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New Jersey Class of 2027 Rankings: Update

December 11, 2024
Dan Valerio & TJ Hunt
PB NJ Staff

With the updated 2027 rankings now live, it's time to dive into the talent making waves in this class. This year’s Top 10 reflects the evolving landscape under the new recruiting rules, which prevent colleges from initiating communication with players until after August 1 of their sophomore year. Despite these restrictions, the talent in this group is undeniable, with athleticism and projection evident across the board.

Making their first appearance in the top 10 are right-hander Jack Lerro and left hander Ethan Suppi. Both players have impressed with their recent performances and significant upside, solidifying their status as prospects to watch closely. Lerro’s combination of size and feel on the mound and Suppi’s athletic, loose frame make them exciting additions to this elite group.

Beyond the Top 10, this class also welcomes 20-25 new players, bringing the rankings to a total of 100 names. This depth speaks to the bright future of the 2027 class, with many players primed to elevate their stock as they continue to develop.

Top 10:

No. 1 - 

RHP/OF Finnian O'Loughlin (Delbarton HS)

O’Loughlin is a standout two-way prospect with advanced skills both at the plate and on the mound. His natural athleticism and confidence make him one of the most exciting uncommitted players in the 2027 class. 

Hitting:

Build: Long levers with power potential, generating impressive bat speed and exit velocities.
Approach: Uphill path with a strong ability to lift and drive the ball, particularly to the pull side.

Metrics:

Outfield Velocity: 92 mph
Exit Velocity: 94.7 mph
Average Bat Speed: 70.8 mph
 
Pitching:

Delivery: Easy and natural motion with excellent extension, allowing pitches to play up in effectiveness.
Fastball: Sat 86-90 mph this fall, with consistent velocity gains noted throughout the season.
Slider: Improved significantly during the fall, showing increased velocity (72-73.7 mph) and sharper action, making it a true strikeout pitch.
Changeup: Displays late run and depth, sitting at 80 mph.
Cutter: Flashed a cutter at 85.7 mph with intriguing movement.

Pitch Metrics (Fall Top Prospect Games):

Fastball: 86-88.9 mph (IVB 13 / HM 12)
Slider: 72-73.7 mph (IVB 4.1 / HM -12.7)
Changeup: 80 mph (IVB 3.2 / HM 16.6)
Cutter: 85.7 mph 

No. 2 - 

3B Joey Dimeo (Toms River East)

Joey Dimeo maintains his position as the No. 2 prospect in the 2027 rankings, and for good reason. His blend of physicality and skill makes him a standout talent with a high ceiling. 

Hitting:
Dimeo is a natural hitter with a smooth and powerful swing. As a freshman, he showcased his offensive abilities by hitting .386 with 28 RBIs. His advanced approach at the plate and ability to make consistent hard contact set him apart. Metrics like a 94 mph exit velocity and an average bat speed of 71 mph highlight his power potential and ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Power:
Dimeo’s strong lower half and physical frame project significant power in the future. While he already demonstrates gap-to-gap power, further physical development could see him add even more pop to his bat.

Speed:
Although not traditionally known for speed, Dimeo’s athleticism shines on the basepaths. He broke the single-season stolen base record at Toms River East with 23 steals, showing instincts and aggressiveness.

Defense:
Currently, Dimeo profiles as a corner infielder with solid hands and an adequate arm. With refinement in his footwork and defensive mechanics, he has the potential to improve his range and possibly transition to a more versatile role. 

No. 3

LHP Cooper Burti (Cherokee)

Cooper Burti is an intriguing two-way talent with a wiry, athletic frame at 6 feet, 175 pounds. His athleticism extends beyond the baseball field, as he also showcased his skills on the football field this fall. Burti burst onto the radar during the spring season and solidified his status as a prospect to watch with standout performances, including at the Super Sophomore Games.

Pitching:
Burti features a deceptive low-slot delivery, making it challenging for hitters to pick up the ball out of his hand. He has a well-rounded arsenal with the following metrics:

Fastball: 84.9-87.9 mph with 13.8 inches of vertical break (IVB) and -16.3 inches of horizontal movement (HM). The fastball spins at 2,354 RPM, providing late life.
Slider: 71.3-74.9 mph with -6.3 IVB and 12.6 HM. The slider is a standout pitch with exceptional spin rates, averaging 2,660 RPM and peaking at 2,884 RPM. This pitch has the makings of a true swing-and-miss weapon.
Changeup: 76.7-80.4 mph with 5.2 IVB and -15.6 HM, spinning at 1,880 RPM. The changeup features good fade and is an effective secondary offering.

Hitting:
Offensively, Burti demonstrated his ability to produce at the plate, hitting .353 with seven extra-base hits this past spring. 

Athleticism:
Burti’s athleticism is a key attribute, as evidenced by his ability to excel in multiple sports. His movements on the mound and in the batter’s box are fluid and efficient, allowing him to maximize his potential.

