Authors: Austin Legg & Brando Centrone
The "Uncommitted Spotlight" blog serves to draw attention to available college prospects. The players mentioned possess college ready tools or show college level projection. All players mentioned have been evaluated in-person by 1 or more PS Scouts. This blog will be updated every Thursday by 10AM EST.
Jett Thomas ('24,NC) West Stanly HS
Jett was a pleasant surprise at the NLB scout day due to his 2-way showing. He could do either or at the next level. Lot of rawness/untapped ability on both sides in my opinion; chance to be a 90-92 arm is there especially with the current build.
Jett Thomas ('24,NC) • 6'3" 190lb 2-way and @BaseballWSColts product. T88 on the mound with a useable breaker. Good RDs with the connected bat; 1 of 2 guys to leave the yard. Another strong college follow from @nextlevelbbnc. #Uncommitted at this time. pic.twitter.com/00z8WCzOg9
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 20, 2023
Fano Cruz ('23,FL) Viera HS
One of my favorite uncommitted 2023s. Fano is a guy who could go JUCO or be developed in a program for 2 yrs, and then be an impact D1 bat. Feel for the game is there and is very athletic at 1B; plays a clean OF as well. True AA runner and pro build. Good team guy.
('23,FL) 1B/OF Fano Cruz @vierahsbaseball • 6'2" 200lbs. Sweet LH stroke w/some juice. Upper 8s arm defensively and moves well. #Uncommitted at this time. @PSBaseballinc @FanoCruz12 pic.twitter.com/O1RhrulnnR
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 29, 2023
Fano Cruz ('23,FL) • Splits the PS gap and shows off the wheels to get to 3rd; advances to home on an errant throw for the inside the parker. Currently #uncommitted. @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/6p5BMvoRMA
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 23, 2023
Jordan Dixon ('24,NC) East Rutherford HS
Physicality in the left handed stroke is there and there's still a lot more left in the tank; 4 homers this junior year. Jordan gets to a useable launch position and still fires off upper 90s exits. Also has a decent BB and works FB in the low 8s for strikes; arm plays from 1B. 4.47 student. Good team guy.
Jordan Dixon ('24,NC) • Slimmed up and more athletic since last time I've seen him. Still producing 95+ exits while keeping the ball off the ground. Quality #uncommitted bat. @nextlevelbbnc pic.twitter.com/0cBGOXrvPd
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 20, 2023
#Uncommitted ('24,NC) Jordan Dixon @nextlevelbbnc • Quality 6'1" 230lb LH hack from @ERHS_Sports. Contact is up and out front. Proven in-game production this past summer. Great student. @JordanDixon42 // @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/fQYtUWWIMs
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) November 6, 2022
Dean Hanselman ('24,FL) Merritt Island HS
Really like the overall portfolio on the Merritt Island SS. The rangy glove is automatic and has some flair to it. He makes strong and accurate throws even off of his right leg. His offensive stats are very good from this season; would've liked to see more XBHs but 6 2Bs and a HR is a solid season for a junior MIF. I would not be surprised if he doubles his XBH count in his senior year; his swing has the makings for it. Good in the classroom. Strong college follow.
Dean Hanselman ('24,FL) • SS/RHH for Merritt Island. Reliable leather in the region q-final. Composed/athletic during IO. In a late tied game he came up w/an outstanding DP. Upper 8s arm. 28 hits, .510 OBP, and .373 AVG on the szn. Great student. Currently #uncommitted. pic.twitter.com/5r1lqY8smb
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 20, 2023
‘24 Dean Hanselman @ScorpsCenter #ScorpNation pic.twitter.com/834mLdeZR7
— Prospect Select (@PSBaseballinc) January 14, 2023
Shane Lavin ('24,FL) Spruce Creek HS
I've seen Shane throw twice this year and he's shown command and pitch-ability on both occasions. He won't show up batters or be super flashy, but it's evident Lavin is a gritty arm with a great mental. He comes with a high leg kick and a flowy double hand break into drift. The combination of the sink/run on the 86-88 FB and the wide breaker has made for some uncomfortable at bats. Although less tilt and a higher slot Lavin reminds me of one of his Scorpion comrades, Adekide Adetuyi, from Merritt Island; highly respectable player comp. Look for a great summer showing and a monstrous senior year from the LHP out of Spruce Creek.
