Which prospect has the best run tool in your state?
November 22, 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, simply, the best 60-yard dash time recorded this past year, or a player who is a well-known base-stealing threat, 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’ (11/22):
Alabama
+ Jaden Charles, OF (Hazel Green HS HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“OF Jaden Charles (Hazel Green, 2025) possesses arguably the best run tool in the state of Alabama across all graduating classes. A former Prep Baseball Future Games alumni, the uncommitted senior is a lean, wiry 5-foot-10, 140-pound prospect with elite athleticism, which was evident at this past summer's Yellowhammer State Games. During the event, Charles ran a blazing 6.27 60-yard dash during the workout and set the Prep Baseball Alabama showcase record with that time. He's more than speed, as he showcases a line-drive approach at the plate with loose hands and the ability to hit to all fields with some sneaky power for his size. He can also obviously cover tons of ground in the outfield, taking clean routes to the baseball with good range using his speed.”
– Austin Sharp, Scouting Director
Canada
+ Phillip Cheong, OF (Ontario Blue Jays HS, 2025) | Stanford:
“Just prior to a workout in September I remember thinking, 'he may run a 6.40 today'. He burned a 6.34 on MLB turf & has blossomed into one of the most dynamic players on the Canadian circuit. His speed is predictable & unslumpable, he'll stress the clock out of the average infielder on routine ground balls & he does it with an admirable degree of all-outness.”
– George Halim, Director
Colorado
+ Christian Lopez, OF (Regis Jesuit HS, 2025) | CSU Bakersfield:
“Lopez has been one of the fastest players in Colorado for a few years now ever since posting a 6.41 60 yard dash time just prior to the 2023 Future Games. We have seen Lopez utilize his speed to play a lock-down center field position while also being the lead-off hitter for the 5A Regis Jesuit Raiders. Across 81 games played at the varsity level, Lopez has successfully stolen 48 bases and carries a .408 HS career batting average. ”
+ Trevor Gottsegen, OF/SS (Highlands Ranch HS, 2025) | Utah:
“Gottsegen is regarded as one of the most athletic and fastest players within the state thanks to posting 60 yard dash times under 6.5 this summer. The Highlands Ranch senior has the ability to play two premium positions at either center field or shortstop where his high-end athleticism and speed can best be on display. Gottsegen plays with his hair on fire, steals bases, and is often able to stretch singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Florida
+ Ethan Rathmann, OF (Olympia HS, 2026) | Miami:
“Rathmann has one of the best run tools in the state of Florida. He showcased that at the Future Games Trials: Jacksonville this summer where he ran a blazing 6.48 60. Rathmann projects as a top-of-the-order who can do damage on the base paths.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Managing Director
Hawaii
+ Treyden Chong Kee, 2B/UTL (Iolani HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“6.54 60 at 2024 Senior Future Games (Team West).”
– Dan Cox, West Coast Crosschecker
Illinois
+ Logan Fernandez , OF (Mount Carmel HS, 2026) | Uncommitted :
“Fernandez has long been one of the better overall athletes in the state, and his 6.41 60-time just further proves that, also going along with a 34" vertical and 22 mph peak run speed. Still uncommitted, Fernandez has some loud tools across the board to go along with his run tool; peaking at 99 mph for his max EV while also hitting in-game this fall, as well as reaching up to 87 mph from the outfield. ”
+ Gavin Michaels , MIF (Normal Community HS, 2026) | Cincinnati :
“2024 Future Games: Gavin Michaels (Normal Community) left the Future Games a big winner for Team lllinois. An athletic, wiry frame with plenty more to come, Michaels checks in at 6-foot, 155-pounds. Throughout gameplay, he reached base multiple times on infield singles, showcasing his speed and baserunning IQ around the base paths throughout the entire event. He’s an athletic, clean defender, too, showing the ability to play many different positions on the field. Michaels showed some intriguing tools during the showcase, starting off by running a 6.67 60 time and jumping 32.2 inches. During batting practice, he averaged 86.7 mph (T95.8 mph) off the bat, while sending his farthest hit ball 350 feet. His BLAST metrics were intriguing as well, as his average bat speed was 75.2 mph (T81.8 mph), and his average rotational acceleration was 21.5 mph, good for the second highest on Team Illinois. He’s a highly athletic prospect with plenty of upside, and he remains a must-know uncommitted prospect from the event.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Eli Sinsabaugh, SS (Cathedral HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“A Future Gamer for Team Indiana in 2024 - Sinsabaugh hangs his hat on his high-end foot speed. At our Preseason All-State, Sinsabaugh ran a 6.25 60-yard dash, twice for good measure, the best lasered 60-time I’ve seen in my time with Prep Baseball. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Iowa
+ Wrigley Matthys, OF (Bettendorf HS, 2025) | Kirkwood CC:
“6.40 runner at the Iowa State Games.”
