By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

This week we begin our analysis of the Underclass Showcase from October 23. The Underclass Showcase was an open event to all 2019 and 2020 graduates. Throughout the week we will break down the event by position, featuring scouting reports and highlighting the top prospects at each position.

Catchers kicked things off yesterday and today we take a look at the outfielders in attendance.

Here’s a look at the top 2019 and 2020 outfield prospects.

TOP OUTFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Jason Hodges, OF/INF, Marist, 2019
6-foot-3, 185-pound, strong, physically advanced, athletically built, multi-positional prospect. Put himself on the map as one of the top 2019 prospects in Illinois. Ran a 6.95 laser-timed 60. Has a high ceiling offensively. Right-handed hitter with fluid rhythm, explosive bat speed and present pull power. Makes consistent hard, loud contact, ball jumps off his bat; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance throughout. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Ability to play both positions; fluid, quick feet and soft hands. Athletic defensive actions, has a bounce in his step and good body control. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws have carry; clocked at 76 mph across the infield and 81 mph from the outfield. High follow 2019 prospect.

2. Khyle Radcliffe, OF, Morgan Park, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky, athletic frame. Defensively has a long, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fluid footwork with reliable hands and a clean exchange. Throws showed carry from the outfield throwing 89 mph. At the plate hits from a tall, narrow setup with a low hand set. Loose hands with a level swing path and fluid rhythm. Line drive hitter, worked up the middle. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.36.  

3. Joshua Williams, OF, Morgan Park, 2019
6-foot-2, 163-pound, long lean, athletically built, outfielder. Left-handed hitter, swings a loose, easy bat, ball jumps off bat at times; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Fluid rhythm, line-drive approach, uses the entire field. Narrow open setup, short stride and good balance through contact. Defensively, fluid footwork and athletic actions in the outfield. Plays through the baseball, soft hands, aggressive crow hop and clean transfer. Long, loose arm action, accurate throws, flashed carry at 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.02 laser-timed 60.

4. Pierce Jones, OF, Marian Catholic, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, projectable build, long and lean, outfielder. Ran a 7.07 laser-timed 60. Right-handed hitter, with an advanced bat path; short, level path and gets extension through contact at times. Flashed bat speed and a gap-to-gap approach; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced open setup, short stride and good balance through contact. Defensively, attacks the baseball, plays through at times and steady hands in the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 77 mph.

5. Darrius Little, OF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2019
5-foot-8, 145-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. Above average runner in the 60 running a 6.92. Defensively has a long, loose, quick arm action from an over the top slot. Throws showed carry, clocked at 82 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and fluid footwork. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance with a short stride and good balance. Line drive, gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a short swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee.

5. MJ Stavola, OF, Aurora Christian, 2019
5-foot-9, 140-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively, left-handed thrower with advanced arm strength; throws were accurate with life and carry, clocked at 89 mph. Arm is extremely quick from an over-the-top slot; arm could translate to the mound. Athletic actions, attacks, plays through the baseball with a clean and quick exchange. Offensively, bat stays flat through the zone and a gap-to-gap approach. Open crouched setup, short stride that gets back to even and maintains balance through contact; registered a 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Also, ran a 7.43 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jaheim Adams, OF/RHP, St. Joseph, 2020
5-foot-5, 170-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 77 mph. Balanced setup with a short stride. Defensively, reliable hands, plays through the ball on occasion. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 79 mph from the outfield. 7.38 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, flashed rhythm, stays in line, lands slightly open. Short arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 66-67 mph. Changeup, feel, 69-71 mph.

Jack Brannigan, OF/SS, Marist, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, strong, right-handed hitter. Pull-side approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 84 mph from a tee. Closed setup, leg lift timing trigger. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. More natural in the outfield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange, flashed athletic actions in the outfield. Short arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 82 mph from the outfield and 77 mph across the infield. 7.18 runner in the laser timed 60.

Kyle Colbert, 1B/OF, Morgan Park, 2020
6-foot,141-pound, multi-positional player. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Showed more natural at first. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 70 mph across the infield and 68 mph from the outfield. 7.83 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, right-handed pitcher, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 63 mph. Open setup, leg lift timing trigger.

Daniel Duncan, OF/RHP, Buffalo Grove, 2020
5-foot-7, 140-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, long path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 74 mph. Open setup, leg kick timing trigger. Defensively, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot, accurate at times; throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.89 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 70-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup, 66-68 mph.  

Matt Dutler, OF, Stevenson, 2020
5-foot-8, 140-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, flashed bat speed, fluid rhythm, line drive approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 75 mph. Balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, hands work well, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 79 mph from the outfield. 7.58 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Ryan Dziekan, OF, St. Ignatius, 2019
5-foot-11, 135-pound, lanky outfielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 74 mph. Open setup, leg kick timing trigger. Defensively, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Short, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 67 mph from the outfield. 7.92 runner in the laser timed 60.     

