Who Are The Top Contenders for Player of the Year in Your State?
February 14, 2025
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: In anticipation of the spring season that's already just around the corner for most of us, we're hyping up our states' Player of the Year candidates.
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+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (2/14):
Alabama
+ Mason McCraine, 1B/LHP (Glenwood HS, 2025) | Auburn:
“Glenwood transitions from AISA to AHSAA this season and enters the preseason 3A poll ranked No. 2. The roster is stacked with talent, and one of the standout players is Auburn recruit Mason McCraine (1B/LHP). In 2024, McCraine posted remarkable numbers in a dual role. On the mound, the left-hander went 7-1 over 54 innings, striking out 94 batters and posting a 1.49 ERA. Over his career, he boasts a 14-1 record as a pitcher. At the plate, McCraine's stats were even more impressive. He hit .534 (62-116), scored 58 runs, and was a constant threat for extra-base hits, with 24 doubles, four triples, and 10 home runs, while driving in 45 RBIs.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
California
+ Seth Hernandez, RHP/OF (Corona HS, 2025) | Vanderbilt:
“The top ranked pitching prospect in the 2025 class and a two-time Prep Baseball All-American, the 6-foot-4, 190-pounds Vanderbilt commit shows the highest-level projection and pitchability in his class. Hernandez can be unhittable not only with his fastball that touch 100mph this summer, but his secondary and tertiary pitches that all flash above average at times. Hernandez, at least on the high school level, is a legitimate two-way prospect that hit .352 with 8 homers last spring, including a game-winning home run in the CIF-SS D1 semifinals. It's easy to envision another monster spring season from Hernandez in 2025 that should push him up draft boards headed into the MLB Draft in July. ”
– Les Lukach, State Scouting Director
+ Brady Hewitt, SS/RHP (Royal HS, 2025) | Oregon:
“Hewitt is back healthy after missing his JR. season due to an injury to his non-throwing arm and has shown this winter the loud toolset he possesses across the board. Showing hit/power in his offensive profile he will be the centerpiece of the lineup for the Highlanders who are one of the best teams in the Central California Region he has a chance to put up outstanding offensive numbers across the board on that side of the game. But, also adding pitching to his profile he should close games for Royal with a FB living 91-93 T94 and a wipeout SLD his two-way profile could put together the necessary type of resume to earn a California Player of the Year honor come the end of the CIF High School Season.”
– Steven Hardesty, Assistant Scouting Director
+ Grayson Boles, RHP (St. Augustine HS, 2025) | Texas:
“Boles has been one of California's big name pitchers for years now. His early physical maturity and upper 80s/low 90s FB as an underclassman made him a standout at both the 2022 and 2023 Future Games. He committed to Texas in the fall of 2023 and enjoyed a strong 2024 season. After a long layoff of throwing from August to January, Boles has come into 2025 with a well-rested arm and a more filled out frame. He added about 10 pounds in the offseason now registering at 6'5 222 lbs. Boles' velocity has ticked up as a result. In his third outing of the winter, he clocked in at 92-94 T95 mph on his FB. His devastating SL (2706 avg spin rate at the 2024 ProCase - West) remains a + pitch but now is holding steady up 1-2 mph faster at 82-84 mph this winter. Boles thrives on tunneling the FB up in the zone and collecting whiffs and buckles on the SL. It could be very well expected that the velocity on his whole arsenal could continue to increase as the winter rust wears off heading into the season. He is the ace of No. 7 St. Augustine, our top ranked San Diego team, on California's Power 25, and is expected to have a big year heading into the 2025 MLB Draft.”
– Matt Monk, Manager, Content & Operations
+ Dylan Wood , RHP (Franklin HS, 2025) | Arizona:
“From Shooter Hunt's 25 Helium Hopefuls Piece: In what should be a jam-packed class of prospects in the state of California, Wood might a sneaky “gut feel” name to circle. An outstanding strike thrower with a loose, whippy arm that should generate considerably more velocity (presently touches into the low 90s) as his projectable, 6-foot-2, 187-pound frame fills out, Wood’s feel for three quality pitches including that hoppy fastball should present a starter’s profile for the scouting community. Likely having been seen already by many scouting departments due to the incessant prospects rolling out of Franklin High, a jump this summer will likely lead to another parade of decision makers rolling through.”
