This will be an ongoing series during the fall and winter months. The goal is to highlight some college players that have aroused my curiosity but I haven't seen much of to date. Consider the players in this series priorities for me in terms of seeing them play and getting a read on them as draft prospects. You'll probably notice that many of these players share a similar background or have common traits. For example, there will be a high number of draft-eligible sophomores as well as transfers from smaller schools or the junior college level. There will certainly be other types of players mixed in, but players from the sophomore/transfer group are typically guys I have not seen in games the past year or two. Each player included will have a link to their baseball-reference page, some background info, and some reasons why they are included on my watch list. Don't be surprised if you end up seeing some of these names again when I publish my preseason sleeper list early next year.
I'll be covering 3 of the power conferences individually, followed by a combined Big 12/Big 10 post, and then a final post consisting of a hodgepodge of players across the D1 level. Here's a schedule:
ACC
PAC-12
BIG 10/BIG 12
SEC
Rest of D1
Hitters
Catchers
Max Romero, Miami
Background: Transfer (Vanderbilt); Cincinnati Reds, 38th round ('19)
Why: Romero didn't get many opportunities playing behind CJ Rodriguez at Vanderbilt. He decided to transfer to Miami and immediately becomes one of the team's top draft prospects for 2022. Romero is considered a bat-first catcher but he could progress rapidly with more consistent reps behind the plate. We saw this occur last year with NC State catcher Luca Tresh. Romero had a solid showing on the Cape this summer (.821 OPS) and will look to carry over that success into the spring.
Tatem Levins, Pittsburgh
Background: Transfer (La Salle); Perfect Game #88 Prospect CCBL
Why: Levins was a statistical standout for the now-defunct La Salle baseball program. Levins wasn't drafted this July but will now move to the ACC as Pitt's starting catcher. Levins showed that his .926 career OPS at La Salle was no fluke by turning in a strong Cape Cod performance (.780 OPS) this summer. Levins isn't flashy but he works counts and shows the ability to barrel balls for line drive contact. His defense over the summer was praised by both Perfect Game and D1Baseball. He could be one of the earlier "Senior Discount" picks in the 2022 draft.
Corner Infield
Luke Storm, Duke
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; Perfect Game #425 high school ('20)
Why: Storm is a big kid at 6'5/240 who showed well at the Super 60 as a prep. I'm tempted to throw in a corny "he brought the thunder" joke but instead I'll just say that he tantalized with big raw power and a strong arm. Storm didn't play for Duke this past spring but held his own in the Northwoods League (.767 OPS) during the summer. He could see action at either corner infield role for the Blue Devils this spring and he has the strength/power to do damage in the ACC.
*GIF courtesy of Sean Duncan, PBR
Tyler Martin, 1B, Florida State
Background: Younger brother of Robby Martin
Why: Tyler's body/swing doesn't project for the kind of power we saw with his brother, but he's still a solid prospect. Martin's ability to ID pitches early and his knowledge of the strike zone are major strengths as evidenced by his 46:23 BB/K ratio from last year. It's a flatter, line drive swing that sells out for contact. I'm curious to see if Martin makes any approach/swing changes to increase his power production for his 3rd year at FSU. He was FSU's primary first baseman (probably out of necessity) but moves well enough to bounce around the outfield and maybe even third base. Martin's 2022 could go in a lot of directions depending on how he looks this fall and where the Seminoles intend on playing him defensively.
John Anderson, Georgia Tech
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; Perfect Game #335 ('20)
Why: Anderson never really caught my attention as a prep but that quickly changed after I saw him launch a homer off of Clemson's Keyshawn Askew during the spring. Anderson's playing time was erratic in 2021 but is sure to increase this upcoming season. There's huge power on contact with the ability to find the barrel when he connects. Anderson has experience at second and third base and could develop into another potent bat in a dangerous Georgia Tech lineup.
Jacob Burke, Miami
Background: Transfer (Southeastern Louisiana)
Why: D1Baseball ranked Burke #75 on its impact transfer list this August. He comes over from Southeastern Louisiana where he showed an intriguing combination of power (9 HR) and speed (23 SB). He has experience at first, third, and corner outfield which should help his chances of getting into the starting lineup regularly for the Hurricanes. I have yet to see Burke play but look forward to seeing what kind of player he can become for Miami.
Eddie Eisert, 3B, NC State
Background: #289 on my 2020 draft board;
Why: A personal favorite of mine from the '20 draft class. Eisert received little playing time as a freshman (7 games) but will have an expanded role this spring in all likelihood. He shows a solid collection of average or better tools (he was a plus runner as a prep) which may allow him to play several different positions for NC State in 2022. Projectable body and switch hitter to boot.