Jacob Ferry, OF, Oswego East, 2020
6-foot-, 145-pound, lanky, athletic outfielder. Offensively, left-handed hitter, line drive approach, ability to back spin a ball, short, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 69 mph. Wide, balanced setup, short stride. Defensively, reliable hands, clean exchange, plays through the ball at times. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield. 7.61 runner in the laser timed 60.

Michael Gattuso, OF, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-10, strong frame, outfielder. Offensively, line drive approach, stron contact, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 78 mph. Balanced setup, short stride, showed ability to maintain balance through contact. Defensively, attacks, plays through the baseball. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 70 mph from the outfield. 7.09 runner in the laser timed 60.

Connor Gill, RHP/OF, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher with a high upside. Quick, loose arm from an over-the-top slot. Tall and fall delivery with rhythm, stays on-line, finishes athletically and regular effort throughout. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional tilt, sat 79-82 mph. Curveball, thrown for strikes, down in the zone, 11/5 shape, late action, depth, 64-67 mph. Changeup, swing and miss potential, sinking action, thrown for strikes, maintains fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, present bat speed and consistent hard contact mostly to the pull side; registered an 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced, wide setup, short stride, path stays flat through the hitting zone with good balance throughout. Defensively, advanced arm strength for age; clocked at 85 mph from the outfield. Quick arm from a high ¾ slot and throws carry with accuracy. Also, ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60.

Jaylen Greene, 1B/OF, De La Salle, 2020   
6-foot-2, 154-pound, lanky, athletic, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, quick twitch, some looseness in swing, long path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 77 mph. Wide setup with a short stride. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Showed more natural at first base. Quick footwork, clean exchange, athletic fielding actions. Long arm action from a ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 71 mph across the diamond and 70 mph from the outfield. 7.68 runner in the laser timed 60.

John Hamer, OF/RHP, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, some looseness in swing, short path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 83 mph. Tall, closed setup, short stride. Defensively, plays through the baseball, reliable hands in the outfield. Long, accurate arm from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield. 7.23 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, wide lift, hip load. Long arm action from a ¾ angle. Fastball, occasional sink, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, feel, varies between 11/5 shape and 10/4 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup, fade action, 68-71 mph.

Tyler Heidkamp, LHP/OF, Oswego East, 2020  
5-foot-7, 130-pound, lanky, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm, lands open. Long, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, slight arm side run, sat 74-77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, tendency to slow arm, 57-60 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, throws flashed accuracy and carry; clocked at 80 mph from the outfield. Offensively, right-handed hitter, pull-side approach, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 76 mph. Balanced setup, short stride. 7.94 runner in the laser timed 60.

Drew Henrikson, RHP/OF, Rochester, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, two-way prospect. Currently projects best on the mound. Right-handed pitcher with a three-pitch repertoire. Tall and fall delivery, some rhythm and regular effort throughout. Arm works short and from a ¾ slot; slinger type. Fastball, arm-side-run and sat 78-79 mph. Slider, sharp,sweeping action, 10/4 shape, 65-69 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, flashed plus action at times, 70-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill path and pull approach. Open wide setup, toe-tap stride and average bat speed. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, plays through the baseball in the outfield. Arm action is similar to on the mound; short arm action from a ¾ slot and clocked at 78 mph. Also, ran a 7.76 60.

Matt Jeter, RHP/OF, Aurora Central Catholic, 2019
5-foot-7, 135-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, line drive approach, long, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 78 mph. Tall, open setup, leg lift trigger. Defensively, plays through the baseball, reliable hands in the outfield. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 77 mph from the outfield. 8.01 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stays in line. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 74-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, 61-64 mph.

Tom Jurack, OF/INF, Hinsdale Central, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound, physically advanced, athletically built, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, flashed bat speed, looseness and strength through contact; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Path work uphill, occasional looseness, gap-to-gap approach and uses the middle of the field. Balanced setup, short toe-turn stride and good balance throughout. Defensively, worked out on the infield and in the outfield. Soft hands, plays tall with a clean transfer. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy; clocked at 73 mph from the outfield and infield. Also, ran a 7.82 60.

Shawn Kwasny, OF, Westmont, 2019
5-foot-10, 140-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, long path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 64 mph. Balanced setup with a long stride. Defensively, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 73 mph. 7.90 runner in the laser timed 60.

Jack Lochner, OF, Niles West, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, bat speed, occasional hard contact and spray approach; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Level, long bat path. Balanced, slightly closed setup, leg-lift timing trigger and average balance throughout. Defensively, fluid footwork, athletic fielding position, plays through the baseball, varied transfer. Long arm action out of a high ¾ to over-the-top slot and throws clocked at 75 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.32 laser-timed 60.

Jared Lombardi, OF, Loyola Academy, 2019
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively, plays through the baseball, clean exchange, reliable hands. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 70 mph from the outfield. 7.30 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, line drive approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 71 mph. Open setup with a short stride.