– Hank LoForte, Northern California Scouting Director
Canada
+ Sean Duncan, LHP (Langley Blaze HS, 2026) | Vanderbilt:
“Sean Duncan is as exciting as they come in regards to Canadian prospects and has a chance to be the first underclassman to win the award. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound left-hander continued to dazzle each time he took the mound in 2024.
The fastball now sits comfortable in the 90-92 early on and has full control of a true three-pitch mix. A must-see prospect in Canada who’s now soared up to No. 20 in the national 2026 rankings while also announcing his commitment to Vanderbilt.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Asst. Director
+ Philip Cheong, OF (Ontario Blue Jays HS, 2025) | Stanford:
“Cheong is the most electrifying athlete in the class, with impact tools including 60-times in the 6.3’s and exit velocities over 100 mph. On Cheong’s first trip with the Junior National Team, he consistently manned the leadoff spot and was one of the top performers collecting 8 H (3 XBH), 4 RBI, 12 BB, 4 SB, and 5 K in 22 AB. The Stanford commit is primed for a huge senior season and will be a close follow heading into the 2025 MLB Draft.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Asst. Director
Connecticut
+ Matthew McDowell, RHP/SS (Brookfield, HS HS, 2025) | UCONN:
“Connecticut Commit, 6-foot-3, 200-pound projectable athletic frame. Above average and projectable at the plate, the left-handed hitter had an exit velocity of 94 mph. (63.5 mph bat speed average). (20.9 mph hand speed average). Starts in a balanced wide stance with a controlled load, then uses a small stride. Had an uphill loose swing plane, explosive bat speed and good extension on his finish. Created loud contact and found lots of barrels. Gap to gap aggressive approach. Projectable showed his live arm in the infield with position velocities up to 94 mph; showed a natural exchange, soft developing hands, and developing athletic feet. Fielded the ball out front with athletic movement laterally. Consistent accuracy to the bag, used a very quick arm action and a high ¾ slot. During the event, ran the 60-yard dash in 7.24. Above average projectable on the mound, showing above average arm speed he used a high ¾ arm angle with a loose consistent arm action. Up-tempo type pitcher and uses high effort. In his delivery his balance point is tall with in line shoulders. Lands closed with a falling off finish. Produced a fastball that came in at 90-91 mph; had running sinking action and command arm side around the zone. (Max spin 2397; Avg 2345). His curveball (69-70) had sweeping action and glove side decent command. (Max spin 2186; Avg 2096). Had gradual fading action and arm side command on his changeup (73-76).”
– Trevor Brown, CT/RI State Director
Illinois
+ Jaden Fauske , UTL (Nazareth Academy HS, 2025) | LSU:
“Recent LSU commit and former Prep Baseball All-American Game participant, Fauske is coming off a monster year in 2024 where he earned First-Team All-State honors after hitting .546 with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 43 RBIs, 45 runs scored, 18 stolen bases and just nine strikeouts all year. He’s one of the best pure hitters to come through Illinois for quite some time, and we expect him to produce tremendously at the plate once again this coming spring.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
+ Cameron Appenzeller , LHP (Glenwood HS, 2025) | Tennessee :
“The top ranked southpaw in the country, Appenzeller is primed for another big spring as he’s coming off a First-Team All-State selection in 2024 with 43 innings pitched, a 6-0 record, 85 strikeouts to just 15 walks, and a 0.64 ERA. Being the high-level pitching prospect that he is, he very well may have some innings restrictions as a result of the upcoming draft, so we will see how much he actually throws this spring.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Matthew Fisher, RHP (Evansville Memorial HS, 2025) | Indiana:
“Fisher enters 2025 as our biggest front-runner for the award. Our top ranked senior in Indiana, Fisher is a nationally-regarded right-handed arm with Day 1 upside in this years' draft. His fastball should tick into the mid-90s this spring, and he pairs it with a wipeout breaking ball and starters' look. Fisher looks to lead an Evansville Memorial squad that made a Final Four appearance last season and returns several key contributors. Seniors Brandon Logan, JD Stein, and Caden Crowell, along with '24 Future Games MVP and JR CF Rob Czarniecki, are also notable players that should be in contention for the award at the end of the 2025 spring. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director
Kansas
+ Cole Pladson, OF/RHP (Clay Center HS, 2025) | Oklahoma State:
“Pladson was in the mix last year for player of the year last year even as a junior. He is the heavy favorite to be the player of the year in the Sunflower State and could put up some of the best offensive numbers we have seen in a decade if he builds off of last year's performance. ”
– Andy Urban, Regional Director
Kentucky
+ Owen Jenkins, Catcher (Lexington Catholic HS, 2025) | Kentucky:
“Long been on the radar in The Commonwealth is Jenkins who after a thunderous Junior High School season took the summer circuit by storm leaving a path of destruction in his wake at every stop. This propelled Jenkins to garnering Prep Baseball All American status and a trip to Miami for the All American game.
