RHP Malachi Paplanus (Huntley, 2024) has been on our radar since his PBR debut in March of 2021. As a talented right-hander with a big arm, it was no surprise to see Paplanus called up to varsity on one of the best Teams in the state that season and see meaningful innings throughout the year. His sophomore season took off on a similarly high trajectory, eating up innings for the Red Raiders and acting as one of the horses in their talented Rotation. The right-hander played a large role in his team's success, helping them to an overall record of 31-5 and final Power-25 Ranking of No. 8 in the state. He continued his ascent into the summer, eventually earning a spot on Team Illinois at the Future Games, committing to Wright State not long after. 

We recently had the opportunity to talk through the recruitment process with Malachi, what he was looking for out of his future home and some other fun topics mixed in along the way.

(Malachi Paplanus - 7/27/22) 

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Malachi: I was looking for a place that has a great baseball community and a place that I know will get me better. I was expecting it to be a little long and tedious and it was for sure.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

M: I wanted to get away from home but not too far.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

M: Right before the Future Games.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

M: I like how well built the guys in the locker room are. They are all very close and well knit. The key factors were that they were good, and they had a track record of bringing in decent guys and making them elite.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

M: I was talking with some Power-5s but they hadn’t offered me yet.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

M: Ryan Bakes, he is just very good at anything and everything.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

M: When I was a freshman and I made varsity on one of the best teams in the state.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

M: Consistency is your best friend.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

M: Probably hitting 90 mph for the first time, it really just gave me a sigh of relief that everything is working.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

M: We should be pretty good we just need to work as a team and play the right kind of baseball.

P: How did the Future Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

M: It gave me a chance to pitch in front of many college coaches and get me on their radars.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

M: I would take Zander Mueth’s fastball, it is just so electric and comes out of the hand so clean.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

M: AJ Putty

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