Walker Martin, SS, Eaton (Colo.)
Current Draft Board Rank: 53
Not a ton of draft prospects come out of the state of Colorado, but Martin may be one of the more exciting ones in recent history. The Arkansas commit possesses advanced bat speed that results in impressive exit velocity numbers. The power has shown up against quality arms already and will only continue to get better. Martin has shown enough athleticism to provide value on the dirt defensively. He will be an intriguing name to watch that should continue to climb up boards come spring time. 

-Tyler Henninger

Cooper Pratt, SS, Magnolia Heights (Miss.)
Current Draft Board Rank: 45
Pratt may not be the most under-the-radar name, but there may be a real chance he’s one of the first prep infielders off the board in the first two rounds. There are big tools and physical projection on both sides that I believe should put him right in the discussion with some of the top preps in the class. He projects as an above-average defender with crisp actions and soft hands that at the very least can handle the left side of the dirt, if not shortstop long term. He put together a loud showing with the stick this year with plus bat speed and loud contact to all fields. Pratt checks a ton of boxes in a draft profile and may fit the mold of a Cutter Coffey from last year.

Ryder Helfrick, C/INF, Clayton Valley (Calif.)
Current Draft Board Rank: 117
I will be the first to say I’m bullish on Helfrick’s overall skill set. His athleticism and showing with the stick have really stood out. There are big tools at a premium position behind the dish, and he’s only improved his receiving with above-average strength that shows in game. It’s rare to see a catcher move so well with a consistent hit tool and serious jump off the barrel that coils well. There’s moving parts in his load, but it’s simply loud when squared and he seems to hit each look. There’s risk with a prep catcher in a deeper class than previous years. But he’s athletic enough to stick up the middle if catching isn’t a long term fit, and it’s hard to pass on such a versatile athlete with loud tools. Count me in.

Cole Carrigg, INF/C, San Diego State
Current Draft Board Rank: 48
Carrigg is no stranger to high-level performance, as his showing in the Cape Cod League was awfully impressive. It’s a pretty solid profile with tools across the board. Switch hitter with real fast hands and a fluid stroke that projects as a pretty above-average hit tool. He’s a versatile defender at 6-foot-3 that can play nearly anywhere on the dirt and looked comfortable handling second base as a rangy defender, though he can get behind the dish and hold his own behind there. His blend of speed and athleticism also shows on the basepaths, stealing 19 bags last season. It’s a solid floor with good amounts of upside in the stick. My gut says Carrigg will be a pretty safe pick in the first three rounds come next July.

Brandon Winokur, SS/OF, Edison (Calif.)
Current Draft Board Rank: 72
California is a deep region for prep talent this year, and there may not be a more intriguing product than Brandon Winokur. He has all the makings to be a very early selection following a loud performance during the summer circuit. It’s big physical tools across the board that jump off the page at times. The athleticism and physicality really stand out with upside at the plate. A loose right-handed swing that leverages well and the power shows in game and really projects. Winokur has put his stamp on several PG tournaments this year, and the tool set is loud with serious upside.

Kade Morris, RHP, Nevada
Current Draft Board Rank: 96
Morris has garnered some well-deserved buzz but may be a bit of an under-the-radar name on the surface of draft circles. That can all change after this college season. It’s a potent fastball/slider combination that missed a good amount of bats last season. The two-seam and four-seam vary some shape and life up to 96-97 mph with the makings of a plus slider with late sweep and bite. The curveball is more of a fringe third offering but has promise combined with an athletic frame and a loose, whippy lower slot. It has the makings to be a special profile if the stuff all comes together, and it would be no surprise to see Morris as one of the top college arms in the class when it’s all said and done.

Cole Schoenwetter, RHP, San Marcos (Calif.)
Current Draft Board Rank: 63
Schoenwetter popped late last summer and hasn’t stopped climbing to close the year. It’s a real three-pitch mix with a ton to like in a long, lean 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. The fastball is up to 96 mph and lives 92-94 with life and solid command to all quadrants. The curveball is a secondary that really stands out and borders on plus with tight depth and downer 12-6 shape. His changeup is coming around as a firmer low-80s  third offering and shows feel for it. There’s a good amount of upside left in the frame and the stuff has really taken off. He can be a familiar name by next draft cycle.

-Isaiah Burrows