Prep Baseball Report

Preseason All-State Games: Top Middle Infielders


Brett Thorney
State Scouting Director

The Preseason All-State Games is one of Arizona's most highly anticipated events on the PBR Arizona showcase calendar. The invitation-only event displayed prospects from 2020-2023 grad classes this year and was held on Jan. 26th, at Arizona State in Tempe, AZ. Over 75 players were represented.

As expected, this was a loaded event that yielded brand new prospects to keep an eye on as well as seeing returning players that have started to establish themselves. We have released early analysis with our Quick Hits (Part 1)Quick Hits (Part 2)Statistical Analysis, and Positional Breakdowns

Today, we are taking a look at the Top 5 Middle Infield prospects that attended the event. One of strongest groups of players of the event with some some high upside athletes. There were prospects across all the different grad classes. Here is a look at the top middle infield prospects:

Nick Arias SS / RHP / Tucson Magnet, AZ / 2022

5-foot-11 165-pounds, looked noticeably stronger than last time we saw him with lean strength & definition throughout his frame. Hits from an athletic slightly spread out base. Uses a leg lift gathering weight into his back hip. Stays in control of his load, letting his body work into foots trike. Rhythm in his hands getting to a solid launch position. Gap to gap approach with flat path through the zone. Extension to swing, reaching at times. Above average pull contact at 88mph exit velocity. Hits some hard LD’s to pull side in our games for hits. Looked the part at shortstop. Showcased a strong arm across the diamond at 88mph with sure hands. Plays more athletically than 7.47 60-yard dash time would suggest. Should be followed closely.


Demetrio Crisantes SS / 2B / Nogales, AZ / 2022

5-foot-11 165-pounds, lean proportional strength throughout frame, above average athleticism. Stood out in a talented group of young middle infield prospects with some tools. Hits from a relaxed upright base with back toe pointing inward. Uses leg lift with balanced forward movement. Gets into his legs and uses the ground to create leverage. Gap to gap approach with above average pop to LF. Consistent loud contact with level swing, 94mph exit velocity. Hit a deep triple to LCF in the games portion of the event. One of the top arms in the infield, throwing 87mph across the diamond. Short arm action with some effort. Stays low, playing through the ball. Fields balls out in front with sure hands. Overall tools and athleticism should make for a follow over the next couple years. 


Ryan Kucherak SS / 2B / Hamilton, AZ / 2023

6-foot, 161-pounds, long lean body with present athleticism, twitchy movements. Tools stood out for this young shortstop. Hits from a squared semi spread out base. Used a leg lift with minimal forward movement, standing up at foot strike occasionally. Showed bat speed, staying in the zone with a flat path to the baseball. Quick swing but got slightly long at times, dropping barrel head a bit in BP. Aggressive approach with some raw power staying in control, using the whole field. Above average contact at 86mph. Currently looks like he will be able to stick at SS into the future. Ran a 7.14 60-yard dash on a slow track. Instincts are above his age with a quick first step. Fielded balls cleanly, out in front. 85mph arm strength across the diamond. Strong follow over next few years. 


Karsen Waslefsky SS / 2B / Casteel, AZ / 2022

5-foot-11, 150-pound frame, thin high waisted body with long arms, good projectability. Stood out at the event. Simple repeatable swing at the plate. Hits from an athletic squared base, sinking into back leg as he lifts front leg. Gets off the back leg early at times. Showed overall control and balance, using a comfortable middle approach. Hit two hard LD up the middle in our game. More pop than 80mph exit velocity showed, number should improve as he fills out. Confident actions in the infield with clean hands and footwork. Showed some range and quickness. Ran a 7.29 60-yard dash on a slow track. Short & quick arm action to the bag with 75mph arm strength. Should improve in all aspects as he gets stronger and his current tools show potential to stay at SS into the future. Should be followed into summer. 


Nate Pokorney SS / OF / Basha, AZ / 2022

5-foot-8 150-pounds, athletic young body, balanced frame, some projectability. Slightly open stance with feet shoulder width apart, balanced base. Used a small leg kick turning knee inward. Slight separation & stretch in load. Quiet middle approach, using the whole field. Consistent hard contact, ball carrying off the bat at 82mph. Ran a 7.31 60-yard dash. Confident actions in the infield, easy footwork. Soft hands with clean glove work. Created direction towards the bag. 81mph arm strength, throwing from a couple different arm angles. Follow as he develops physically.


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