 92-93 MPH with good angle and ride. Commands ball well around the zone, as well. Mainly utilizes a low-80’s gyro slider with low spin rates, uses primarily on lefties to get chases. Change-up sits in same velocity band and utilized more against righties with optimal spin rates. Will be draft eligible by age in 2023.
INF Jake Gelof, Virginia (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .377/.477/.764, 1.241 OPS, 21 HR, 81 RBI, 15.6% BB rate, 18.7% K rate
Summary: Younger brother of Oakland Athletics farmhand Zack Gelof. Showcases good bat speed and juice at the plate, will get a tad bit aggressive at times but has good feel for the strike zone and takes plenty of walks. Sprays line drives across all fields and has plenty of raw power. Good arm at third base with throws in past thrown 90 MPH or better, good range and defense too. Twitchy athlete, first round aspirations in 2023 draft class.
INF Jacob Gonzalez, Ole Miss (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .273/.405/.558, .963 OPS, 18 HR, 52 RBI, 16.7% BB rate, 10.7% K rate
Summary: The best shortstop in the 2023 collegiate ranks. Very good at the plate, limits strikeouts and has an innate eye to draw walks aplenty. Smokes line drives with short swing, budding power potential, especially to his pull-side. Lots of loud contact. Shortstop long term, shows off incredible range with excellent throwing ability and accuracy. Hard not to fall in love with his profile.
RHP Joseph Gonzalez, Auburn (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (14 Starts), 78.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, 4.6% BB rate, 16.5% K rate
Summary: Gonzalez was a stalwart in the starting rotation for Auburn this year. Low release with low three-quarters arm slot, Gonzalez regularly sits in the low-90’s with a sinker that dives away when low in the zone and has more running action when left up. Slider will tunnel off fastball well, a tight spinning pitch in the low-80’s that he can land often. Flashes a change-up at times. Good control and command across the zone.
INF LuJames Groover III, NC State (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .364/.440/.568, 1.007 OPS, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 10.2% BB rate, 16% K rate
Summary: Transferred to Raleigh from UNC-Charlotte, Groover continued to show off excellent bat-to-ball skills in the ACC. Ran a contact rate over 80% throughout the spring, utilizes all fields with relative ease and has started to tap more into his power, which has played more to his pull-side. Tough to strike out and has upped the walk rate. Has been an alright defender at first base, likely will move back to second base in 2023. One of our favorite players in this draft cycle.
RHP Drue Hackenberg, Virginia Tech (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 17 Games (16 Starts), 92.2 IP, 3.30 ERA, 4.8% BB rate, 21.9% K rate
Summary: Eye-opening performance from a true freshman for the Hokies. Became a stalwart in the rotation, projectable body with athleticism. Good feel for three-pitch mix, headlined by sinking fastball in the low-90’s that has gotten upwards of 94 MPH. Throws a sweepy low-80’s slider as primary breaking ball, as well as a change-up that he is able to sell in the low-80’s. Throws plenty of strikes, works quickly with good tempo. Likely to be Virginia Tech’s Friday night starter in 2023.
RHP Tanner Hall, Southern Miss (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 19 Games (17 Starts), 109 IP, 2.81 ERA, 3.1% BB rate, 32.2% K rate
Summary: Hall seemingly broke out in 2022, transitioning from midweek starter to top of USM’s rotation in the matter of weeks. Arsenal is highlighted by fastball that sits 89-92 MPH with serious sinking action and is tough to square up. Change-up is his best pitch, a low-80’s diving behemoth that mirrors the fastball well and garners plenty of whiffs. Throws in a low-80’s slider with some bite, but lags behind the change-up. Throws plenty of strikes, averaged over 70% strikes on the year.
LHP Carter Holton, Vanderbilt (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (15 Starts), 80.1 IP, 3.14 ERA, 8.6% BB rate, 28.6% K rate
Summary: One of the premier prep arms in last year’s class, Holton instantly won the Sunday rotation spot for Vanderbilt. Heater will run up to 96 MPH, mainly sits in the low-90’s with some cutting action and gets plenty of whiffs. He will live off the heater at times. Displays two different breaking balls that morph at times. Slider is low-80’s with more horizontal movement, curveball has 12/6 movement in the mid-70’s. Will flash a change-up at times, but work in progress. Good command, high follow for 2024 class.