+ Cameron Templeton, OF (Marquette HS, 2025) | Kirkwood CC:
“6.56 runner at the Iowa State Games.”
+ Manny Roemmich, OF (Valley HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“6.51 runner at Northwest Summer ID.”
+ Gavin DeJesus, SS (Waukee HS, 2026) | Iowa:
“6.53 runner at Preseason All-State.”
+ Mason Tell, OF (Johnston HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“6.54 runner ath the Iowa Sticks Scout Day.”
– Rob Allison, Upper Midwest Supervisor
Kentucky
+ Zach Floyd, OF (Trinity HS, 2026) | Louisville:
“The 6.43 running Tooled up Floyd forced his way into The Nationally ranked Shamrock squad mid way through the High School season and finished with a robust .372 Average. Floyd is a name to remember as he was more known as a football player until blooming on the Diamond last Spring. The Center Fielder has decided to leave that behind and concentrate solely on Baseball moving forward. Look for a monster Spring in '25 and a possible move into The National Rankings for the Outfield anchor on what looks like another loaded Trinity squad for Head Coach Rick Arnold.”
+ Ravon Lee JR, OF (Pleasure Ridge Park HS, 2026) | Eastern Kentucky:
“Lee blazed his way onto the radar with a top ten time at The Future Games running an effortless 6.49 60 time letting College Coaches know his run tool is real. One of the most impressive players for Team Kentucky was Lee who was a nightmare for opposing defenses reaching base with multiple hits and walks throughout the week. The recent Eastern Kentucky commit will be looking to help lead Pleasure Ridge Park back to Lexington to defend their State Title. Lee will definitely be one of the most exciting players in The Commonwealth this Spring and is just scratching the surface of his immense tools and talent.”
– Jamie Tessoff, Scouting Director
Louisiana
+ Noah Lewis, OF (Catholic (BR) HS, 2025) | Louisiana-Lafayette:
“Lewis bursted onto the scene at the 2023 Future Games and blazed a 6.35 in the 60 at the event, which was good for tops at the entire Future Games. The Louisiana-Lafayette recruit hit at a .421 clip with 41 R last spring for the Bears, on route to helping Catholic (BR) to a state title and their best season in school history. ”
– Alex Armand, State Director
Massachusetts
+ Danny Flynn, OF (Worcester Academy HS, 2025) | Northeastern:
“Danny Flynn: OF/OF, (2025) . Northeastern Commit, 6-foot, 170-pound athletic projectable build. Above average and projectable during batting practice, the left-handed hitter recorded an exit velocity of 99 mph. (72.7 mph bat speed average). (19.6 mph hand speed average). Begins in a balanced athletic stance with a controlled load, then uses a small stride. Bat speed is quick, shows a loose simple swing plane and good extension on his finish. During his round he produced loud contact and found lots of barrels. Gap to gap approach. Above average in the outfield, his best throw of the day was clocked at 82 mph; has soft hands, athletic feet, and a natural exchange. Movements laterally were athletic and he fields the ball out front. Using a quick arm action, showed consistent accuracy to the base from a high ¾ slot. Established speed as one of his strengths with an efficient 60 time of 6.5. (Max spin ; Avg ).”