Jenkins is nothing short of a bully in the box with as much power as anyone in the country. Off the charts metrics in every category available make Jenkins a virtual tool shed. MLB organizations will be out in droves all Spring long and if an organization believes he will stick behind the plate you can expect to see his name called early in July.”
– Jamie Tessoff, KY Scouting Director
+ Kade Elam, SS (Corbin HS, 2025) | Louisville:
“One of top multi sport athletes in Kentucky is the super talented SS from Corbin High School. Elam has already had Hall of Fame careers on the Gridiron as well as the Diamond. Elam has established himself as a massive helium riser leading into the Spring after an outstanding performance at the prestigious Prep Baseball Super 60 in front of a large contingency of MLB scouts.
Elam is not only tooled up but he is skilled up as well and plays with a high IQ and infectious personality that teammates feed off of. A starter since his 8th Grade season the extra base hitting machine has amassed a ridiculous 179 hits with 74 going for extra bases. If Elam gets help in the line up and is able to see pitches he will be a front runner for Player Of The Year honors. ”
– Jamie Tessoff, KY Scouting Director
+ Jackson Reardon, SS (Covington Catholic HS, 2025) | Cincinnati:
“Athletic and physical are the first two words that come to mind when describing the SS that hails from Covington Catholic in Northern Kentucky. Reardon will be a 4 year starter at Catholic which is unheard of for the storied program. Reardon is another player that is receiving MLB interest as well and our staff have spoke to multiple organizations about The University of Cincinnati recruit. With the footwork of a dancer and silky smooth hands this young man oozes long term SS potential. As he continues to get more physical Reardon has a better than average chance at being a middle of the order bat while playing a premium position. If the stars align just right Reardon and The Colonels are poised to have a chance to make a deep run with the Uber talented SS leading the way to Lexington in June.”
– Jamie Tessoff, KY Scouting Director
Louisiana
+ Jack Ruckert, SS (Catholic B.R. HS, 2025) | LSU:
“The LSU recruit started off hot last season and never slowed down, on route to helping Catholic BR claim the Select Division I State Title. A recent Super 60 participant and former Jr. Future Gamer, Ruckert returns a .452 AVG, 5 HR, 15 2B, 2 3B, 40 RBI, 40 R, and 22 SB to a Bears squad this is looking to repeat in 2025.”
– Alex Armand, State Director
+ Marshall Louque, RHP/INF (Lutcher HS, 2025) | LSU:
“The reigning Class 4A Most Valuable Player returns for one more season, after leading the Bulldogs to another State Title in 2024. Louque has been regarded as the state's top two-way talent for quite some time, and his numbers last year as a junior prove why. The LSU recruit hit at a .413 clip with 7 HR, 11 2B, 4 3B, 39 RBI, and 43 R, while also posting an 8-2 record on the mound with a 1.76 ERA and 92 K's across 67 2/3 IP. ”
– Alex Armand, State Director
Maine
+ Wyatt Nadeau, RHP (Vanderbilt HS, 2025) | Vanderbilt:
“Big and durable front line arm, touched 97 at the Super 60 with a feel for the slider. ”
– Dennis Healy, Co-Scouting Director New England
Massachusetts
+ John Paone, RHP (Lawrence Academy HS, 2025) | Duke:
“Top line arm in the US, should be drafted early in the process. He has improved every year as he has aged. ”
– Dennis Healy, Co-Scouting Director New England
Minnesota
+ William Haas, LHP (Rockford HS, 2025) | Tennessee:
“Arguably the states top prospect and potential draft pick this July, Haas will look to lead Rockford back to a state title. Coming off of last year's campaign the lefty went 10-1, logging 84.2 innings pitched, striking out 164, and had an earned run average of .909. Not only did he put up video game numbers on the mound, Haas also hit .397, with 29 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and drove in 24. One of the best junior year performances the state has seen, the two-way talent will look to do it again and hopeful for another state title. He has also posted recent video that he's been up to 97 mph on the mound”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Mississippi
+ Jacob Parker, SS (Purvis HS, 2025) | Mississippi State:
“Jo Jo got off to a hot start going 3-4 with a homer and 3 runs batted in game one of the year for the Tornadoes. ”
– Matt Miller, Mississippi State Director
+ Maddox Miller, LHP (Oak Grove HS, 2025) | Mississippi State:
“Miller opened up on the mound for the Warriors and looked solid going 2 innings, allowing no hits, while striking out 3. The 6-4, 175 pound lefty was 90-92 with his fastball during his outing.”