OF Vance Honeycutt, North Carolina (2024)
2022 Slash Line: .296/.409/.672, 1.082 OPS, 25 HR, 57 RBI, 13.5% BB rate, 29.7% K rate
Summary: Arguably one of the most exciting freshmen in the country in 2022. Plenty of pull-side power potential, utilizes the gaps for extra bases. However, strikeouts are a concern. Speedy on the base paths and a real threat for stolen bases. Plus defender in center field, makes great plays and speed allows him to track balls in the gap with ease. Key piece into UNC’s brilliant late-season run to Super Regionals. Not easy to find a more tantalizing toolset in the ACC.
OF Jack Hurley, Virginia Tech (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .375/.452/.664, 1.116 OPS, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 11.8% BB rate, 18.8% K rate
Summary: Hurley transformed himself into a legitimate hitter with Virginia Tech this spring. Lowered the strikeout rate, began to spray line drives to all fields with some serious thump. Stays short to the ball and punishes anything in the zone. Plenty of twitch in the profile, as well. Strong arm and mans corner outfield well, Hurley shows good defensive prowess. All around profile is very intriguing, has potential to be a first rounder in 2023.
INF Christian Knapczyk, Louisville (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .346/.480/.465, .945 OPS, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 15% BB rate, 9.9% K rate
Summary: While a late season ankle sprain hampered him down the stretch, Knapczyk is a twitchy athlete that has performed well in a potent Louisville lineup. Not much thump in the bat, but finds the gaps for extra bases regularly and uses all fields with a quick and compact swing. Smart instincts and IQ in the field, mans shortstop well with range and shows off the athleticism. Arm strength could move him off shortstop in pro ball.
RHP Cade Kuehler, Campbell (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 84 IP, 4.07 ERA, 10.7% BB rate, 31.2% K rate
Summary: Kuehler is Campbell’s first ever CNT invitee. One of the more electric arms in the mid-major demographic, Kuehler’s heater has plenty of riding action and has gotten up to 99 MPH, routinely sitting in the mid-90’s. Primary secondary is a short slider with above-average spin that has flashed plus on occasion in the mid-80’s, the pitch sometimes acts as a hard cutter. Change-up is firm with good velocity separation in the mid-80’s and a high spin curveball finishes out the arsenal in the high-70’s that he’ll use to steal strikes. Command can get sporadic at times, but he’s an electric arm.
OF Wyatt Langford, Florida (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .356/.447/.719, 1.166 OPS, 26 HR, 63 RBI, 11.9% BB rate, 14.5% K rate
Summary: Much like Tanner Hall, Langford seemingly broke out in 2022 for the Florida Gators. Became Florida’s leadoff man, combination of great bat-to-ball skills and burgeoning power. Strong, athletic build, patient at the plate and uses all fields to hit. Very good raw power that began translating in-game late in the year. Covers plenty of ground in the outfield, above-average speed and has made highlight reel plays look easy in left field. 18th Gator to receive CNT invite under Coach Sullivan.
OF Ryan Lasko, Rutgers (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .349/.431/.643, 1.075 OPS, 16 HR, 51 RBI, 9.9% BB rate, 14.2% K rate
Summary: Lasko is an explosive athlete with the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. The tools are loud, with the raw power, speed, and arm grading out as plus. He's also a good centerfielder who covers ground and takes good routes. There have been some swing and miss issues at times, but Lasko improved his plate discipline and did a better job handling off-speed pitches during his sophomore year. There's day one potential if the bat-to-ball ability shows up against high quality arms. He's undoubtedly the best draft prospect Rutgers has seen since Todd Frazier.
RHP Rhett Lowder, Wake Forest (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 16 Games (16 Starts), 99.1 IP, 3.08 ERA, 6.2% BB rate, 25% K rate
Summary: Lowder won the 2022 ACC Pitcher of the Year award after a phenomenal season leading the Demon Deacon rotation. Elite pitchability, fastball reaches upwards of 96 MPH and sits in the low-90’s with run and sink from a low release. High-spin slider in the low-mid 80’s with some sweep and depth, high-spin change-up plays off fastball well with a ton of run in the mid-80’s. Will pitch backwards off slider and change-up later in outings. Showcases solid command of the baseball, works very quickly.
RHP Teddy McGraw, Wake Forest (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (12 Starts), 70.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 12% BB rate, 21.2% K rate
Summary: McGraw established himself on the Cape last summer and turned that into a solid campaign in 2022, occupying Wake Forest’s Sunday spot. Throws a power sinker in the mid-90’s, touching 98 MPH at times with serious sinking action. Primary breaking ball is a sweepy monster of a slider in the low-80’s with spin rates upwards of 2,900 RPM’s. Utilizes change-up in upper-80’s that’s low-spin, but firm. Struggles to throw strikes at times, especially out of the stretch. Needs to miss more bats, as well.