– Dennis Healy, Co-Owner Scouting Director
Michigan
+ Tyler Bruggeman, OF (Adrian HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“Tyler has been an emerging player in Southeast Michigan the last few seasons setting record for the Maples. A left handed hitter with shorter swing, Bruggeman impacts the game with his speed. A mainstay at the top of the order for Adrian, Tyler will look to increase his career stolen base total in 2025. Bruggeman is on pace for 100 stolen bases in his HS career. ”
– Adam Goodwin, Scouting Director
Minnesota
+ Jayden Knutson, OF (Mankato West HS, 2025) | Bethany Lutheran College:
“Knutson runs an 6.40 60-yard dash. An athletic outfielder who can go get it and puts pressure on the defense. The left handed bat, plays quick, contact type barrel and the moment. Great addition for Bethany Lutheran College over the next 4 years. ”
– Andy Judkins, Minnesota Scouting Director
Nebraska
+ Grant Gilbreath, OF (Papillion LaVista South HS, 2025) | Valparaiso:
“Has a state best 6.48 60 yard dash. Paired with his strong 6'2 210 lb frame that has raw pull side pop produces consistent 90+ MHP exit velo. High ceiling prospect heading to the Crusaders with all the tools to excel at the next level”
– Pasal Paul, Director of Scouting
New York
+ Jacob Herrera, OF (North Rockland HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“No. 3 ranked OF in NY 2026 class. Explosive athlete in a 5-8, 155 lb frame, ran a 6.57 60 this past August and stole 50+ bag over the spring & summer season.
Impressive overall metrics to go with the speed.
Exit velocity: 95 MPH
Bat speed: 76-78 MPH
OF Arm: 86 MPH”
– Joe Walentin, Scouting Director
North Carolina
+ Reed Benamati, OF (Northwest Guilford HS HS, 2025) | Winthrop:
“Benamati has posted 6.49 on the laser timers for Prep Baseball Scouts. His time at a Summer ID earned him a slot on Team Mid-Atlantic at the inaugural Senior Future Games where the twitch and hand strength paired to excite the college coaches on hand. Shortly after the Sr Future Games appearance, Benamati committed to Winthrop where is run tool could elevate him on the depth chart quickly.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-ATL Scouting Director
North Carolina
+ Lucas Riley, OF (Ledford HS HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“One of the top uncommitted players in NC, Riley shined at the Summer and Fall Top Prospect Games with a unique blend of strength and speed. Running a 6.67 in the summer, Riley backed the time up with a 6.73 in early November. A right handed hitter, there is strength at contact with rhythm and pitch recognition that will give him a chance to contribute early at the next level.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-ATL Scouting Director
North Carolina
+ Wilkin Lurie, OF (Asheville HS HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Lurie turned heads at an early summer scout day, earning an invite to the North Carolina Top Prospect Games in August. Running on the laser, Lurie fired off a 6.46 time that created a ton of buzz. Very athletic, with a frame that screams projection, Lurie floods the stat sheets at workouts and will garner a ton of attention heading into his spring season.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-ATL Scouting Director
Ohio
+ Ben Freese, OF (Waynesville HS, 2025) | Ashland University:
“At first we thought there was a laser error when Ben ran a 6.31 so we had him run it again. When the second time was a 6.25 it was clear this dude could flat out fly. Aside from the speed, Ben maxes his exit velocity out at 97 mph and was clocked at 90 mph from the outfield. He'll be a name to follow in the next few years as he's heading to Ashland with 80-grade speed. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Scouting Director
Ohio
+ Carter Christenson, SS/OF (Archbishop Moeller HS, 2025) | Ohio State:
“While there are a few guys with quick 60's than Carter, none are more of a consistent threat on the bases. Carter swiped 22 bags last spring for the Moeller Crusaders against a solid high school schedule and is routinely the man circled on the card as the guy pitcher's have to pay attention to out there. The 2025 SS/OF will look to use that speed to compete immediately in Columbus next fall. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Scouting Director
Oklahoma
+ Tyler Robinson, OF/2B (Edmond Memorial HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Robinson has shown game-changing speed on multiple occasions through events and in-game opportunities. He has run a sub 6.5 60 multiple times with his best at 6.32. Still uncommitted, his ability to pressure defenses with his legs will be an asset to any school.”