No. 4 

RHP/SS Nikash Patel (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Nikash Patel is a physical and versatile player who contributes on both sides of the ball. His natural athleticism and raw power make him a standout prospect with room for further development.

Pitching:
Patel’s unique throwing motion creates deception, making it difficult for hitters to time him. He pairs this with plenty of arm strength, evidenced by a fastball that has reached 86 mph, with more velocity likely as he continues to develop physically.

Hitting:
Patel’s offensive upside is his most exciting tool. At the Super Sophomore Games, he showcased his power by driving a home run to the pull side gap, demonstrating his ability to hit with authority. His advanced rotational ability allows him to generate strong exit velocities, with a top recorded exit velo of 93 mph and a max bat speed of 80 mph.

Production:
This past spring, Patel hit .301 with eight extra-base hits and 19 RBIs, a solid foundation that he can build on. With a more refined approach at the plate, expect his offensive numbers to take a noticeable jump in the 2025 season.

No. 5 

RHP Jack Lerro (St. Augustine Prep)

Jack Lerro is a standout pitcher in the 2027 class with a polished skill set and significant upside. At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, he combines arm strength, athleticism, and command, making him one of the most exciting young arms in New Jersey.

Delivery: Lerro’s delivery is smooth and repeatable, showcasing advanced mechanics for his age. His over-the-top arm slot generates excellent down action on his fastball, adding to its effectiveness.

Fastball: His heater has been steadily improving, recently climbing into the upper 80s, a testament to his physical growth and potential.

Pitch Mix: Lerro fills up the zone with a FB,CH,CB,SL displaying confidence and command of his arsenal. His SL to date is his best secondary offering. This ability to mix pitches at such a young age makes him a tough matchup for hitters. 

Performance: Last year at Bishop Eustace, Lerro pitched 7 innings, striking out 12 batters, demonstrating his ability to dominate and miss bats.

Future Outlook:
Lerro recently transferred to St. Augustine Prep, where he will undoubtedly play a key role in the team’s success this spring. With his developing arsenal, smooth delivery, and ability to attack hitters with precision, Jack Lerro is a must-follow pitcher who is poised for a breakout season in 2025. Keep an eye on this big-time arm as he continues to develop into one of the premier pitchers in the region.
 

No. 6 

RHP Michael Fekete (Cherry Hill East) 

Michael Fekete is a physical right-handed pitcher with a strong, durable frame at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. He features a balanced arsenal of three pitches, which he commands with confidence, making him an intriguing prospect with a starter's profile.

Fastball: Fekete’s fastball sits in the 84-86 mph range with arm-side action, giving him the ability to work effectively to both sides of the plate.
Breaking Ball: His 11-5 curveball at 75-76 mph offers sharp break and serves as a reliable secondary pitch to keep hitters off balance.
Changeup:  At 77 mph, Fekete’s changeup shows solid velocity separation from his fastball and has the potential to develop into an out pitch.

This past spring, Fekete showcased his ability to miss bats and limit walks. Over 37 innings, he struck out 42 batters while walking only 12, demonstrating both swing-and-miss stuff and solid command.

No. 7 

LHP/OF Ethan Suppi (Schalick HS)

Loose, wiry levers. Clean mover on the mound with tons to dream on. Lower slot. His fastball is in the mid to upper 80s. Has a feel for a CB that has depth and ability to keep hitters off his heater. Athleticism and elasticity in his delivery. Look for Suppi to continue to take strides this spring into the summer circuit. 

No. 8 

SS Ricky Lopez (Ranney - LSU recruit)

Lopez is the lone committed player on this list. The NY native will play at Ranney this spring. He plays the game with passion and flare. Synced up actions at SS with above average arm strength. The swing has rhythm and timing. Looks to impact the ball out in front. This is a big addition for Ranney. 

No. 9 

RHP Ted Masino (Delbarton)

Masino has a power pitcher’s build with room to add. Fluid mover that has present day control. At the super sophomore games he was lights out. Pitched with conviction and picked up in zone whiffs. Should pitch meaningful innings for Delbarton this spring. 


Fastball: 85-87, comes out of the hand with ease. Effective arm side action. 

Curveball: 71-74, true CB spin. 

Changeup: 79-80 kill spin. Used this to put away hitters. 

No. 10 

OF Curt Friedrich (Delbarton) 

Wiry athlete. The swing that Friedrich currently has is one of the most connected and efficient swings on this list. Very simple move forward and keeps the elbows in a really good slot. Allowing for consistent barrels. 


Metrics: 

Exit Velo: 90 mph

60 yard: 6.8

Max Distance: 333 ft

OF velo: 91 mph 

Other Names to Know:

- OF Nate Fuller (Ranney) 

- OF Dante Matarese (Bishop Eustace)

- RHP Kyle Mcbride (Delbarton) 

- OF Brayden Longo (Mount Olive) 

- C Luke Lonczak (Red Bank Catholic) 

- LHP Colton Guarrina (St. Augustine Prep) 

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