On Sunday, October 20th, we hosted the Underclass Showcase at The Max in McCook, IL. It was an extremely talented event, with numerous prospects making a strong first impression, landing themselves firmly on our follow list moving forward. 

Below we ranked the top-10 position players from the day, featuring a number of 2027s.

With that being said, there were a number of 2028s that emerged as follows from the day, including INF/RHP Gavin Weston (Hampshire), Anthony Oster (Mount Carmel) and INF Carl Pedersen (Hinsdale Central), among others.

Weston is a natural defender with all the actions to stick on the infield moving forward to go along with a loose right-handed swing that will only continue to tick up as he gains quality strength.

Oster put together a loud round of BP from the right side in his workout, reaching up to 90 mph for his max EV. He has a flatter swing that stays through the zone, showing little perceived effort despite the ball jumping off the bat.

Pederson, a right-handed hitter, works short to the ball and long through the zone with extension and a clear effort to stay on top of the ball, used the middle of the field and his pull-side consistently. On the infield, he showed fluid footwork with soft hands, playing with rhythm and smooth actions.

A couple of 2027s that just missed the top-10 but deserve a mention are LHH 1B Harry Resis (New Trier), Leobel Chan (Elmwood Park) and Jayden Figueroa (Grant). All three showed intrigue with the bat, including Resis who flashed easy pull-side power with a max distance of 360’ and max exit velocity of 95 mph. 

TOP POSITION PLAYERS 

1. Sebastian Wilson, IMG Academy (FL), 2027; Tennessee commit
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 190 pounds. Lean, athletic frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Open stance, high leg kick, back knee bend, hands at ear, hand rhythm. Explosive hands with bat-speed through the zone, on the barrel with authority and intent to lift to his pull-side, elevated up the middle and opposite field. 73.9 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (94.3 avg.); 400-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 89 mph. Some life out of the hand, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Athletic with bounce, fluid footwork, confident hands, athletic.
Athletic Testing: 6.58 runner in the 60-yard dash; 28.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 81.27 Edge Score.

2. Julio Ayala, Montini Catholic (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 180 pounds. Trim, athletic frame with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. Hands at ear, slightly open stance, bat wiggle, balanced weight, clean stride. Loose wrists, handsy swing, fluid, creates some bat-speed, feel to use the whole field, sees it deep. 64.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.2 avg.); 355-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Multiple angle ability, 3/4 release.
Defense: Plays in his legs, fluid and smooth actions, soft hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.93 Edge Score.

3. Jenner Smith, Hersey (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 160 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Balanced leg kick, low hands, balanced stance, front foot slightly turned back, clean stride. Compact and balanced, relatively flat path, intent to work on top of the ball, middle/pull-side approach. 68.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (81.8 avg.); 345-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. High 3/4 slot, full circle.
Defense: Steady actions, plays through the ball well.
Athletic Testing: 7.24 runner in the 60-yard dash; 30.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 62.47 Edge Score.

4. Miles Mazanowski, Lane Tech (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 190 pounds. Proportional frame, athletic, some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Narrow tall setup, hands at ear, two tap leg kick, closed stance. Loose and athletic, controlled operation, balanced throughout, flat path, easy, loose wrists, gets some extension through impact, middle/pull approach. 68.3 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (91.2 avg.); 366-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. High 3/4 slot, easy action.
Defense: Soft hands, easy actions, moves well up the middle.
Athletic Testing: 7.56 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.06 Edge Score.

5. James Obaldo, Fenwick (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-8, 155 pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Weight on back leg, two tap leg kick, high hands, slight bat wiggle, sits heavy on back leg during stride. Whippy hands and barrel, loads his hands and works into a slightly uphill path, intent to lift up the middle/pull-side. 67.5 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (78.9 avg.); 311-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Quick arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Soft hands that work out front, advanced actions and feel.
Athletic Testing: 7.66 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 85.77 Edge Score.

6. Brandon Beasley, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-0, 180 pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame with some present muscle throughout.
Hit: LHH. Balanced stance, high hands, bat and hand rhythm, high leg kick. Flat path that stays through the zone, gets extension out front, on the barrel up the middle with line-drives. 66.2 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 342-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 83 mph. Higher 3/4 release, loose arm action.
Defense: Controlled and deliberate actions, steady hands, long and easy strides.
Athletic Testing: 7.47 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.4 Edge Score.

7. Anthony Kilimnik, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 147 pounds. Trim, high-waisted build with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. High hands, hand rhythm, open stance, smooth leg kick, clean load. Smooth and easy, works on top of the ball, balanced swing, works to stay on top of the baseball, middle of the field approach. 60.9 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 mph max exit velocity (77.4 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 82 mph. Fluid 3/4 release, plays with ease.
Defense: Some bounce, fluid footwork, confident and soft hands, glides around easily.
Athletic Testing: 7.28 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.81 Edge Score.

