DIAMOND GEMS
Here are Pueblo's top 30 baseball players to watch for the 2024 season
The 2024 spring season has begun. As with every new season, the Chieftain works with local coaches to put together a players-to-watch list for the upcoming season.
This season features many great sports, including baseball.
This season's players-to-watch list is comprised of names submitted by coaches for each high school participating in baseball this year.
Here are the top 30 players to watch for the baseball season.
Pueblo Central
● Ethan Ayala, senior, P/IF
Ayala is a four-year starter and has an amazing skill set on the defensive side of the game. He does a great job hitting at the top of the lineup and will be a top pitcher in the starting rotation.
● Jake Arguello, senior, C/1B
Arguello is a varsity returner this year who will handle most of the workload behind the dish and is expected to have a big year at the plate hitting in the middle of the lineup.
● Gage Escajeda, senior, RP/OF
Escajeda is a returning outfielder this year who does a great job tracking balls down out there. He is a clutch guy at the plate and tends to come through often in big situations. Escajeda will be a key reliever this year for the pitching staff.
● Zach Mehess, senior, P/IF
Mehess is another four-year starter on this team and will be found holding down the middle infield this season. He does a great job hitting at the top of the lineup and will be another top pitcher in the starting rotation.
Pueblo South
● Andrew Nolasco, junior, 3B
Nolasco showcased exceptional fielding skills, serving as a dugout leader. His impactful presence extended beyond defense, adding significant offensive firepower. Anticipate him replicating this valuable contribution in the upcoming season.
● Luke Dehn, senior, P/OF
Dehn showcased some significant potential on the mound. Look forward to him solidifying the team’s pitching rotation.
● Kade Ortiz, sophomore, C/P
Ortiz was a big factor in controlling the other team’s run game. Anticipate another great year behind the plate as well on the offensive side.
● Caeden Herrera, sophomore, SS/P
Herrera solidified the team’s shortstop position last year. He also found success at the plate.
Pueblo West
● Ryan Stark, senior, P
Stark finished last year with a 3.13 earned-run average for the Cyclones and earned a 3-0 record as well. He also finished with a .269 batting average along with six RBIs.
● Javien Baca, junior, SS/P
Baca as a pitcher last season put up a 3.08 earned run average and was 2-2 overall. From the plate, he batted .220 with nine RBIs for the season.
● Donovan Robinson, senior, OF/P
Robinson batted .237 last season with 14 hits and eight RBIs. He also was an excellent defender for the Cyclones only committing four errors last season.
● Logan King, sophomore, P/UT
As a freshman last year, King put up a .420 batting average with the varsity team. He also chipped in 17 RBIs on 21 hits.
● Jo-Jo Mendoza, sophomore, INF
Mendoza saw limited action with the varsity team last year as a freshman. He did have one hit last season and is looking to improve this year and contribute to the team’s performance.
Pueblo County
● Roy Higinbotham, senior, P
Higinbotham threw a lot of big games last year and hit in the middle of the order. He is poised to have another big year.
● Caulin Pighetti, senior, P
Pighetti is another returner that hit in the middle of the order last year. He will also have a bigger role on the mound this year.
● Parker Hankins, senior, SS
Hankins is a returner at shortstop he will lead off to start the year. He’s taken more of a leadership role this year.
● Cohen Glenn, junior, CF/P
Glenn will play center field and hit in the middle of the order. He will also have a bigger role on the mound this year.
Pueblo Centennial
● Josh Lucero, senior, SS
As the team captain, Lucero will lead in every facet of the game. He is the team’s shortstop and the fourth hitter in the lineup. He is a great base runner and has been a varsity guy for four years. He wants to be a next-level player and has all the tools to be that guy.
● Jack Espinoza, junior, P/1B
Espinoza will be the ace of the staff. He has a wealth of experience and should have a great year on the hill. This is his third year on varsity and will be the guy who will match up with every opponent’s best.
● Landen Lenn, sophomore, CF/P/ INF
Lenn is probably the best all-around athlete at Centennial right now. He is a great player and teammate. He can play any position at a high level and will be the team’s leadoff guy with his exceptional speed and is a student of the game.
Pueblo East
● Matt Casillas, senior, P/1B
Casillas is a four-year varsity starter and a senior captain. His experience and calm demeanor make for a tremendous leader for the sophomore-laden team.
● Brennon Rowe, senior, OF
Rowe was primed for a big junior year but was sidelined due to shoulder surgery. The team is excited for a big senior season for him.
● David Casillas, sophomore, P/ INF
David Casillas is a top-of-the-rotation arm, middle-of-the-diamond glove, and top-of-the-order hitter. He was hitting .556 before a broken hand ended his season last year as a freshman. Look for a tremendous season and career at East High School for David Casillas.
● Aron Ruiz-Salcido, sophomore, P/OF/INF
Ruiz-Salcido had multiple massive starts on the mound last season, including the start in the team’s playoff matchup against Northridge. They have high hopes for the left-handed hurler and middle-of-the-order hitter.
● Jacob Vondersmith, sophomore, OF
Since Vondersmith has entered the program all he has done is hit. Look for him to be the igniter at the top of the order.
Dolores Huerta
● Cameron Stringfellow, senior, P/ INF/OF
He is a multi-year starter and a natural leader. He will anchor the pitching staff and can play anywhere on the field.
● Noah Acuna, senior, INF
Acuna is another natural leader. He will man third base and hit in the middle of the order.
● Cristobal Esquibel, senior, C
Esquibel will be the team’s primary catcher. He will also hit in the middle of the lineup.
● Bryan Mendoza, senior, INF/P
Mendoza is a leader on and off the field. He will be at first base and do some pitching this season.
Rye
The Thunderbolts head coach Stacey Graham did not have enough time prior to this article’s deadline to submit names for the players watch for this season. This story may be updated later.