Prep Baseball Report

Tennessee 2023 Player Rankings (September)


Colton Provey
Tennessee Director of Scouting

They are a month into their freshman year of high school and fall ball is in full swing, meaning it is time to open the book on Tennessee's Class of 2023. It is important to remember that the first iteration of a list like this is going to fluctuate as these freshman continue to grow, mature and develop. Regardless, as high-level prospect this age continue to pledge commitments earlier and earlier, it is time to reveal who the state’s top prospects are within the 2023 class.

After a full spring and summer season at LakePoint and covering the entire state, we have gathered enough information to produce a list of the top-35 prospects in Tennessee's 2023 Class.

To view the entire list of prospects please click here.

 

Top 10

Ethan Robinson RHP / 1B / Donelson Christian, TN / 2023

The 6-foot-3, 177-pound right hander was outstanding all summer.  Robinson ran his fastball up to 91, while working 86-90 w/ late life and good spin.  Very projectable frame, w/ loose lightning quick arm and low effort delivery. Robinson has also shown three off speed offerings w/ sharp slider at 74-76, curveball at 70-73, and changeup at 70-73.  Became the first commit of the class, committing to Vanderbilt in late August. 

Ethan McElvain LHP / 1B / Summit, TN / 2023

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound southpaw had a busy summer pitching with USA baseball. McElvain, a switch hitting 1B/left-handed pitcher, was most utilized on the mound, but also showed advanced approach and feel for the barrel while at PBR Jr Future Games.  The lefty was up to 87, sitting 82-86 complimented w/ a sharp curveball at 69-73.  His future should be bright on the mound, but certainly a two-way impact player.   

Chris Smith SS / RHP / First Assembly Christian, TN / 2023

Similar to McElvain, Smith was mostly busy on the mound this summer, but also showed to be a potential 2-way prospect at Wow Factor Scout Day.  Smith’s future should also be on the bump, but he showed great athletic ability to project at SS or OF.  Smith was the youngest member of Team Tennessee at the PBR Future Games.  Smith showcased his quick, whippy arm, topping at 86.  A must follow for the 2023 class.  

Jaxon Sheffield RHP / OF / Tullahoma, TN / 2023

Another Sheffield to don the maroon and black for Tullahoma high school (Younger brother of first rounders Jordan and Justus). Sheffield was up to 82 on the mound this summer from the right side.  Proved to be an impact player in the field as a lefty-swinging outfielder 

 

Sam Thomas OF / RHP / First Assembly Christian, TN / 2023

The 6-foot, 158-pound two-way prospect showed out at Wow Factor Scout Day in June, earning an invitation to PBR Jr Future Games in August.  In the field, Thomas showed great versatility and elite athleticism playing shortstop and centerfield.  Showed advanced approach at the plate w/ great hit tool and easy gap-to-gap power.  Excellent defender at both positions, game impacting speed in the field and on the base paths.  On the bump, clean, arm action and repeatable delivery, running his fastball up to 85.  

Caleb Anderson SS / OF / Franklin, TN / 2023

The 5-foot-9, 155-pound Anderson established himself as a premium player in the class at Jr Futures Games in August. At the dish, simple, smooth left-handed stroke w/ gap-to-gap power.  Defensively, Anderson can play both shortstop and outfield w/ smooth hands and a strong arm. On the bump, worked 80-82 w/ good spin and late life paired w/ sharp breaking ball at 66-67.   

Landon Franklin SS / RHP / Walker Valley , TN / 2023

The 6-foot, 150-pound shortstop out of Walker Valley had a strong summer w/ eXposure baseball. At the dish, showed good feel and advanced approach w/ projectable power.  Defensively, smooth hands and strong arm at the SS position.  Committed to Kentucky in early September.   

Miller Green LHP / 1B / Lipscomb Academy, TN / 2023

Towering at 6-foot-4, 170-pounds Green led the 2023 Tennessee offensive attack at Jr Future Games.  Tall, upright lefty stance, showed good barrel control w/ gap-to-gap power.  Solid all-around defensively at first base w/ good footwork. An arm injury limited his time on the mound this summer, but shows to be good projectable lefty arm when he returns to the hill.   

Caleb Hampton OF / RHP / Baylor, TN / 2023

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Baylor-product brings a high level of physicality and strength to his game.  The right-handed hitting outfielder showed great pop all summer w/ ball that jumps off the barrel. A dual-sport athlete w/ good range and arm from the outfield.  Hampton is certainly one to follow heading into 2020.  

Carson Rucker SS / 2B / Goodpasture Christian, TN / 2023

The 5-foot-11, 145-pound Rucker showed to be Mr. Versatility at Jr Future Games in August.  Rucker played all four-infield positions plus outfield duties, and showed to be advanced defender across the board w/ great range and above average arm.  At the plate, quiet load, hitting line drives to all fields, power projects as he matures.  A natural playmaker in multiple ways.   

To view the entire list of prospects please click here.