*GIF courtesy of Sean Duncan, PBR
Hunter Stokely, North Carolina
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; Perfect Game #437
Why: Stokely saw limited action in his first year at UNC (27 PA), but was a well-regarded recruit and showed promise in the Coastal Plain League this summer. He's a massive young man (6'3/240) with possibly better than plus raw power. He recorded a 116 MPH exit velocity in the COPL and hit a few bombs as well. Stokely has the potential to fill a spot in the heart of the Tar Heels' lineup this spring.
*video courtesy of Patrick Ebert
Middle Infield
Chandler Simpson, Georgia Tech
Background: Transfer (UAB); Perfect Game #13 Prospect Northwoods League
Why: Simpson's game is built around speed. He's a 65/70 grade runner and put up some prodigious stolen base totals in 2021. Between his spring season at UAB and his summer campaign in the Northwoods League, Simpson stole 79 bases in 105 games. He doesn't have much power, but Simpson's wiry strength and solid bat speed allow him to spray hard grounders and line drives to all fields. Simpson is likely limited to second base but could end up being a valuable table setter for the Yellow Jackets.
Brett Roberts, Florida State
Background: Transfer (Tennessee Tech); Perfect Game #68 Prospect CCBL
Why: Roberts was one of the bigger surprises on the Cape this summer after he put in a solid (.772) overall performance. He's done nothing but hit during his college career and will get a chance to hold down the second base job for Florida State this spring. Roberts may not have a true plus tool, but he's an impressive athlete that can impact the game in a variety of ways.
Josh Hood, NC State
Background: Transfer (Penn); Boston Red Sox, 20th round ('21)
Why: Has just 39 plate appearances at the D1 level since 2020 because of the pandemic. He's since transferred from Penn to the ACC via NC State. Hood struggled in the Cape Cod League but given the context, I think it's fair to say he deserves more reps before writing him off. He doesn't have a standout tool but is well-rounded and profiles up the middle defensively. He's the projected starter for NC State at short and will look to establish himself as one of the top shortstops in the conference.
*GIF courtesy of Perfect Game College
Max Cotier, Virginia
Background: Perfect Game #441 ('19)
Why: Didn't have the greatest results in 2021 (.649 OPS), but I believe in the approach and bat control. Cotier needs to bulk up and show he can impact the ball when he makes contact. There's gap-to-gap power potential here. He's an above average second baseman who could get a chance at shortstop now that Nic Kent has moved on to pro ball. He's kind of a poor man's Max Ferguson.
Tanner Schobel, Virginia Tech
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; Perfect Game CCBL #62
Why: Virginia Tech wasn't a team I focused on much in 2021 because there weren't many draft eligible players in their lineup. It wasn't until Schobel started performing on the Cape (.843 OPS) that he caught my attention. Schobel will be draft eligible in 2022 so I'll have to get familiar with him quickly this spring. He received solid reports this summer on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. He'll team up with star outfielder Gavin Cross to form a potent duo in the middle of the Hokies lineup.
*GIF courtesy of Will Hoefer, Prospects Live
Outfield
RJ Schreck, Duke
Background: All-ACC Third Team ('21)
Why: Schreck was arguably the biggest breakout offensive performer in the ACC last year. He came into 2021 with only 100 career plate appearances and an OPS below .550. Schreck was hard to ignore by the season's end as he became Duke's most dangerous bat by the time regionals came around. He held his own on the Cape this summer (.756 OPS), though he didn't hit for much power (1 HR) after hitting 18 homers in the spring. Schreck is someone I want to hone in on more in 2022 to see if his loud '21 season was real or not.
Brad Grenkoski, Georgia Tech
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; Perfect Game #146
Why: Grenkoski made a good first impression for the Yellow Jackets as a true freshman in 2021 by finishing with a .748 OPS. He was a two-way player as a prep with big raw power and a fastball up to 93 MPH. He moves well given his filled out 6'4/210 build and could probably handle centerfield if needed. Georgia Tech's outfield is quite crowded with Stephen Reid, Jake DeLeo, and Tres Gonzalez in the fold. He'll need to perform right away to secure an everyday role and give himself "real" draft interest. As a prep, Grenkoski stood out to me and I'd like to get an early look to see the growth (if any) he's made since 2020.
