Last week we released the updated and expanded Illinois 2021 rankings and broke down some of the top uncommitted risers as well as some of the top performers from the Future Games who remain uncommitted. Today we conclude our coverage of the Illinois 2021s by looking at some of the top players who are making their first appearance in the rankings. 

Most of the newcomers on the updated list earned a spot thanks to their performance this fall at the Class of 2021 Showcase, the St. Louis Open or various college camps that took place.

Of all the newcomers in the updated list, RHP/INF Michael Rivera (Warren), made the biggest impression. Rivera showed well as a two-way prospect at the Class of 2021 Showcase but it was what he did on the mound that has him at No. 84 on the updated list. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound, athletically-built, right-hander has a loose arm with quickness out front, topped at 87 mph and paired it with a sharp-biting mid-70’s breaking ball. Rivera will be one to follow moving forward.

Michael Rivera (10.13.19)

Two other arms from the Class of 2021 Showcase who find their names in the rankings for the first time is LHP Jack Stellano (Reed-Custer; No. 86) and RHP Drew Burkholder (Eastland; No. 98). Stellano wont wow you with his stature (5-foot-11, 180-pounds) but he makes up for it by creating deception and all three of his pitches have action in the zone, led by an 84-85 mph fastball with late run and sink. Burkholder has a durable, 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame, an easy fastball up to 85 mph and filled up the zone with three-pitches in his bullpen.

Jack Stellano (10.13.19)

Another arm to jump into the rankings for the first time is RHP Jackson Holmes (Columbia; No. 112), who recently committed to St. Louis. Holmes has been somewhat under-the-radar, particularly due to the fact he is a rare three-sport athlete in today's day and age. Holmes has a long, projectable 6-foot-4, 190-pound, low-to-mid 80’s fastball and high-upside. 

Two uncommitted prospects; INF Daniel Mosele (Normal University) and C Hunter Hrycyk (Bolingbrook) come in at No. 127 and No. 128, respectively. Mosele is an undersized middle infielder but has a quick right-handed bat and has bounce and energy to his game. Hrycyk emerged at the Class of 2021 showcase and was one of the top catchers in attendance. Hrycyk carries strength in his 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame, takes an aggressive swing from the right-side of the box and has clean actions behind the plate.  

Daniel Mosele (8.7.19)

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