Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Showcase: Pitcher Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Sunday, October 16, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Underclass Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Illinois. The event featured just under 70 players from the 2025-2026 grad classes and brought together some of the most talented underclass prospects in the state.

Today, we are finishing up our post-event coverage with all of the pitchers that were in attendance.

The lone 2024 to toe the rubber, RHP Bryce Loeger (Conant) warrants a mention. Loeger has a strong, athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame and starter makeup with a four-pitch mix and fastball that played comfortably in the mid-80’s with more to come. Loeger also showed well as a position player and is a two-way follow in the 2024 class.

(Bryce Loeger - 10/16/22)

RHP Donovan Christman (McHenry, 2025) was another arm worth noting that just missed out on the top-10. The 6-foot-2, 174-pound, well-proportioned sophomore has a clean arm that plays relatively easy from an over-the-top slot, running his fastball up to 81.5 mph. His curveball plays well off the fastball with 12/6 shape, downer action and feel for the zone.  

LHP Ryan Frano (Glenbard East, 2025) emerged as an arm to follow moving forward. Listed at 6-foot, 165-pounds, Frano moves with a fluid operation and clean arm to produce a fastball up to 80.5 mph. He showed more control over the zone with his changeup compared to his curveball, though the curveball has out-pitch potential with its sharp action and tight shape.

LHP Nico Harper (LIbertyville, 2026) showed well for himself despite just missing out on our top-10. Standing 5-foot-10, 145-pounds, Harper still has plenty of filling out to do which should only help him in the long run. The southpaw works with a loose/athletic delivery and low ¾ arm slot, producing a fastball just shy of 80 mph. Harper also showed well as a position player and is an intriguing two-way prospect to keep tabs on moving forward. 

Read on below for a look at all of the pitchers from the event, including the top-10.

Top Pitching Prospects 

1. Anthony Karbowski, Hampshire (IL), 2025; Louisville commit
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Athletic build, proportioned strength.
Delivery: Hands rock over head to initiate an athletic drop/drive type delivery, works closed off from target to footstrike, athletic finish through release.
Arm Action: LH. Long and loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T87, 85-87 mph. Ball jumps out the hand with life up in the zone. T2497, 2369 average rpm.
CB: 68-73 mph. 2/8 shape, sweeps it from a similar fastball slot. Knuckle-curve grip. T2486, 2267 average rpm.
KN: 69-70 mph. Thrown with intent, knuckling action. 

2. Ethan Bass, Glenbrook North (IL), 2026; Illinois commit
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic, uptempo delivery, high leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half with a long stride that remains in-line with the plate, shoulders remain level throughout the operation.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a high 3/4 release.
FB: T83.5, 81-83 mph. Above-average spin, explodes through the zone with arm-side life and finish.  T2568, 2514 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. Thrown with intent, 11/5 shape with depth.  T2352, 2245 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. Shorter shape than the CB, 10/4 action with sharp bite.  T2342, 2302 average rpm.
CH: 66-68 mph. Thrown with fastball arm-speed, plays with fade and dive to the bottom of the zone.  T1934, 1692 average rpm.

3. Keegan Luxem, Hersey (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 200-pounds. Athletic, strong lower-half, long limbs with room for added strength.
Delivery: Stretch only, simple delivery with a medium balance point, tall/fall lower-half, shoulders remain level throughout, stride works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Medium arm circle into an over-the-top slot.
FB: T84.5, 83-84 mph. Plays with life out of the hand and finish through the zone.  T2330, 2262 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Sharp, downer 11/5 action with late bite, feel for the pitch.  T2266, 2232 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Plays with fading action to the arm-side, maintains near fastball arm-speed.  T1638, 1563 average rpm.