+ Will Lundquist, OF (Norman North HS, 2025) | Seminole State College:
“Lundquist, a senior at Norman North, has shown that his 6.38 60 speed translates to his game on the field. His ability to steal bases as well as further pressure defenses on balls in play will continue to be an asset at the next level as Lundquist is a Seminole State College commit.”
– Bret Schwartz, State Director
Oregon
+ Camden Hartlaub, SS (Caldera HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“Hartlaub is one of the speediest prospets in the class and posted one of the top overall times in the 60 at the PNW State Games this summer with a 6.54. Has also posted a max speed of 22.2 mph. Has the skills and potential to be a nuisance at the top of a line-up with his ability to spray contact to all fields and make things happen on the bases. Features a contact approach at the plate with gap to gap power and middle of the field approach. Defensively can handle SS but possesses the actions and quickness to handle practically any spot on the diamond. ”
– Dan Jurik, PNW Scouting Director
Pennsylvania
+ Chase Ecker, OF (Malvern Prep HS, 2025) | William & Mary:
“He is consistently one of the fastest performers in the state. Wreaks havoc on the bases vs opposing teams. Ran at 4 Prep baseball events this year and all his 60 times were 6.6 or better. Summer best at the Senior future games at Lakepoint was a 6.43. ”
– Charlie Spano, VP of Scouting
South Carolina
+ Charlie Scott, OF (A.C. Flora HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“From this years Future Games - Top 60 time and speed plays in game!!
5'11 168.4 athletic lean frame. Charlie opened eyes right away on workout day while running a blazing fast 6.55 laser time 60 and then continued on in the workout and showing off his arm strength while getting up to 88 mph for the outfield. Had a great workout but that carried over into the games as well showing off his speed while scoring from 2B on a hard ground ball to short stop. Shows good bat speed with his swing while also showing the ability to catch up to velo and use the whole field in his approach. Defensively obvisouly his speed helps him temendously in the outfield and showing comfort in playing each OF position. Made a big timing diving catch in game play. ”
– Sammy Esposito, State Director
Washington
+ Cash Erdman, OF (Bellevue Christian HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“Above average athlete with plus plus speed, Erdman posted an event best 6.53 in the 60 this summer at the inaugural PNW State Games. As a left-handed stick, he shows consistent control of the strike zone with pitch recognition skills and a disciplined approach. The skill set could play at the top of the line-up and allow him to be a table setter for the offense as he produces an extremely high contact rate and is aggressive on the basepaths. One of the top remaining prospets in the 2025 class for the state”
– Dan Jurik, PNW Scouting Director
Wisconsin
+ Ryan Rose, SS (West Bend West HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
"We're digging a little deep here on the top run tool in Wisconsin of 2024, and we're choosing a sophomore who we think will become known for his aggressiveness on the bases in the near future: Ryan Rose. The now-sophomore really broke onto the scene this past year, exploding on the national top-200, now ranked No. 5 overall in an impressive class already for Wisconsin. Rose ran a 6.73 in March and topped that time at the Wisconsin State Games, running a 6.66, tops among all 2027s we saw this year.
We're choosing him for this 'Hotlist' because it's how he uses this speed, and how we forecast him to continue to weaponize it. He's an aggressive player and his speed makes him an obvious threat, but he's also constantly looking for ways to work it into the game."
– Andy Sroka, Managing Editor, Scouting