2025 Spring Preview: Sophomores Returning
February 5, 2025
As the spring inches closer we take a look at twenty-four prospects included in our 2027 rankings entering their sophomore seasons after seeing significant varsity time as a freshman, and found success early in their career. The ability to adjust to the speed of the varsity level at an early age is noteworthy, and we go position-by-position to highlight some of the top freshman performers from last season.
Pitchers
 |
Cole Cheatham RHP / Union County, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - 3 wins, 3.00 ERA, 98 strikeouts, 51.1 innings pitched, .158 oBA for 2A Union County. + Scouting Report - 6-foot-3, 180 pound frame holds present strength in the lower half, along with projectability still left. Cheatham lifts to a big inward turn before uncoiling with aggression, powering the fastball into the low-90s with more coming as mechanical refinements are made. Cheatham bullied with an advanced fastball while showing a true 12/6 breaking ball with real upside in the shape. There are swing-and-miss traits in the heavy heater + top-down breaking ball with the frame to hold velocity and a starter profile that is not out of the question despite some rawness & effort. |
 |
Harper Sturtsman RHP / Manchester Jr-Sr High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 9
+ Noteworthy statistics - 7-0 record, 1.42 ERA, 58 strikeouts, 12 walks, 49 innings pitched, 1.83 oBA for 2A Manchester. + Scouting Report - Sturtsman is a sturdy, 6-foot-2, 260 pounder with a chance to transform into a real power arm. There is present strength in the lower half, along with easy arm strength, that helped him reach 88 mph on his best bullet. The arm works in a clean, uninterrupted fashion to an over-the-top slot, keeping the ball moving with above average arm speed. The fastball plays with significant carry, averaging 20.9" of IVB that should allow his riding heater to miss bats. Sturtsman showed two above average breaking balls, both working in the low-to-mid 70s, with sweeping shape to the slider and two-plane shape to the curveball. He showed a 75-77 mph changeup, though his other three offerings are a bit ahead at the moment. There are plenty of present traits to like with the strong-armed righty that fills the zone at an above average clip. |
 |
Guerin Boshears RHP / Beech Grove, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 10
+ Noteworthy statistics - 4.59 ERA in 32 innings pitched, 64 strikeouts for 3A Beech Grove. + Scouting Report - Wiry, 5-foot-11, 165 pounder now runs his best fastball up to 88 mph, while pitching at in the mid-80s with arm-side life on the heater. Boshears uses a simple leg lift to reach an athletic balance point, before a dynamic move down the mound that creates above-average extension, and a firm lead leg that allows for real whip late in the arm stroke. The arm circle is short & compact, with some of the best arm speed that we have identified in the class thus far. Boshears spins a low-70s sweeper (-1" IVB ; -8" HZ) to go along with a mid-70s change that averages 15.5" of horizontal. The overall feel for command comes in at an average clip for now, but the arm talent / athleticism within the delivery rivals any '27 in the state. |
 |
Quinn Westerfeld LHP / Western Boone, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 72 / POS: 10
+ Noteworthy statistics - 5 wins, 3.72 ERA, 47 innings pitched, 48 strikeouts for 3A Western Boone. + Scouting Report - |
 |
Gavin Markus RHP / Greenfield Central, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - 1 win, 2.85 ERA, 27 innings pitched, 11 walks, 25 strikeouts for 4A Greenfield-Central. + Scouting Report - Wiry & extremely lean - Markus' 6-foot-3 frame is far from a finished product with strength gains to be had that will louden already-solid stuff. His fastball has a chance to be a real swing-and-miss pitch, averaging 18" of IVB at 84-86 with more velocity to come. He complimented the heater with a sweeping slider that worked firmly in the 74-77 mph range with bite. Markus also showed the ability to manipulate spin with a bigger curveball, as well as showing a change with low vert and significant horizontal. Mover. |
 |
Jaylen Wells-Henderson RHP / New Albany Senior High School, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - 2 wins, 2.53 ERA, 19.1 IP, 13 strikeouts for 4A New Albany. + Scouting Report - The long-levered, athletic, 6-foot-3, 175 pound frame is one to dream on and Jaylen showed his athleticism by turning in a 6.89 60 time. The arm works with an easy-effort whip to a 3/4 release point, and he sat 83-85, touching 86 mph on his best bullet. The frame + athleticism & arm action makes it easy to project the fastball velocity to reach 90 mph sooner rather than later. Wells-Henderson showed a short slider at 77-78 mph, along with a curveball at 68-72 mph with depth, and he 'pulled-the-string' on a 73-75 mph changeup that was executed down in the zone and thrown with fastball arm speed. The ceiling is uncapped for this young arm and should be an exciting follow over the next four years. |
 |
Gunner Wade LHP / Franklin Community High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 43 / POS: 4