4. Chase Lockwood, Libertyville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, fluid mover downhill with extension, advanced hip/shoulder separation at footstrike. Level shoulders throughout, strides in line to target and repeats.
Arm Action: RH. Loose quick arm circle, finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.4, 78-78 mph. Clean out the hand, primarily cut it but did play up in the zone with backspin from a low slot on occasion. T2338, 2232 average rpm.
CB: 65-66 mph. Above-average spin, maintains arm/hand speed through release, sharp 11/5 shape with depth.  T2586, 2513 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. Short 10/4 shape, strikes.  T2319, 2285 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Plays with heavy fading action to the arm-side at times.  T1795, 1702 average rpm.

5. Ethan Faith, Jacobs (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, wide stance with front foot closer to third, drop/drive lower-half that maintains a slight bend in the back knee while striding down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.1, 78-80 mph. Runs with heavy action to the arm-side. T2075, 1905 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Downer 11/5 shape, kept down. T2085, 2043 average rpm.
CUT: 72-73 mph. Sharp 10/4 action with depth, kept down.

6. David Leung, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive type delivery, athletic at balance point and gains momentum towards target, stays closed throughout to footstrike, Works in line to target, athletic finish.
Arm Action: LH. Arm plays with some length on the backside, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.5, 80-81 mph. Comes out clean and jumps into the lower-half of the zone. T2178, 2088 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. 1/7 shape with some depth and lateral spin. T1871, 1824 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Maintains arm-speed, similar to fastball and plays down in the zone. T2171, 2110 average rpm.

7. Mason Jurewicz, New Trier (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 150-pounds. Wide-shouldered, wiry frame with upside.
Delivery: Side steps to a tall balance point before working downhill in a drop/drive pattern, twitchy hip/shoulder separation at foot strike with advanced extension, finishes onto a strong lead leg. Twitchy athleticism.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing out the glove, finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.8, 80-83 mph. Plays down in the zone to the arm-side corner of the plate. Spins at an advanced rate. T2630, 2480 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Thrown with conviction, power-type pitch. 11/5 shape with downer spin. T2242, 2077 average rpm.
CH: 75-78 mph. Mostly straight, some strikes.  T2137, 1885 average rpm.

8. Brady Turner, Routt Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Heavy start to the first base side of the rubber, tall/fall type delivery, lead leg swings to a closed toe landing from target. Deceptive some and repeats.
Arm Action: LH. Short compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.8, 75-77 mph. Slight cut, ball jumps out the hand from a tight window. T2106, 2034 average rpm.
CB: 60-62 mph. Slurvy-type, 2/8 shape with depth. T2701, 2586 average rpm.
SL: 61-64 mph. Similar action to curveball. T2701, 2656 average rpm.

9. Brock Fearday, St. Anthony (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, lead leg lifts to a tall balance point, high front side, gets extension down the mound to an in-line landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.4, 79-82 mph. Plays downhill, strikes and thrown with intent. T2216, 2129 average rpm.
CB: 62-64 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed and intent. Spins it with conviction, 11/5 shape with depth and works around the zone. T1708, 1646 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Maintains fastball intent and slot. Feel to pronate, sinks and fades it down in the zone. T1698, 1488 average rpm.

10. Carter Bleakney, Champaign Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive type delivery, rides the backside downhill, level shoulders, works with aggression onto front foot. Strides in line to target, repeats.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing, finishes from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T84.5, 83-84 mph. Heavy arm-side action from a low release point on average. Sinker-type. T1917, 1820 average rpm.
SL: 73-74 mph. Cutter-type shape. T1967, 1813 average rpm.
CH: 76-78 mph. Maintains fastball slot and intent. Plays straight. T1358, 1262 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Mason Atkins, West Aurora (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, upright at balance point, short stride to footstrike, tall finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T71.6, 70-71 mph. Straight four-seam type, strikes. T1809, 1698 average rpm.
CB: 59-62 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action. T2107, 2014 average rpm.
CH: 64-67 mph. Plays arm-side run.  T1429, 1330 average rpm.

