Prep Baseball Report

The Director's List: CAN-KY-OH-PA


Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

Each year, as March 1 approaches, the calls start coming in from college coaches with the same ask to all of PBR’s scouting directors: who do we NEED to see? Yes, those coaches are rarely ill prepared, and likely come in with a strong sense of which players they are targeting, but nevertheless, they value our staff’s opinion and deep knowledge of individuals, and are always looking to uncover hidden gems. In an effort to streamline that process, and make it even easier for college coaches to identify those “spring follows”, the need for On the Hunt: Follow List became paramount.


After many conversations with the numerous boots-on-the-ground staff, as well as my own looks, notes, and discoveries, this comprehensive list will hopefully serve to give uncommitted players an even greater opportunity to be seen by college coaches. While write ups and stories will continue throughout the spring, we have an open line of communication to discuss players in further detail, and will gladly help any college coaches looking for certain positions/players.

The initial rollout focuses on the 2023 class as it heads into the final summer circuit in hopes of giving many coaches a headstart on building a track record throughout the spring.

One caveat: although the list is broken down into regional pairings, many if not all of the players are willing to go to schools anywhere in the country. In some instances, talent has been overlooked or over scouted locally, and those players might end up flourishing away from home.

PENNSYLVANIA

James Kunst SS / RHP / Highlands, PA / 2023

Kunst’s athleticism extends beyond the diamond as he is also a standout, All-Section basketball player and walking bucket. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is a potential two-way player at the next level with some strength from the right side of the plate and solid actions on the infield, but his highest upside might end up being on the mound. After showcasing an 89 mph arm across the diamond during defensive workouts at the PBR Future Games, Kunst carried that over to the mound where he was up to 87.4 mph while working mostly 84-86. The arm works free and loose through a continuous arm stroke with quickness out front, and there is a strong chance that the velocity continues to tick up, especially towards the end of the spring as he gets in shape coming out of hoops. His athleticism aids in the aptitude for a slider and changeup which are both thrown for strikes, and his competitiveness allows the stuff to play up in game. Overall, Kunst presents some exciting upside and college coaches will want to circle his name as one to follow this spring and beyond.

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+ RHP Kayden Faulcon, Pennsbury HS, PA
+ RHP Jatnk Diaz, Hazelton Area HS, PA
+ RHP Daniel Jacobs, West Chester East HS, PA
+ SS Anthony Malagise, Blackhawk HS, PA

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