Prep Baseball Report

Top Prospect - St. Louis: Illinois Position Players


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The third annual Top Prospect Games - St. Louis, took place Tuesday, June 4th. The invite-only event brought together some of the top uncommitted 2020s from Missouri and Illinois to SIU-Edwardsville. The event consisted of a showcase in the morning and games in the afternoon with 30+ colleges in attendance.

A number of the players in attendance helped elevate their stock heading into the summer months and 12 players have made commitments since the event. Today we take a look at all of the Illinois position players who were in attendance. 

Of the 20 position players from Illinois, who participated in the event, INF Matt Schuler (Lyons Township) was one of the clear winners. Schuler, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound, left-handed hitter, showed a simple, quiet, repeatable swing, worked gap-to-gap and made a lot of hard contact. He also had smooth infield actions, fluid footwork and a strong arm (86 mph). Schuler has since committed to Maryville University.

Another infielder, who is still on the market and has been on the rise for much of the summer is 3B Joshua Kirnbauer (Andrew). Kirnbauer has a 6-foot, 180-pound, strong, well-proportioned build, hits from a strong base with minimal wasted movement and strong, quick hands. Kirnbauer profiles at third base but has the athleticism to move to a corner outfield spot as well. 

Two catchers of note were Chase Mason (Washington) and Drew Stengren (Cary-Grove). Mason, a Heartland CC commit, has a quick bat, a knack for finding the barrel in game and a strong arm out of the crouch. Stengren, still uncommitted, is quick and clean out of the crouch and has an accurate, true arm. At the plate, he has an easy right-handed swing, controls the barrel and sprays it to all fields.

Below is a look at all of the Illinois position players from the event. 

ILLINOIS POSITION PLAYERS (Listed Alphabetically)

Jacob Allgeyer, INF, Minooka, 2020
6-foot, 188-pound, switch-hitting middle infielder. Similar setup on each side of the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Present bat speed, short and uphill path to the ball. Registered an exit velocity of 90 mph. Ran a 4.61 home-to-first from the left side, 4.76 from the right. In the field, clean release, plays through the ball and controlled body on slow roller. Short and loose arm action, throws from a high ¾ slot. Showed carry on throws. Position velocity of 83 mph. 

Sam Buduris, OF, Minooka, 2020
Spoon River JC commit. 5-foot-11, 165-pound, right handed hitting outfielder. Hits from a balanced, athletic set up, smooth load, small leg lift trigger, short stride. Line-drive approach, works the middle of the field. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. From the outfield, soft hands, fluid footwork, step behind to release, clean exchange, plays through ball well, fields out in front. Long arm action, from a high ¾ arm slot, accurate arm, that carried at 88 mph. 4.54 runner, home-to-first.

Abe Collins,OF, Morton, 2020
6-foot-3, 190-pound, strong, athletically-built, left-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, balanced setup, short stride, flashed bat speed, short bat path, pull side approach. 84 mph exit velocity. Ran a 4.43 home-to-first. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, and clocked at 79 mph.

Tyler Cwik, OF, York, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound, left/left, athletically-built, outfielder. Offensively, tall, balanced set up, smooth load, small leg lift trigger, short stride. Long, uphill bat path, pull approach and 79 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, steady actions, proper routes, reliable hands and clean release. Arm plays over the top and topped at 82 mph. 4.72 runner, home-to-first.

Dylan Elazegui, OF, Hinsdale Central, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound, left/left outfielder. At the plate, balanced set up, smooth, calm load, hover trigger, short stride, shows balance throughout the swing. Short, level path to the ball, gets extension after contact, line drive, middle of the field type of hitter, fluid rhythm. Exit velocity of 78 mph off a tee. Ran a 4.72 down the line. Defensively, athletic outfield actions, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, directional to target. Long arm action, works from a ¾ arm slot, long release. Arm plays accurate and topped at 80 mph.

Anthony Fitzpatrick, OF, St. Patrick, 2020
5-foot-9, 165-pound, wiry, left-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, wide balanced setup, loose hands, smooth load, small leg lift trigger, short stride, on time. Flashed bat speed, level bat path, line drive, gap-to-gap hitter, works the middle of the field. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran a 4.35 down the line. Defensively, natural outfield actions, soft hands, quick, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Long arm action, throws from a ¾ arm slot and clocked at 84 mph from the outfield.

Will Gibbs, INF, Harrisburg, 2020
Olney Central JC commit. 5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, lean, athletic frame, loose actions. At the plate, rhythm in pre-pitch, balanced setup, short leg-lift stride, maintains balance throughout. Loose hands, short, direct path to the ball, line drive approach. 80 mph exit velocity. Ran a 4.51 home-to-first. Defensively, short arm action, throws from a high ¾ slot. Position velocity of 76 mph. Played accurate across the field. Reliable hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. 

Ryan Janssen, C, Nokomis, 2020
Lake Land JC commit. 5-foot-11,190-pound, proportionately strong, right-handed hitting catcher. Balanced set up, knee tuck trigger, long stride. Strong hands, short, uphill path, present bat speed, gap-to-gap approach. Power potential swing with bat strength, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged 2.03-2.09. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws carried at 77 mph from the crouch. Receptive hands, fluid footwork, quick release, athletic actions. 4.79 runner, home-to-first.

Max Jones, INF/RHP, Pekin, 2020
Illinois Central JC commit. 6-foot, 190-pound, right handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame with strength. At the plate, balanced setup, leg kick stride, maintained balance throughout contact. Strong hands, path worked quick, short and uphill to the ball, gap-to-gap approach, feel for the barrel. Exit velocity topped 88 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange to release, plays through the ball athletically. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, showed carry across, throws topped 80 mph across. 4.72 runner, home-to-first. On the bump, side rocker step, tall balance point, drop and drive delivery, works in-line to home, controlled finish. Arm plays with plunge on back side, loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball played straight, sat 81-83 mph, topped 84 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, with fastball arm speed, ranged 65-71 mph.

