Follow PBR Maryland on Twitter
Facebook & Instagram

The high school baseball season is right around the corner, as our preseason showcases have officially kicked off across Maryland and Delaware. This is one of the more exciting times of the year, as our staff has the opportunity to really key in on who has taken advantage of the offseason and identify new players to add to follow lists. 

Although we're still over a month away from high school action, our staff provides an early look at five uncommitted players in each class to keep close eyes on heading into the spring. First up, we take an in-depth look at the 2024 class.

*Click the players name to view their profile*  

Noah Burroughs RHP / OF / Sussex Central (DE), MD / 2024 One of the more physically gifted players across the state, the athletic two-way stands at an imposing 6-foot, 190 pounds with proportional strength throughout. The pure strength is evident in all facets and certainly grabs attention at first glance, but the natural athleticism is something that college coaches should pay attention to. Backed by metrics that are almost 'video game-like', Burroughs is a prototype for any college program to take a flyer on. Turning out one of the more impressive showings I have witnessed at the Maryland Unsigned Senior Games last August, it was easy to see the impact Burroughs could make at the next level. To begin his day, the physical two-way produced barrel after barrel with carry to the alleys, to the tune of a max exit velocity of 110.8 mph, an average of 95.8 mph and a max distance of 418 feet per TrackMan. Blast Motion metrics were way above average as well, including 87.4 max bat speed and 26.0 max hand speed. The run tool jumps out as well, turning out a 6.62 60-yard that impacts the game on both sides while showcasing plus arm strength from the outfield at 88 mph. As much as the offense turns heads, the ability on the bump is special as well. Running the fastball up to 89 mph, mixing two breaking balls for strikes in the mid 70's and a developing, late fading changeup makes for a high octane arm with a plethora of options. Burroughs is a late bloomer and his recruitment should continue to gain steam as we inch closer to the spring season.

Lukas Loring SS / 2B / Stephen Decatur, MD / 2024 Another under-the-radar two-way over the bridge, the 6-foot-1, 175 pounder features a ton on both sides that should grab the attention of numerous college coaches. Positional versatility, athleticism and a high motor are just a few words to describe what Loring brings to the table and a breakout spring season for Stephen Decatur is quickly on the horizon. Offensively, it's more of a middle of the field approach with simple actions that produce consistent line drives. Power and strength continues to be added to his game, and we estimate the offensive ability to take that next step this spring. The ceiling is with the arm on the bump, featuring an upper 80's, low 90's fastball with run and ride through the zone, consistently showcasing the ability to create whiffs. The breaking ball is still developing, but shows promise when down in the zone to play off the heater and create weak contact. It's an arm first, bat second profile with plenty of projection and velo left in the tank.

Logan Hastings RHP / SS / Huntingtown, MD / 2024 One of my personal favorite arms in the state, Logan Hastings is finally back healthy and ready to take the state by storm in 2024. It's a 5-foot-10, 180 pound build with athleticism and twitch on the bump, featuring quick arm speed and plenty of controlled intent on the bump. The fastball comes out well, working in the upper 80's with plenty left in the tank, and our staff anticipates Hastings grabbing a few 90's this spring. The breaking ball is the difference maker, working the spin into the 3,000's rpm with the ability to create whiffs at the bottom of the zone. It's a highly athletic, intelligent arm that we see finding a home at a high academic school.

Caden Long 3B / RHP / Allegany, MD / 2024 Another freak athlete remaining in this 2024 class, the physical 6-foot-1, 175 pound two-way features some of the more projection and rawness to dream on in the class. The swing plays with plenty of strength to the middle, showcasing a consistent ability to spray line drives with carry to the gaps and alleys. The hands work quick and does damage on balls left out over the plate, but has shown the ability to pull them in and get the barrel to inside fastballs. The metrics back up the play, turning out a 94.8 max exit velocity and impressive top end speed for the size at a 6.95 60-yard. There's positional versatility as well, showcasing clean actions at the hot corner and a quick first step in the outfield, showcasing the arm strength with an 87 mph velo across the diamond and 88 mph from the outfield. Versatlity defensively, coupled with a high contact power bat bodes well at the college level. Not to overshadow the offensive abilities, however my initial look at Long's abilities on the bump at our MD Unsigned Senior Games completely opened my eyes. It's a high intent makeup with feel for a four pitch mix to all quadrants of the zone. The fastball works in the upper 80's and challenges hitters to both sides of the plate, mixing two seperate breaking balls and a developing changeup. The moxie, confidence and physicality should entice college coaches to take a flyer.

Fredy Diaz Jr. SS / 2B / Middletown, MD / 2024 The frame for the most part has always been slightly undersized for the silky smooth middle infielder, however we now see Diaz hitting that growth spurt that should grab college coaches attention. A strong backend of the summer and fall circuit leads me to believe this will be a breakout year for Diaz at the dish, and I've always been a fan of how the hands and barrel awareness play. It's a gap-to-gap, line drive approach with doubles power to the alleys that plays consistent in every facet. There's quick twitch in the hands with fluid actions and whip in the barrel that allows consistency at the plate. A quick first step and average to above average speed impacts on both sides of the plate. Defensively, the hands work up the middle and a move to second base may be the most beneficial at the college level, however we do see some versatility with how much athleticism Diaz possesses.