OF/RHP Braden Montgomery, Stanford (2024)
2022 Slash Line: .294/.361/.596, .957 OPS, 18 HR, 57 RBI, 6.6% BB rate, 26.6% K rate
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (3 Starts), 18.2 IP, 5.79 ERA, 22.3% BB rate, 29.8% K rate
Summary: Highly regarded out of high school last year, Montgomery is one of the best two-way players in the collegiate ranks. Super lean and athletic, Montgomery has plenty of raw power from both sides of the plate, though he’s does carry some strikeout concern, as well. The swing is more fluid from the right-hand side of the plate. He’s great defensively in the outfield, manning right field with good defense and a loud arm. Speaking of his arm, he’ll run it up to 96 MPH on the bump with great extension, flashing a mid-80’s slider at times, though he’s had trouble throwing strikes.
RHP Carson Montgomery, Florida State (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (12 Starts), 54 IP, 5.00 ERA, 8.9% BB rate, 25.2% K rate
Summary: Once a heralded prep arm in 2020, Montgomery got to Tallahassee and has shown some improvement in his second year on campus. Heater gets up to 97, usually sits in the mid-90's with serious running action low in the zone. Slider has some serious sweeping action in the mid-80's, flashes hard change-up in upper-80's that plays off fastball. Command is a work in progress, but threw more strikes in 2022 and looked more polished than he did his freshman year.
INF Yohandy Morales, Miami (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .329/.411/.650, 1.061 OPS, 18 HR, 59 RBI, 12.1% BB rate, 21.4% K rate
Summary: Physical, lean frame and has an innate ability to separate his hips and shoulders. Can be aggressive at the plate, has great bat speed and juice. Plenty of line drives from his bat. Pull-side power is his strength, puts up big time exit velocities. Show off good range and movements at the hot corner, accurate arm. Moves very well for a player of his size. Big summer ahead for the Miami native.
INF Tre’ Morgan, Louisiana State (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .324/.414/.463, .876 OPS, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 8.5% BB rate, 8.8% K rate
Summary: Morgan is one of the best defensive first baseman we’ve seen in recent years. Very good athlete, plenty of projection remaining to a slender frame. Quick hands at the plate with very good bat-to-ball, rarely strikes out and uses whole field. Drives with authority often, good raw power with more expected with added strength. Moves incredibly well at first base, smart instincts and strong arm. Scoops balls in the dirt with relative ease, has made some heads up, highlight reel plays this spring. Potential first round profile in 2023.
RHP Kade Morris, Texas Christian (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 18 Games (4 Starts), 66.2 IP, 4.32 ERA, 7.7% BB rate, 18.5% K rate
Summary: Spent first two years of collegiate eligibility with Nevada before entering the transfer portal and going to TCU. Four pitch mix, has two distinct fastball shapes in four-seam and two-seam, runs it up to 96 MPH and usually sits around the 92-94 MPH range. Slider in the high-70’s/low-80’s has good sweeping action and curveball has more depth, change-up is relatively firm in the mid-80’s. Good command, has had a great stint with Cotuit before accepting invite to CNT.
RHP Mason Nichols, Ole Miss (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 21 Games (0 Starts), 31.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 9.2% BB rate, 31.5% K rate
Summary: Stellar out of the bullpen down the stretch for Ole Miss, Nichols is a fun arm for the 2024 class. The fastball will get upwards of 94-95 MPH, sitting in the low-90’s with good riding action and, at times, has cut the ball. Slider is low-spin with two-plane break to it in the low-80’s, getting upwards of 84-85 MPH. Has flashed change-up in the past. Showed good command and I would not be shocked to see Nichols in a starting role as he inches closer to his draft year.
LHP Emmett Olson, Nebraska (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 19 Games (8 Starts), 66 IP, 2.86 ERA, 5.7% BB rate, 23.2% K rate
Summary: Big-bodied left-hander with effort, Olson became a starter for Nebraska in early April and did very well for himself. Fastball has good plane, ranging anywhere from high-80’s to low-90’s with some carry and utilizes it often. Slider has sweep in the high-70’s to low-80’s, with the change-up in the low-80’s with fade that he gets a good amount of whiffs on. Flashes curveball, but seldom used.
