Southern Illinois has been a well-documented hot bed of baseball talent for quite some time now, though that sentiment has been rather amplified over the past few years.
Whether it be the Metro East or more of the southeastern pocket of the state, the amount of high-end prospect follows that have emerged is really remarkable. While that sentiment bodes true to those that came before them, this 2025 class in particular may end up being one of the more historic when we look back on things.
November 13th is widely regarded throughout the country as National Signing Day, where thousands upon thousands of college athletes are recognized for their efforts to earn an opportunity to play their respective sports at the collegiate level.
We’re building off that within this story today, highlighting some of the players from our area that have earned Division I commitments. Below you’ll learn more about these 13 athletes and how they fit at their respective next-level programs.
SIGNING DAY SPECIAL
+ Chatham-Glenwood has produced numerous high level arms over the last decade or so, including a handful of notable big leaguers, and LHP Cameron Appenzeller (2025; Tennessee) is just as talented as the long lineage that came before him. There’s plenty to project on his 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame, and there’s no shortage of athleticism either, as evidenced by the highlight reel he’s created on the basketball court. Appenzeller’s operation is as smooth as easy as you’ll find, maintaining rhythm and connection down the mound with an ultra-athletic, free, and clean arm stroke. His fastball plays in the low-to-mid-90s and it’s in the zone on both corners often; he walked just 15 batters in 43 innings this past spring, punching out 85. He’s morphed his upper-70s slider into a true swing-and-miss sweeper over the past calendar year and, while he hasn’t necessarily showed it often, his low-80s changeup has the makings of a strong third offering. One of the top arms in the country, Appenzeller recently came off the market to the reigning national champion Tennesee Volunteers, though it’s almost a virtual lock he’ll be one of the more coveted arms in the 2025 MLB Draft.
+ Nestled in the heart of southern Illinois, RHP Brandon Menser (Sesser-Valier; Cincinnati) is a name that’s truly seen his stock skyrocket over the last calendar year or so. Toeing the rubber at 6-foot-3, 175-pounds, Menser’s lively stuff coupled with premium physical projection is hard not to like. His fastball plays in the low-90s from a simple, low-effort operation, and he’ll consistently rip off a big, bendy breaking ball that’ll play sharp off a 12/6 plane at times in the mid-to-upper-70s. The development of a third pitch, like a changeup, to counteract left-handed hitters will be key to unlocking another level to his game, but it’s likely that Menser still draws professional interest throughout his senior season.
+ Joining Menser in Cincinnati is RHP Connor Blue (O’Fallon), a muscle-bound right-hander that’s been trending upward in a big way over the past few months. Blue’s jump has been aided by a notable addition of muscle mass to his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame and it’s helped him sustain low-90s heat with a fastball that plays especially well up in the zone. His aptitude to spin a sharp mid-to-upper-70s breaking ball is a separator, and the development of a parachute changeup has been noteworthy, too. Blue’s already started to garner some buzz on the professional side – a number that should only continue to grow after another winter of development.
+ One of the more popular names in the Metro East, and an integral part of Edwardsville’s back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023, RHP/OF Joe Chiarodo (2025; Alabama) is headed to Tuscaloosa next fall. Chiarodo’s impact talents translate to both sides of the ball, and we’ll start on the mound, where he owns a low-90s fastball and consistent strike feel for a CB/SL/CH mix. Moving to the plate, Chiarodo is an explosive athlete with big bat speed and power, while also capable of providing impact defense in the outfield as a result of his dynamism.
+ RHP Austin Musso (Mascoutah) has long been a staple performer in the state’s southern region, and he announced his collegiate commitment to Arizona State yesterday afternoon. He’s really started to fill out his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame over the last year or so, tacking on noticeable muscle mass throughout, and there’s still room for more. His fastball’s touched 93 mph, playing in the upper-80s to low-90s. He’s a proven strike-thrower that’s capable of mixing in a SL/CB/CH mix around the zone often; the former, in particular, has the potential to be a put-away pitch at the next level. His physical stature, feel to pitch, and competitiveness all equate to a potential weekend starter at the next level.
