From a relative unknown to one of the most sought-after prospects in Nevada's 2023 Class, Leighton "LJ" Mercurius took advantage of every opportunity this summer to improve his stock not only among his local Nevada peers, but on a National scale after an electric performance at the 2020 Future Games. The 6-foot-3, three sport athlete burst onto the scene after running it up to 87 mph for Team Nevada during an efficient two innings of work. With his lean build, you have to expect his velocity to continue to climb over the next couple years making him an exciting follow for the Prep Baseball Report staff. 

We had an opportunity to sit down with LJ to take a look back at his summer, breaking down his trip to Future Games and how everything changed after his impressive performance against the top Uncommitted Underclass prospects in the country.

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How was the recruiting process going before the Future Games?

For me, the recruiting process was really slow before the Future Games. I received some interested, mostly from some smaller schools at the Junior Colleges and Division II levels.

What were your thoughts going into the event?

I was really excited to see how I compared to players from around the country. Since our high school season was cancelled and the summer up to that was still up in the air with events and I only threw one time before the Future Games, so when I took the mound and hit 87 (mph) I surprised myself. 

What was the environment like on Day 1?

The Team Workout Day was sick. We were shagging in the outfield talking with the best players from Arizona, Californian and Pacific Northwest and it was cool seeing players from outside of Nevada. The competition was insane. It made you excited to see where you stacked up against the other state's top guys. 

What was your favorite part (or parts) of the event?

My favorite part was the in the middle of the games. Talking with my teammates in the dugout and enjoying the PO (Pitcher Only) life, coming off the mound after my outing and my teammates were fired up for me. Batting practice was also great, hitting tanks in the that environment was awesome. The entire event was awesome.

Mid game. Talking to my teammates in the dugout. PO life. Batting practice hitting tanks was awesome. Coming off the mound with my teammates excited for me. The entire event was awesome.

How do you feel you performed at the Future Games?

I feel like I performed pretty well honestly, and I am continuing to gain velocity and control of each of my pitches.

Stat Line: 2.0 IP, ER - 0, K - 3, Hits 2, Max FB - 87 mph, Strike % - 79.2%, WHIP - 1.0

Following the Future Games, did the volume of colleges interested in you increase? 

Yes, by a ton, like a ton ton. I have had calls set up almost every day with colleges and now I feel like I have a chance to play at some of my dream schools. 

What school have reached out to you following the event?

University of San Diego, SDSU, Cal Berkley, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Pepperdine, Oregon State, Arizona, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Texas, Incarnate Word, Texas, Washington and a few others up to this point.

It has been a really exciting time since the Future Games.

You were the highest riser in the updated 2023 PBR Player Rankings moving from #12 to #2 in Nevada and #124 Nationally, how does that feel?

It really feels amazing. I have worked hard to get to this point and I am glad it is all coming together, allowing me to have a successful summer. 

Leighton has proved himself as legit prospect with standout performances throughout the summer. Following his success at the 2020 Future Games, he racked up another quality outing at the Nevada Top Prospect event where he ran it up to 88 mph in a clean 1-2-3 inning highlighted by a three pitch strikeout. LJ has projectability on his side with his current size, athleticism and looseness on the mound. Keep an eye on this prospect and don't be surprised if he continues to climb in the PBR National Rankings over the next couple years. #ForNevadaByNevada

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The PBR Nevada Fall Underclass Showcase is an open event for Class of 2023-2024 prospects. This event is limited to 30 spots will take place on Sunday, October 25 at Las Vegas Ballpark.

The Fall Underclass Showcase will be an opportunity for young prospects to put their name on the radar. To players from the event will be reflected in our upcoming rankings update, as well as receive invitations to the PBR Nevada Underclass Games and the 2021 PBR Future Games.

Following a Prep Baseball Report event, players will receive unrivaled access to their advanced ball-tracking and swing metrics through the TrackMan and Blast Connect apps. Additionally, to help players understand the advanced data metrics, Prep Baseball Report has partnered with Driveline, the world’s leader in data-driven player development, to generate analysis of your performance through the data sets with tips of how to identify strengths and improve deficiencies. Furthermore, key metrics will live inside your Prep Baseball Report profile to help players in their recruitment process. 

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