C Jack Payton, Louisville (2022)
2022 Slash Line: .350/.429/.504, .933 OPS, 4 HR, 54 RBI, 10.8% BB rate, 17.2% K rate
Summary: Just barely eligible for the 2022 class, Payton has sneaky good potential with the bat. Has a well-proportioned frame. Quiet setup at the plate, explodes through the zone with good bat speed and sprays line drives to all fields. Power isn’t quite there yet, more of a hit-over-power setup presently. Has split duties with Dalton Rushing at catcher this season, good arm and athleticism behind the dish.
LHP River Ridings, Texas Christian (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 21 Games (1 Start), 22 IP, 6.95 ERA, 15% BB rate, 19.5% K rate
Summary: Very funky lefty out of the bullpen for Texas Christian. Low release, fastball sits in high-80’s/low-90’s with serious running action. Big breaking slider with serious sweep in the high-70’s/low-80’s that is his primary breaking ball, flashes change-up at times. Likely relief role only moving forward, command can be streaky at times. Will be interesting to see how TCU utilizes him moving forward.
LHP Jonathan Santucci, Duke (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 20 Games (7 Starts), 41 IP, 4.17 ERA, 11.2% BB rate, 32.6% K rate
Summary: Very intriguing two-way player in the 2021 draft as a prep, now solidly an arm for the Duke Blue Devils. Easy velocity from the left side, gets into the mid-90’s at times with heater, sits in low-90’s with some hop and life. Good fading change-up in the mid-80’s and pairs that with a tight spinning slider in the low-80’s with depth. Became a starter late in the year and did well, likely inserts himself into the Blue Devils rotation in 2023.
RHP Jason Savacool, Maryland (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 17 Games (16 Starts), 107.1 IP, 2.93 ERA, 6.3% BB rate, 28.4% K rate
Summary: Former top prep arm in the state of New York in 2020, Savacool broke out for the Maryland Terrapins, helping them earn their first host seed in school history. Fastball acts like a two-seamer with run, sits in the low-90’s consistently and holds velocity. Good feel to spin slider and curveball, slider in low-80’s with some sweeping action and curveball in high-70’s with good depth and sweep. Kills spin on change-up in mid-80’s with some tumbling action.
RHP Luke Savage, TCU (2022)
2022 Pitching Line: 25 Games (0 Starts), 39.2 IP, 2.72 ERA, 10% BB rate, 20.6% K rate
Summary: Another relief arm from Texas Christian, Savage pitched himself into a All-Big 12 First Team selection this spring. Can get a bit wild at times, but fastball is in the low-90’s with sinking action from a side-arm slot. Slider has some biting action in the low-80’s with good spin and more gyro movement to it. Much like Jack Payton, Savage is just eligible for this year’s draft.
RHP/INF Paul Skenes, Transfer Portal (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .314/.412/.634, 1.046 OPS, 13 HR, 38 RBI, 11.5% BB rate, 22% K rate
2022 Pitching Line: 15 Games (15 Starts), 85.2 IP, 2.73 ERA, 8.5% BB rate, 27% K rate
Summary: Large, physical build and one of the more prominent two-way players on the circuit. More of an upright stance at the plate, big power potential at the plate, though carries some swing-and-miss concerns. Very solid as a starter, fastball up to 96 MPH with good plane, mainly sits in the low-90’s. Slider has some sweep in the mid-80’s and gets up to the high-80’s and flashes a good change-up, as well. Creates plenty of deception and hides the ball well. Lots of like about the player, is currently in the transfer portal with destination to be decided.
LHP Hagen Smith, Arkansas (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 20 Games (15 Starts), 77.1 IP, 4.66 ERA, 13.3% BB rate, 26% K rate
Summary: Fun freshman arm for the Razorbacks that became a key part of their rotation down the stretch. Some violence at release and some questions around the delivery, though the three-pitch mix is pretty fun. Fastball has been up to 94-95 MPH, regularly sits in the low-90’s with command up and down in the zone. Slider has some sweep in the low-80’s and regularly gets chases from lefties, mid-80’s change-up with fading action mainly to righties. Command isn’t quite there yet, will need some refinement before draft eligible year.
INF Brayden Taylor, Texas Christian (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .314/.454/.576, 1.030 OPS, 13 HR, 50 RBI, 20.3% BB rate, 14.8% K rate
Summary: One of my personal favorites players in this draft class for 2023. Taylor utilizes all fields and showcases excellent plate discipline, having an absurd walk rate and limiting strikeouts along the way. Stays short and compact to the ball and has a whippy barrel. Power mostly plays to his pull-side, going to center field at times. Projects very well at third base defensively, moves well and has a cannon of an arm.
