Top 10 Massachusetts baseball players in Class of 2022
FRANKLIN, Mass. (BVM) – With a plethora of Division I commits around the state, Massachusetts continues to boast some of the best talent around the country. The season has provided a return to action for many this year as they build off of their junior campaigns.
With the 2022 year underway, many of the players on the list will become household names in the near future. Here’s who you should take a look at for the remainder of the spring season:
- Jake Needham, Phillips Academy Andover (RHP)
One of the up-and-coming players in the state the last few years, Needham has been solid during his time on the mound at Phillips Andover. The 6-foot-3 right-hander has already impressed with his repertoire in his senior season, showcasing a solid mix of pitches. With the team off to a hot start after a 13-1 season last year, Needham will look to be a major cog in the Big Blues’ 2022 success, before he heads off to Holy Cross.
I am excited to announce my commitment to play baseball at Holy Cross! I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way! Go Crusaders ✝️ @NorthEast_BBall @real_PAbaseball @NEBscottp @Coach_MAbes pic.twitter.com/vieqUzE3RX
— Jake Needham (@JakeNeedham22) August 19, 2021
- Kyle Wolff, Middlesex (LHP)
Wolff lived up to the hype his opening prep season at Middlesex, becoming one of the top pitchers in the Independent School League following his freshman year. Wolff has also flashed potential at the plate, showcasing promise as a first baseman as well. After becoming a Perfect Game First Team Northeast Preseason All-American, Wolff will look to duplicate his prep success when he joins many in the area at Boston College.
- AJ Colarusso, Groton (LHP)
Colarusso is already shining this season, recently picking up a no-hitter against Thayer after a 17-strikeout performance that included a two-run homerun. The 6-foot, left-handed pitcher has been dominant during his time at Groton, with his solid mix of fastball and breaking pitches. The senior pitcher will add an important arm to the Boston College pitching staff in the future.
- Matt Travisano, Noble and Greenough (SS)
One of two players on the list from a solid Noble and Greenough team, Travisano will look to be a primary part in the team’s run at an Independent School League championship. The Bulldogs’ shortstop is looking to build off his impressive past seasons before heading off to play at Pitt. Along with his work in the infield, Travisano has shown a solid pitch make up during his time on the mound.
It’s official! I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity to attend Pitt and play for the Panthers. I cannot thank the Pitt coaches and staff enough. I want to thank my Dad, Mom, @NGCoachMur , Nobles, and the many teammates, friends, and travel coaches who have inspired me. pic.twitter.com/CxuV5vKJYJ
— Matt_Travisano (@MattTravisano24) November 14, 2021
- Marc Willi, Noble and Greenough (1B)
Willi has become one of the state’s best first basemen after breaking onto the scene at a young age. The Michigan commit has been on the Noble and Greenough varsity team since the eighth grade and was a participant in the Prep Baseball Report Futures Game. He joins his teammate on the list and enters the season as a Perfect Game Northeast Region Preseason First Team All-American, as the duo looks to lead Noble to an Independent School League championship behind a loaded lineup.
It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine! Go Blue 〽️⚾️#itsoffical @umichbaseball @UMichAthletics @NGCoachMur pic.twitter.com/nR20mmWqVq
— Marc Willi (@marc88w) November 10, 2021
- Niko Brini, Boston College (OF)
One of the top outfielders in the state, Brini has shown a great feel as a hitter throughout his high school career. After missing his sophomore season due to the pandemic, he would pick up back atop the batting order, leading Boston College High School to the semifinals in the Division I South tournament. His season also allowed him to participate in the “A Shot for Life” charity home run derby, which included some of the top players in Massachusetts. After committing to UConn as a freshman, the Boston College outfielder will add an important bat to the Huskies’ lineup in future seasons. He headed into his final season as a 2022 Perfect Game Northeast Region Preseason First Team All-American and All-Region Team selection.
- Jack Goodman, Medfield (SS)
After missing the majority of his freshman season due to a fractured back, and his sophomore season due to COVID, the 6-foot Medline shortstop has steadily risen over the past year since racking up a batting average of .419 with 21 RBIs in 23 games. Following his junior season, the Pepperdine commit is looking to lead his team to another deep playoff run after the Warriors came up one game short of a MIAA Division III state championship last year.
110% COMMITED pic.twitter.com/AM6co2Zc0n
— Jack Goodman (@jack_goodman4) August 16, 2020
- Thomas Rogers, Lincoln-Sudbury (RHP/1B)
The top right-handed pitcher in the state has been impressive throughout his high school career. The 6-foot-6 senior did however play elsewhere last season after an arm injury kept him off the mound. Without a chance to showcase his full potential as a pitcher, Rogers got the chance to do it at the plate, entering last year’s state tournament with a .444 batting average. With Rogers reuniting with Robbie O’Connor to create a dominant 1-2 punch, look for the Maryland commit to help lead the Warriors to another deep playoff run.
- Evan Blanco, Austin Prep (LHP)
The top left-handed pitcher in Massachusetts has been a stalworth in top-10 lists not only in his state, but in New England as well. The Austin Prep ace came out strong to start his senior season tossing a complete game shutout while striking out 11 to lead Austin Prep to an opening day win. He would follow it up by punching out 16 batters a week later. The 6-foot, 195-pound Virginia commit was a 2022 Perfect Game Northeast Region Preseason First Team All-American and an All-Region Team selection.
I am proud to announce that I have committed to The University of Virginia! Thank you to my mom, family, friends, AP Baseball, and the Nor’Easters Baseball program for everything! A special thank you to Coach O’Connor, Coach Kuhn, and all of UVA Baseball for everything! #gohoos pic.twitter.com/zamTmvRuCX
— EVAN BLANCO (@EvanBlanco27) July 26, 2019
- Ivan Arias, Dexter Southfield (SS)
The Vanderbilt commit has been one of the top players in the state the past few years, following in the footsteps of former Dexter Southfield standout and second round pick, Joshua Baez. Arias has proven to be one of the most impressive players in his class and after a slow start to his senior season, the star shortstop has started to find his rhythm with eight hits in the early portion of the season.
— Ivan Arias (@Ivan_Arias23) January 29, 2022
