Prep Baseball Report

Chicago Preseason ID: Pitcher Analysis


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

On Feb. 18, the PBR Illinois staff traveled to the Pullman Community Center in Chicago to host the Chicago Preseason ID. This event provided us an ample opportunity to check-in on some of the area’s top high school prospects and identify several new names to know as we prepare for the IHSA season, as well as future invite-only events on the PBR Illinois calendar.

We took a look at the position players to start the analysis and today we conclude it with all of the pitchers from the day. 

RHP Cristian Camarena (St. Patrick, 2025), RHP William Nazha, (Barrington, 2024), RHP Dallan Krewatch (University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 2026), RHP Andrew (AJ) Payton (Burlington Central, 2024), RHP Luke Mejdrich (Hampshire, 2024) and RHP Shawn Krieps (Providence Catholic, 2025) are a couple of arms who warrant a mention and just missed out on the Top-10 below.

Read on below for a look at all of the arms.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Henry Rouch, Evanston Township (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-4, 185-pounds. Lean, athletic frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery, simple on-line finish, open toe landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long, firm arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T90, 88-90 mph. Lively out of the hand, late finish and hop through the zone. T2329, 2239 average rpm.
SL: 75-78 mph. Above-average feel, thrown with intent, late hard biting action off a 10/4 plane. Swing and miss potential. T2349, 2213 average rpm.
CH: 81-82 mph. Feel for the zone, late running action. T2183, 2109 average rpm. 

2. Kenneth Jackson, Simeon (IL), 2023; Southeastern CC (IA)
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. High waisted, athletic frame with room for added muscle.
Delivery: Fluid, athletic, slight drop and drive delivery. Works closed down the mound and lands on balance.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 82-85 mph. Lively out of the hand, late run. Hops through the zone at times. T2291, 2201 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. Thrown with intent, 11/5 shape, depth at times. T1898, 1837 average rpm.
SPLT: 69-72 mph. Tumble action, around the zone, advanced action at times.

3. Jack Gianikos, Maine South (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Proportional frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Fluid delivery, stays closed at balance point, aggressive at foot strike.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, quick arm 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Lively pitch, gets late arm-side life at times. T2209, 2108 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. Above-average feel, thrown with intent, late sweeping action, potential go-to offering. T2199, 2140 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Similar action and velocity to curveball. Lands for strikes consistently. T2154, 2097 average rpm. 

4. Matthew Richert, St. Ignatius (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 190-pounds. High waisted, athletic frame with a strong lower half, room for additional growth.
Delivery: Smooth, simple, tall and fall delivery, upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Threw a four and two seam. Gets hard, late run with the two-seam. T2246, 2127 average rpm.
CB: 73-75 mph. Thrown aggressively, firm pitch, tight 12/6 shape, late action. T2044, 1990 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Thrown with intent, late fade. T1892, 1775 average rpm. 

5. Antwan Harvey Jr., Lindblom  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Athletic tall and fall delivery, works online and with rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Jumps out of the hand, lively thought the zone. T2092, 1991 average rpm.
CB: 74-75 mph. Tight spin, advanced action and depth, swing and miss offering. T2211, 2202 average rpm.
SL: 73-75 mph. Tight spin, sharp, late action, short horizontal wrinkle. T2173, 2148 average rpm.
CH: 76-78 mph. Developing feel, thrown with intent, with depth. T1711, 1559 average rpm. 

6. Marcus Wolfe Jr, The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Proportional frame with strength.
Delivery: Fluid delivery, slight drop and drive, balanced finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long draw out of the glove, 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 82-82 mph. Clean and lively out of the hand, finish through the zone. Showed control. T1755, 1624 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. Elevates slot, more 11/5 shape, late wrinkle. T1389, 1280 average rpm.
SL: 64-68 mph. Thrown with arm speed, horizontal 10/4 shape. T1389, 1263 average rpm.
CH: 66-69 mph. Above-average offering, sells pitch, feel at the bottom of the zone, late fade and sink. T1312, 1181 average rpm. 

7. Nathan Cera, Maine South (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds. Thin, wiry frame.
Delivery: Fluid tall and fall delivery, works uptempo and on-line.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-77 mph. Plays clean out of the hand, run and sink at times. T2228, 2118 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Tight spin, advanced action and sweep. Plays with feel and off a 10/4 plane. Advanced offering that should be a swing and miss pitch moving forward. T2500, 2465 average rpm. 

