2026 IMG Spring Classic Player Spotlight

2029 Kevin Rodriguez

VSA Sluggers SWFL STNP

Kevin possesses a long frame that projects well to the next level on the mound. He works with a smooth, repeatable delivery and does an excellent job staying in his lower half, allowing him to generate consistent power and maintain balance throughout his motion. His arm works quickly with a loose, whippy action that helps create quality life on his pitches. His fastball is his standout offering, showing late arm-side run while consistently sitting 84-86 mph and touching 87 mph. He commanded the pitch well throughout his outing, working efficiently in and around the strike zone. He complements the fastball with a sharp 12-6 curveball at 67-68 mph that features good depth and the ability to generate swings and misses. Kevin was highly effective in his relief appearance, tossing one inning without allowing an earned run and recording two strike outs. With his projectable build, polished delivery, and already impressive arsenal, he is a promising young arm with significant upside.

2030 Amir Kriz-Hopkins

SBA United Scout 2030

Amir showcased why he is an intriguing two-way prospect, using his long, projectable frame to impact the game in multiple facets and play a major role in leading his team to a 14u championship. Offensively, Amir features a short, simple swing with impressive bat-to-ball skills and a mature gap-to-gap approach. He consistently found the barrel throughout the weekend, collecting four hits and driving in 5 runs while posting a strong 0.444 batting average. His ability to stay balanced and use the entire field makes him a difficult out and a reliable run producer in the middle of the lineup. On the mound, Amir was equally impressive. He works with a free and easy delivery and shows advanced feel for a two-pitch mix that is already highly effective. His fastball was electric, sitting 84-86 mph and touching 87 mph with heavy arm-side sink that generated weak contact and plenty of uncomfortable swings. He paired it with a tight slider at 74-76 mph featuring late horizontal break, giving him a true swing and miss secondary offering. In 3.1 innings of work, Amir did not allow an earned run and struck out six hitters, demonstrating both his ability to command the zone and miss bats. With his projectable frame, polished offensive approach, and advanced pitching arsenal, Amir established himself as one of the premier all-around performers this weekend.

2030 Sawyer Eppleman

SBA United Scout 2030

Sawyer put together a dominant two-way performance that played a major role in leading his team to a 14u championship and earning him Most Valuable Player honors. With his big, strong frame and physical presence, he projects extremely well as he continues to develop. Offensively, Sawyer features a balanced setup with good rhythm and timing, allowing him to consistently find the barrel and drive the baseball with authority. He was a steady producer throughout the weekend, collecting four hits, driving in five runs, and scoring three times while posting a 0.400 batting average. His ability to stay under control in the box and deliver in key situations made him a crucial part of his team’s lineup. On the mound, Sawyer was equally impressive. He attacked hitters with a heavy fastball that sat 81-84 mph, generating weak contact and keeping opponents off balance. He complemented the fastball with a sharp curveball at 70-72 mph that showed solid shape and gave him an effective secondary pitch to change eye levels and disrupt timing. In his outing, Sawyer tossed six scoreless innings, allowing no earned runs while striking out four. His ability to command the strike zone and work efficiently through the lineup underscored his poise and maturity on the mound. With his physical build, consistent offensive production, and polished presence on the mound, Sawyer proved to be one of the top all-around performers of the event and a deserving MVP.

2030 Freddie Popp

CBU United Martin

Freddie put together one of the most impressive offensive performances of the weekend, establishing himself as a constant threat at the plate and a key catalyst in his team’s playoff run. With his athletic frame and polished offensive approach, he consistently found ways to impact the game. At the plate, Freddie features a balanced setup with a smooth, repeatable load and does an excellent job staying in his lower half throughout the swing. His quick hands and advanced barrel accuracy allow him to consistently square up the baseball and produce hard contact to all fields. Freddie led the tournament with eight hits, while also driving in three runs and score three times. He posted an outstanding 0.571 batting average, proving to be one of the most consistent hitters in the event. His ability to consistently put together quality at-bats and deliver in key moments played a major role in helping his team make a deep playoff run.

2030 Tony Marquez

USA Prime Tampa-Nunez 14u

Tony showcased his offensive abilities throughout the weekend and proved to be a consistent force in the middle of the lineup. With a strong, athletic frame and a polished approach at the plate, he played a key role in helping lead his team to a second place finish. At the plate, Tony features a balanced setup with good rhythm and timing. His quick hands and mature gap-to-gap approach allow him to consistently square up the baseball and produce hard contact to all fields. He remains under control throughout the swing and shows an advanced ability to recognize pitches and stay on time. Tony put together an outstanding weekend, collecting seven hits, driving in three runs, and scoring four times while posting an impressive 0.636 batting average. His ability to consistently reach base and create offensive opportunities made him one of the toughest outs in the tournament. Tony’s combination of physical strength, bat-to-ball skills, and mature offensive approach make him an intriguing prospect, and his production was a major factor in his team’s success throughout the weekend.

2031 Austin Farley

Kangaroo Court Roos American Fly

Austin proved to be one of the most dynamic offensive players of the weekend, using his quick-twitch athleticism and polished approach at the plate to consistently create scoring opportunities. His production was a major factor in helping lead his team to a championship finish. At the plate, Austin features a tall, balanced setup with a smooth, repeatable load that allows him to consistently be on time. He swings with a short, compact path and shows quick hands and excellent bat-to-ball skills, enabling him to make frequent hard contact and spray the ball to all fields. His ability to stay under control and barrel the baseball on a consistent basis made him a constant threat throughout the event. Over the weekend, Austin collected six hits, scored five runs, and drove in two while posting an impressive 0.462 batting average. His knack for getting on base and creating offense at the top of the lineup helped set the tone for his team throughout the tournament. With his athletic frame, advanced hit tool, and ability to impact the game offensively, Austin established himself as one of the standout performers of the event and a key contributor to his team’s championship run.