UW Baseball Signs Eight For 2019
November 20, 2017 | Baseball
SEATTLE – Washington Coach Lindsay Meggs announced that eight players have signed their NCAA letters of intent and will join the Huskies for the 2019 season. While the class is smaller than the last couple of groups – just four pitchers and four position players – Meggs and his staff are celebrating a heralded collection that will be counted on to provide an immediate impact once they arrive on campus.
"Congratulations to my Associate Head Coach Jason Kelly and my Recruiting Coordinator Donegal Fergus for another outstanding recruiting class," Meggs said. "While it's a smaller class, their impact will be felt across the board."
Meggs dipped into the community college ranks for a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, and added three position players and three pitchers from the high school level. The west coast is well-represented in the class: three players hail from California and there is one each from Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona.
"This may be one of the most balanced classes on the mound we've had to date. Plus, we've added some middle-of-the-order candidates from both sides of the plate, along with an experienced shortstop who will give us some depth in the middle of the infield," Meggs said.
"All these guys will be good Huskies, plus they're all good students," he added. "I can't wait to get them on campus."
Jayson Schroeder (Juanita HS/Kirkland, Wash.) has the shortest trip of all the recruits to reach campus as the lone Washingtonian, but he could also be one of the toughest to land after an impressive summer at the Area Code Games helped his professional stock to soar. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher flashed a mid-90's fastball, coupled with a plus breaking ball and good changeup. He will likely have options after the upcoming June MLB Draft and is currently ranked among Baseball America's top-100 draft prospects at the high school level.
"If we can get Jayson on campus, he will be a game changer," Meggs said. "He is a power arm from the right side who will compete for a weekend spot the day he arrives on campus. He sits at 88-92 miles per hour but will touch 94, and there is much more coming."
While Schroeder's ability on the field is clear – he is rated the No. 1 high school prospect in Washington by both Perfect Game and Baseball Northwest – his makeup is what has Meggs extra excited to get him on the Diamond at Montlake.
"This guy is not only a great talent but also a great competitor," Meggs said. "Jayson is a linebacker and a receiver on the football team, and that toughness carries over to the mound."
Schroeder will be joined on the mound by fellow classmates David Rhodes (White Rock, B.C.), Jesse Davis (Lake Oswego, Ore.) and Diego Barrera (Chino Hills, Calif.).
Rhodes attends Langley Secondary School in British Columbia and was a teammate of Schroeder's at the 2017 Area Code games. He has four pitches in his repertoire that have helped him become the No. 368 overall prospect in the class of 2018 and No. 5 overall prospect in talent-rich British Columbia.
"David is a great competitor who enjoyed success at the Area Code games last August against the best high school hitters in the country," Meggs said. "David already sits at 88-90 mph with the fastball and has a plus, plus changeup. He also throws a curveball and slider, with his slider already being a legitimate out pitch. When David adds some strength to that frame, we're likely to see some 92's and 93's. That upside, along with David's nasty disposition on the mound will make him a candidate to pitch right away."
Davis, who graduated from Lakeridge High School in 2016, will arrive on campus next year with two years of junior college experience from Lane College in Eugene, Ore., under his belt. The right hander was 4-5 with a 1.81 ERA in 13 games, including 10 starts, as a freshman in 2017. He held opponents to a .196 batting average and pitched six or more innings six times.
"Jesse can be over-powering at times from 89-93 mph, but it is the sink on his fastball and his 82-84 mph slider that make him an immediate candidate for our rotation," Meggs said. "While I see him competing for a starting role in our weekend rotation, his experience and his makeup will help us regardless of his role. This guy is confident; he knows how to pitch and knows how to win."
Barrera is the final pitcher that was added on signing day and is also the only one that throws from the left side. Barrera sat out last year as a junior at Damien High School due to a transfer policy, but was outstanding in a very competitive conference going 9-2 with a 1.84 as a sophomore at Bishop Amat High School. He also comes from an athletic family as his sister, Alyssa, was a Freshman All-American softball player at Utah last season.