8. Tanner Toback, Lane Tech (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-6, 145 pounds. High-waisted, athletic frame.
Hit: SH. Wide and balanced setup, hands set at ear, clean and quiet stride, loose hands. Strong, quick hands, flat path, whippy barrel, works to keep the ball on a line up the middle, athletic. 68.5 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (78.4 avg.); 300-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Over the top slot, compact circle.
Defense: Quick hands and transfer, confident hands, plays with timing.
Athletic Testing: 7.26 runner in the 60-yard dash; 30.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.65 Edge Score.

9. Alexander Burke, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/MIF
Body: 5-9, 130 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: SH. Weight on back leg, double tap stride, quiet leg kick, bat wiggle, low hands. RH: Flat path, longer through the zone, some rhythm in the hands, works to stay up the middle. LH: Hands rock back with rhythm and work into a flat path, intent to elevate at times up the middle and the other way, can use the whole field and stay through it opposite field. 60.9 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (69.9 avg.); 271-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 73 mph. INF: Easy arm action, high 3/4 slot. C: Quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.16-2.38 pop time range; INF: Quick hands and actions, confident one-hand gather out front, plays with timing, smooth, advanced actions and timing. C: Quick transfer and hands, works in-line down to second, quick release.
Athletic Testing: 8.07 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 60.93 Edge Score.

10. Johann Lasn, York (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 180 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Two tap leg kick, wide setup, closed stance, hands below ear, slight bat wiggle. Swings with intent, flatter path that will work steep at times, quick hands, looks to go middle/away. 68.1 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (81.3 avg.); 254-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. Short arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: One-hand gather to the side, plays through the ball.
Athletic Testing: 7.02 runner in the 60-yard dash; 33.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.03 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY) 

Hunter Bergdahl, Lakes Community (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 150 pounds. High-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance, balanced weight, bat wiggle, quiet leg kick, hand rhythm. Steep path, works on top of the baseball, balanced finish, middle/pull-side approach. 65.3 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (71.5 avg.); 294-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. OF - 82 mph. OF: Medium arm circle into a 3/4 slot.  INF: 3/4 release.
Defense: OF: One-hand gather off to the side, plays through the ball. INF: Sure-handed, steady actions, clean transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.39 runner in the 60-yard dash; -inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.42 Edge Score.

Leobel Chan, Elmwood Park (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 130 pounds. Proportional frame with some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Heavy leg kick, open balanced stance, low hands, bat and hand rhythm. Quick hands with some whip in the barrel, flatter path, balanced finish, stays up the middle and pull-side. 65.9 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (79 avg.); 338-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Quick release, compact action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy first step with range, soft hands, secures the baseball into body, clean release.
Athletic Testing: 7.19 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.89 Edge Score.

Jorge Contes Jr, Lane Tech (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-4, 154 pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. High hands, balanced closed stance, slight knee knock, quiet two tap leg kick. Easy, slight hand separation, relatively flat path through the zone, balanced, gets some extension through impact. 61 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (75.8 avg.); 261-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. High 3/4 slot, throws play around the bag.
Defense: 2.19-2.28 pop time range; Soft hands, works to present the ball, clean glove to hand, works in-line.
Athletic Testing: 8.05 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 62.24 Edge Score.

Jayden Figueroa, Grant (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-10, 155 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced closed stance, weight slightly on back leg, hands start below ear then move up during load, simple leg kick and stride, no movement pre-pitch. Easy and balanced, loose hands, flat path, intent to elevate at times pull-side. 71.2 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (78 avg.); 306-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. 3/4 release, longer circle.
Defense: Steady two-hand gather out front, patient actions and footwork, footwork breaks down through the ball.
Athletic Testing: 7.31 runner in the 60-yard dash; 27.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.4 Edge Score.

Ben Johnson, Batavia (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 145 pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow stance, hands set at ear, closed stance, balanced setup, bat wiggle pre pitch, simple leg lift. Flatter path, works to keep the ball on a line, middle of the field approach. 55.3 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (77.2 avg.); 254-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. 3/4 release.
Defense: Sure-handed, quick hands and transfer, moves well up the middle.
Athletic Testing: 7.84 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 58.52 Edge Score.

Aaron (AJ) Knizner, Oswego (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 170 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide balanced setup, closed, hands at ear, bat wiggle, hand rhythm. Flat path that stays through the zone, gets extension, line-drive approach up the middle of the field. 63.7 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (77.7 avg.); 190-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 82 mph. Low 3/4 release, loose arm action.
Defense: Fluid footwork, two-hand gather out front.
Athletic Testing: 7.22 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 51.93 Edge Score.

James O'Brien, New Trier (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 175 pounds. Proportional frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Low hands, balanced closed stance, quiet leg kick, quiet pre pitch, weight slightly back. Strong hands, flat path, gets some extension through the zone, middle of the field approach. 67.7 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (84.5 avg.); 281-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 70 mph. Low 3/4 release.
Defense: Steady hands, two-hand gather out front.
Athletic Testing:  runner in the 60-yard dash; -inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.67 Edge Score.