– Matt Miller, Mississippi State Director
+ Jacob Parker , CF (Purvis HS, 2025) | Mississippi State:
“Like his brother Jo Jo, Jacob started off with a hot bat going 2-3 with a double in Purvis’s first game of the season. The twins are hoping for another trip to the Stare Championship after winning it all in 2023.”
– Matt Miller, Mississippi State Director
New Hampshire
+ Hayden Schimoler, SS/RHP (Exeter HS, 2025) | Maine:
“Coming off a banner hs campaign in 2024, hit over 400 and dealt it out on the bump. He was up to 92 mph on the mound.”
– Dennis Healy, Co-Scouting Director New England
New York
+ Jordan Serrano, OF (The Stony Brook School HS, 2025) | Wake Forest:
“Serrano, one of the top Northeast prep bats, possesses a complete skill set on both sides of the ball. Will hit for power and average, is a plus runner and possesses a plus-plus arm from the OF. Expect scouts to be out in droves as it's a big year in the greater NYC/Long Island area when it comes to high end talent with potential draft picks. ”
– Jared Carrier, Executive Director NY
+ Jayden Stroman, OF/RHP (Patchogue-Medford HS, 2025) | Duke:
“Stroman, who returns home after a year at IMG Academy, is a legitimate two-way threat. Sub 6.6 60 for the switch hitter, who can also run it up in the low to mid 90's on the mound. No stranger to the the big stage with his older brother Marcus, expect Jayden to lean on his experience throughout the spring as once again scouts will be making their way out to Meford, NY (2023 Grad Josh Knoth was a the Prep Baseball NY Player of the year and a 1st rd pick from the Milwaukee Brewers). ”
– Jared Carrier, Executive Director NY
+ Miguel Sime, RHP (Poly Prep HS, 2025) | LSU:
“Sime, when it comes to velocity, will possess the top heater potentially in the country this spring. Routinely works in the 96-98 range and can clip a bit higher. The 2025 spring season could be the year where it all comes together for the 6-2 215lb NYC product. ”
– Jared Carrier, Executive Director NY
+ Justice De Jong, RHP/3B (Poly Prep HS, 2025) | Duke:
“De Jong, like his Duke counterpart Jayden Stroman, possesses a true two way talent. The RHH/RHP possesses true pop at the plate and comfortable works in the 91-93 MPH range with the ability to spin the breaking ball. He will be the kingpin in a loaded Poly Prep program. ”
– Jared Carrier, Executive Director NY
+ Erick Peralta, RHP (Grand St. Campus HS, 2025) | Miami:
“Another NYC flame thrower, Peralta toes the rubber at an imposing 6-5 245lbs and run his low spin FB between 92-95 MPH. His imporved breaking stuff will make for some miserable at-bats this spring within the NYC public school schedule. ”
– Jared Carrier, Executive Director, NY
Ohio
+ Zion Theophilus, RHP (Archbishop Moeller HS, 2025) | LSU:
“55 IP, 10-1, 1.14 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 86 K, 12 BB”
– Dylan Hefflinger, Ohio Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout
+ Matt Ponatoski, SS (Archbishop Moeller HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“34-87, .391 AVG, .500 OBP, 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 34 R, 33 RBI, 23 BB, 3 HBP, 13 SB”
– Dylan Hefflinger, Ohio Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout
+ Parker Van Engelenhoven, RHP/3B (Olentangy Liberty HS, 2026) | Louisville:
“47.1 IP, 5-0, 1.18 ERA. 0.69 WHIP, 58 K, 9 BB, .146 BAA | 29-78, .372 AVG, .432 OBP, 8 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 14 R, 26 RBI”
– Dylan Hefflinger, Ohio Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout
Oregon
+ Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B (Sunset HS, 2025) | Tennessee:
“Schoolcraft, a 6'8 lefty, won Player of the Year in Oregon in 2024 after a remarkable junior season. On the mound he posted a 10-1 record, throwing 71.2 IP with 146 K's to just 19 BB's and a 0.39 ERA. He also hit .500 at the plate, slugging 7 home runs and 30 RBI while walking 22 times as well. Schoolcraft has been up into the mid-90's with his fastball and has generated plenty of draft buzz heading into this summer. One of the most imposing figures in the country at the high school level, Schoolcraft looks to build on last season in hopes of repeating as POTY.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