8. Danny Johnson, St. Ignatius (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. High waisted frame with a strong lower half.
Delivery: Fluid, relaxed delivery, moves down the mound in rhythm, on-line finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. Creates tilt at times, slight arm-side-run. around the zone. T2055, 2008 average rpm.
SL: 71-73 mph. Aggressive intent, late 10/4 horizontal action. Landed for strikes, short wrinkle. T2144, 2084 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Fastball intent, pulls the string, kills spin, mostly straight action. T1516, 1416 average rpm. 

9. Christian Lott, Simeon (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 176-pounds. High waisted frame with strength.
Delivery: Methodical tempo, high leg kick into a drop and drive lower half, online finish towards home.
Arm Action: RH. Fluid, continuous arm action into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Thrown downhill with life out of the hand. T1718, 1606 average rpm.
SL: 66-71 mph. Jumps out of the hand. Plays with tight sweeping action with some depth. T1790, 1707 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Thrown with intent, similar profile to the fastball, with some feel for the zone. T1153, 1049 average rpm. 

10. Stephen Winkler, Mount Carmel (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Lean frame with some room for growth.
Delivery: Fluid, tall and fall delivery, works on balance and in rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm circle, quick out front, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Easy and lively out of the hand, mostly straight and controlled the zone. T2038, 1833 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. Overhand, 12/6 curveball with depth. Potential swing and miss offering. T2201, 2121 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Thrown aggressively, straight action, tumbling sink at times. T1612, 1551 average rpm. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Jalen Allen, Marian Catholic (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 155-pounds. Thin, wiry frame.
Delivery: Athletic, fluid, tall and fall delivery, land on-line and square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 71-74 mph. Easy out of the hand, slight arm side action. T1779, 1684 average rpm.
CB: 58-61 mph. 11/5 shape, depth and feel at times. T1853, 1815 average rpm.
SL: 67-70 mph. Plays mostly straight, slight wrinkle. T1835, 1782 average rpm.
CH: 63-65 mph. Maintains arm speed, slight cut and some feel for the zone. T1509, 1449 average rpm. 

Xavier Arroyo, Lindblom (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Proportional frame with room for added strength.
Delivery: Smooth tall and fall delivery, works on-line and balanced at foot strike.
Arm Action: RH. Short, over-the-top arm action.
FB: T78, 76-78 mph. Plays straight, true-four seam carry. T1734, 1610 average rpm.
CB: 67-68 mph. Feel for the pitch, depth off an 11/5 plane. T1616, 1480 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Advanced fade and horizontal action at times. Showed above-average feel down in the zone. T1648, 1529 average rpm. 

Cristian Camarena, St. Patrick (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Proportional frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Controlled, calm, smooth tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front toe slightly open.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing, loose and quick out front high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 76-81 mph. Plays with life and arm-side-run run. T2015, 1929 average rpm.
CB: 58-59 mph. Drops slot slightly, sweeping slurve type offering.  T1830, 1799 average rpm.
CH: 67-69 mph. Sells the pitch, slight fade. T1514, 1455 average rpm.
CUT: 68-69 mph. Tighter action than curveball, short wrinkle off a horizontal plane, above-average feel.

Ethan Collins, Oak Lawn (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. High waisted frame with room for added strength.
Delivery: Uptempo tall and fall delivery, lands upright.
Arm Action: LH. Clean out of the glove, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 73-74 mph. Clean out of the hand, flashed arm-side-run. T2155, 2015 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. Lowers slot slightly, slurvy pitch, short horizontal wrinkle. T2087, 1784 average rpm.
CH: 66-68 mph. Maintains arm speed, plays to the arm side and flashed fade. T1671, 1536 average rpm.

Everett Flannery, Woodstock (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 235-pounds. Proportional frame with strength.
Delivery: Smooth tall and all delivery, upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 71-74 mph. Controlled the zone, mostly straight action. T1723, 1490 average rpm.
CB: 59-60 mph. 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes. T1379, 1322 average rpm.
SPLT: 62-63 mph. Thrown for strikes, occasional tumble.

Brendan Giles, St. Ignatius   (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-6, 205-pounds. Lean, athletic frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Uptempo, tall and fall delivery, stays on-line, lands front toe open.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Works mostly straight, flashed arm-side action. T2067, 1968 average rpm.
SL: 67-68 mph. Landed for strikes, short wrinkle, 2/8 shape. T1460, 1326 average rpm.
CH: 67-69 mph. Comes from a steep angle, works towards the bottom of the zone. T1980, 1768 average rpm. 