Anthony Oster, Mount Carmel (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-7, 150 pounds. Proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced closed stance, hands at ear, bat rhythm, quiet stride. Flat path, stays through the zone with extension out front, easy effort, ball jumps off the bat, can elevate pull-side. 62 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (81.5 avg.); 289-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. High 3/4 slot, medium arm circle.
Defense: Steady two-hand gather out front, deliberate footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.73 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.45 Edge Score.

Carl Pedersen, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-6, 155 pounds. Sturdy, proportional build.
Hit: SH. Wide balanced stance, balanced hand position, hand rhythm, bat wiggle, two tap stride. Short to the ball and long through it, flat path, works to stay on top of the ball up the middle and to his pull-side. 59.5 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (77.1 avg.); 260-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Easy, compact arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, soft hands, plays with rhythm and timing, smooth actions.
Athletic Testing: 8.24 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.86 Edge Score.

Harry Resis, New Trier (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-5, 225 pounds. Strong, sturdy build with present strength.
Hit: LHH. Low hands, balanced stance, holds leg up on stride, hands ahead of barrel pre-pitch. Easy power, flashed power pull-side with lifted contact, balanced finish. 72.9 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (80.6 avg.); 360-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 78 mph. High 3/4 release, easy arm action.
Defense: Two-hand gather that works out front, steady hands, short shuffle through to target.
Athletic Testing: 7.94 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.14 Edge Score.

Lacey Rogers Jr., Marian Catholic (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 5-10, 182 pounds. Sturdy, proportional frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Two tap leg kick, high hands, narrow tall stance, bat wiggle, balanced setup. Handsy swing, flat path, creates extension through the zone, used the whole field. 55.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (72.4 avg.); 289-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Quick release, arm works, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, soft hands with smooth actions.
Athletic Testing: 8.43 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.95 Edge Score.

Sam Schwartz, Richwoods (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 175 pounds. Proportional, sturdy frame.
Hit: RHH. Bat wiggle, high leg kick, holds leg up during stride, hands by ear. Strong hands, swings with intent through the zone, flatter path, on the barrel up the middle and pull-side. 73.1 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (84.1 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Medium arm circle, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.09-2.18 pop time range; Works on a knee, gains ground and stays in his legs, clean transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.85 Edge Score.

Emmett Schulze, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-7, 145 pounds. Proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Low hands, closed narrow stance, medium leg kick. Hands work with some separation into footstrike, steep path, works to stay on top of the ball. 60.3 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 mph max exit velocity (75.7 avg.); 279-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.31-2.37 pop time range; Clean transfer, works in-line and gains ground out of the chute.
Athletic Testing: 8.10 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.23 Edge Score.

Tyler Scott, Waubonsie Valley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 137 pounds. High-waisted frame, trim, with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, quick toe tap, bat wiggle, balanced weight pre-pitch, hands at ear. Flat path, looks to use the whole field, can stay through the ball the other way. 63.7 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (73.1 avg.); 292-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 76 mph. High 3/4 release.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, plays through the baseball, moves well laterally.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.65 Edge Score.

Dylan Sullivan , St. Patrick (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-2, 108 pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open, low hands, quiet movements pre-pitch, wide stance, heavy leg kick. Works to stay on top of the ball, flat path at times, intent to keep the ball on a line up the middle of the field. 55 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 73 mph max exit velocity (60.3 avg.); 186-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 70 mph. Compact arm circle, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Confident hands, athletic footwork, plays through the ball athletically.
Athletic Testing: 8.30 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.19 Edge Score.

Sebastian Urbanowski, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 185 pounds. Proportional frame with some present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced closed stance, high hands, medium leg kick, hand rhythm. Intent to elevate, hands work uphill, worked up the middle and pull-side. 69.1 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (83.3 avg.); 337-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Easy arm, 3/4 release with a medium circle.
Defense: 2.08-2.18 pop time range; Works on a knee, stays in his legs and gains ground in-line to second, clean transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.80 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.57 Edge Score.

Gavin Weston, Hampshire (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 130 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Weight on back leg during stride, low hands, narrow tall setup, high leg kick. Loose and athletic, flat path, balanced finish, uses the whole field. 51.7 mph bat speed with 4g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 mph max exit velocity (71.8 avg.); 246-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Quick, high 3/4 release.
Defense: Soft hands, secures the ball into his body, smooth, quick first step, range up the middle, feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.72 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.93 Edge Score.

Max Wiginton, McHenry (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 225 pounds. High-waisted, sturdy frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide balanced setup, high hands, two tap leg kick, quiet pre-pitch. Swings with intent, steep path, flashed pull-side power with lifted contact. 70.5 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (79.7 avg.); 335-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. High 3/4 slot, compact arm action.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, goes down to a knee and isn't afraid to body it up.
Athletic Testing: 7.89 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 60.64 Edge Score.

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