Shane Lavin ('24,FL) • Velo up a tick since January; FB touches 88 now. Still has the depthy BB that works mid 7s. Stellar Jr. year with .89 ERA and .152 BAA. Strong LHP college follow; #uncommitted at this time. @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/Wyywf7kKr8
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 25, 2023
#Uncommitted ('24,FL) LHP Shane Lavin @ScorpsCenter • Another very impressive available 2024 arm today from #ScorpNation. Immense feel for the SZ w/the FB/BB combo. 86-87 on the tailing FB w/a big shape BB at 74-76 that he went to a bit esp. in 2 strike counts. @Shane_Lavin2024 pic.twitter.com/UshlsJ63p6
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) January 15, 2023
Gaige Denby ('23,FL) Trinity Christian Academy
The medium framed change-of-pace arm is going to make his future skipper happy. From the relief spot he draws a lot of whiffs off of an athletic sidearm delivery. Denby gets the typical sidearm run and sink on the low 8s FB, and manufactures solid horizontal contrast with his confident breaker. He comes up with Ks and in big spots too; halted Bishop Snyder bats in the district playoffs 2 weeks ago which led to a huge walk-off win for TCA.
#Uncommitted ('23,FL) Gaige Denby • Crafty strike-thrower still looking for a home; leads @tcabaseballjax in Ks w/37 across 25IP. Worked low 8s from a true sidearm slot. Creates a bit of distance on the FB/BB overlay. @PSBaseballinc @GaigeDenby pic.twitter.com/fKufz46zIR
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) April 24, 2023
Nick Wimberly ('24,FL) Merritt Island HS
Lean and long-levered for a 6’1” build. The power arm comes with a longer arm swing, and offers up high RPM stuff. The arsenal is sharp and plays quicker than the 88-91 velo reads. The FB/CB combo misses barrels and figures to break a handful of wood bats this summer; only 4 XBHs by opposing bats this spring season. DI and P5 follow.
Favorite #uncommitted '24 arm so far this spring ⤵️
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 15, 2023
('24,FL) Nick Wimberly • 6'1" 186lbs. T91🔥with AS ride; lived 88-89 in the relief spot. CB bites hard. 74Ks, 7-2 record, and only 4XBHs on 51IP. Good student; strong college follow. #TOPPS National invite 👀. @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/oXnnumAcNs
Kaine Ellis ('26,FL) Hernando HS
There have been P5 projections and generous player comparisons when Kaine Ellis was brought up in conversations this spring. Ellis, although a 2026 grad, reminds me of Savarese from Hernando due to the fact that he has gone entirely under the radar despite posting gaudy spring stats, and while showing advanced actions for his class. The gritty LHH sports barrel control that fared well even against upper 8s and low 9s arms this season. Behind the dish he manipulated the ball to the strike zone and showed an accurate mid 7s arm down to 2B. Ellis finished his freshman campaign with a whopping 37 hits, 30 RBI, .425 AVG, and a .500 OBP.
#Uncommitted ('26,FL) C/UTIL Kaine Ellis • Strong college follow out of @hernbaseball. Over 30 hits on the year with a .405 AVG and .495 OBP. Catch-throw on tap; threw out 3 runners at 2B v. Lakeland. Receives well. Also added a single going the other way. @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/8E2heTapHT
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 4, 2023
Marcello Cortale ('25,FL) The Villages School
One of the most pleasant surprises on the HS circuit this spring came from an outfielder out of Sumter County in Cortale. He displayed a ton of poise and an advanced mental acuity in a 4-3 regional win that he played a huge part in. "Cello" knocked a loud double to deep RF on a first pitch fastball from a potential pro arm; he later came around to score. Defensively he recorded two huge assists and double plays from RF--one of which was a game-saving throw in B6 with 1 out and bases juiced. Look for a breakout summer from "Cello", and set a reminder to check him out during the 2024 spring.