C Kyle Teel, Virginia (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .276/.402/.439, .841 OPS, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 14.8% BB rate, 13% K rate
Summary: Teel opted out of the draft early as a prep and got to Virginia, where he has been very impressive at the plate. Professional hitter, keen eye at the plate and utilizes the gaps often. Plenty of raw power, though it has yet to transfer in-game at the time being. Does a very good job behind the plate with athleticism and a strong arm with accuracy. Good runner, as well. By the way, can we get this kid a helmet that fits his head, please?
RHP Alonzo Tredwell, UCLA (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 25 Games (0 Starts), 47 IP, 2.11 ERA, 3.3% BB rate, 34% K rate
Summary: Formerly a touted prepster before having Tommy John surgery, Tredwell excelled out of the bullpen for the Bruins in 2022. Generates excellent extension, fastballs sits in the high-80’s/low-90’s and gets upwards of 93 MPH with great command and control. Some crossfire in his delivery, mixed with his extension, makes it very tough on hitters. Has a mid-70’s curveball with 11/5 shape and flashes a change-up at times. Likely will see time as a starter next year, is draft eligible by age for 2023.
RHP Brady Tygart, Arkansas (2024)
2022 Pitching Line: 24 Games (0 Starts), 37.2 IP, 3.82 ERA, 12.7% BB rate, 30.7% K rate
Summary: Very interesting arm for the Razorbacks who, like Hagen Smith, is a true freshman. Funky delivery, sits in the low-90’s and has gotten up to 94-95 MPH with the heater that has high spin and good tilt. Bread and butter is his obscene breaking ball that has extremely high spin, exceeding 3,000 RPM’s at times, and manipulates the shape often. Will have more depth in the high-70’s, more sweep in the low-80’s. Command comes and goes and will need to refine delivery in the future.
RHP Hurston Waldrep, transfer portal (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 17 Games (17 Starts), 90 IP, 3.20 ERA, 8.8% BB rate, 37.3% K rate
Summary: Waldrep’s fastball and slider combination is as lethal as it gets. Lean and projectable, the heater has reportedly gotten up to triple digits, sits in the mid-90’s with ride and commands the heater well. The slider is a demon, thrown hard in the mid-80’s with tight spin and bite. Will throw a change-up in roughly the same velocity band as the slider with fading action. Has the look of a legit starter long term. Waldrep entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.
C Hudson White, Texas Tech (2024)
2022 Slash Line: .261/.369/.395, .765 OPS, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 13.4% BB rate, 14.2% K rate
Summary: White has a stereotypical catcher’s body with a strong lower half and some projection remaining. Keen eye at the plate, peppers left and center field often and power plays mainly to his pull-side. He’s got athletic motions behind the plate, sliding laterally well and has good blocking skills. Has some versatility as well, has played some second base for Texas Tech this year. Could become a stalwart in that Red Raiders lineup as time moves on.
INF Brock Wilken, Wake Forest (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: .272/.362/.602, .964 OPS, 23 HR, 77 RBI, 11.6% BB rate, 24.2% K rate
Summary: Wilken is a physical monster and will go to Cary a year after winning MVP on the Cape last summer. There are some swing-and-miss concerns with Wilken, especially on the outer half, but he hammers pitches when he makes contact. Quiet setup at the plate and power plays to all fields, producing a lot of backspin on line drives. Defense could use some refinement, can pick it and has a solid arm, but he rushes plays a bit. Outstanding human being off the field, very easy to root for.
INF Jacob Wilson, Grand Canyon (2023)
2022 Slash Line: .358/.418/.585, 1.004 OPS, 12 HR, 65 RBI, 9.1% BB rate, 2.5% K rate
Summary: Wilson is the first player in Grand Canyon history to be invited to the CNT. No, that strikeout rate is not fooling you, Wilson struck out just seven times in 2022. Slender frame with a lot of projection, he attacks pitches early and often. Will utilize all fields and most of his power plays to his pull-side presently. Wilson can be a tad bit rough defensively, being charged with twelve errors this year alone. Has previously played third base and shortstop.
LHP Jaden Woods, Georgia (2023)
2022 Pitching Line: 25 Games (1 Start), 54.1 IP, 4.64 ERA, 13.4% BB rate, 32.4% K rate
Summary: Primarily a reliever for Georgia in 2022, Woods has exciting potential on the mound. While the strike-throwing will need to be ironed out a bit, Woods has good feel to spin and the fastball has plenty of riding action, sitting in the low-mid 90’s. Primary breaking ball is a slider with sweep in the low-80’s, also features a tumbling change-up with high spin and a sparsely used curveball. Will likely see a starting role with the Bulldogs in 2023.