Wisconsin Class of 2019 Rankings Updated

September 7, 2016

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

The 2019 rankings make their second rendition this week after launching in May earlier this year. The original list of 25 has been expanded to 40 after following a ton of 2019 talent all summer.

CLICK HERE for Wisconsin Class of 2019 Rankings.

The top ten gets some shuffling as SS Xavier Watson (South Milwaukee) takes over the top spot. Watson is a super handsy defender with plus actions for his age, giving him all the tools to stick at shortstop at a high level. This summer we’ve seen his bat make big strides while gaining strength. Watson recently committed to Illinois, following his brother Cyrillo (South Milwaukee, 2016) who is starting his freshman campaign for the Illini this year.

Watson makes the second commit in the 2019 class from Wisconsin, joining left-handed hitting catcher Nathan Stevens (Waunakee), who committed to Arkansas earlier this year.

Another left-handed bat, Eli Kramer (Hortonville) moved up a spot to No. 3. Kramer stood out on several occasions this summer with his bat and speed. He also showed an 82-84 mph fastball on the mound for good measure.

The top ten is still loaded with position players and Madison West catcher Drake Baldwin adds to that list. Baldwin is a new addition to the rankings, the highest newcomer at No. 6. He is a physical left-handed hitting catcher with a ton of bat strength and a strong arm. At 6-foot, 186-pounds he wears the gear well behind the plate, is a solid receiver with a strong will to block the baseball.

Just behind Baldwin, Paul Toetz (Greendale) moved his way into the top ten with a strong showing at the 2019 Top Prospect Games. Toetz carries a strong bat that will play well at third base and a plus defender for his age at the hot corner.

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Xavier Watson	WI	South Milwaukee	2019	SS	Illinois
2	Nathan Stevens	WI	Waunakee	2019	C	Arkansas
3	Eli Kramer	WI	Hortonville	2019	OF
4	Steve Jamroziak	WI	Muskego	2019	OF
5	Dan Blomgren	WI	Janesville Craig	2019	SS
6	Drake Baldwin	WI	Madison West	2019	C
7	Paul Toetz	WI	Greendale	2019	3B
8	Bennett Frazer	WI	Oconto	2019	SS
9	Mitchell Woelfle	WI	Janesville Craig	2019	RHP
10	Tanner Peterson	WI	Wilmot	2019	OF

Check back later this week for updates on several newcomers to the top 40.