Tools of the Trade: Class of 2025 Defenders
October 25, 2023
Often times considered the "Florida of the north," Pennsylvania is surfacing as a known hot-bed for talent, with the 2025 class being no different; 5 of the first 10 ranked are committed to ACC schools. Though the amount of frontline arms may steal the spotlight at times, PA's position group has yielded just as much depth from top-to-bottom heading into their junior year. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, defense, arm, and run) as a barometer for player comparison, knowing that each will need proper refinement and in-game results for them to show full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
DEFENSE
As the saying goes "defense wins championships," and having a strong core through the middle (C, MIF, OF) can be suffocating for the opposition. A few of the more important commonalities among the greats are athleticism, footwork, tempo, arm-strength, and transfer, however their skillsets are usually led by baseball instincts & feel, which truly sets them apart. Below, we take a look at some of the best 2025 defenders statewide who do most, if not all of the above to limit runs from scoring. Note: 4 of the top 7 are shortstops while 3 are primary catchers.
TOP DEFENDERS
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Josh Toole C / 3B / Hempfield, PA / 2025Now entering his third year as a varsity starter, Toole owns a freakishly quick transfer and lively 79MPH throwing arm with pop times dipping into the low 1.80's in showcase setting. The athletic 6-foot, 180-pounder commands fluid hips and next-level blocking skills with quality downhill reads. Coastal Carolina commit |
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Ben Peterson C / OF / Canon-McMillan, PA / 2025Equipped with one of the highest ceilings in the keystone state, Peterson is long-limbed and features major upside at 6-foot, 170-pounds. We've seen the twitch carry over to all phases of his game, allowing for plus arm-strength from the crouch (82 MPH) and 1.90 pop times. North Carolina commit |
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Matthew Robaugh SS / 2B / Trinity, PA / 2025Behind a smooth, easy effort, the 6-foot, 180-pounder proved to be a winner during this February's Northeast Procase, up to 89MPH across the INF with 6.98 footspeed. Robaugh fit in just fine with the older crowd, while the real story was a fast-processing internal clock (4.00 feet). West Virginia commit |
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Ty Kaunas SS / 2B / Red Land, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 5
Technically sound with all the actions you look for in a middle, the body continues stacking efficient muscle at 5-foot-10, 165-pounds. Kaunas works hard to generate lower posture, downhill angles, and a rhythmic exchange with an 85 MPH INF arm. There's plenty more burst to come. Virginia Tech commit |
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Silvio Giardina SS / 2B / Pittston Area, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 95 / POS: 18
A name-to-know in the 2025 class for the past couple of years, Giardina makes plays look seamless on the run with the ability to change arm-angles. The shifty 5-foot-11, 165-pounder flashes perfect banana routes and a strong mid-80's arm across the diamond. Lehigh commit |
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Ty Custer SS / OF / Cocalico, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 39 / POS: 7
Another fleet-footed (6.98 60YD) shortstop who can go and get the baseball, Custer starts/stops on a dime with premium arm-strength (87 MPH). He repeats an accurate throwing motion out of a few different slots from the 5/6 hole; chance to stick+grow long term. Army West Point commit |
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Kyle McKernan C / SS / William Penn Charter, PA / 2025
Rankings StateRank: 45 / POS: 7
When it comes to pitch-calling and feel for the game, McKernan tops the list, checking in at 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. The quiet-handed backstop receives it softly and has popped 2.10 with low-70's MPH arm-strength. His best baseball is ahead with room to fill. Lafayette commit |
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: Central | PA | 10/29 | Liberty Arena - Williamsport, PA |