Hunter Blake, McHenry (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-1, 145-pounds. Wiry build, room to fill out.
Delivery: Quick side step initiates a tall/fall type delivery, high leg kick to balance point, high front side, weight carries forward at foot strike and strides in line to target.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm circle finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.7, 75-76 mph. Straight four-seam type. T1935, 1903 average rpm.
CB: 58-62 mph. Similar to slider, thrown at a lesser velocity on average. T1715, 1622 average rpm.
SL: 62-64 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action with some depth and feel for the zone. T1613, 1592 average rpm.

Donovan Christman, McHenry (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 174-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only. Starts on the third base side of the rubber, tall/fall type delivery with some lower half drive, high front side, works closed off from target with extension downhill.
Arm Action: RH. Arm draws down from the glove, over-the-top finish.
FB: T81.5, 77-80 mph. Worked both a two and four seam grip. Some downhill tilt created from a high slot, two-seam played low and in to the arm-side corner of the plate. T2214, 1949 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. 12/6 shape with tight spin and depth. Advanced feel to spin, worked around the zone. T2505, 2410 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. Similar action and slot to curveball. T2340, 2282 average rpm.

Tyler Dowling, Bloomington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo throughout, high leg-kick into a coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half that works in-line with the plate, long stride.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.2, 78-79 mph. Control over the zone, mostly straight. T2073, 1976 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. Sharp, downer action, 11/5 shape, kept mostly down. T2474, 2403 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Thrown with intent, mostly straight, slight arm-side fade. T1716, 1646 average rpm.
CUT: 73-74 mph. Short cutting action, 10/4.

Ryan Frano, Glenbard East (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic mover, high leg-kick into a coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half, works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.5, 79-80 mph. Life out of the hand, mostly straight. T2106, 2026 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Tight 1/7 shape. T1853, 1797 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Straight through the zone, some feel for the zone. T1351, 1238 average rpm.

Aadden Guerrero, Lyons Township (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Delivery: Controlled tempo throughout, slow leg-lift into a coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half that remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.3, 77-78 mph. Plays with finish through the zone. T2108, 2081 average rpm.
CB: 59-61 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape. T2128, 2045 average rpm.
SL: 61-63 mph. 10/4 shape. T2122, 2085 average rpm.
CH: 67-70 mph. Fading action to the arm-side, some feel for the zone. T1691, 1625 average rpm.

Nico Harper, Libertyville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Tempoed drop/drive delivery, deceptive on the backside, athletic lower half downhill, closed shoulders to front foot strike. Works in line to target, athletic finish through release.
Arm Action: LH. Arm draws straight back out the glove, finishes from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.6, 78-79 mph. Worked to the arm-side corner of the plate, jumps from a tight window. T2301, 2218 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. Slurvy-type, lateral sweeping spin off a 2/8 plane. T2282, 2217 average rpm.

Danny Kienzle, Lyons Township (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Medium leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, stride works in-line.
Arm Action: LH. Long stab out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 76-79 mph. Sinking action to the arm-side. T1776, 1733 average rpm.
CB: 59-60 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual action.  T1819, 1741 average rpm.
SL: 63-64 mph. Flashed sharp 2/8 action.  T2003, 1838 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Feel for the pitch, plays with arm-side action.  T1671, 1630 average rpm.

Bryce Loeger, Conant (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic drop/drive type delivery, creates momentum towards target at balance point, fluid mover downhill, lead leg swings into an in-line landing with target.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing on the backside that finishes from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.2, 85-86 mph. Plays straight and down in the zone for strikes. T2133, 2033 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. Decelerates arm action, 11/5 shape with depth. T2268, 2255 average rpm.
SL: 74-76 mph. Tighter shape, maintains fastball plane with late break on occasion. T2290, 2266 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Flashed arm-side run on occasion. T1635, 1563 average rpm.