#Uncommitted ('25,FL) Marcello Cortale • 6'1" 187lbs. Really stood out from RF tonight. Made 2 big DPs including this one that saved the game for @_VHSBaseball. Added an oppo 2B to lead off T2 on a 1st pitch heater. 3 💣's on the szn. Strong college follow. @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/ZpV5fZfoVp
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 10, 2023
Wilson Andersen ('26,FL) Jesuit (Tampa) HS
After seeing Andersen grab a couple innings of work last month I can say without a doubt he’s the best 2026 prospect I’ve seen, and it’s probably going to stay that way for awhile. True arm talent present with the FB up to 94; sat low 9s. The BB/CH are no slouch offerings either and usage was fair for both; enough to keep Nature Coast hitters without a clue. Still no news on a commitment for the premium arm. Check him out in Ft. Myers this upcoming week, as Jesuit has punched their ticket to the final 4 with a win over Osceola the other night.
#Uncommitted ('26,FL) Wilson Andersen @JesuitBaseball • 6'2" 170lbs. T94🔥while living 90-92. Mixed in tough BB/CH for strikes. Completed the PG started by @mendeswes_ ; added 5Ks on the 2IP. Pro and P5 following continues. @PSBaseballinc @WilsonAndersen1 pic.twitter.com/n7oPJDGrBu
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) April 7, 2023
Justin Lopez ('24,FL) Lake Minneola HS
Uncommitted Junior holding down SS for Lake Minneola HS as they make a playoff run.. Actions work at SS, funnels to the ear, quick release from a 3/4 slot across the diamond. Plays the hop, good feet lets the hands work. Swing is there with more to come, athletic with good balance, hand/eye translates offensively.
#Uncommitted (‘24, FL) SS Justin Lopez @MinneolaLake • 6’0” 180lbs. Soft hands in pregame reps, solid arm strength that will play at next level. pic.twitter.com/Q3NicCI6E2
— Prospect Select (@PSBaseballinc) May 10, 2023
#Uncommitted ('24,FL) INF Justin Lopez @FloridaSluggers • Gamer; holds himself well. Swings w/intent and has some bump in the step defensively. Uphill path w/contact out front. Will produce at @MinneolaLake the next 2 yrs. @JustinDLopez11 // @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/REMRupcL4F
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) August 27, 2022
Rafael Soto ('24,NJ) INF of P27 Academy
Got a good look of Soto this past week, really like what he brings to the table. Guy who competes with present feel. Looks to hit in the box, wide set with the lower half, active hands with high start. Checks in with two strikes will take his knocks, good defender in the infield. Dirty uniform, guy who competes.
Rafael Soto (‘24,NJ) • #Uncommitted RHH/MIF from @P27Blacksmiths. Shows a solid 2k approach here, widens up the lower half and keeps the barrel on it for a knock to LF, gamer. pic.twitter.com/dy2vR44mGi
— Brando Centrone (@BcentronePS) May 8, 2023
Clayton Bloomstran ('23,GA) of East Cobb Baseball
Bloomstran was a good follow last month at the Academy World Series.. Switch hitter at the plate, swing is there with good adjustability from both sides. Versatile defender, also hopped on the mound with a mid to upper 8s FB. Utility, little bit of everything kind of guy. Good overall find for a program out there.
#Uncommitted ('23,GA) INF/RHP Clayton Bloomstran @Official_ECB • 6' 170lb SW hitter. Showed some B2B skills from both sides at the #AWS. Also jumped on the mound and ran FB to 87. @PSBaseballinc https://t.co/YanIUxGEob pic.twitter.com/KHo3rnqyRH
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) May 3, 2023
Chase Bart ('23,FL) of Cooper City HS, X Team
Uncommitted senior who got the start in a 6A regional quarterfinal matchup against Dwire HS. Had hitters baffled from the first inning until deep in the game. Showed very good feel for the CB, spun it whenever he wanted; in the zone to get ahead and buried in plus counts. Snuck in a mid 8s FB, got a ton of swing and miss up in the zone by design with it when ahead. Still on the board, spins it in the zone, gets outs.
Chase Bart (‘23,FL) • #Uncommitted Sr. showed up on the mound in a big spot last night. Lived off the BB, spun it any count, ton of s/m.. Climbed the ladder w/a mid 8s FB when needed, plays harder. @CooperCityHigh pic.twitter.com/ew4o31ET4t
— Prospect Select (@PSBaseballinc) May 11, 2023
RJ Cope ('26,GA) LHP of Georgia Premier
The premium that comes with a solid southpaw matched with the ceiling that Cope has is something special. The command was spottier than usual, but the overall pitch-ability and showing of his seemingly improved breaking ball makes him the de-facto number 1 for me.
