The Louisville Open was a big surprise this year with not only the quality of players, but the quantity of quality players. This list was tough to build as there were many athletes who showed promise at the collegiate and/or pro level. Without further ado here are my top 5 Uncommitted and Committed players of the 2022 Louisville Open:

Uncommitted:

1. ('22,IN) INF Cody Kantz of PRP Mambas 

Has really made some strides in the hitting dept. this past year. He tore up the Louisville Open and the rest of his summer will most likely look similar. The D3 decommit is looking to go the JUCO route, and I am sure he will produce at that level.

2. ('23,FL) OF Charlie Alonso of TBT Swarm

Rhythmic stance and uses slight barrel tilt going into launch. Medium build that uses size very well and is no stranger to the long ball. Hit 3 HRs in 3 days in Louisville while barring an upper extremity fracture forcing him to play OF with his non dominant hand. Also proved to have the ability to be on time while facing 90+mph quality pitching. High follow college prospect.

3. ('24,KY) OF Ryan Johnson of KBC Prime 2024

My favorite uncommitted 2024 hitter this week. Muscular build with a large wheelhouse and wide plate coverage with easy pull side power. Catches baseballs out front, lets the barrel turning do the work; also no stranger to the long ball and had 1 of his own this week. Multi faceted athlete with present running and throwing ability.

4.  ('24,KY) RHP Carson Van Haaren of KBC Prime 2024 

Van Haaren takes the cake of being the best uncommitted 2024 arm at the Louisville Open. The stuff and pitchability was just there. Fastball was 85-88 T90 and paired with a quality breaker at 76-79. Interesting young arm that should be on the radar of Division I schools. 6’ 180lbs. 4.37 GPA.

5. ('24,KY) LHP Aaron Robinson of KBC Blue 15U

Saw him pitch on Saturday and he had quite the performance through 4 IP–7 Ks and 0 ER. He pitched the preceding Wednesday and there was a noticeable velo jump after 2 days of rest; about 3-4 mph increase on each pitch. FB had big ASR that got up to 87 and held 83-85. The FB was paired nicely with a BB at 74-76. Upside is there. College follow.

Committed:

1. UCF Commit ('22,IL) RHP Kyle Rossy of PRP Mambas 

6'4" 215lbs. FB 88-90 T92 and KNCV 74-76. Some of the best stuff at the Louisville Open. Super mobile guy with an impressive X-factor/shoulder-pelvis separation at FFS. +SL was at 80-83 and may have been the single best pitch of the week.

2. Louisville Commit ('24,FL) UTIL Kj Scobey of TBT Club Swarm

Incredible hitting performance and defensive play from Scobey. Left the yard multiple times, played solid defense, and got up to 90 on the bump. Scobey is also a great guy too. Learned he is also a scratch golfer in his time away from baseball. Just a great athlete overall who should also begin to draw pro baseball interest.

3. Bellarmine Commit ('22,IN) C/1B Charlie Rife of PRP Mambas 

6'1" 210lbs. Excellent bat speed and connected swing. Punishes the baseball. I know this is absurd, but Rife’s player comparison–although being a C–is Mike Trout. Swing, power, and mannerisms from running out of the box imitate Trout. Bellarmine is getting a good one out of Rife.

4. Kentucky Commit ('24,KY) LHP Leighton Harris of KBC Prime 2024

Utilized sharp BB frequently at 71-73. FB got into the upper 8s. Didn't see a lot of CH. Great shape to each pitch in his arsenal. Pitching was impressive, but what really caught my eye was his ability to hit and ability to hit for power. Swing was a simple and repeatable operation with a quiet upper body before getting into launch. I would like to see him face some better pitching, but Harris tore the cover off the ball this week and is a legitimate 2-way headed to Kentucky.

5. IUK Commit ('22,IN) RHP Tate Mullens of PRP Mambas

The large 6'3" 200lb frame with a H3/4 slot came out slinging; worked fast and was eager to throw the FB which sat 90-92 in his first inning of work. Added CB w/12-6 shape at 71-73. Pitched 2 scoreless innings at the Louisville Open and showed some serious closer mentality and pitchability. 

Uncommitted Honorable Mentions:

('22,KY) RHP Connor Binkley of SE Rawlings Mad Mavs KY

Got the FB up to 86 sitting 84-85 with cut action at times. Adds BB 69-71. Could very well be a helpful addition to the staff at the right college program.

('24,SC) 1B Lane Mcgaha of Southern Athletics

6'5" 205lb big bat out of South Carolina. Left the yard and had an impressive week of batting in Louisville.

('24,SC) LHP AJ Cammarota of Southern Athletics

6'5" 215lbs. Fastball sat low 8s topping 85. At this build and age there is an opportunity for AJ to be an elite arm.

('23,KY) OF Liam Hutson of KBC Prime 2024

There is a lot to like about this swing. Quality side bend and hinge throughout. Did jobs at the plate moving runners and seemingly had a plan. Succeeded against an excellent arm that was up to 91. Moves well and is an athlete.

Committed Honorable Mentions:

Louisville Commit ('25,KY) INF Kade Elam of KBC Prime 15U

Smooth hands and range combined to make Jeter-esque plays from SS in the 5-6 hole. Also hit well to the pullside. Fun young talent to watch.