Which prospect has the best hit tool in your state?
December 6, 2024
The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.
This week’s topic: From now until the New Year, we'll be using 'The Hotlist' to highlight the Top Tools of 2024, beginning this week with the best run tools from your states. Share 1-2 players from any class that best fit this description – this could be a player with a reputation as the best bat-to-ball hitter in the state, last spring's batting average leader, etc.
+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (12/6):
Alabama
+ Charlie Cassingham, SS/RHP (Grissom HS, 2025) | South Alabama:
“Cassingham, one of the top ranked players in Alabama, showed some promising stuff including a real hit tool throughout his 2024 campaign, including a standout showing at the National Program Invitational. Cassingham has a advanced approach at the plate showing the ability to work the ball to both sides of the field and hit velocity well. Cassingham does a good job staying in his legs and really letting his hands work through the zone. He possesses good balance from the left side of the box and has an innate feel for the barrel.”
– Austin Sharp, Alabama Scouting Director
Arizona
+ Boston Kellner, SS (Hamilton HS, 2025) | Texas A&M:
“Boston is the most well rounded hitter in the state. He has a high level bat to ball skill while also having the ability to drive a ball over the fence at any moment. With a .462 avg / 14 2B / 12 HR and 29 RBI's in the leadoff spot for Hamilton last season. We are looking for Kellner to build off his Junior campaign this spring and have a monster senior season. He is the top prospect in the state of Arizona amongst the 2025 class. ”
– Shea Sbranti, Arizona Scouting Director
Colorado
+ Connor Larkin, 1B/OF (Cherry Creek HS, 2025) | Oklahoma:
“Larkin led his 5A Cherry Creek program to a Colorado state championship just last spring. The 2023 Future Games alumni hit .422 in spring 2024 with 8 home runs, 2 triples, 6 doubles, and a 1.277 OPS across 109 plate appearances. Larkin's smooth and easy swing from the left-side has helped him become one of the top overall hitters within the state. The senior has power to all fields along with an outlier hit tool. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Colorado
+ Owen Morgan, SS (Fossil Ridge HS, 2025) | Oregon:
“Morgan put together one of the top seasons last spring within Colorado, and he does come with an exceptionally good overall hit tool from the left-side. The senior is a former Future Gamer who ended his 2024 spring season with a .500 average, 1 HR, 7 triples, 9 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and a 1.404 OPS across 91 plate appearances. Morgan plays at the highest level in Colorado (5A) and could be in for another big season in 2025. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Florida
+ Brady Harris, OF (Trinity Christian Academy HS, 2026) | Florida:
“Harris, a 2024 Prep Baseball All-American, has established himself as one of the best hitters in the state in any class. Currently the #2 player in the Florida 2026 class and #3 2026 Nationally. Harris has recorded an OPS over 1.000 in both his freshman and sophomore high school seasons and looks to continue that in his junior year. Over the summer, Harris hit well against all types of arms and had a dominant performance at the 2024 NPI.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Managing Director
Illinois
+ Jaden Fauske , UTIL (Nazareth Academy HS, 2025) | Louisiana State :
“C/OF Jaden Fauske (Nazareth) slides in the national rankings at No. 11, and he’s been slowly working his way up the rankings as he continues to prove himself on a national scale. Fauske could very well be the best hitter to come out of Illinois for quite some time. The left-handed hitter stands out physically at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, but perhaps his approach at the plate stands out even more, routinely showing advanced awareness of the strike zone and quality swing decisions. He can cover the plate with ease while pairing it with a heavy barrel that can drive the ball to all fields, and he was recently one of the top performers in the workout at the Prep Baseball All-American Game.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Illinois
+ Landon Thome , MIF (Nazareth Academy HS, 2026) | Tennessee :
“2024 Future Games: Participating in his first ever Prep Baseball event, Landon Thome (Nazareth) continued to show to be one of the more advanced hitters in the class. Standing at an athletic 6-foot, 170-pounds, the left-handed hitter stood out with the bat throughout the week, both with results and his overall approach to the game. He started the week off with an impressive showing during the workout day where he posted a 6.87 60, an 85 mph infield velocity, and a max exit velocity of 94.2 mph. His bat speed metrics also impressed on the workout day with an average speed of 74.6 mph, and a max of 78.6 mph. Thome’s overall game translated even better in-game where his feel for the game shined. Offensively, he has been known to have a very mature and advanced approach, and that was no different down at LakePoint. In a tough left-on-left matchup during the last game of the week, Thome showed the ability to be patient, let the ball travel, and work the middle of the field for a hard single; which is something he did in the spring against tough southpaw arms. Defensively, he made one play in particular at third base in the same aforementioned game, where he made an advanced read on a tough ground ball, making the play look routine. Thome finished the week with three hits, including a double, two walks, and a stolen base.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Rob Czarniecki, OF (Chesterton HS, 2026) | Kentucky:
“Czarniecki enjoyed a massive 2024, showing off a premier hit tool at every stop en route to a sophomore season that was filled with accolades. Beginning in the spring - Rob clubbed 22 extra base hits while maintaining a .489 batting average and reaching base at a near .600 clip to earn himself a spot on our 4A All-State team, one of only two sophomore to do so. Then, Czarniecki bolstered the middle of the lineup for his Indiana Bulls squad that won the 16u Prep Baseball Tournaments National Championship, before cementing himself as one of the best hitters in the 2026 class at the Future Games this July. Rob showed off his big hit tool in Atlanta, collecting five hits on the weekend to earn himself MVP honors for the entire event. His huge year at the plate culminated in a commitment to Kentucky shortly after the Future Games. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Iowa
+ Taitn Gray , C/OF (Dallas Center-Grimes HS, 2025) | Oregon:
“Gray is the top bat in the state of Iowa. Shows above avg. hitting ability and power from both sides of the plate. Uniquely comfortable with high end production as a switch hitter.”
