Preseason All-State: Preview

On Sunday, Feb. 9, PBR Illinois is headed back to The MAX to host one of its biggest showcases of the year: Preseason All-State. This invite-only showcase brings together the state’s best talent in its 2021 class.

Well over 100 of Illinois’ best juniors will meet in McCook, Ill., on Sunday, many of whom remain uncommitted. For a look at this year’s roster, click here. For more information on the showcase’s format and structure, click here.

Perennially, this event brings together the best Illinois’ junior class has to offer. Looking back at last year’s showcase, it’s the stage where RHP Ben Hernandez (De La Salle; Illinois-Chicago commit) elevated himself from one of the top arms in the state to one of the top arms in the nation. He eventually earned an invite to the prestigious national Super 60 showcase that took place last weekend, along with OF/RHP Isaiah Jackson (Champaign Central), who was also at last year’s Preseason All-State showcase.

Last year’s event was also where RHP Clayton Johnson (Prophetstown), currently ranked No. 11 in the state’s senior class, erupted onto the recruiting scene and he committed to Illinois shortly after.

Looking at this Sunday’s roster, it’s filled with familiar names, a handful of whom represented Team Illinois at the 2019 PBR Future Games in Georgia. The top-ranked prospects headed to The MAX on Sunday are former Future Gamers: RHP Brennyn Cutts (Toledo-Cumberland; Indiana State) and C Ty Batusich (Joliet West; Western Kentucky). Cutts has some of the top arm strength in the Midwest, and it matches his wide-shouldered, athletic, 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. As for Batusich, his breakout performance at the plate and from behind it for Team Illinois over the summer launched himself 10 spots up the rankings, just outside the top-10 in the state, where he currently sits.

Brennyn Cutts (7/31/19)

From Belleville East, OF Drew Gray (Arkansas) has yet to attend a PBR showcase to this point, so Sunday will mark our first look in this kind of environment. He’s a high-upside, left/left athlete with a loose, project bale swing and the tools to roam center field long-term.

Committed to Northwestern, just like his brother Anthony (New Trier, 2018), Alex Calarco (New Trier) is another one of the best prospects in Illinois headed our way on Sunday. He stands at an imposing 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, with big strength and natural leverage from both sides of the plate, giving him some of the top power potential in the state.

Alex Calarco (4/20/19)

Another Team Illinois member in Georgia this summer, LHP Eric Orloff (Glenbrook North; uncommitted) remains one of the top southpaws in the state and is still on the market. Ranked just under him is fellow left-hander Cory Ronan (Routt Catholic; Hawaii). Both left-handers should be among the top arms in attendance.

These two versatile athletes, Hayden Moore (Edwardsville; Missouri State) and Andrew Jimenez (St. Charles North; uncommitted), squared off against each other in the 4A state championship and are ranked back-to-back on the state board. Moore is a natural switch-hit type and a smooth defender in the outfield. Jimenez has some two-way capabilities but swings a right-handed bat with advanced strength, and runs a 6.62 laser-timed 60, especially impressive given his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame.

Speaking of speed, Pitt commit Nicky Giamarusti (Notre Dame) will dazzle at the 60-yard dash station on Sunday. He recorded not one, but two sub-6.30 marks while repping Illinois at the Future Games last summer.

Physical right/right OF Gavin Baldwin (Nashville; uncommitted) is a name we haven’t seen in roughly a year, but he has a top-40-ranked skillset. Strong hands and big bat speed help give him middle-of-the-order power potential at the next level.

St. Rita owns two of the top lefty sluggers still on the market in first basemen Al Holguin and Bobby Atkinson, ranked near each other on the state board. 

Springfield’s Ben Hartl, yet another former Future Game member, is the state’s best available catcher, noted for his compact strength, with an athleticism that could allow him to spend some time at third base.

ITINERARY

• Check-in for Pitchers, Catchers, two-way players: 8:15 to 8:30 a.m.

  • Bullpen Sessions (15-pitch session, mechanical analysis)

  • Catcher Evaluations (evaluating receiving/blocking skills)

• Check-in for Position Players only: 11:15 to 11:30 a.m.

  • Offensive Evaluations (exit velo, mechanical analysis, batting practice)

  • Defensive Evaluations (arm strength, mobility, positional reps)

• Catchers will stay for both sessions.

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