"Diego is a mid- to upper-80's lefthander who has great command of his fastball and can challenge hitters on both sides of the plate," Meggs said. "With a plus changeup, Diego is effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. And, I believe Diego's best days are ahead of him. When he adds some strength to that frame of his, you will be looking at a potential All-Pac-12 weekend starter."
The four position players in the Huskies' class is a unique mix. It consists of community college shortstop, Ramon Bramasco (Los Angeles, Calif.) and three high school standouts -- Colton Cassinelli (San Tan Valley, Ariz.), Alex Guerrero (Eagle, Idaho) and Albert Hsiao (San Jose, Calif.) – who are all catchers that are diverse enough to play multiple positions.
Bramasco attended Cathedral High School in Los Angeles and currently plays for Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., where he earned Second Team All-South Coast Conference honors in 2017. The switch-hitter hit .288 with a team-high 24 hits in 40 games for one of Southern California's top junior colleges. Coach Meggs is confident his success at the junior college level will seamlessly carryover to Washington, especially his glove.
"While Ramon can really handle the bat, it is his defense that will get your attention," Meggs said. "He understands the value of the routine play, and yet has outstanding range both left and right. This guy is an elite defender, and when you get a guy from Coach (Ken) Gaylord at Cerritos College you know he's going to be well coached, battle tested and a great teammate."
Hsaio is the highest-rated prospect in the Huskies' class, earning a listing as the nation's No. 152 overall recruit and No. 22 overall (No. 2 at catcher) in California. He carries a big stick at the plate for Leland High School in San Jose and had a .506 average, with 7 home runs, 9 doubles and 27 RBI as a junior in 2017.
"Albert is an aggressive and physical hitter who has played numerous positions including catcher and both corner infield spots," Meggs said. "The first thing you notice about Albert is his bat speed; this guy can get the club head through the zone. He is going to hit his way on to the field because he can drive in runs and play all over. Albert can really swing it and square the ball up. He has middle-of-the-order type power, but can also handle the bat."
Cassinelli is the No. 1 catching prospect from baseball-rich Arizona and carries a No. 440 national rank by Perfect Game. Like Hsaio, he is a catcher at Queen Creek High School, but also projects as a strong corner outfield or first base prospect. Meggs is excited to find a place for him in the lineup.
"Colton is a left-handed hitter, who will compete for at bats immediately in the middle of the batting order and who makes his presence felt every time he steps on the field," Meggs said. "Colton is a natural leader who plays with an edge, has no fear and never takes his foot off the gas. This guy is a baseball player, and he makes everyone around him better."
Guerrero follows in the footsteps of former Husky and current professional Andrew Ely, also out of Eagle High School in Idaho. He is Perfect Game's second-rated prospect out of the state and participated in the 2017 Area Code games for the Kansas City Royals with fellow signees, Schroeder and Rhodes. Guerrero was named to the 2017 All-USA TODAY Idaho Baseball Team after hitting .452 with three home runs and 24 RBI.
"Alex is a legitimate middle-of-the-order Pac-12 hitter from the left side who is the best position player in Idaho's 2018 class," Meggs said. "While Alex is certainly accomplished behind the plate, his bat plays well enough and he is athletic enough that he could legitimately win a job in left field or at first base. This guy can really hit, and he is going to force his way in there one way or the other."
2018 Washington Baseball Signing Class
Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School/Last School
Diego Barrera LHP L/L 6-0 160 Chino Hills, Calif./Damien
Notes: 2016 and 2017 Perfect Game Underclass Honorable Mention … did not play as a junior due to transfer rules … was 9-2 with 1.84 ERA as a sophomore at Bishop Amat HS and was Del Rey League Pitcher of the Year.
Ramon Bramasco INF R/R 5-9 180 Los Angeles, Calif./Cathedral/Cerritos College
Notes: Named Second Team All-South Coast Conference in 2017 … attended Grand Canyon University , but did not play baseball … team MVP at Cathedral as a senior in 2015.