– Rob Allison, Upper Midwest Supervisor
Iowa
+ Garrett Luett, SS (Underwood HS, 2026) | Iowa:
“Physical and athletic; Luett has top level projection offensively with a track record of consistently performing vs. top pitching prospects in the state.”
– Rob Allison- Upper Midwest Supervisor
Louisiana
+ Myles Ledoux, INF/C (Barbe HS, 2026) | Louisiana-Lafayette:
“Hitting out of the leadoff spot, Ledoux was the unquestioned table-setter of Barbe’s offense last spring as a sophomore, and finished the 2024 season hitting at a .368 clip with a .491 OBP. The Louisiana-Lafayette recruit showed off his bat-to-ball skills at this summer’s Future Games, as he was crowned the “Hit King” after collecting six hits in nine at-bats on the week. Ledoux is the one guy that I want up at the plate if you need a base hit with the game on the line. ”
– Alex Armand, State Director
Massachusetts
+ Danny Flynn, OF (Worcester Academy HS, 2025) | Northeastern:
“Athletic left-handed hitter, spreads the field, runs and shows the ability to handle good secondary pitches. Excellent bat to ball skills”
– Dennis Healy, New England Co-Scouting Director
Michigan
+ Hudson Brzustewicz, 3B (Orchard Lake St Mary's HS, 2026) | Notre Dame:
“Hudson continues to punish opposing pitchers with the bat, which was evident in spring and summer. A premier left handed bat with power, bat to ball skills makes him one of the more elite hitters not only in Michigan but on a national stage. Consistently into the upper 90s off the bat, profiles balance and compact swing at plate. Brzustewicz is setting up for big junior season at OLSM. ”
– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director
Minnesota
+ Luke Ryerse, RHP/3B (East Ridge High School HS, 2025) | Minnesota:
“Ryerse is a unique talent that has helped lead his high school team to a state title each of the last two season. Many know him for his ability on the mound, but don't underestimate his bat at the plate. Last season Ryerse hit .462 with 9 extra base hits in 18 games played. If they pitch to him this upcoming season, the Future Gopher is primed to have another huge spring in 2025.”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Mississippi
+ Cayden Prestage, OF/LHP (Itawamba AHS HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Cayden has long been viewed as one of the best pure hitters in the prep ranks in Mississippi. A member of this past summers Future Games team, Prestage uses the field as well as anyone and stays inside his legs which makes it very difficult for pitchers trying to figure out how to pitch to him. Not an imposing figure but don’t be fooled by his size. In 2022 at the Junior Future Games he showed his pull side power by hitting a walk off homer to send Team Mississippi into the Final 4 of the tournament. ”
– Matt Miller, State Director
Nevada
+ Tate Southisene, IF/OF (Basic Academy HS, 2025) | USC:
“Shooter Hunt: No longer in the shadow of his older brother, Ty (2024; Cubs, fourth round), the USC recruit has shown off the loudest tools in a family that has made quite the impact on the amateur baseball scene with talent all over. The biggest of the bunch at 6-foot, 170-pounds, he gets the most out of a wiry-athletic frame, and the bat speed has consistently provided some of the highest exit velocities in the class with triple-digit readings on many, if not most, occasions. Twitchy with the hands with the ability to cover the plate, the hit-tool and swing decisions have shined against premium arms, and there is a chance that the buzz generated from the West Coast ProCase right through the rest of the summer never slows down as the calendar approaches next July.”
– Brett Harrison, West Coast Supervisor
New York
+ Jordan Serrano, OF (The Stony Brook School HS, 2025) | Wake Forest:
“The #1 OF in the 2025 class has an explosive lower half & balance throughout the swing. The swing is short & direct through contact with lightning quick hands generating plenty of bat speed. Serrano has that bat-to-ball abilities to hit for average and big time power to any part of the field. Will be an exciting follow this spring heading into next summers draft.”