+ Slater de Brun, OF (Summit HS, 2025) | Vanderbilt:
“De Brun is one of the most explosive athletes in the area and should be poised for a monster senior season. In 2024 de Brun hit .409, working 28 walks and swiping 22 bags as well. A plus runner that could sneak his way as an early round draft pick this summer, de Brun looks to have added even more strength in the offseason and could see his power numbers tick up. He'll be an exciting follow this spring.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
Texas
+ Kayson Cunningham, SS (SA Johnson HS, 2025) | Texas:
“Cunningham is our #1 player in Texas, and was the Prep Baseball All American Game MVP this past Fall in Miami. Elite hit tool and developing power, Cunningham has had success at every level. Big game performer, Cunningham is a potential 1st round draft pick in this year's draft. ”
– Brandon Gowins, Texas Director
+ Johnny Slawinski III, LHP (Johnson City HS, 2025) | Texas A&M:
“Slawinski has had a big rise over the last 12 months, capped off with an appearance in last fall's Prep Baseball All American Game. The LHP has always shown good command with a clean delivery, but the stuff is ticking up now too. Early reports this spring are that Slawinski's FB has been into the mid 90's. He plays in a lower classification and could put up video game numbers. ”
– Brandon Gowins, Texas Director
+ Nico Partida, SS/RHP (Pearland HS, 2025) | Texas A&M:
“Partida has been the best player on one of the best high school teams in the state over the last 2 years, and he enters his Sr. season with big plans. After back to back state title appearances and playing a key role on Team USA last summer, Partida has performed at the biggest level. His fastball can get into the upper 90's and he could hit double digit pumps. The future Aggie is the top 2 way player in the state. ”
– Brandon Gowins, Texas Director
Vermont
+ Langdon Hazen, RHP (Mount Mansfield Union HS, 2025) | Quinnipiac:
“Quick armed right-hander who should have a dominant spring. ”
– Dennis Healy, Co-Scouting Director New England
Washington
+ Mason Pike, RHP/INF (Puyallup HS, 2025) | Oregon State:
“Pike enters his senior season after winning Prep Baseball Washington Player of the Year in '24. The righty had an incredible 10-0 record in 64 innings pitched, with a 0.22 ERA, 93 strikeouts and just 17 walks. He also hit .410 with an OPS over 1.000 at the plate as a switch hitter. Pike will easily be one of the best two-way talents in the area, and lead a Puyallup side that finished just short of winning a state title last season. ”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
+ Xavier Neyens, SS/RHP (Mount Vernon HS, 2025) | Oregon State:
“Neyens, a Prep Baseball All-American Game alum, is poised to compete for Player of the Year yet again in Washington. The two-way talent is generating early-first round draft buzz because of his tremendous raw power and tools as a position player. However, Neyens is also one of the top arms at the high school level on the mound, ramping his fastball up into the lower 90's when needed. After hitting over .400 and pitching to a sub-1 ERA last spring, Neyens looks to be in prime position to win his first Player of the Year.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
Wisconsin
+ Carter Kutz, 3B/RHP (Hartford Union HS, 2025) | Nebraska:
“The Nebraska commit was a two-way standout for Hartford, being selected Third-Team All-State for his season on the mound in 2024. Also one of the top bats in the Midwest and generating pro interest, a recent Super 60 participant Kutz is poised for a strong spring.”
– Josh Fields, King of Cheeseland