George
Wolkow

The top-three prospects in Illinois remain unchanged and all three are high-level draft follows this spring in OF Dillon Head (Homewood-Flossmoor; Clemson), RHP Zander Mueth (Belleville East; Ole Miss) and CIF/COF George Wolkow (Downers Grove North; South Carolina).

Wolkow, who has been sitting at No. 3 in the state, was the highest ranked Illinois prospect in the Super 60 and he offered a glimpse at the tantalizing upside and impressive speed/power combination we have become accustomed to seeing. Wolkow was also one of the more interesting prospects at the entire event, despite being in the middle of basketball season, where he helped lead Downers Grove North to a 32-5 record, as well as a 4th place finish at state. Wolkow, a left-handed hitter, led the event with a furthest batted ball of 410’ and despite his 6-foot-7, 237-pound, imposing stature ran one of the top-60 times at 6.75. Wolkow checks a lot of boxes from a pro standpoint and it would not be a shock if his name is thrown around early in the draft.

Making his PBR showcase debut on Sunday was OF/CIF Goerge Wolkow (Downers Grove North, 2023; South Carolina commit). Currently ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 40 nationally, Wolkow’s presence is immediately felt at first sight thanks to his sheer size; standing 6-foot-7, 237-pounds with broad shoulders and an athletic, trim build. He started off his day by running to a 6.75 in the 60, using long/athletic strides to gain ground quickly. At the plate, the left-handed hitter works with a fluid tempo into his load, using a short toe-tap timing trigger and quiet hand load before creating effortless bat speed through the zone and jump off the barrel. Throughout his rounds, Wolkow averaged 94.2 mph (T101.8 mph) off the bat with a max distance of 410’ (best of the event), staying short with his levers to work elevated contact consistently to the middle of the field and to his pull-side. He took defensive reps both at third-base and in the outfield, showing off a strong arm from both positions (T89 mph INF, T92 mph OF), pairing with steady hands and reliable glove-work, allowing him the ability to play either corner-infield position or patrol the outfield. His bat alone is enough to raise serious intrigue among the scouting community, but what really separates Wolkow from other ultra-large prospects is his athleticism and the ease in which he can create power. 

South Carolina commit, currently ranked No. 3 in the Illinois 2023 class after reclassifying from the 2024 class. Ultra-large, 6-foot-7, 220-pound frame, starting to fill out a bit more since our last looks in the shoulders/arms as well as his lower-half. Took some highly mature at-bats throughout the game, making adjustments mid at-bat and finding a couple barrels. The left-handed hitter looks extremely comfortable and confident in the box, starting in a relaxed setup, pre-pitch movement in his arms for rhythm, glides out with a long/repeatable stride, maintaining balance throughout; his hands are short/direct to the ball, easy bat-speed with long levers, hands are in an excellent hitting position at contact, palm up-palm-down. He showed the ability to make adjustments during at-bats; waiting back on pitches he was out in front of early on and seeing spin as the game went on. In the outfield, his arm plays with effortless velocity and carry to his target; also showcasing a better feel for the outfield since our last look - with easy actions and better reads.  

South Carolina commit, currently ranked No. 4 overall in the 2024 class. Towering, athletic 6-foot-7 220-pound build, extremely long-limbs, with even more room for development. One of the top national prospects in his class. Offensively, left-handed hitter, hit in the 5-hole as a freshman. Finished the game 2-for-4 with 2 singles. Ball jumps off the bat with minimal effort, consistent hard contact to all fields, quick hands that work directly to the ball. Athletic setup, short/quiet stride, fluid load with pre-pitch rhythm in hands and explosive lower-half. Quick and athletic out of the box, runs well for his size and age. Aggressive on the basepaths, always looking to take the extra base. Defensively was in right-field this game. Showed off his arm in IO with strong, accurate throws to all bases, has been reported up to 90 mph from the outfield. Above-average reads off the bat with a quick first step. Was able to cover ground and track down fly balls with ease and above-average range. High-level 2024 prospect. 

Verbally committed to South Carolina.

6-foot-6, 190-pound, long-limbed, high-upside, left-handed hitting infielder.

South Carolina commit, currently ranked No. 4 overall in the 2024 class. Towering, athletic 6-foot-7 220-pound build, extremely long-limbs, with even more room for development. One of the top national prospects in his class. Offensively, left-handed hitter, hit in the 5-hole as a freshman. Finished the game 2-for-4 with 2 singles. Ball jumps off the bat with minimal effort, consistent hard contact to all fields, quick hands that work directly to the ball. Athletic setup, short/quiet stride, fluid load with pre-pitch rhythm in hands and explosive lower-half. Quick and athletic out of the box, runs well for his size and age. Aggressive on the basepaths, always looking to take the extra base. Defensively was in right-field this game. Showed off his arm in IO with strong, accurate throws to all bases, has been reported up to 90 mph from the outfield. Above-average reads off the bat with a quick first step. Was able to cover ground and track down fly balls with ease and above-average range. High-level 2024 prospect.