#Uncommitted ('26,GA) LHP RJ Cope @premier_sox • 6'7" 215lbs. Worked upper 8s on the FB the other day. The CH stood out last month and now it was the BB that turned some heads; 75-77 w/sharp action. #MLBDraft follow over the next 4 years. #ASO @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/9MCrOFF5a1
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 24, 2023
#Uncommitted ('26,GA) LHP RJ Cope @premier_sox • 6'7" 215lb body who really competes. FB 84-87 T88 tonight; easy upper 90s projection. CH is the separator at 80; went to it often and it drew lots of whiffs. Flashed good BB at 73-75. Early pro follow in the HS-Fr. #TNXLinvite pic.twitter.com/ux3ARaMRnJ
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) February 1, 2023
Paul "Tre" Jackson ('25,GA) RHP of Georgia Premier
Really like this right-hander moving forward. Tre, similar to Cope, has a bit of untapped talent waiting to breach. Tre already lives in the upper 8s with a working BB for strikes. He exudes a unfazed and even-keel demeanor on the mound that will fare very well at the college level.
2025 arm to get 👀's on⤵️ #Uncommitted ('25,GA) RHP Paul "Tre" Jackson @premier_sox • 6'2" 180lbs. FB lived 87-88 from a DH OTT slot. Pitched to contact and got quick outs. Flashed tough SL at 80. Raw atm w/high ceiling; mid 90s FB projection. #ASO @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/Ex9UGRVmDU
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 26, 2023
Brian Guzman ('23,FL) OF of Remington Christian
Another grinder and in-game producer from Remington; plays the game the right way and plays with confidence. High contact offensive profile with easy power. Not to mention his nickname is the "Ice-Man" due to his calm composure and ability to perform in the clutch. Bottomline: college ready bat with a strong mental is still available.
('23,FL) OF/1B Brian Guzman @RCAKnightsFL • Physicality in the 6'2" 192lb frame. Still some rawness to the swing w/a bit of power potential. Burns the CFer here for a GR2B; 90 off the bat w/36 VLA. Still looking for a home; #uncommitted. #ASO https://t.co/Gwea425zgj pic.twitter.com/p7Ofvm36BQ
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 26, 2023
Clayton Anderson ('24,GA) OF of Georgia Premier
This was my first glimpse of Anderson in action and he showed very well. Twitch and B2B skills are available. Also helps to have a plus arm from the OF and 6.6 speed...which he has.
('24,GA) Clayton Anderson • Legit #uncommitted outfielder for @premier_sox ; upper 90s from the OF and sub 6.6 runner. Showed some B2B today with this XBH to RF. #ASO @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/LR6QrrhIax
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 21, 2023
Avery Anderson ('24,GA) C of Georgia Premier
Avery is no stranger to performing in front of the Prospect Select Scouting dept., and the Academy Spring Open was no exception. He produced at the plate with a balanced operation; feel for the barrel was present in both February and March. He also made some athletic throws and catches from behind the dish at this event; check out the tweets below. Strong college follow.
#Uncommitted ('24,GA) C Avery Anderson @premier_sox • 6'2" 205lbs. Picks right up where he left off from the #TNXLInvite w/this 2B to RF; B2B⬆️. Stays centered, strong position at impact, and solid 2H finish. #ASO @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/goaVA1grRs
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 20, 2023
#Uncommitted ('24,GA) C Avery Anderson @premier_sox • 6'2" 205lbs. Unloads on this 1st hit that just about left the field over the LC gap; 93.4 EV and 28.7 degrees. Added another knock on the game. High academic catcher; sub 2 PT. #TNXLInvite @Avery_Anderson7 // @PSBaseballinc pic.twitter.com/YddkcpqSaz
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) February 2, 2023
Avery Anderson (‘24,GA) • Physical RHH/C w/strength throughout. Strong arm down to 2B, multiple 1.9s between innings. Puts together a QAB here and barrels one to the BS for a single. Currently #uncommitted from @premier_sox pic.twitter.com/HiyyIJjgoj
— Brando Centrone (@BcentronePS) February 23, 2023
#Uncommitted ('24,GA) C Avery Anderson @premier_sox • Adds an athletic play here covering the failed bunt. #ASO @PSBaseballinc https://t.co/pXF83jK4OZ pic.twitter.com/IeA3zxjDsK
— Austin Legg (@realaustinlegg) March 22, 2023
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