Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Updated Florida Class of 2018 Rankings Released

November 18, 2016

By Doug Freeman and Mike Maerz

With the 2017 rankings updated and the fall season wrapped up, we move on to the talented 2018 class. This class is extremely deep, with little separation between the No. 1 and No. 10 spot. With that being said, we take a look at the new top five in the Florida 2018 class.

Moving up to the No. 1 spot is RHP/C Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL). After a strong fall at multiple events, the Florida recruit not only impressed offensively with above average bat speed and power potential, but he was also extremely impressive on the mound. He is 6-foot-4, 190 pounds on a lean frame with room to grow. The arm works free and easy with a fastball that ranges from 88-91 mph, touching 92. He also showed a slider at 75-76 mph and a changeup at 82-83 mph. The offspeed stuff has good action and will continue to improve. This, coupled with the athleticism and clean, easy arm action, will make him one of the top players in the 2018 class.

Coming in at No. 2 is RHP Slade Cecconi (Trinity Prep, FL). After a very impressive summer, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Miami recruit has a clean, loose and easy ¾ arm action. Although he did not throw much in the fall, he has shown a big upside with feel for three above average pitches. The fastball ranges from 88-91 mph and has been up to 93. He has also shown a hard slider with depth and a feel for an above average changeup. The frame and arm action work and the fastball will continue to uptick in velocity. That, coupled with the two above average offspeed pitches, makes him one of the high end prospects in the 2018 class.

At the No. 3 spot is Louisiana State recruit OF Elijah Cabell (Winter Park HS, FL). The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder has been impressive all summer, especially at the plate. With an advanced approach, strong lower half, and good timing and rhythm throughout his swing, Cabell has consistently shown the ability to drive the ball deep into the gaps or over the fence. He has great bat speed and feel for the barrel. The ball explodes off his bat and sounds different than most of the prospects in his class. He stands out in the outfield with a quick first step, good range, and the ability to track the ball well. His throws are on line with carry.

At the No. 4 spot is Florida State recruit 3B Brandon Howlett (George Jenkins HS, FL). The physical 6-foot-1, 190-pound third basemen has really filled out and continues to show an advanced approach with power that has led to his rise in the 2018 class. He is very aggressive with plus bat speed while being able to use a strong lower half and stay balanced throughout the swing. His ability to drive the ball and the aggressiveness in the box show why he will continue to be one of the top players in the 2018 class.

Finally, moving up from No. 9 to the No. 5 spot is Florida State recruit SS Nander De Sedas (Montverde Academy, FL). The 6-foot-1, 190-pound shortstop has plus defensive actions at a premium position and has plenty of arm to stay at short. Offensively, he is similar from both sides of the plate with a short, quick swing and some present pull power. He is athletic and projectable with a feel for the position along with above average bat speed and hitting for power which puts him as one of the top players in the class.

Below is a look at the Top 10 for the Florida Class of 2018:


 Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Mason Denaburg FL Merritt Island 2018 C Florida
2 Slade Cecconi FL Trinity Prep 2018 RHP Miami
3 Elijah Cabell FL Winter Park 2018 OF Louisiana State
4 Brandon Howlett FL George W. Jenkins 2018 3B Florida State
5 Nander De Sedas FL Montverde Academy 2018 SS Florida State
6 Jonathan Gates FL Nature Coast Technical 2018 LHP Miami
7 Kristofer Armstrong FL The Benjamin School 2018 RHP Florida
8 Lyon Richardson FL Jensen Beach 2018 RHP Florida
9 Connor Scott FL Plant 2018 OF Florida
10 Carter Stewart FL Eau Gallie 2018 RHP

For the complete list of the updated Florida Class of 2018 Rankings, CLICK HERE

RECENT NEWS