+ Another superb athlete with size to pair in this area of the state is RHP Drew Winslow (Triad; Oklahoma State), who’s been a key contributor to a talented Knights’ basketball team over the past few years at 6-foot-6, 195-pounds. His future athletic career lies on the mound, however, with a unique ¾ arm slot and a fastball that’s been up to 93 mph, playing in the upper-80s to low-90s, with hard run. When it’s right, Winslow’s slider has out-pitch potential, and gives him an avenue to cover both sides of the plate.
+ RHP Tommy Kramkowski (Belleville East; Missouri State) is a name that’s on the precipice of breaking out and becoming a must-know name in the Metro East. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-hander has been up to 91 mph with his fastball, pitching anywhere in the mid-to-upper-80s from a tight, fast, and athletic arm slot. He can really spin both of his breaking balls, and there’s feel for a changeup in his arsenal, too. Kramkowski comes from a high school that’s produced multiple big arms over the last few years, and he looks every bit capable of being the next man up in that line.
+ RHP Braxdon Decker (Highland; Eastern Illinois) is cut similarly to that of Kramkowski as an upside under-the-radar arm worth a mention. There’s plenty of athleticism in his long, lean-limbed frame, as he’s a regular contributor on the hardwood basketball for the Bulldogs and went 28-for-28 on stolen bases last spring. Though he’s still fully developing feel for his stuff, Decker’s raw talent on the mound is evident. His fastball plays with heavy arm-side action in the mid-to-upper-80s and pairs nicely with a sweeper that has heavy horizontal tilt to it.
+ Few in the region, if not the state, have the pure hit tool and barrel control that INF Drew Kleinheider (Father McGivney; St. Louis) has. A strong, compact athlete, Kleinheider lives on the barrel with regularity and knows how to use the whole field to his advantage. He’s able to backspin the baseball consistently and the strength he’s started to add should aid him in producing more power production at the next level. Kleinheider’s able to play multiple positions on the infield with clean hands, athletic feet, and the instincts to make most plays look routine. Look for him to be a positive contributor right away next year for the Billikens.
+ LHP Nathan Matoush (Hillsboro) is an ultra-physical southpaw with starter size and talents that’s signed with Dartmouth. Matoush fills up the zone with a mid-to-upper-80s fastball, though the recent size and strength he’s added could have that number comfortably rising come spring time. He’ll mix in a short wrinkle breaking ball for strikes and has also shown a changeup in past looks.
+ Another Edwardsville Tiger on this list, INF Lucas Krebs is headed to Champaign next fall by way of a commitment to Illinois. Krebs has played a key role for the Tigers in each of the last two seasons, making positive strides in all aspects of his game this spring in particular. He tacked on more strength, adding impact to his right-handed swing, and ticked up from a defensive perspective, too. His timing, rhythm, adjustability, and arm strength all improved, paving a pathway for him to be an asset on the infield at the next level.
+ Southern Illinois – Edwardsville is keeping two local kids home, with both INF Kannon Kamp (Father McGivney) and RHP Tyler Powell (Edwardsville) set to be future Cougars. Kamp’s ultra-easy and fluid left-handed stroke has led him to produce against all levers of competition throughout his high school career. His hit tool is certainly advanced and he’s another candidate to step in and perform right out of the gate at the next level. Powell has recently started to take a sustained jump on the mound, holding upper-80s heat with his fastball while flashing feel for both a curveball and changeup. His physicality and three-pitch mix could equate to a starter’s role at the next level, though his ability to impact the game out of the ‘pen would also be a positive for the Cougars.
Recent Posts
- Scout Notes: Fall Showcase, IL
- Scout Notes: Fall Games, September 22nd
- Evan’s Notes: Summer Looks, 2028 Grads
- Evan’s Notes: Summer Looks, Uncommitted 2027 Grads
- Scout Notes: Main Event
