Prep Baseball Report

Updated Class of 2019 Player Rankings (November)


Jordan Chiero and PBR Staff
PBR Ohio Director of Scouting

Follow @PBR Ohio 

Ohio Insider: Updated Class of 2019 Player Rankings (November)

During the summer/fall, we held numerous showcases and events across the state, which proved valuable for many 2019 prospects, with many names coming off the board to some of the top programs around the nation. Below we will take a look at “What’s New At The Top”, “The Newcomers”, "Who Turned Heads", "The Sleepers" and some of the top uncommitted prospects.

For insider information and scouting notes from the PBR staff during the 2017 spring/summer season visit the 2017 Ohio Spring Scout Blog by clicking here and the Summer Scout Blog by clicking here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

The Top 5 Remains The Same

The 2019 class is arguably the deepest class we’ve had in recent memory, especially at the top of the class. At the very top you have three No.1 caliber prospects with Joey Velazquez, Jonathan Machamer, and Jack Frank (Strongsville).

Velazquez’s has been dominant over the past year and keeps his No. 1 spot, edging out the other two. However, keep an eye on this battle at the top as Machamer continues to show signs of a future weekend starter and Frank is the most dynamic player in the class.

Nipping at the heels of these three is power arm Mack Anglin and the smooth swinging Caden Kaiser.

Mack Anglin RHP / Sparta Highland, OH / 2019

Anglin has shown flashes of electricity, and with his 6-foot-5 frame his physical projection is through the roof. The Sparta Highland ace may have the highest upside in the class and has a chance to make his way to the top of this class if he can consistently show his top stuff.

Caden Kaiser OF / LHP / Olentangy, OH / 2019

Kaiser’s ability to see the ball and work counts make him one of the tougher outs in the state. To go along with his advanced approach he also has impressive barrel awareness and very little swing and miss. Look for him to have a huge year in 2018, as he is starting to grow into his frame and twitch up. If natural tools continue to progress as expected, Kaiser could emerge as the top pure hitter in this class.

The Newcomers

As is always the case, a number of players have made big impressions in taking their game to the next level. These prospects elevated their games and are now within the rankings.

Cameron Burford RHP / 3B / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2019

RHP Cameron Burford (Walsh Jesuit) came onto the scene after a standout performance at the Bo Jackson College Camp. A very long, lean prospect that has a large amount of physical projection left on his 6-foot-4 frame. Arm is long/loose and delivery isn’t without effort. With his length and release point he creates a tough downhill plane for hitters, making his 84-87 mph fastball appear even harder. The recent Dayton commit can also command two secondary offerings. Burford comes in at No. 38 in the rankings.

Derrick Mayes II 2B / OF / Wyoming, OH / 2019

We got a chance to see OF Derrick Mays II (Wyoming) this fall play for 5-star National in our fall program. Mays is a prototypical leadoff type that can really put pressure on the defense. Gets down the line well, running a sub 4.1 on a ground ball and sub 4.0 on a drag bunt. The lefty is a line drive type who can spray the ball either way. Once he gets on base he is a constant threat to run, stealing 5 bags in the two games we saw him.

Matt Westley SS / 2B / Loveland, OH / 2019

Another guy that made his way into the rankings after a strong fall is INF Matt Westley (Loveland). Westley competed for the Riverbats this fall and really stood out with his speed/defensive abilities. At second base he is very sure handed and shows impressive range to both sides. The Loveland product made a number of web gems on the move throughout the fall. At the plate he is a contact guy from the right-side. Works counts well and is a constant threat to run once on base. A good athlete in general that is a guy to follow as he matures physical and bat catches up to other tools.

Who Turned Heads This Fall

This fall we saw some prospects who came onto the scene in a big way. Below we list a few prospects who turned heads this fall.

Fredrick Sisco RHP / OF / Gibsonburg, OH / 2019

RHP Frederick Sisco is far from an unknown on the recruiting scene. Sisco had a solid outing for Team Ohio at the PBR Future Games and has continued to improve since. This fall he showed a velocity jump, consistently sitting 86-89 mph, topping out at 90 mph. Although his secondary stuff has room to grow stuff wise, his ability to consistently locate both offerings makes him very effective. Sisco was dominant this fall in both outings, striking out almost half the batters he faced.

