The PBR Kansas 2021 Class Rankings have been updated after a baseball packed summer. Through loaded events and talent rich tournaments at our new Creekside facility and Lakepoint where many KS teams traveled to compete, we were able to get our eyes on more prospects more times than ever before. Check out the top prospects, risers, newcomers, and fully expanded rankings, below. 

(Click player name or picture to see full profile and video)

 

The Top- In one of the deepest classes in Kansas history, already featuring 21 division 1 commits, the top 3 are highly touted draft prospects ranked in the top 100 of the PBR Overall Ranking. 

Ben Kudrna RHP / RHP / Blue Valley Southwest, KS / 2021 The Louisiana State commit has continued his steady velo climb this summer sitting 90-93 in most outings, occasionally touching 94. An advanced strike throw with the fastball, Kudrna also attacks the zone with a curveball with slurvy shape and flashes late depth at 79-82. The right-hander also mixes in an occasional changeup to lefties at 82-84. His lean 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame with room to fill out along with his clean, fluid, and easy arm action should allow Kudrna to continue to allow velo.

Kendall Diggs 3B / SS / St Thomas Aquinas, KS / 2021 At the No. 2 spot is Arkansas commit Kendall Diggs. Over the last three years, the left-handed bat has continued to prove that he is one of the most polished hitters in the Midwest with a knack for finding barrels and enough juice to punish any mistakes. Diggs uses a short, efficient, and balanced stroke with a line drive approach, driving balls to all fields. At the fall Midwest Pro Day, Diggs recently ran a 6.86, showed a  95.84 exit velo in BP (Trackman), and was 81 mph across the diamond. Defensively, Diggs profiles best at the hot corner with sure hands and an accurate arm.

Carson Liggett RHP / 1B / Blue Valley, KS / 2021 In at the No. 3 spot is Louisvill commit, Carson Liggett. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander had a dominant summer, throwing more than a handful of zeros up against some of the best teams in the country. Liggett shows high-end pitchability as he manipulates his fastball anywhere from 88-92 and reaches back for 93 at times. Along with commanding the fastball to both sides of the plate, Liggett also commands a curveball with 11/5 shape at 73-77, an elite changeup that he throws to both sides at 77-81, and a slider with late depth and 10/4 shape at 76-79.

 

Top Newcomers- The summer of 2020 saw a flood of new talent make a name for themselves. These three below led the way with some impressive performances, jumping into the top 35.

Noah Young RHP / 3B / Blue Valley North, KS / 2021 An uber projectable 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame, Young makes a big splash into the rankings after climbing from 80-83 at the beginning of the summer when we first saw him to 86-89 by the end. Young also mexes in a rolling curveball at 72-74 and a changeup at 73-74. The recent St. Louis University commit shows a simple and rhythmic delivery with a clean and fluid arm action that will likely allow him to continue to climb in velo.

Landon Reeves 1B / OF / Blue Valley North, KS / 2021 A physically impressive 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame with strength throughout, Reeves has become one of the top left-handed hitters in the state. The recent Davidson commit uses a smooth and short leg lift with a hand load before launching his barrel on a flat and efficient path through the zone with some natural lift and a high finish. Off the tee, Reeves shows an exit velo of 88 mph, but shows much more pop in games. Defensively, the big bodied first baseman shows clean and athletic actions around the bag.

Karson Green C / 3B / Lawrence , KS / 2021 One of the top defensive catchers in the state, Karson Green has a prototypical 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame with a developed lower half and a barreled chest. Behind the plate, Green shows soft, strong, and quiet hands while receiving and advanced blocking. His arm has quickness over strength with short stroke and quick release, paired with quick and efficient feet, Green produces accurate showcase pop times of 1.91-1.96. Offensively, the switch hitter shows more pollish from the right and much more pop than his 85 mph exit velo would suggest.

 

Top Risers- As with every season that goes by, many players take major leaps physically and developmentally. Below are some of the biggest risers since our last rankings.

Peyton Basler SS / 2B / Lansing , KS / 2021 Rising nearly 30 spots in this edition of the rankings is switch hitting shortstop Peyton Basler. The Charleston Southern commit is an advanced defender with soft hands and smooth actions. Offensively, the switch hitter is equally as capable from both sides showing the ability to hit for average and some pop all summer long.

Preston Giltner RHP / OF / Blue Valley, KS / 2021 Since we last saw him in 2019, the 6-foot-3 200-pound right-hander has made a near 10 mph jump in velo. The recent Johnson County commit now sits 84-87 and touches 90 at times. His curveball shows near 12/6 shape at 72-75 mph.

Blake Martin SS / 2B / Mill Valley, KS / 2021 Rising over 60 spots is quick twitch shortstop Blake Martin. The 5-foot-8 170-pound right-handed hitter put on a show in BP at the MoKan Summer Trials with an impressive average exit velo of 89 (Trackman). Martin also showed athleticism with a 6.85 laser timed 60. Defensively, Martin is light on his feet and shows soft hands. He throws from multiple arm angels with accuracy and long stroke at 85 mph.

 

 

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