16U Rawlings Cup - Top Performers
The Rawlings Cup is always an event on the Baseball Alberta calendar that we look forward to. It brings together the top talent from 12 different organizations at both the 14U and 16U age groups. At the 16U level, the Rawlings Cup also serves as an early identifier for the Canada Cup which takes place the following August. It allows our staff and evaluators to get a look at players that will be vying for a spot on Team Alberta at the highly regarded event. Here we take a look at 5 players who performed well at the 16U Rawlings Cup.
Dzeo McNaughton | 2027 | 1B/LHP | Parkland Twins | Uncommitted
McNaughton, who had an impactful first season in the BAEL, continued to swing a hot bat at the Rawlings Cup. He finished the weekend going 7 for 13 with a double, 5 RBIs, 5 runs, and 5 walks. The most impressive part about McNaughton's game is his ability to put the bat on the ball. He uses the entire field and has feel for the strike zone, rarely striking out. At 5-foot-10, 150-pounds, added strength will come as he continues to mature physically making his bat that much more impactful. On the mound he threw a complete game, giving up just 1 earned run, walking no one, and striking out 7. There’s plenty to like on both sides of the ball, but the upside with the bat once he adds more strength is something to keep an eye on going forward.
Keaton Sauer | 2027 | OF/RHP | Black Gold 47s | Uncommitted
Sauer, who was one of the better two-way players in 18U AAA this past season, had a major impact on both sides of the ball for Black Gold at the Rawlings Cup. On the mound he struck out 8 over 7 innings, only surrendering 5 hits, 2 walks, and 2 earned runs, with the fastball sitting comfortably at 78-80 mph. He pitched with plenty of confidence, controlling the tempo of the game and landing both his fastball and curveball for strikes, generating swing and miss with both. At 5-foot-11, 150-pounds, there's plenty of projectability in his lean frame with room to fill out. At the dish, Sauer went 6 for 16 with 2 doubles, a HR, and a remarkable 11 RBIs, which was 4 more than any other player at the Rawlings Cup. With upside on both sides up the ball, Sauer will be a name in the 2027 class to keep an eye on.
Dexton Mohn | 2027 | INF | Fort McMurray Oil Giants | Uncommitted
Coming off a strong season as a first year player in 18U AAA, in which he was one the more impactful hitters for the Neutral Hills Wranglers slashing .390/.430/.492, Mohn continued to do damage at the dish at the Rawlings Cup. He collected at least one hit in every game, going 7 for 15 with 3 doubles and 4 runs. He generally works to his pull-side, using a toe tap to get on time. At 6-foot-0, 170-pounds, Mohn will look to add strength to his frame, taking his impact bat to the next level.
Ben McMahon | 2027 | RHP/OF | Olds Spitfires | Uncommitted
At 6-foot-1, 155-pounds, there’s plenty to like when you first see Ben McMahon step on the mound. Over 4 strong innings at the Rawlings Cup he struck out 7 and walked just 1. Aside from his projectable frame with upside, he’s an easy mover who generates extension down the mound. There’s in-zone swing and miss on both his fastball and slider, which is a good indication of potential future success. The fastball sat 79-80, and got up to 82 mph. The slider has tight, late break and showed signs of an effective strike out pitch. The upside is undeniable with 2027 grad, and he will be an arm to follow as he continues to mature and grow into his frame.
Austin Borthwick | 2027 | 3B | Lethbridge Bulls | Uncommitted
The Rawlings Cup was our first time seeing Borthwick, and he didn't disappoint. He was tied for the tournament lead in hits, going 7 for 12 with 7 runs and 3 walks. He has a simple approach in the box from the left side, utilizing quiet hands and is short to the ball, regularly being on time with several base hits back up the middle. With present barrel control and the ability to drive the ball, Borthwick will be an interesting follow as he looks to unlock additional raw power and get the ball in the air on a more consistent basis.