Cole Manley, LHP/1B/OF, Notre Dame, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, strong frame, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, strong contact, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 90 mph. Tall, open setup, long stride. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Flashed athletic actions, feet work well. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 74 mph from the outfield and 69 mph across the infield. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, stays in line, toe lands closed. Short arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, occasional arm side run, sat 73-75 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, sharp action at time, 62-63 mph. Changeup, sink action, 66-70 mph.

Brandon Micetich, OF, Plainfield Central, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, bat speed, looseness and quick twitch in swing. Fluid rhythm, short uphill bat path, line-drive approach and sprayed balls to all fields. Open setup, smooth load, short heel lift stride and good balance throughout. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange and plays through the baseball at times in the outfield. Throws from a high ¾ slot, clocked at 72 mph. Also, ran a 7.77 laser-timed 60.

Tim Mitchell, OF/LHP, Elgin, 2019
5-foot-7, 135-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, gap-to-gap approach, looseness in swing, long, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 72 mph. Balanced setup, leg kick, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Long arm action from an over the top slot; throws clocked at 69 mph from the outfield. 7.74 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm. Long arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 66-69 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action, 55-56 mph. Changeup, sink action, 62-64 mph.

Jackson Mladic, OF, Lockport, 2019   
5-foot-10, 180-pound, strong framed outfielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, above average bat speed, strong contact, gap-to-gap approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 82 mph. Balanced setup with a leg lift trigger. Defensively, feet work well, clean exchange. Long arm action from an over the top slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 67 mph. 7.63 runner in the laser timed 60.

Zack Murray, OF, Lockport, 2020
5-foot-8, 140-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, long, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 73 mph. Closed setup with a short stride. Defensively, celan exchange, reliable hands, plays through the baseball. Short, accurate arm from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 73 mph from the outfield. 8.40 runner in the laser timed 60.

Lawrence Noble, OF, Harlan, 2019
6-foot, 150-pound, lean, athletically built, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm, level bat path, and present bat speed. Loose swing and ability to backspin the baseball; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced, slightly open setup, loads hands pre-pitch, long stride and good balance throughout. Defensively, fluid footwork, athletic fielding position, ability to play through with a clean transfer. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 61 mph. Also, ran a 7.32 laser-timed 60.

Nicolas Palermo, OF, St. Ignatius, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound, strong frame, outfielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm, line drive approach, level path through the zone; 81 mph exit velocity. Tall, slightly open setup, leg lift. Defensively, plays through the baseball, clean exchange. Long arm action from an over the top slot, flashed accuracy and carry; throws clocked at 78 mph. 7.10 runner in the laser timed 60.

Patrick Quirk, OF/INF/RHP, Glenbrook South, 2020
5-foot-8, 160-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tendency to find barrel, fluid rhythm, some looseness in swing, gap-to-gap approach; 82 mph exit velocity. Long, uphill path through the zone. Balanced setup, back load, leg kick. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. Similar actions at both positions. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield and 65 mph across the infield. 7.84 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm. Long arm action from a ¾ angle. Fastball, sink action, sat 66-68 mph. Curveball, slurve action, 10/4 shape, tendency to miss glove side, 55-57 mph. Changeup, occasional cut and sink 61-64 mph.

Darion Radcliff, 3B/OF, De La Salle, 2019
5-foot-9, 170-pound, strong frame, multi-positional player. Offensively, left-handed hitter, pull-side approach, some strong contact, short, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 80 mph. Open setup, leg lift trigger, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and infield, similar actions at both. Soft hands, fluid footwork, athletic actions. Short arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 80 mph from the outfield and 75 mph across the infield. 7.16 runner in the laser timed 60.

Christian Ransom, OF, T.F. South, 2019
5-foot-11, 145-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, opposite field approach, long, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 66 mph. Open setup with a short stride. Defensively, plays through the ball on occasion. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 73 mph from the outfield. 7.14 runner in the laser timed 60.    

Jacob Tomberlin, OF, Depaul, 2020
5-foot-9, 145-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 62 mph from a tee. Wide setup with a short stride. Defensively, plays through the ball. Long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot; throws clocked at 65 mph from the outfield. 7.76 runner in the laser timed 60.

Chase VanDerGinst, C/OF, Rock Island Alleman, 2019
Left-handed hitting catcher/outfielder, 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, lanky frame. Balanced setup, loads hands back, leg lift stride. Worked middle of the field, loose bat, lower half gets off back side. Fast bat with slight uphill path, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and firm, gets under and works uphill at times. 72 mph out of the crouch, 79 mph from the outfield. Pop times ranged 2.32-2.44. Ran a 7.38 in the 60.

Barry White, OF/1B/LHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2019
5-foot-8, 128-pound, two-way prospect. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Similar actions at both. Soft hands, quick footwork, athletic actions. Aggressive routes in the outfield. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 77 mph from the outfield and 73 mph across the infield. 7.08 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, left-handed hitter, quick twitch, short path through the zone; 74 mph exit velocity. Slightly open setup with a short stride. On the mound, left-handed pitcher with a three pitch feel. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, toe lands closed. Loose, quick arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, occasional arm side run, sat 75-77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, arm side run, thrown for strikes, 70-72 mph.

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