Mitch Trees, Catcher, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin HS
Ranked No. 2 in Illinois’ Class of 2014 and No. 7 overall in the PBR coverage area, Trees is a physically impressive 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete. He will serve as the defensive anchor for Team Illinois in the Prep Baseball Report Midwest Future Games on Aug. 4-5 at the University of Illinois.

Defensively, Trees is the most advanced catcher we’ve seen in Illinois’ Class of 2014. He possesses extremely athletic feet, soft hands and arm strength (79 mph from the crouch). At the PBR Underclass Invitational, Trees delivered strikes on the glove-side of the bag, with top pop times of 1.93 and 1.97. His catching mechanics are advanced well beyond his age. For his size and strength, Trees is an impressive athlete, evidenced by his 7.29 60 and the fact that he was also a standout at third base, where he demonstrated concise lateral movements, clean footwork and arm strength (80 mph). 

Offensively, Trees has an advanced approach and a balanced setup.  From his strong, explosive lower half, he generates excellent barrel whip through the zone, flashing plus power potential from the right side. In all, Trees should be one of the most coveted catching prospects in the Midwest.

Trees has made an impact on varsity since his freshman year. As a sophomore, he tallied 22 RBI, 6 doubles, 1 homer and 1 triple.

The Midwest Future Games, powered by Under Armour, will feature the best Class of 2014 prospects from six states.

Click Here to view all the rosters and game schedule.