Colton Cassinelli C L/R 5-11 205 San Tan Valley, Ariz./Queen Creek
Notes: No. 1 catching prospect in Arizona according to Perfect Game, No. 440 overall nationally … 2016 and 2017 Perfect Game Underclass High Honorable Mention … 2017 First Team All-State and All-5A Conference First Team ... hit .400 as a junior and sophomore.
Jesse Davis RHP R/R 6-1 190 Lake Oswego, Ore./Lakeridge/Lane CC
Notes: Was 4-5 with a 1.81 ERA, 48 strikeouts over 59.2 innings in 13 games, 10 starts at Lane CC in 2017 … named 2016 Oregon Class 6A All-State Second Team and Three Rivers League First Team.
Alex Guerrero C L/R 6-0 200 Eagle, Idaho/Eagle
Notes: Rated top position player and No. 2 overall prospect out of Idaho, No. 281 nationally … 2016 and 2017 Underclass High HM by Perfect Game … 2015 and 2016 5A Southern Idaho Conf. First Team.
Albert Hsiao C R/R 5-11 205 San Jose, Calif./Leland
Notes: Rated No. 152 overall prospect nationally, No. 22 (No. 2 catcher) in California by Perfect Game … made Top Prospect list at Perfect Game National Showcase ... hit .506 with 7 HR, 9 2B and 29 RBI in 2017 … 2017 first team catcher by All-Bay Area News Group.
David Rhodes RHP L/R 6-2 200 White Rock, B.C./Langley Secondary School
Notes: Rated No. 5 overall prospect out of British Columbia and No. 368 overall in the class by Perfect Game … 2017 Perfect Game Under Class Third Team, 2016 Underclass HM … played in 2017 Area Code Games for Kansas City Royals.
Jayson Schroeder RHP R/R 6-2 200 Kirkland, Wash./Juanita
Notes: Rated No. 1 high school prospect in Washington by Perfect Game and Baseball Northwest, No. 182 nationally … First Team All-State and All-Kingco ... participated in 2017 Area Code games as a member of the Kansas City Royals … Baseball America's No. 98 MLB Draft prospect in high school.
"Congratulations to my Associate Head Coach Jason Kelly and my Recruiting Coordinator Donegal Fergus for another outstanding recruiting class," Meggs said. "While it's a smaller class, their impact will be felt across the board."
Meggs dipped into the community college ranks for a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, and added three position players and three pitchers from the high school level. The west coast is well-represented in the class: three players hail from California and there is one each from Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona.
"This may be one of the most balanced classes on the mound we've had to date. Plus, we've added some middle-of-the-order candidates from both sides of the plate, along with an experienced shortstop who will give us some depth in the middle of the infield," Meggs said.
"All these guys will be good Huskies, plus they're all good students," he added. "I can't wait to get them on campus."
Jayson Schroeder (Juanita HS/Kirkland, Wash.) has the shortest trip of all the recruits to reach campus as the lone Washingtonian, but he could also be one of the toughest to land after an impressive summer at the Area Code Games helped his professional stock to soar. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher flashed a mid-90's fastball, coupled with a plus breaking ball and good changeup. He will likely have options after the upcoming June MLB Draft and is currently ranked among Baseball America's top-100 draft prospects at the high school level.
"If we can get Jayson on campus, he will be a game changer," Meggs said. "He is a power arm from the right side who will compete for a weekend spot the day he arrives on campus. He sits at 88-92 miles per hour but will touch 94, and there is much more coming."
While Schroeder's ability on the field is clear – he is rated the No. 1 high school prospect in Washington by both Perfect Game and Baseball Northwest – his makeup is what has Meggs extra excited to get him on the Diamond at Montlake.
"This guy is not only a great talent but also a great competitor," Meggs said. "Jayson is a linebacker and a receiver on the football team, and that toughness carries over to the mound."
Schroeder will be joined on the mound by fellow classmates David Rhodes (White Rock, B.C.), Jesse Davis (Lake Oswego, Ore.) and Diego Barrera (Chino Hills, Calif.).