– Joe Walentin, New York Scouting Director
North Carolina
+ Everett Johnson, INF/OF (Eastern Carolina Academy HS, 2025) | NC State:
“A loaded 2025 class in the state of North Carolina has several hitters that will draw a crowd throughout the spring. Johnson is unique as he is a well known player that missed most of 2024 with a foot/ankle injury. The left handed hitter has extremely advanced barrel feel with a short, compact stroke that creates more power than his phyiscal size suggests. He has had no issue getting the barrel to high level arms. Scouts will be working this spring to get a better hold on where Johnson's current and future prospect land.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-ATL Director of Scouting
North Carolina
+ Harrison Ailshie, OF (East Rowan HS HS, 2026) | North Carolina:
“One of the most polished hitters in North Carolina, Ailshie will garner a lot of national attention this summer if he continues to role the pole the way he did in 2024. A sweet swinging lefty, there is natural power and loft. Ailshie, a member of Team North Carolina a the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games, has shined in elevated events against some of the top arms in the country. The top end power number will continue to grow, but it is his ability to replicate hard contact in BP and live game at-bats that tends to create conversation around his prospect status.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-ATL Director of Scouting
Ohio
+ Matt Ponatoski, SS (Archbishop Moeller HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Ohio's top rated prospect was a on the barrel often in 2024. Ponatoski brings a mature approach to his at-bats and excels at being a tough out. Impressive frame and athleticism with quick hands that can turn the barrel in a hurry & drive to all fields. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Ohio Scouting Director
Ohio
+ Enzo Dicocco, OF (Brecksville-Broadview Heights HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Enzo turned heads at Future Games and got onto a lot of coach's radars with professional approach at the plate and a simplified but explosive swing. Never overwhelmed by velocity and a very composed athlete in the box. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Ohio Scouting Director
Oklahoma
+ Josiah Kemp, OF (Westmoore HS, 2026) | Oklahoma:
“Kemp has shown dynamic ability offensively and has performed against the highest level of competition as well as playing a key role in a state title fun for Westmoore as just a sophomore in 2024. He has showcased a mature, gap to gap approach, that allows him to utilize his elite run tool. As he has continued to develop, the singles have turned into extra base hits and the pressure he can put on opposing defenses is endless. The Oklahoma commit is primed for an exciting junior campaign as the Jags look to repeat. ”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma State Director
Ontario
+ Robert Omidi, INF (Fieldhouse Pirates HS, 2026) | Kentucky:
“Omidi has stood atop the 2026 Class in Ontario since it's inception and it's been the left-handed bat that's captured peoples attention. We've now seen Omidi flash his bat-to-ball skills against elite pitching for two summers now and has a knack for finding the barrel, allowing him to collect extra-base hits with ease. Announced his commitment to Kentucky not long after the Future Games.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director, Canada
Ontario
+ Elliot Lascelles, SS (Toronto Mets HS, 2026) | Yale:
“Lascelles really jumped onto the scene this year and quickly propelled himself into the No.3 spot and earned his way onto Canada's Future Games team. Lascelles handles himself well at the SS position but the hit tool is the biggest standout. The Toronto Mets product didn't strikeout once at the Future Games and was named to the Canadian Junior National not long after, as well as announcing his commitment to Yale.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director, Canada
Pennsylvania
+ Andrew Cross, SS/3B (Moon Area HS, 2026) | Penn State:
“Quite possibly the highest riser from the PA 2026 class, was a runner up for MVP of the #PBFG24 with a commitment to Penn State shortly after. Innate feel for the barrel which repeats well. Gap to gap hitter with power developing.”
– James Delaney, Event Operation NY/PA
Tennessee
+ Michael Holt, OF (Ravenwood HS, 2026) | Vanderbilt:
“Supreme barrel awareness and feel for putting the ball in play with hard contact. Hard to keep Michael down for 3 at-bats. Handles velo exceptionally well, while also having a keen eye for spin and picking up spin early. Great body control through his swing. Can put the ball in play to all fields, while also showing a sneaky pop tool.”
– Hunter Martin, State Director
Wisconsin
+ Winston Alonso, INF (Reedsburg Area HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Alonso is quickly developing, and earning, a reputation as the toughest out in the state. With his sweet lefty swing, he sprayed line drives all over the field from a young age, and in 2024 he really began to generate more impact on contact. He earned a spot on Wisconsin's Third Team, All-State list after hitting .432 with 13 extra-base hits, and it catapulted him into another productive summer that culminated in a place on Team Wisconsin at the Future Games. His bat-to-ball skills are advanced for a player his age, and his approach at the plate is a trait that's simply hard to teach. He doesn't swing and miss much, and as he gains physicality his offensive profile will become that much more exciting.”
– Andy Sroka, Managing Editor, Scouting
Wisconsin
+ Dominic Santarelli, 1B (St. Joseph HS, 2026) | Lousiville:
“After a productive summer/fall on the circuit, Santarelli has taken over the number 1 spot in the state in large part because of his hit tool. The swing decisions, bat-to-ball and impact are all extremely advanced, on top of his ability to see and recognize against spin.”
– Josh Fields, Lead Scout