Prep Baseball Report

Updated Class of 2025 Player Rankings (September)


PBR Ohio Staff

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Updated Class of 2025 Player Rankings (September) 

2022 has given us a little bit more normalcy in life, and the high school baseball scene is no different. We crowned four state champions during the spring and enjoyed a full summer of summer ball with tournaments and showcases throughout the state. We have searched far and wide throughout the state to find the best prospects we can, to help them get to college and to help colleges find prospects that fit their culture.

Many names came off the board to some of the top programs around the nation, many new names came to the forefront of the recruiting scene, and many prospects improved their game.

That being said, we have had the pleasure of seeing a number of solid players this past year. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.

Below we will take a look at "What's New At The Top", The Newcomers”, “The Athletes", and "On The Cusp Prospects".

To view the entire Class of 2025 rankings, please click here.

At The Top

There was minimal movement / minor shuffling of places inside the Top 10 but the top 4 spots will have the same names as they did in our initial release.

When analyzing this class an argument could be made for all 4 of these guys to be the top rated player in the state. 

Luke Pappano LHP / OF / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2025

Report: The Kentucky commit right now is the most well-rounded two-way prospect in the state. On the bump he can run it up into the upper 80s from the left side w/a breaking ball that shows wipeout potential. As a position player he’s a 6.6 runner w/an explosive swing (also from the left side) and shouldn’t shock anyone that the arm is plus from the OF.

Zion Theophilus RHP / OF / Moeller, OH / 2025

Report: Zion (Duke commit) saw some action as a freshman at Moeller. We’re talking about a program that annually has arms that never throw an inning or very little in the spring that go on to have an impact at the college level, so to have a Freshman throw on varsity is unheard of. The most electric present stuff in the state w/a FB that can reach 90mph and a very sharp breaking ball he’s a consistent, uncomfortable at bat for hitters. The velo ceiling here is through the roof. Also don’t sleep on the left-handed hit tool either which also has a chance to be dynamic.

Hunter Richardson LHP / OF / Butler, OH / 2025

Report: If you told me in two years the Kentucky commit would be the  No. 1 player in the state I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit.  As of right now Richardson has the best chance to be a front line starter at the next level in this class. and from the left side. Richardson was dominant as a freshman at one of the state’s most prestigious baseball high schools. FB is up to 87mph, changeup is filthy, and he can bend in a sharp breaking ball regularly. The stuff is advanced but the ability to fill up the zone, the low effort delivery,  and hold velocity late into outings is what makes him special. You can pencil him in as a weekend guy at some point in his career in Lexington.

Taylor Belza C / 3B / Elyria Catholic, OH / 2025

Report: The West Virginia commit has some of the more impressive raw offensive ability that we’ve seen at this age in some time. In the box it’s near the total package -i t’s left-handed,  physical, real bat speed, elite hand eye coordination, and an advanced approach. He reminds me a ton of current Tennessee Volunteer Ryan Miller w/a tad less physical projection but also more consistent contact. He’s the  top hit tool in the state right now and you’d be hard pressed to find someone that disagrees with that statement.

Tavien St. Clair RHP / SS / Bellefontaine, OH / 2025

Report: We also had a new entry inside the top 10 w/Tavien St. Clair out of Bellefontaine HS. Likely the top athlete in the class who has 4... maybe even a 5 star potential at the Quarterback position. The talented dual prospect was just in Gainesville where he picked up a football offer from the University of Florida. Not surprisingly the arm talent/athleticism translates to the mound. Still some rawness but the raw physical traits are unmatched. We’ve seen up to 86mph, with reports of him at 89mph recently. Football may be the route, but it’s flat out scary to think what this would be if he was a baseball only athlete.

The Newcomers

Matthew Major MIF / 3B / Troy Christian, OH / 2025

Report: Making his way into the top 15 is the power hitting infielder that looks like a different person physically than he did a year ago. He’s added both physicality and athleticism to his frame which has resulted in an enhanced defensive profile. Offensively, there’s few that can match the tools given here / one of the more explosive swings in the state capable of triple digit exit velocities. Already has multiple D1 offers.