Rhodes attends Langley Secondary School in British Columbia and was a teammate of Schroeder's at the 2017 Area Code games. He has four pitches in his repertoire that have helped him become the No. 368 overall prospect in the class of 2018 and No. 5 overall prospect in talent-rich British Columbia.
"David is a great competitor who enjoyed success at the Area Code games last August against the best high school hitters in the country," Meggs said. "David already sits at 88-90 mph with the fastball and has a plus, plus changeup. He also throws a curveball and slider, with his slider already being a legitimate out pitch. When David adds some strength to that frame, we're likely to see some 92's and 93's. That upside, along with David's nasty disposition on the mound will make him a candidate to pitch right away."
Davis, who graduated from Lakeridge High School in 2016, will arrive on campus next year with two years of junior college experience from Lane College in Eugene, Ore., under his belt. The right hander was 4-5 with a 1.81 ERA in 13 games, including 10 starts, as a freshman in 2017. He held opponents to a .196 batting average and pitched six or more innings six times.
"Jesse can be over-powering at times from 89-93 mph, but it is the sink on his fastball and his 82-84 mph slider that make him an immediate candidate for our rotation," Meggs said. "While I see him competing for a starting role in our weekend rotation, his experience and his makeup will help us regardless of his role. This guy is confident; he knows how to pitch and knows how to win."
Barrera is the final pitcher that was added on signing day and is also the only one that throws from the left side. Barrera sat out last year as a junior at Damien High School due to a transfer policy, but was outstanding in a very competitive conference going 9-2 with a 1.84 as a sophomore at Bishop Amat High School. He also comes from an athletic family as his sister, Alyssa, was a Freshman All-American softball player at Utah last season.
"Diego is a mid- to upper-80's lefthander who has great command of his fastball and can challenge hitters on both sides of the plate," Meggs said. "With a plus changeup, Diego is effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. And, I believe Diego's best days are ahead of him. When he adds some strength to that frame of his, you will be looking at a potential All-Pac-12 weekend starter."
The four position players in the Huskies' class is a unique mix. It consists of community college shortstop, Ramon Bramasco (Los Angeles, Calif.) and three high school standouts -- Colton Cassinelli (San Tan Valley, Ariz.), Alex Guerrero (Eagle, Idaho) and Albert Hsiao (San Jose, Calif.) – who are all catchers that are diverse enough to play multiple positions.
Bramasco attended Cathedral High School in Los Angeles and currently plays for Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., where he earned Second Team All-South Coast Conference honors in 2017. The switch-hitter hit .288 with a team-high 24 hits in 40 games for one of Southern California's top junior colleges. Coach Meggs is confident his success at the junior college level will seamlessly carryover to Washington, especially his glove.
"While Ramon can really handle the bat, it is his defense that will get your attention," Meggs said. "He understands the value of the routine play, and yet has outstanding range both left and right. This guy is an elite defender, and when you get a guy from Coach (Ken) Gaylord at Cerritos College you know he's going to be well coached, battle tested and a great teammate."
Hsaio is the highest-rated prospect in the Huskies' class, earning a listing as the nation's No. 152 overall recruit and No. 22 overall (No. 2 at catcher) in California. He carries a big stick at the plate for Leland High School in San Jose and had a .506 average, with 7 home runs, 9 doubles and 27 RBI as a junior in 2017.
"Albert is an aggressive and physical hitter who has played numerous positions including catcher and both corner infield spots," Meggs said. "The first thing you notice about Albert is his bat speed; this guy can get the club head through the zone. He is going to hit his way on to the field because he can drive in runs and play all over. Albert can really swing it and square the ball up. He has middle-of-the-order type power, but can also handle the bat."
Cassinelli is the No. 1 catching prospect from baseball-rich Arizona and carries a No. 440 national rank by Perfect Game. Like Hsaio, he is a catcher at Queen Creek High School, but also projects as a strong corner outfield or first base prospect. Meggs is excited to find a place for him in the lineup.