+ Noteworthy statistics - 1.64 ERA in 25.2 IP, 23 strikeouts, .157 oBA for 4A Franklin Community. + Scouting Report - Lanky, projectable, 6-foot-2, 160 pound frame. The arm action is long and uninterrupted, and there is body control within an easy-effort delivery. Up to 83 mph at an event this winter, Wade worked his fastball at 79-81 at the All-State. The fastball plays with carry properties at 20" on average (23.1" max). The velocity should continue to trend upwards and Wade shows very solid feel to subtract with a 72-74 mph changeup that reached up to 21" of horizontal, arm-side break. Wade is a strikethrower with a starter's look and rounds out his three-pitch mix with a 68-69 mph curveball. |
 |
Elijah Hall RHP / Noblesville High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 13 / POS: 4
+ Noteworthy statistics - 2 wins, 2.86 ERA, 14.2 innings pitched for 4A Noblesville. + Scouting Report - Hall has developed nicely since early spring looks and jumps into consideration as one of the better RHP's to follow in the class. He has matured into a high-waisted, 6-foot-1 frame that has room for strength gains. The arm works on a longer, full path with some acceleration to a higher release - producing an 87 mph fastball on his best bullet and consistently pitching in the mid-80s. Hall's abilitiy to spin an upper-70s breaking ball with shape suggests another velocity jump is in on the way, and the breaking ball shows real out-pitch upside. Although Hall ran into some trouble in his first inning of work - pitch-ability has been the calling card previously and he dialed back in for a speedy second inning. Look for Hall to make another jump next spring with a breakout sophomore campaign looming... |
 |
Bryton Gregg RHP / Greencastle High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 98 / POS: 37
+ Noteworthy statistics - 6 wins, 1.68 ERA, 71 strikeouts in 58.1 innings pitched 2A Greencastle (Regional Champs).
|
 |
Connor Christiansen RHP / CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 8
+ Noteworthy statistics - 1 win, 2.67 ERA, 18.1 innings pitched, 19 strikeouts for 3A Cathedral. + Scouting Report - Athletic, 5-foot-11, 160 pounder shows arm speed within an athletic delivery along with command of multiple offerings. Christiansen works a four-seam heater up to 88 mph, also featuring a sinker that works in the mid-upper 80s with significant arm-side life, and his low-70s slider plays with sweep and shows upside as a future out-pitch. There is some feel to manipulate spin, along with a splitter that is developing. |
Catcher
 |
Cooper Collins C / Lincoln High School, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - .298 average, 25 hits, 5 extra-base hits, 19 RBI at 3A Vincennes Lincoln. + Scouting report - I haven't seen a better defender at the age than Collins - a true weapon behind the dish that makes the staff better and offers premier catch-and-throw abilities behind the dish. Collins shined on the workout day with an 81 mph arm from the crouch and pop times from 1.78 to 1.86, both metrics being event bests amongst IL, IN, KY, MI, and OH's top '27s. The glove is a real tool and the compact, 5-foot-11, 175 pounder shows solid bat-to-ball from the right-side with budding strength in the barrel. |
Infielders
 |
Liam Delp SS / Mooresville, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - .326 average, 6 doubles, 17 RBI, 19 runs, 11 SB - only 3 errors in 82 chances for 4A State Runner-up Mooresvile + Scouting report- Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame. Confident swing from the righty as the hit and speed tool were clear early. Higher leg kick load that allows for momentum into the swing, hands held up higher around the ear. Twitch should lead to average or better power with maturity. The ball jumped off his bat as the approach showed an opposite and pull-side with the extra strength to generate carry and back-spin into gaps. Speedy guy with spark in the line-up. Athletic, polished defender with above average arm strength. |
 |
Logan Drake SS / Castle High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 35 / POS: 8
+ Noteworthy statistics - .378 average, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 19 RBI for 4A Castle (Sectional Champions). + Scouting Report - A lanky, athletic, 5-foot-11, 165 pounder, Drake was not overmatched versus older competition as he went 2-for-3 with a pull-side home run, sac fly to the warning track, and a backside double in game two. The freshman showed advanced hand speed in a left-handed swing that works level through the hitting zone. Drake starts in a wider, balanced stance and he utilizes a controlled stride with a small load of the hands. The freshman infielder shows above average barrel control in a swing that still can be refined mechanically as he continues to develop. Drake played second base in both games, showing fundamental actions throughout. |
 |
Brayden Campbell 3B / Gibson Southern High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 61 / POS: 4
+ Noteworthy statistics - .315 average, 9 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 23 runs, 22 RBI for 3A Gibson Southern. + Scouting Report |
 |
Crewe Hasenour SS / Gibson Southern, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 6
+ Noteworthy statistics - .305 average, 8 2B, 2 2B, 1 HR, 24 runs, 23 RBI for 3A Gibson Southern. + Scouting Report- The 5-foot-9, 175 pounder with compact strength swings an accurate barrel, controlling his forward move and creating stretch with a hand load that works on-time with his stride, reaching a peak exit velocity of 90.9 mph. His arm is a solid tool, reaching 85 mph across the infield, and he shows soft glove actions. Likely a long-term 3B/2B, Hasenour is one of the top game hitters we've evaluated in the class and will be a priority follow moving forward. |