Mason Holloway SS / 2B / Mason, OH / 2019

INF Mason Holloway (Mason) was a regular on the top performers list this fall. What standouts in Holloway’s game is his hit tool. Loading sequence is rhythmic with well-timed movements, allowing him to be regularly on time in game. Finds plane well and generates well above average bat speed through the zone to add to his impressive strength. Regularly showed the ability to drive the gaps to either side, showing pull-side power capabilities.

Matt Evans RHP / SS / Big Walnut, OH / 2019

RHP Matt Evans continues to get better, and really looked the part at the Midwest Marlins Showcase. In close to freezing temperatures, Evans sat 85-87 mph, touching 88 mph. The Big Walnut prospect will establish the zone with the pitch and isn’t afraid to challenge hitters on the inner half. Complements his fastball with a sharp, near 12/6 breaking ball that shows potential of becoming an out pitch.

The Sleepers

Each respected class has sleeper prospects that either just aren't seen at the right time or just need to be put in the right place to succeed. Nonetheless, along with the big name prospects, sleeper prospects are what college coaches are always looking to find. Below we have three of our favorite sleepers in the 2019 class.

Quinton Morris C / OF / Moeller, OH / 2019

Few have improved physically over the past year more than C Quinton Morris (Moeller). Since we saw him last summer he has dropped his 60-yard dash over a full second to 6.81 and improved his exit velocity by almost 20 mph to 102 mph. Behind the dish he looked the part with his ability to receive and got the job done in the blocking department. This under the radar prospect has a chance to really grab the attention of college scouts over the next year.

Yassir Kahook RHP / 3B / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2019

RHP Yassir Kahook (Walsh) is another guy to keep an eye on in 2018. Kahook saw time on a loaded Walsh staff as a sophomore and will look to play a bigger role as a Junior. The right-hander’s biggest asset on the mound is pitchability, showing advanced feel of all three of his offerings. Velocity is currently in the low-80s, but with his efficient mechanics and low effort delivery that number could be on the rise. His stock will continue to rise as velocity does.

Joe Auberger RHP / 1B / ST Xavier, OH / 2019

Joe Auberger is a RHP out of St. Xavier. At 6-foot-3, 160-pounds he is far from his ceiling physically and is mechanically efficient enough that any added strength should translate to added velocity. Sat 80-83 mph this summer when we saw him with a tight, 11/5 shaped breaking ball. Don’t be shocked if he’s a mid-80s guy this spring.

TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BY POSITION

Below we look to name the top prospects in specific categories for the 2018 class. Beyond this group, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity.

+ Top Right-Handed Arms: Fredrick Sisco, Ethan Hammerberg, Grayson Hamilton, Lawson Blackmore, Matt Evans

+ Top Left-Handed Arms: Jack Pacetti, Christian Lothes, Dylan Gill, Jay Luikart, Kenny Misik

+ Two-Way Prospects: Sam Seeker, Kwauve Booker, Spencer Marinac

+ Top Catching Prospects: Emma Lopez, Bryce Cox, Quinton Morris, Trey Wright, Mike Williams

+ Top Corner Infield Prospects: Spencer Stanton, Jack Laird, Jacob Lezon, Nick Friedl, Brock Stoner

+ Top Middle Infield Prospects: Avery Fisher, Mason Montgomery, Andy Miller, Noah Laurent, Derek Kutrubs

+ Top Outfield Prospects: Rontrell Greer, Hunter Jessee, Dominic Pilolli, Nick Campagna, Jack Spellacy

+ Sleeper Prospects: Rontrell Greer (Athletic/Swing), Kwauve Booker (Big/Strong Two-Way), Chance Lomas (Quick Arm), A.J. Gaich (Switch-Hitting MIF), Michael Lawniczak (Athletic Catcher)

PBR OHIO CLASS OF 2019 TOP 225

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Joey Velazquez OH Desales 2019 OF Ohio State
2 Jonathan Machamer OH Massillon Washington 2019 LHP South Carolina
3 Jack Frank OH Strongsville 2019 OF Michigan State
4 Mack Anglin OH Sparta Highland 2019 RHP Clemson
5 Caden Kaiser OH Olentangy 2019 OF Ohio State
6 Yianni Skeriotis OH Jackson 2019 RHP Ohio State
7 Kyle Westfall OH Moeller 2019 OF Texas Tech
8 Blayne Robinson OH Defiance 2019 1B Louisville
9 Duncan Hall OH Miamisburg 2019 RHP Louisville
10 Jase Bowen OH Central Catholic 2019 SS Notre Dame

***** To view the entire top 225, please click here.