Blake Burke. Professional hitter.
Soon, anyway. For now, he continues to ply his trade at the college level at The University of Tennessee, but with the MLB Draft soon approaching, a wise big league team is set to get an advanced bat with some of the best power in the class. It’s not just power, though. The junior first baseman has a five-game hitting streak with eight knocks in his last 20 AB’s, which yes, includes a homer in a win over Florida on Saturday.
Burke first showed what he can do with the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series at the NorCal World Series back in 2018, and then a pro combine the following year before a breakout showing at the National Combine at Lake Charles in 2020.
Tre Phelps, INF — Georgia
True freshman, true talent. Phelps has put together an incredible first year in college ball, not far removed from a similar run at the FSS signature events, including the 2022 Main Event and Caribbean Classic. In his last five games with the Bulldogs, he’s 8-for-17 with two homers and nine RBI, and is hitting a stunning .378 on the season.
Colby Shelton, OF — Florida
Shelton has put together a big sophomore campaign for the Gators alongside fellow FSS alum Luke McNeillie, who has emerged as one of the top freshman arms in the country. Shelton has already gone deep 16 times this year, and did it again on Friday against Burke’s Vols in a big win.
Ian Petrutz, OF — Alabama
While Petrutz would have been lost in the shuffle for some given most eyes were on teammate Anthony Solometo during his appearance at the national tournaments, Petrutz earned his flowers with the Future Stars Series, and we’ve been keeping a close eye on him ever since. A junior transfer from Maryland, the six-foot, 210-pound lefty bat ranks 15th in the SEC with a .427 OBP and is fresh off a three-hit showing against Mississippi State, which gives him at least one knock in his last six contests.
Zion Rose, C — Louisville
Another true freshman who showed up to a big school ready to play, Rose has hits in ten of his last 12 games, including a whopping six multi-hit games over that span. He’s also got ten RBI over that stretch, and is hitting .382 in a strong first NCAA campaign.