Dominic Pilolli, NC State
Background: Transfer (Charlotte)
Why: NC State brought in a trio of potential impact performers through the transfer portal with Gino Groover, the aforementioned Josh Hood, and Pilolli. Pilolli looked like a dynamic talent with impressive athleticism for Charlotte at times last year. A knee injury limited him to just 114 plate appearances. He'll carry a career .954 OPS into the 2022 spring season and he has the potential to be a catalyst atop the NC State lineup this year. Pilolli's power/speed combo will be a welcome addition to a Wolfpack lineup that saw many of their 2021 bats turn pro.
*GIF courtesy of Josh Norris, Baseball America
PITCHERS
Right Handed Pitchers
Mack Anglin, RHP, Clemson
Background: #138 on my 2021 draft board; Washington Nationals, 13th round ('21)
Why: Anglin clearly has big league stuff but his delivery and command have always pointed towards a bullpen future. He was into the mid 90s with a 60-70 grade curveball during the spring but ran a walk rate north of 5.0/9. But Anglin took things to a new level on the Cape and he now has some momentum heading into the 2022 college season. Anglin made 3 starts in the CCBL and didn't allow an earned run in 12.2 innings. He gave up just 7 hits, struck out 12, and walked only 3 which is very encouraging. I want to see if Anglin can carry over his CCBL performance to the spring and check if he changed anything to his mechanics/delivery. He'll be on the older side for a draft prospect (22 in early July) but has top 5 round potential.
Billy Seidl, Duke
Background: Perfect Game #294 ('19)
Why: Seidl's final line in 2021 doesn't scream "success" with an ERA above 6.00, but he made significant progress over the course of the season. He was a big factor in Duke's late season surge and became a trusted member out of their bullpen. Seidl was 92-95 with an above average slider late in the year and he performed well (2.87 ERA, 15.2 IP) on the Cape this summer. Seidl could be a candidate to move into Duke's weekend rotation in 2022, but might fit better in a pen role as a two pitch reliever. Like with teammate RJ Schreck, I want to see if Seidl can keep it going for another season before jumping on board the hype train.
*video courtesy of Perfect Game College
Marquis Grissom Jr., RHP, Georgia Tech
Background: Draft Eligible Sophomore; #181 on my 2020 draft board
Why: Grissom Jr is the son of long time major leaguer and 2x all-star Marquis Grissom. He saw some mound time for Georgia Tech last spring and flashed impressive stuff. Grissom Jr. combines excellent athleticism and some serious projectability. With a mid 90s fastball a swing and miss curveball, and a changeup that can flash plus already in his arsenal it's pretty clear that his 2021 season was the floor. Grissom Jr. will almost certainly grab a starting spot in GT's weekend rotation. I only watched one of his outings last year so I'll definitely be making every effort to see how Grissom Jr. looks in his second year at the D1 level. He's a potential early round round pick if it all clicks as a sophomore.
*GIF courtesy of Pitching Ninja
Anthony Arguelles, RHP, Miami
Background: Juco Transfer (Santa Fe '21)
Why: Arguelles didn't get a ton of chances to establish himself at the D1 level in his first year at Miami. He pitched 18.2 innings and was just OK with a final ERA of 4.34. But he stood out to me in a 1 inning appearance with his truly filthy slider. The spin rates on his slider have been in the 2,800-3,000 range and he can get a ton of horizontal movement on the pitch. The fastball is more ordinary in the 90-92 range but the sinking action pairs well with his slider movement. Arguelles is in line for an expanded role in 2022 and his two pitch pairing could be lethal in a late inning relief role. He's a deeper type draft prospect but someone I want to see more of this spring.
Alejandro Torres, Miami
Background: Transfer (Florida International); Perfect Game #117 ('19)
Why: Torres was a pretty big recruit who ended up pitching for Florida International in 2020. He had Tommy John surgery which cost him the entire 2021 season but is expected to be ready for a big role after transferring to Miami. Torres has been into the mid 90s with his fastball and showing big life on the pitch. His best secondary was a curveball and he's shown a slider and changeup in the past as well. Torres is a bit of an unknown entity going into 2022 as he's seen minimal mound time since his high school days. I'm interested to see how he looks this spring as the potential for an impact arm is clearly on the table. He was ranked as the 5th best prospect in the South Florida Collegiate League this summer after a successful yet brief showing. Torres pitched 5.2 scoreless innings with 9 K's this summer and hit 95 MPH with his fastball.