"Colton is a left-handed hitter, who will compete for at bats immediately in the middle of the batting order and who makes his presence felt every time he steps on the field," Meggs said. "Colton is a natural leader who plays with an edge, has no fear and never takes his foot off the gas. This guy is a baseball player, and he makes everyone around him better."
Guerrero follows in the footsteps of former Husky and current professional Andrew Ely, also out of Eagle High School in Idaho. He is Perfect Game's second-rated prospect out of the state and participated in the 2017 Area Code games for the Kansas City Royals with fellow signees, Schroeder and Rhodes. Guerrero was named to the 2017 All-USA TODAY Idaho Baseball Team after hitting .452 with three home runs and 24 RBI.
"Alex is a legitimate middle-of-the-order Pac-12 hitter from the left side who is the best position player in Idaho's 2018 class," Meggs said. "While Alex is certainly accomplished behind the plate, his bat plays well enough and he is athletic enough that he could legitimately win a job in left field or at first base. This guy can really hit, and he is going to force his way in there one way or the other."
2018 Washington Baseball Signing Class
Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School/Last School
Diego Barrera LHP L/L 6-0 160 Chino Hills, Calif./Damien
Notes: 2016 and 2017 Perfect Game Underclass Honorable Mention … did not play as a junior due to transfer rules … was 9-2 with 1.84 ERA as a sophomore at Bishop Amat HS and was Del Rey League Pitcher of the Year.
Ramon Bramasco INF R/R 5-9 180 Los Angeles, Calif./Cathedral/Cerritos College
Notes: Named Second Team All-South Coast Conference in 2017 … attended Grand Canyon University , but did not play baseball … team MVP at Cathedral as a senior in 2015.
Colton Cassinelli C L/R 5-11 205 San Tan Valley, Ariz./Queen Creek
Notes: No. 1 catching prospect in Arizona according to Perfect Game, No. 440 overall nationally … 2016 and 2017 Perfect Game Underclass High Honorable Mention … 2017 First Team All-State and All-5A Conference First Team ... hit .400 as a junior and sophomore.
Jesse Davis RHP R/R 6-1 190 Lake Oswego, Ore./Lakeridge/Lane CC
Notes: Was 4-5 with a 1.81 ERA, 48 strikeouts over 59.2 innings in 13 games, 10 starts at Lane CC in 2017 … named 2016 Oregon Class 6A All-State Second Team and Three Rivers League First Team.
Alex Guerrero C L/R 6-0 200 Eagle, Idaho/Eagle
Notes: Rated top position player and No. 2 overall prospect out of Idaho, No. 281 nationally … 2016 and 2017 Underclass High HM by Perfect Game … 2015 and 2016 5A Southern Idaho Conf. First Team.
Albert Hsiao C R/R 5-11 205 San Jose, Calif./Leland
Notes: Rated No. 152 overall prospect nationally, No. 22 (No. 2 catcher) in California by Perfect Game … made Top Prospect list at Perfect Game National Showcase ... hit .506 with 7 HR, 9 2B and 29 RBI in 2017 … 2017 first team catcher by All-Bay Area News Group.
David Rhodes RHP L/R 6-2 200 White Rock, B.C./Langley Secondary School
Notes: Rated No. 5 overall prospect out of British Columbia and No. 368 overall in the class by Perfect Game … 2017 Perfect Game Under Class Third Team, 2016 Underclass HM … played in 2017 Area Code Games for Kansas City Royals.
Jayson Schroeder RHP R/R 6-2 200 Kirkland, Wash./Juanita
Notes: Rated No. 1 high school prospect in Washington by Perfect Game and Baseball Northwest, No. 182 nationally … First Team All-State and All-Kingco ... participated in 2017 Area Code games as a member of the Kansas City Royals … Baseball America's No. 98 MLB Draft prospect in high school.
AJ Guerrero breaks the UW home run record 👑
Friday, May 23
Business trip to Omaha 💼⚾️ #GoHuskies #baseball #pitcher
Wednesday, May 21
Washington 3, USC 1 | Huskies Highlights
Saturday, May 17
Washington 5, USC 3 | Huskies Highlights
Friday, May 16
