RHP/OF Payten Jibben (Oak Creek, 2024; Illinois-Chicago commit) has long offered some intriguing upside on both sides of the ball over his prep career, but throughout the past year or so, he entered a new tier in regards to his prospect stock. Flashback to the Milwaukee Preseason ID in 2023, Jibben put together one of the day’s top two-way performances. Offensively, he took a clean round of BP from the right-side, marking exit velocities up to 93.1 mph. He also teased his arm strength during the outfield defense portion where his hardest bullet home came in at 93 mph. While all this was impressive, his ‘pen during the event was one of the cleanest our staff saw throughout the entire winter circuit. From an easy and athletic delivery, Jibben cruised in the high-80s, touching 89.8 mph with his fastball. He also showed impressive feel for a sharp 11/5 curveball and one of the state’s most deceptive changeups that played with late fade/depth. Then in the spring, Jibben was a difference maker for his talented Oak Creek squad, both on the mound and with the bat, earning Prep Baseball Wisconsin’s All-State Second Team as a result. Then following a standout summer, which included a dominant outing at our Top Prospect Games, Jibben announced his commitment to Missouri Valley Conference member Illinois-Chicago.

(Top Prospect Games; 7/11/23)

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Jibben: I didn’t have any talks until junior spring. My goal was going to the Missouri Valley Conference. I was looking for a college where I could compete and grow as a person and player, as well as play under a great coaching staff.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

J: I’m happy that I'm able to go to a great college not far from where I live, that was the goal.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

J: UIC started talking to me during my junior high school season, that’s when my recruiting process started. Then it heated up in summer, especially after a tournament at Grand Park in July.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

J: Amazing coaching staff that are very welcoming to recruits. Also, they have a strong determination to win.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

J: UW-Milwaukee, George Mason, and talking to Indiana State.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

J: MIF Alex Alicea (St. Thomas More, 2023; Louisville) was easily one of the hardest hitters to pitch to. He never strikes out and has elite speed so it was hard to get him out

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

J: Sophomore winter I got up to 87, that’s when I realized I have a shot to play at the D1 level.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

J: Be consistent, HAVE A ROUTINE, don’t slack off.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

J: Playing against Muskego at sectional this year was probably my most memorable game. I threw a complete game shutout and had an RBI double to win 4-0.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

J: On paper, I believe we’re the most talented team in the state. We are very streaky and are dangerous at times. Just need to be streaky at the right time.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

J: MIF JD Dix’s (Whitefish Bay, 2024; Wake Forest commit) athleticism, it would be a cheat code.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

J: RHP Cameron Carter (Arrowhead, 2026) could easily make a big jump in velocity. I have been training with him this offseason and he is working very hard.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.

J: Going to Prep Baseball Preseason ID events definitely put me on the radar. I believe going to those events helped put me in a better position and is why I'm where I'm at today.

RELATED CONTENT