Trevor King, INF, Glenbard West, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound, strong, wide-shouldered, right-handed hitting first baseman. At the plate, crouched stance, smooth load, leg-kick trigger. Uphill path to the baseball, line drive and gap-to-gap hitter. Flashed bat strength. Exit velocity of 84 mph. Ran a 5.43 home-to-first. Defensively, reliable hands, fields out front at times. Long and loose arm action, throws from a high ¾ slot. Position velocity of 75 mph. 

Joshua Kirnbauer, INF, Andrew, 2020
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed hitting third baseman; athletic frame, strong build. At the plate, wide setup, smooth load, short stride, fluid rhythm, maintains balance throughout swing. Fast bat speed, level path to the baseball, sprays the ball from gap-to-gap. Exit velocity of 89 mph. Ran a 4.51 home-to-first. Defensively, steady hands, clean exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, throws from a high ¾ slot. Position velocity of 76 mph. 

Sergio Marchizza, INF/RHP, Glenwood, 2020
6-foot-3, 220-pound, strong, physical, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Quick bat speed, uphill path, has present bat strength, power potential. Exit velocity of 93 mph. In the field, reliable hands, clean transfer, long arm action, throws from a high ¾ slot. 72 mph position velocity. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, repeatable delivery, tall balance point, works in line, lands slightly closed. Long and loose arm action, works from a high ¾ slot. Fastball worked, 82-84 mph, topped at 86 mph. Curveball at 68-71 mph, 11/5 shape. 

Chase Mason, C, Washington, 2020
Heartland CC commit. 6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting catcher, well-proportioned and athletic, room to carry added strength. Tall, open set-up, small leg lift trigger, long toe-lift stride to even. Path plays level with looseness in hands, present bat speed, feel for the barrel in the zone, rhythm through contact. Looks to drive the ball to his pull side, can lift it, 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged 2.00-2.09. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and occasional carry, throws topped 78 mph from the crouch. Soft hands, fluid receiver, clean and athletic catch and release type, athletic actions. 4.68 runner, home-to-first. 

Jack Owens, INF/RHP Mascoutah, 2020
Truman State commit. 6-foot-2, 205-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted frame with strength. At the plate, rocks at pre-pitch, wide setup, hands load back, minimal stride. Strong hands, path worked uphill with some length, present bat speed, showed ability to lift with power potential in swing. Exit velocity topped 97 mph. Defensively, quick and active footwork, reliable hands, athletic fielding position. Long draw from glove, high ¾ slot, throws topped 77 mph across. 4.54 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, side rocker step into a sturdy balance, tall and fall delivery, works in-line, toe lands closed, upright at finish. Two-part arm action, looseness out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball had run with occasional sink, sat 80-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, sat 71-72 mph. Changeup played at 76 mph, near fastball arm speed. 

Jayden Rios, OF, St. Anthony, 2020
5-foot-10, 148-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, balanced set up, leg kick trigger, uphill bat path, gap-to-gap, opposite field approach. 87 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, reliable hands, proper routes and direction, long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph. 4.68 runner, home-to-first. 

Lucas Ryan, C, Glenwood, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound, left-handed hitting catcher, athletic frame with projection, room for continued added strength. Offensively, balanced, wide set-up, hands bar back, short stride, maintains control. Path plays short and level through the zone with bat speed, gap-to-gap approach, rhythm through contact. Exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. Defensively, pop times ranged 2.15-2.26. Arm plays long out an over the top slot, throws topped 72 mph from the crouch. Steady hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange to release, deadened blocks. 4.51 runner, home-to-first. 

Matt Schuler, INF, Lyons Township, 2020
Maryville commit. 6-foot-1,180-pound, strong, athletically-built, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Compact, simple swing, barrel aware in the zone, gap-to-gap approach, present bat speed, consistent hard contact. Exit velocity topped 89 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws played accurate across the diamond, flashed carry at 86 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first. 

Caleb Sjordal, C, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2020 
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher, durable build with strength. Balanced, athletic set up, starts weight on back knee, short toe tap trigger, maintains control. Strong hands, path plays uphill with some length, rhythm through contact. Strength in swing to his pull side, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged 2.22-2.29. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate arm, occasional carry, throws topped 72 mph from the crouch. Receptive hands, clean exchange to release, deadened blocks. 4.76 runner, home-to-first.

Drew Stengren, C, Cary-Grove, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, strong, athletically-built, right-handed hitting catcher. Tall, balanced and athletic set-up, minimal load, short leg lift timing trigger. Short bat path, fast bat speed, gets extension, line drive production, fluid rhythm throughout. Repeatedly found barrels, sprayed to all fields, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged 2.00-2.13. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate throws with carry, quick release, topped 76 mph from the crouch. Soft hands behind the plate, advanced receiver, plays through the ball, agile blocks. 4.87 run time, home-to-first. 

Jake Surane, OF, Stevenson, 2020
5-foot-9, 163-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Hits from a wide, balanced set up, smooth load, minimal stride and maintains balance through contact. Simple, handsy swing, short, uphill bat path, works the middle of the field. Exit velocity of 85 mph off a tee. Defensively, quick, fluid footwork, confident hands.  Overall solid actions in the outfield. Short arm action and works from a high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 79 mph. 4.46 home-to-first.

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