Prep Baseball Report

From the Hip: California '23 Rankings (Fall Buzz)


Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

The best class in the state since 2017’s historic showing, California boasts 65 players in the top 100 with SS Roman Martin (Servite HS, CA), a UCLA recruit, leading the way. Considerable depth allows this group to be the top class in the country, and a fair number of the top 30 would be featured in the top 10 of classes from most recent previous years. Below, a look at some fall updates of the players and prospects that stirred some buzz throughout the fall.

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Brandon Winkour SS / Edison, CA / 2023

No player in the state has enjoyed the meteoric rise that Winokur has seen over the past year and a half. Equipped with dynamic athleticism and a 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame that is both presently imposing while exhibiting even greater future strength, he is easy to dream on thanks to the thunderous sounds that come off his barrel from the right side. Uber-athletic in the outfield with the potential for five-tools, Winokur’s upside is some of the highest in the class, and as exciting as OF Henry Bolte (Athletics, 56th overall) was in northern California in ‘22, the slugging UCLA recruit outpaces him to this point, and holds strong Day 1 potential.

Casey Borba 3B / 1B / Orange Lutheran, CA / 2023

At this point, there are few players that appear as ready to hit the ground running at the next level than Borba. The Texas recruit has routinely handled the top pitching in the country with considerable success that includes some blossoming power from the right side. A consummate performer who has enjoyed success in the country’s top high school conference (Trinity League) since his freshman year, the corner infielder has outperformed many toolsier prospects on the circuit. Continuing his strong track record this fall, including a residency with Team USA in qualifying late in the fall, Borba is sure to get some looks in talent-dense Orange County next spring, and whether he is selected high enough or winds up on campus in Austin, his maturity in the box should help provide a higher floor.

Luke Scherrer C / RHP / Yucaipa, CA / 2023

Few players in the class bring as much raw strength to the plate with the outputs to show for it than Scherrer does, and that in itself should bring plenty of eyes to his games throughout the spring. A breakout summer was followed up by a strong fall that saw Scherrer rise in the top 100 as a prep prospect of note. At 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, he has some present physicality, and the value that he might ultimately present as a power-hitting backstop is something that is likely to be craved by scouting departments.

Jarren Advincula SS / 2B / Archbishop Mitty, CA / 2023

Advincula, a San Diego State recruit, ended the summer as a prospect that the scouting community was whispering about, and those whispers grew into buzzing murmurs after the fall. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting shortstop is silky-smooth on both sides of the ball with considerable athleticism that has been seen in-game for some time. Fluid in his approach with a natural ability to cover the plate while applying pressure with his speed, Advincula’s upside has pushed him towards the top of many lists, and his rise in the PBR rankings appears likely at this point.

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