Tucker Wilburn RHP / OF / Moeller, OH / 2025

Report: If nothing changes the starting rotation Moeller is going to be able to put together when these guys are seniors is going to be ridiculous. Tucker is an uncommitted prospect who has taken large jumps over the past year. FB is confirmed 86 and it’s easy / loose with reports of even climbing to 88mph. We’re excited to get a deeper look at him shortly when he throws at the State Games where he could even jump higher up on this list.

Nick Frontino SS / RHP / St. Ignatius, OH / 2025

Report: It takes about two ground balls from Frontino to see this is a future D1 defender. 6-2, rangy, athletic, smooth actions and advanced ball skills - the game looks easy to him as a defender. Offensively, all the tools are there as well and he’s done more than hold his own on Team Ohio Pro Select while playing up age group wise. Candidly, he’s a guy who could be higher on this list if we had seen more of him.

The Athletes

When breaking down this class, what stands out is the potential upside of some of the guys who cracked the top 40.

Quincy Mazeke OF / OF / Glenoak, OH / 2025

Report: Quincy is a guy who can impact the game in all phases. The 6.7 straight line speed is already near the top of the class but due to baseball instincts he even plays faster in game. Whether it’s running down a ball in the gap or his ability to put constant pressure on the defense when on the bases his speed shows up every time you see him. The tools offensively are there as well - 90+ exits, efficient stroke, and mid 70s bat speed. Right now more of a top of the lineup type profile but wouldn’t be shocked if he grows into some power and could fit in the middle as well.

Owen McKoon C / 3B / Perry, OH / 2025

Report: You’d be hard pressed to find many backstops w/the physical capabilities offered here. 6-foot, physical / running back type build w/big time juice in the box, sub 2.0 pops, and 6.7-6.8 speed. Had a huge summer for B2, has a chance to be one of the top prospects in that region.

Jovan Love CF / RHP / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2025

Report: While Jovan still has some rawness to his game he has one of the higher athletic ceilings in the state. 6-2, uber athletic (also a WR football), sub 7.0 runner, w/upper 90s jump off the bat, 85mph FB, and 87mph arm from the OF. As he continues to progress he’s going to be a guy college coaches can dream on what it will be when the product is finished.

Brendon Rowe OF / OF / Carlisle, OH / 2025

Report: Very similar profile to Jovan Love. 6-3, uber projectable frame - runs a sub 7.0, was up to 86mph off the mound and 100mph off the bat. The game also has some rawness but he has shown consistent, positive progression every time we’ve seen him. Another guy that if he can translate tools to game (all accounts says he can) can do things physically most can’t in this class.

On The Cusp

While looking at this class there were several guys who were just on the outside looking in / are guys that could end up not only on this list but breaking in even higher as parts of their game take the next step.

Ezra Kurek C / 3B / Granville, OH / 2025

Report: One of the top in-game players in the state who had a monster summer for Launch. Advanced feel to receive behind the dish with barrel accuracy through the roof. A name you’ll see in the rankings as he continues to develop physically/arm strength wise.

Ryan Sudbrook SS / 2B / Avon, OH / 2025

Report: This guy can flat out play the game. Defensively he’s fluid, has advanced baseball IQ and can flat out pick it. In the box the swing works from the right side and he’s also shown quality bat to ball skills. As he adds physicality he’s a guy that will be on this lits sooner than later.

Grant Schag 3B / SS / Wooster Triway, OH / 2025

Report: A guy that’s fun to watch play. Throwback type player that plays the game 100mph with intangibles through the roof. Skill set wise he’s a versatile option inside a lineup with pop, quality approach, and very little swing and miss. Defensively, he’s mechanically sound with solid ball skills and an arm that projects to be above average. Good player.

Daniel Briggs SS / RHP / Dublin Coffman, OH / 2025

Report: Very talented defender who has a real chance to stick up the middle of the infield. Athletic, feet work, and picks it effortlessly. Swing works as well and as he adds physicality in the box his stock will trend upwards.

