Vote: Who will be South Florida’s top baseball underclassmen?
The future of high school baseball in South Florida is certainly bright.
Not that the present is too shabby, because Broward and Miami-Dade counties produce as much prep talent as any area in the country. That’s reflected by all the players who have moved on to play in major colleges and professional ball.
The 2024 high school season gets going in less than two weeks, and SBLive Sports Florida already is recognizing some of the top players and teams in the area.
While there are plenty of seniors who will be on our radar this season, today we’re putting the spotlight on some of the top underclassmen in South Florida. MLB has a slogan: “Let the kids play!” We agree, and they’ve got our attention.
Now, we’re asking you to help us out by voting on who will be the top South Florida baseball underclassmen this year?
As always, our polls are intended to be fun, while providing recognition to as many athletes from as many schools as possible.
Voting ends March 15th at 11:59 p.m. Vote as often as you’d like, and spread the word!
Our choices are below:
Jadyn Nunez, OF, Doral Academy: An outfielder and right-handed pitcher, Nunez (’25 class) has committed to the University of North Carolina. Ranked among the top outfielders in the state by many of the ranking services, boasting a low-90s mph fastball on the mound.
Talan Holiday, RHP, American Heritage Plantation: The ace on Heritage’s 2023 state title team, Holiday had a breakout sophomore season, posting a 9-1 record and 1.28 ERA, and earning a commitment to North Carolina.
Jose Lopez, 1B/3B, Westminster Christian: A power hitter and corner infielder, Lopez (’25) belted eight home runs last year, while adding eight doubles.
Zahir Barjam, SS, Columbus: A standout middle infielder, Barjam is among the best shortstops in the state. Uncommitted for now, that promises to change for the Class of ’25 star, who raised his stock playing in showcases last year.
Bennett Gary, OF, Marjory Stoneman Douglas: One look at Gary’s swing, and it’s easy to see why the Class of ’25 outfielder has a Miami commitment. Bennett is prime for a big season in a loaded Eagles lineup.
Jonathan Lopez, 3B, Taravella: A standout at third base and on the mound, Lopez (’25) has a commitment to Florida Atlantic University. As a sophomore, Lopez batted .333 and he had a 0.70 ERA as a pitcher.
RJ Machado, SS, American Heritage Plantation: As a sophomore, Machado posted a .406 batting average while at St. Thomas Aquinas. The Class of ’25 infielder has committed to Florida State.
Braden Rosenthal, RHP/1B, Calvary Christian Academy: A right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter, Rosenthal’s fastball is up to 90 mph. The son of Calvary Christian Academy coach Wayne Rosenthal, a former big league pitching coach, Rosenthal (’25) already is a polished pitcher with tremendous upside. The junior is committed to Samford.
Andrew Alvarez, 3B, St. Thomas Aquinas: As a sophomore last year at West Broward, Alvarez (’25) batted .364 with five doubles and five home runs.
Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep: Arguably the top sophomore in the state, Lombard (’26) hit .318 as a freshman, while also being a standout on Gulliver Prep’s soccer team. The younger brother of George Lombard, who played at Gulliver Prep last year and was drafted by the New York Yankees.
Brandon Lorenzo, SS, Mater Academy Charter: Lorenzo’s talent was so obvious that as a freshman, the infielder (’26) had a commitment to the Florida Gators. At Western last year, Lorenzo hit .358. Now at Mater Academy Charter, Lorenzo is considered to be one of the best players in the state, especially among sophomores.
Matias Fischer, SS, True North Classical Academy: As a freshman, Fischer (’26) hit .312 for True North Classical, and on the mound, the Miami commit posted a 2.10 ERA. The sophomore possesses great speed and athleticism, and he is a player who is emerging among the best in the state.
Jimmy Huard, RHP, Western: Listed at 6-foot-3, Huard (’26) has had his fastball clocked close to 93 mph. The sophomore will garner plenty of attention for the Wildcats.
Genson Veras, OF, Cooper City: Veras (’26) was a standout as a freshman, batting .312 for the Cowboys. At 6-foot-4, the sophomore is a target of plenty of colleges. On the showcase circuit last summer, Veras hit well over .300.
Anthony Hernandez, RHP, Sagemont: A well-rounded athlete, Hernadez (’26) can play outfield, third base and pitch. On the mound, the 6-3 right-hander had a 2.50 ERA as a freshman, and his fastball has been clocked at 88 mph.
Adolfo Camacho, OF, North Broward Prep: Offering versatility, Camacho (’26) posted a respectable .333 batting average as a freshman. Uncommitted, the 6-3 sophomore has terrific upside.
