Western Canada Prospects Series - 16U Top Performers

Anytime a player can represent their province on the field, it's an event they'll never forget. Bringing together some of the top players from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan made for a high quality event to end off the 2025 summer baseball season. In this article, we take a look at 5 standout players from Team Alberta who performed well at the Western Canada Prospects Series and who have bright futures ahead.

Wyatt Schmitt | 2028 | OF | Red Deer Rangers | Uncommitted

As a 2028, Wyatt Schmitt’s maturity at the dish is what sets him apart. He fits the mold of a leader hitter very well: he puts the bat on the ball, gets on base, utilizes his speed on the bases, and puts up very competitive at-bats. He finished the weekend 4 for 11 with 2 doubles, a triple, 5 RBIs, 7 runs, 6 walks, and 5 stolen bases. On average, he saw over 4 pitches per at bat and on several occasions, saw 3 or more pitches after the count got to 2 strikes. There’s plenty of athleticism in his 5-foot-9, 145-pound frame, which allows him to play in the outfield or on the infield on the defensive side of the ball. There’s plenty to like with Schmitt, and with 2 years until he sets off for college, the sky is the limit.

Mac Warawa | 2027 | SS/RHP | Webber Wildcats | Uncommitted

As one of the better two-way players in the 2027 class, Warawa did not disappoint. It started at the dish in which he went 6 for 13 with 5 doubles, 7 RBIs, and 4 runs. His barrel control was evident all weekend, driving balls on a line and with authority, primarily to his pullside. At 6-foot-0,185-pounds, his athleticism is present on both sides of the ball, he’s a 7.1 runner with an 85 mph arm on the infield and shows some utility with it as well. Another impressive aspect to Warawa’s game is on the mound. At the Rawlings Cup he sat 85-86 mph with the fastball and has been up to 88 mph. He creates in-zone swing and miss with it and pairs it with a tight slider at 75 mph that he can throw for strikes. He also mixes in a cutter at 80-81 mph. Warawa is a 2027 that is a must watch on both sides of the ball.

Ronan Johnson | OF/RHP | Parkland Twins | Uncommitted

After a strong first season in the BAEL, the two-way Parkland Twins product continued to have an impact at the Western Canadian Prospect Series. This time, that impact came on the mound. He threw a complete game against a talented Team Manitoba, striking out 7, while surrendering 6 hits and 3 earned runs. 4 of the hits and all 3 runs came in the second inning, showing just how dominant he was for the rest of the game. He didn't walk a single batter either, showing advanced pitchability and that he’s capable of landing several different pitches for strikes, often pitching backwards. At 6-foot-0, 160-pounds, there’s plenty of upside to Johnson on the mound, but don’t sleep on his bat either.

Kai Burnstad | OF | Camrose Cougars | Uncommitted

Easily the biggest surprise of both the Rawlings Cup and Western Canadian Prospect Series was 2027 Kai Burnstad. Coming off the summer season in which he played in 18U AA, Burnstad looked right at home and comfortable in the box against much tougher pitching. He finished the weekend 4 for 11 with a triple, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs. This also wasn’t a fluke, as he went 7 for 15 at the Rawlings Cup with a double, homerun, 6 RBIs, and 4 runs. There’s present bat to ball, having only struck out 3 times in over 30 plate appearances in the two events combined. There’s athleticism in his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame, and as he continues to see high end pitching, Burnstad will have a high ceiling and a player to follow. 

Finn Gavigan | LHP | Parkland Twins | Uncommitted

There’s a lot to like when you see Finn Gavigan take the mound. The 6-foot-0, 165-pound left hander is an easy mover with a loose arm from a ¾ slot. Against Team Saskatchewan, he struck out 4 over 5 strong innings. He sat 78-80 mph with the fastball but has been up to 83 mph. He mixes 4 different pitches strikes, the curveball and slider have unique movement profiles, and the changeup is very effective with late depth when located down. There’s plenty of room for Gavigan to mature physically, and with his current pitchability, there’s plenty of upside to look forward to and he continues to develop.