Jacob McCartney 1B / RHP / Mentor, OH / 2025

Report: Monster in the box - 6-1, 225-pounds uber physical and has shown the ability to square balls up in a loud way in game. Saw varsity time at very talented high school as a freshman. One of the premier power bats in the class / a name that was very difficult to leave off this list.

Hayden Frey LHP / 1B / Troy, OH / 2025

Report: 6-foot-1, athletic LHP with a loose arm and FB up to 80mph. Secondary has shown flashes / above average for class. As he fills out a frame that has endless projection left on it expect that number on the radar gun to go up in a big way / wouldn’t be shocked if he’s one of the top southpaws in the class before it’s all said and done.

Michael Lalonde SS / RHP / Oak Harbor, OH / 2025

Report: 5-foot-8, 150-pound two-way prospect. Simple upward swing plane, developing efficient bat speed and good extension on his finish. Solid while in the infield with soft hands, consistent feet, and a natural exchange. Movements laterally are athletic and he fields the ball out front. On the mound, has a loose arm action and a high-¾ arm angle with consistent arm speed. Drop-and-drive type pitcher who uses easy effort. Fastball has topped at 84 mph with slight running action. Compliments the fastball with a 10/4 breaking slider at 71-72 mph.

Trey Rubinstein OF / Napoleon, OH / 2025

Report: Impressive looking athlete at Napoleon. His older brother went on the play football, but had the talent to play baseball at the next level. It will be interesting to see where Trey ends up a few years from now. That said, he can defiantly play on the basesball diamond. Also is a key contributor on the football team.

 

Kahlil Ligon RHP / Defiance, OH / 2025

Report: Defiance's 2025 class looks to be pretty loaded with a handful of prospects who have a chance to become true next level prospects. Ligon has long levers and a loose arm. Look for the 80 mph arm to continue to get better and better. Along with Ligon, Defiance has Dre Singleton, Cody Shaw, Brezlen Zipfel, Brady Borton, Noah Gomez and Sam Gerschutz who all look the part.

Drew Tucker SS / OF / St. Francis De Sales, OH / 2025

Report: Tucker posses one of the smoothest gloves in his class. Drew has the range and arm to make all the plays on the left side of INF. Smooth compact swing started to show power during the summer circuit.

Nehemiah Toles OF / RHP / Perry, OH / 2025

Report: Toles is a legit two-way player with present athleticism to go along with solid raw tools. The arm speed is eye-opening. Good combination of speed/acceleration at the plate. Truly a kid to take note of and

Drew Tajblik SS / RHP / Lake, OH / 2025

Report: 6-foot-1, 150-pound two-way prospect. In the box, the right-handed hitter has efficient bat speed, level swing plane and high finish. Solid in the infield with consistent feet, a natural exchange, and sure hands. Movements laterally were athletic and he fields the ball out front. On the mound, uses a compact arm action and a high-¾ arm angle while showing consistent arm speed. Drop-and-drive type pitcher. Fastball is up to 82 mph currently with some running action. Compliments the fastball with an 11/5 curveball in the mid-60s.

***** To view the entire rankings, please click here.

PBR OHIO CLASS OF 2025 TOP 10

Rank
  Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1   Luke Pappano OH Archbishop Moeller 2025 LHP Kentucky
2   Zion Theophilus OH Moeller 2025 RHP Duke
3   Hunter Richardson OH Butler 2025 LHP Kentucky
4   Taylor Belza OH Elyria Catholic 2025 C West Virginia
5 Andrew Karhoff OH Archbishop Hoban 2025 RHP
6 Jordan Kievman OH Archbishop Hoban 2025 OF
7   Harper Lann OH Walsh Jesuit 2025 RHP
8   Cooper Gilkerson OH Hilliard Darby 2025 RHP
9   Carter Christenson OH Archbishop Moeller 2025 SS West Virginia
10 Tavien St. Clair OH Bellefontaine 2025 RHP

***** To view the entire rankings, please click here.

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