Dallan Krewatch, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-10, 145-pounds. Wiry frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Smooth, tall and fall delivery, works easy and on-line down the mound, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm action, high 3/4 to over-the-top slot.
FB: T76, 73-75 mph. Clean out of the hand, true four-seam action at times, flashed carry. T2097, 1987 average rpm.
CB: 61-63 mph. Thrown with intent, depth, tight spin and feel for the zone. T1764, 1617 average rpm.
CH: 70-73 mph. Maintains arm speed, mostly straight, control of the zone. T1846, 1793 average rpm. 

Shawn Krieps, Providence Catholic  (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-11, 155-pounds. Lean, proportional frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Fluid, drop and drive delivery, sits into backside and rides it down the mound. Balanced, controlled finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, clean arm, 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Plays clean out of the hand, down in the zone, slight arm-side-run. T2192, 2105 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Thrown with intent, sharp spin, 11/5 shape and late bite at times. T2066, 1983 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Thrown with intent with feel for the armside, some running action. T1386, 1279 average rpm. 

Landon Liboon, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 5-6, 140-pounds. Compact frame with some strength.
Delivery: Simple, compacty, tall and fall delivery,
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 74-74 mph. Control around the zone, works straight. T1854, 1732 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Lands for strikes, tight horizontal 10/4 shape. T2146, 1837 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed, feel for the zone, works mostly straight. T1687, 1567 average rpm. 

Luke Mejdrich, Hampshire  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-1, 215-pounds. Proportional frame with strength throughout.
Delivery: Uptempo, tall and fall delivery, effort at foot strike.
Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, high /4 slot.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Lively pitch, developing control. T2142, 2049 average rpm.
CB: 70-71 mph. 12/6 shape, tight spin, depth, advanced offering. T2454, 2375 average rpm.
SL: 74-75 mph. Thrown aggressively, tight horizontal action. feel for the zone. T2391, 2322 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Thrown with intent, late fade. T1809, 1716 average rpm.

William Nazha, Barrington (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds. Lean, proportional frame.
Delivery: Stretch only, tall and fall delivery, upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, clean quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Plays straight, clean out of the hand, carry through the zone. T2216, 2137 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. 11/5 shape, sharp, tight spin, depth and action, late bit. Above-average offering, swing and miss potential. T2554, 2491 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Fastball arm speed, sells the pitch, late sink at times. T1529, 1408 average rpm. 

Noah Nelkin, Lincoln Park (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds. Proportional frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Smooth tall and fall delivery, finishes upright, front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76, 75-76 mph. Plays mostly straight, up in the zone. T2021, 1880 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Tight spin, sharp 12/6 shape, depth and feel. T2288, 2216 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Maintains arm speed, horizontal 10/4 shape. Distinct difference between both breaking balls. T2326, 2161 average rpm. 

Andrew (AJ) Payton, Burlington Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-5, 185-pounds. Lean, wiry athletic frame with room for added strength and muscle.
Delivery: Simple, tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm and tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 80-83 mph. Life out of the hand with occasional ride through the zone. T1831, 1796 average rpm.
CB: 63-68 mph. Maintains arm speed, sharp, tight spin, 11/5 shape.  T2302, 2185 average rpm.
CH: 70-75 mph. Fastball arm speed, late running action to the arm side. T1850, 1733 average rpm. 

Andrew Smith, Sarah Goode (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 180-pounds. Proportional frame with room for growth.
Delivery: Smooth, rhythmic, tall and fall delivery, works easy and upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 73-76 mph. Straight action, played up in the zone. T1808, 1751 average rpm.
CB: 58-62 mph. 11/5 shape, flashed depth. Drops down the slot. T1641, 1550 average rpm.
SL: 61-66 mph. Thrown with intent with a short horizontal wrinkle. T1757, 1623 average rpm. 

Devin Vassel, Leo Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 5-11, 198-pounds. Large frame with strength.
Delivery: Clean, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands upright.
Arm Action: RH. Long, plunge arm action, plays over-the-top.
FB: T68, 64-66 mph. Mostly straight, occasional tilt. T1557, 1380 average rpm.
CH: 63-64 mph. Plays with fastball arm speed, feel for the bottom of the zone, late fade at times. T1436, 1343 average rpm.

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