Alex McFarlane, Miami
Background: St. Louis Cardinals, 25th round ('19)
Why: McFarlane has 46 innings under his belt with Miami but I have yet to see him. Writeups from this summer while he was on a Cape were encouraging as his athleticism, lightning arm speed, and ability to throw several quality pitches were all highlighted strengths. McFarlane has struggled with walks and it sounds like he's a pretty raw pitcher overall. He's probably going to fill a weekend starter's role for Miami and has top 5 round potential. McFarlane is a priority viewing for me this spring.
Sam Highfill, NC State
Background: Named to USA College National Team '22
Why: Highfill wasn't someone I paid much attention to during the 2021 spring. He definitely forced the issue with a string of high quality outings down the stretch. His biggest performance came against Vanderbilt during the College World Series as he fired off 7.2 scoreless innings. Highfill was a two way player that only focused on pitching full time this past season. He saw rapid growth as a pitcher and established himself as one of the better starters in the ACC. Highfill is a smart pitcher and he shows some quality pitchability with the way he'll mess with hitter's timing and his ability to throw from a variety of arm slots. None of his individual pitches are exceptional on their own (maybe the changeup) but his deception, the way he mixes his repertoire, and his ability to change speeds makes his stuff play up. I want to check in on Highfill multiple times this spring and get a better feel for who he is as a pitcher. He'll likely be NC State's Friday night starter this spring.
Joe Miceli, Virginia
Background: Juco Transfer (Bergen CC)
Why: Miceli went to the same school as I did at Bergen Community College. His spring season was canceled (Covid) but he did flash some promising stuff in the MLB Draft League. Miceli was ranked 7th best pitcher in the league by Prep Baseball Report. Miceli's feel for spin and three pitch mix is quite advanced, though his command needs work. He gives Virginia a nice developmental piece moving forward.
Matthew Wyatt, Virginia
Background:
Why: Wyatt is a low slot righty that blossomed towards the end of the 2021 season. He was heavily relied upon as a starter and long reliever and finished the month of June with a 1.27 ERA and 21 K's in 14,2 innings. The fastball was up to 96 and his splitter/changeup flashed plus. Wyatt could move into the weekend rotation or lock down the late innings for Virginia in 2022.
Left Handed Pitchers
Jonah Scolaro, LHP, Florida State
Background: CCBL All Star ('21)
Why: Spoiler alert: Scolaro is going to be on my preseason sleeper list in a few months. I really liked what I saw from him out of the pen in 2021 and it sounds like he's taken a step forward since the conclusion of the season. Scolaro was tough on lefties in '21 and showed feel for spinning a quality breaking ball. Scolaro was a starter on the Cape and performed pretty well (3.97 ERA, 12.7 K/9) considering he's been a bullpen only guy during his Seminoles career. He showed 4 quality pitches and held his stuff over longer outings. It may be tough for Scolaro to claim a weekend starter role since there is really only one spot up for grabs. But he's certainly capable and I'd love to get a look at him in that role this spring. We'll see what happens, but Scolaro makes for an attractive 'Senior Discount' pick for 2022 regardless.
Shawn Rapp, North Carolina
Background:
Why: Lefty specialist type that stood out to me at times during the 2021 spring. It's fringy overall stuff (FB is 87-90) but his fastball/slider combo can be lethal when commanded effectively, especially against lefties. I'm interested to see how UNC utilizes him this year after he flashed some ability over 46.2 innings last year.
*GIF courtesy of Perfect Game College
Brandon Neeck, Virginia
Background: Perfect Game #63 ('18)
Why: Neeck was a prized recruit that had limited success for the Cavaliers before 2021. He looked fully recovered from shoulder surgery and went on to thrive in a bullpen role where he struck out 40 in 23.1 innings. Neeck typicall sits in the 89-93 range and his best pitch is a bat missing slurve. I'd bet on him commanding a much bigger role in 2022.
Brennen Oxford, LHP, Wake Forest
Background: Perfect Game: Top Incoming Freshman (2018)
Why: I saw Oxford pitch exaclty once and it was during a relief appearance against Pitt. He pitched a scoreless inning but walked 2 while striking out 1. What stood out was his curveball. It's a big bender that could be a true plus pitch. I tucked that info away and moved on. This summer I saw Oxford's name on one of the Coastal Plains League's trackman leaderboards. Apparently, Oxford spun a 3,000+ RPM curveball which obviously tracked with what I saw earlier in the year. Oxford has a fastball in the high 80s/low 90s and his command of the pitch was scattershot. He performed over the summer (he pitched well on the Cape as well) and might be on the verge of putting it all together for Wake Forest. The curveball is the main draw here but I'm looking forward to seeing what Oxford looks like come spring time. He's a deep sleeper for the 2022 draft.