Updated 2020 Player Rankings

Although we don't know for certain when baseball will be back, the time has come to update and expand overall player rankings for the 2020 class. Our initial look at the 2020 class featured 20 total players. While there hasn't been a lot of movement towards the top, you'll see several new names added to the mix now that we've had the chance to scout and learn the territory more. 

If we get the chance, we will be out in full force this spring to get updated notes/video on players and potentially expand the list with even more prospects

Since its inception in 2005, the Prep Baseball Report has evolved into one of the country’s biggest and most respected independent scouting services, with a singular focus of providing comprehensive year-round coverage in every state we are in. The mission of the Prep Baseball Report is to scout and promote amateur baseball - high school, junior college and college - and, ultimately, help athletes achieve their dreams of playing baseball at the next level. With more than 150 scouts, we have the largest baseball scouting infrastructure across all levels of amateur baseball in the country.

The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for amateur baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state.  While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.

Rankings are based off evaluations by scouting director Dan Jurik as well as additional PBR scouts across the country who have seen prospects from the state at various events.

#4 C Logan Paustian, La Grande, Arizona State commit
One of the more intriguing catching prospects, nationally, in the 2020 class. At 6-foot, 180-pounds he possesses some natural strength throughout an athletic frame. He presents soft hands behind the plate that combine with loose hips to make him an above average receiver. Fluent footwork and quick transfer allow his stronger arm to show some carry to second base. As a switch-hitter, Paustian exhibits some gap to gap power that stands to increase as he continues getting stronger, and should only help his stock as a prospect continue to soar.

#5 RHP Taylor Holder, Crescent Valley, Oregon commit
Holder sat 84-86 throughout 6 innings of work this spring with reports of him being as high as 88-92 at times. FB shows occasional cut action when he spots to his glove side. Cutting action comes as a result of some cross action in his stride at landing. Breaking ball has SL shape to it at 71-76. Understands how to manipulate the offering based on whether he wants to throw it for a strike or bury it when ahead in the count. Throws with sustainable, starter-type effort in his delivery.

#6 RHP Ian Lawson, Century, Oregon State commit
Athletically built and physically imposing at 6’5 with a projectable frame at 210 pounds. Throws from a ¾ release point with smooth, loose arm action that looks capable of adding more velocity as he gets stronger. Repeats his delivery with steady, consistent tempo and low effort. FB shows late life as it gets into the zone, especially when he places the ball middle-in on a RHH. Topped at 89 and comfortably sat between 85-88 throughout the 7 innings we saw this spring. Also mixed in a slurve shaped breaking ball at 71-74. Didn’t flash great command of the breaking ball on this look, but it’s an above average offering when thrown at its best. CH is a work in progress and came out at 73-74. Overall, Lawson has an exciting blend of present ability but with the physicality to get significantly better in the near future.

#7 RHP/C KJ Ruffo, Rex Putnam, Portland commit
Converted catcher who has flashed low 90’s velocity since he has moved to the bump. Lean, athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. Low mileage arm with some considerable upside left.

#8 C Jake Leitgeb, Lincoln, Washington commit
The Washington commit has an athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Flashed solid receiving ability with clean catch and throw actions. Consistently around a 2.00 pop time between innings. Offensively he sets-up in a balanced, upright stance with feet slightly open to the pitcher. Hitting actions have steady rhythm and tempo. Quick, easy bat speed with slight uphill finish after contact. Stays balanced throughout. Currently has more of a gap to gap approach but the game power could steadily improve as he physically develops and gets stronger.