Ryan Mirante, South Elgin (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive type delivery, sits deep into the back hip before working downhill, stays closed to front footstrike, works in line to target.
Arm Action: LH. Short compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.7, 75-76 mph. Plays straight. T2140, 2104 average rpm.
CB: 62-65 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual action, landed for strikes. T2023, 1928 average rpm.

Danny Morinec, Lincoln-Way Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Room to add strength, evenly distributed weight.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, medium leg-lift into a coiled balance point, maintains bend in the back knee down the mound, works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.8, 75-79 mph. Arm-side run through the zone. T2234, 2118 average rpm.
CB: 61-62 mph. Flashed sharp downer action, missed low and away to the glove-side. T2248, 2157 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Slight arm-side fade through the zone, kept mostly down. T1990, 1862 average rpm.

AJ Neargarder, Zion Benton (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds. Wiry, compact frame, room to add strength.
Delivery: Athletic leg-lift into a coiled balance point, maintains bend in the back-knee while striding down the mound, shoulders work uphill, stride works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76, 74-75 mph. Finish through the zone with arm-side action. T2105, 2033 average rpm.
CB: 64-64 mph. Sharp, downer shape, 11/5. T2277, 2246 average rpm.
SL: 65-65 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape. T2453, 2415 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Fades to the arm-side, kept down. T2014, 1758 average rpm.

Andrew Phelps, Lincoln Park (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Delivery: High, athletic leg-lift, tall/fall lower-half, stride works in-line with the plate, slightly across-body at times.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.6, 73-75 mph. Some finish through the zone. T1805, 1715 average rpm.
CB: 59-62 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape, kept down and to the glove-side. T2130, 2080 average rpm.
CH: 65-69 mph. Slight fade to the arm-side, kept mostly down. T1513, 1459 average rpm.

Jackson Schlott, Plainfield North (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 240-pounds.
Delivery: Medium leg-lift into balance point, simple operation, maintains slight bend in the back knee while striding down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.7, 78-79 mph. Life through the zone, sinking action to the arm-side. T2146, 2057 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape, feel for the zone. T2313, 2224 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Mostly straight, thrown with intent. T1634, 1551 average rpm.
KN: 67-70 mph. Minimal spin, unpredictable action. 

Jordan Shoemaker, Metea Valley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-8, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, tall setup with front foot slightly closer to third-base, medium leg-lift, maintains bend in the back knee throughout stride.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.8, 78-80 mph. Mostly straight, some life through the zone. T2184, 2096 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. Sharp 11/5 action, above-average spin, feel for the zone. T2733, 2672 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Slight fade to the arm-side. T1575, 1422 average rpm.

Rowan Smyth, Evergreen Park (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Up-tempo delivery, medium leg-lift into a slight drop/drive lower-half, stride works in-line.
Arm Action: LH. Long stab out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.6, 77-78 mph. Mostly straight through the zone. T1949, 1903 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Gradual 1/7 shape, flashed sharp action. T1893, 1847 average rpm.
SL: 45-68 mph. Gradual 2/8 shape.  T1910, 1739 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Flashed late fade to the arm-side. T1543, 1431 average rpm.

Nick Szalony, Mundelein (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, high leg-lift into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T75.8, 74-76 mph. Mostly straight, some life through the zone. T1715, 1636 average rpm.
CB: 62-63 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape. T2140, 2092 average rpm.
SL: 64-67 mph. Flashed sharp 10/4 action with depth. T2158, 2087 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Slight fade to the arm-side. T1690, 1534 average rpm.

Charlie Taczy, Cary-Grove (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-11, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, front foot starts closer to third, high/athletic leg-lift, tall/fall lower-half, stride works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.6, 78-81 mph. Life through the zone with finish. T2352, 2241 average rpm.
SL: 70-71 mph. Sharp 10/4 action, some feel for the zone. T2375, 2329 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Fades to the arm-side kept mostly down. T2093, 1988 average rpm.

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