 |
Brayden Hoover SS / Triton Central High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 112 / POS: 24
+ Noteworthy statistics - .518 average (29 for 56), 4 2B, 1 3B, .562 OBP, 18 RBI + Scouting Report |
 |
Parker Robinson SS / Lake Central, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - .245 average, 4 extra-base hits, 17 RBI as SS for 4A State Champions Lake Central. + Scouting Report - Projectable, athletic, 6-foot-3, 185 pound frame. Robinson showed smooth actions in the infield with quick, controlled feet, and fires the ball across with advanced arm strength to pair (upper-80s across). Robinson has the actions and athleticism (6.97 runner) to stick at short in the long-run. The long-levered, right-handed hitter holds power potential within a smooth, upward stroke, and he flashes bat strength (93.1 peak EV). The frame still has room to pack on strength, and there is five tool upside to dream on. The movement patterns are fluid and athletic, and Robinson also hopped on the bump to show a low-to-mid 80s fastball with casual intent. |
 |
Carsten Bland SS / Franklin Community High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 90 / POS: 18
+ Noteworthy statistics - .341 average, 5 doubles, 31 hits, 23 runs, 17 RBI, 11 SB, 3 errors in 73 chances for 4A Franklin Community. + Scouting Report
|
Outfielders
 |
Grady Nelson OF / Warsaw Community High School, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - .416 average, 9 2B, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 33 runs, 37 hits, .505 OBP for 4A Warsaw + Scouting Report - Despite being one of the youngest of the morning group - I thought Nelson showed as the best bat of this event. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound 1B/OF hit multiple pull-side homers during his batting practice round, reaching a peak exit velocity of 100.7 mph, with an easy-effort, left-handed stroke. Nelson hits from a wide, balanced base and is able to generate loud barrels with strength in a loose-wristed stroke with impactful flick. Oftentimes, young power hitters have a tendency to spin for pull-side contact, but Nelson's swing works more to the middle of the field, and he shows the ability to leverage the ball out front to produce back-spin contact to the pull-side. Despite the large, physical frame - Nelson turned in a solid run time for the age, a 7.20 60. |
 |
Drake McClurg OF / Center Grove High School, IN / 2027+ Noteworthy statistics - .317 average, 5 extra-base hits, 30 runs, .527 OBP for 4A Center Grove + Scouting Report - High-level athlete, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. A slam-dunk CF that hits from both sides - the Indiana recruit boasts electric hands from both sides of the dish that hold present gap power. His best tool is his feet, a 6.5 runner in the 60 that got down the line in the 4.1 range (LH) as a freshman. McClurg profiles as a high-level tablesetter with power on the way that will come with maturity, plus a defensive asset in the middle of the diamond. |
 |
Gavin Jenkins OF / Eastern Hancock High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 65 / POS: 10
+ Noteworthy statistics - .424 average, 10 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 33 runs, 36 hits, 21 SB for 2A Eastern Hancock. + Scouting Report : |
 |
Mason Meyer OF / C / Mt Vernon, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 1
+ Noteworthy statistics - .284 average, 5 extra-base hits, 20 RBI, 11 SB for 4A Mt. Vernon. + Scouting Report - Meyer took one of the more-professional rounds of batting practice of the day, spraying liners from gap-to-gap with impressive barrel control & accuracy. The 5-foot-10, 165 pound right-handed hitter starts in a taller, athletic setup with a loose rhythm in the handset. The rhythm allows the hands to flow into an ideal launch position as he gains ground with a positive forward move. The swing path works short to the ball, with lag that puts the barrel on-plane early, and he is able to work the barrel through the baseball to extension. The path allows for hard contact to all fields, and we have seen him show much of the same in a game setting, and against velocity nonetheless. Meyer has the athleticism to range in the outfield, and a 6.90 60 keeps CF hopes in play at this time. Meyer may actually profile best behind the dish, where his athleticism stands out and his arm strength translates to above-average catch and throw abilities.
|
 |
Lincoln Hoffman OF / Westfield, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 3
+ Noteworthy statistics - .275 average, 20 runs, .456 OBP, 4 extra-base hits for 4A Westfield (Regional Champions). + Scouting Report - A left-handed hitting outfielder with compact strength in an athletic, 5-foot-11, 185 pound frame - Linc hits out of a wide setup with quiet, efficient moves that allow for repeatability. A budding run tool (6.84 60) also adds to an already-solid hit tool. Hoffman's strong performance at the Sophomore Games, combined with showing an ability to hit high level pitching throughout the 24 spring and summer campaigns, makes me confident in my evaluation on him as a high-floor bat in the '27 class with a chance to mature into a run producer. |
 |
Mekhi Pulluaim OF / John Glenn High School, IN / 2027Rankings StateRank: 79 / POS: 13
+ Noteworthy statistics - .423 average, 7 2B, 17 RBI for 3A John Glenn. + Scouting Report |