22 baseball players to watch in the Blue Water Area this season

Find the nearest baseball diamond, because the 2024 MHSAA season is underway.

Here are some players to watch for in the Blue Water Area, listed alphabetically.

Parker Atkinson, Marine City, senior

With major contributions from Parker Atkinson, the Mariners ended a 15-year district championship drought last season.

"Parker stands out from a leadership standpoint," Marine City coach Ryan Felax said. "He's that guy every coach loves having because he keeps the whole team in check. He has incredible range in center field and makes difficult plays look routine. Offensively, he's just got amazing bat-to-ball skills."

And then there's Atkinson's speed, which he used to qualify for the Division 2 track & field state finals in 2023. Oh, did I mention he was also the No. 1 receiver on Marine City's football team?

"More than anything, I'd like to see him thrive on the mound (this year)," Felax said. "Because we're counting on him a little bit more. We lost a few guys that threw for us. So I'm hoping he can grow into that role and be one of our starting pitchers that we can rely on. He put a lot of time in the preseason working on pitching."

Anthony Bonnetti, Richmond, junior

One of the area's premier programs is considerably young this season. Fortunately, the Blue Devils still have Anthony Bonnetti to lead the way.

"Anthony is a great player to coach," Richmond coach Scott Evans said in an email. "He is always trying to get better. Better on the field, better as a leader. As a coach, that is what we want, players to listen and grow from their experiences, be coachable ... so far he has responded very well to some tough coaching."

Bonnetti, who batted .328 last year, is now tasked with mentoring an influx of first- and second-year players.

"He has to become a great leader," Evans said. "He needs to be able to help our young players slow the game down. Assure them that failure is part of the game and growth will happen after failure. If he leads the way I know he can, we may be able to reach our potential. We are an extremely young team that lacks many returners."

Tyler Brown, Almont, junior

Entering his first season as a varsity pitcher, Tyler Brown has already put himself at the top end of the Raiders' rotation.

"This year, Tyler steps into the role of our number 2 pitcher," Almont coach Shane Campbell said in an email. "Tyler also has tremendous commitment to the game of baseball and works year round. He is another even keeled player that doesn't let his emotions get in his way ... he's an all around very good baseball player and respectful young man."

The right-handed hitter will also spend time as a middle infielder.

"My expectation for Tyler this year is to become the complete pitcher and develop efficiency on the mound," Campbell said. "When he isn't on the bump, we will rely heavily on his defensive ability at shortstop. He also brings us much needed power at the front end of our lineup and I look for him to provide that output throughout the season."

Ryan Ching, Armada, senior

How young are the Tigers? One of their few veterans, starting pitcher Ryan Ching, is literally in a class of his own.

"He's our only senior," Armada coach Dave Checkley said. "As a junior, with mostly a senior-dominated team last year, he was still one of our leaders. He's a great kid, all the players like him and he brings a very mild, calm demeanor to the field. But he's a competitor. You put all those things together and it's a definite plus for our team."

It wasn't a given that Ching would be part of the roster, as he's preparing to bowl at the collegiate level. But he decided to return for one more run.

"He's one of our top pitchers," Checkley said. "He's a very good defensive player in the outfield and has a good bat … "I'd like to see him be successful and have a great year so that he's going out (as a senior) the way he should."

Trace Dennis, Imlay City, freshman

As the lone freshman on this list, Trace Dennis is already showing why he belongs.

"His skills are very honed," Imlay City coach Martin Barker said. "He's just a baseball (junkie). We've played six games so far this season and he has not struck out yet. To (do that) as a freshman is super impressive … he's got power."

Dennis, who plays catcher, hit the first home run of his career on Monday during a game against Croswell-Lexington.

"I want him to continue to develop and understand the game at the varsity level," Barker said. "The sky is the limit for him. He's been impressive so far, so it's about continuing to learn, grow and get better."

Zach Edson, Imlay City, senior

What do the Imlay City baseball, boys tennis and boys bowling teams all have in common? Zach Edson is a captain for each one.

"Zach is a leader," Barker said. "Kids gravitate to him and he leads by example. He's got the skills as well and is batting in the three spot. He understands the game, is super passionate and loves to play.

"I want him to have the most successful senior year he can and go out with good memories. I'd also like to see him be (named to the BWAC All-Conference first team)."

Landon Hill, Armada, junior

Rounding out the Tigers' one-two punch on the mound is Landon Hill.

"He likes to have the ball and wants to compete," Armada coach Dave Checkley said. "He'll go right after you and he's got good control over all his pitches. He was injured early last year and spent quite a bit of time on the (junior varsity) team after that. But he's a competitor and a very good pitcher."

For the Tigers to succeed, Hill's impact can't be limited to the rubber.

"I'd like to see him continue to improve in other places besides pitching," Checkley said. "I don't want him to only be a pitcher. Because we can use him in the outfield and at the plate."

Josh Kasner, Algonac, senior

After finishing as the Division 3 runner-up last season, the Muskrats have state championship aspirations in 2024. That comes with the territory of having a player like Josh Kasner.

"He's such a competitor," Algonac coach Scott Thaler said. "It doesn't matter if it's with his batting or his pitching, he doesn't like to lose. He has that mentality that it's him against whoever he's competing against. That makes him so special on the mound, because it's one v. one. He's to the point where he can dominate the guy at bat and, sometimes, he doesn't have to rely on anybody else. And when it's a big stage, he comes out (and excels) the most."

That was evident in last year's state semifinal against Lansing Catholic, when Kasner singlehandedly powered the Muskrats to a 4-1 victory and their first-ever state final. While his go-ahead, three-run homer in the third inning was the difference, Kasner also threw a complete game with seven strikeouts.

He was eventually named to the Division 3 All-State First Team by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA).

"We talked in the off-season, him and I, about verbally leading," Thaler said. "There's always been seniors or upperclassmen above him and — even though he's been a leader with his performance — he hasn't really been asked to be that vocal leader. I ask a lot of my seniors, especially a two-time captain like him, to step into that role.

"So I want him to do that this year and (help) pass that torch on to the next group of boys. Because that's how you build programs — is with your senior leadership giving back."

Aidan Korolden, Yale, senior

There's no point in trying to throw Aidan Korolden off his game. Because it just won't happen.

"He doesn't get rattled," Yale coach Brian Fowler said. "That's the big thing about him. In baseball, there's a lot of down time and people can think — and sometimes they think themselves into trouble. Aidan has been able to avoid that. He's (also) got the ability. And with the ability, he gets the most out of everything and has a really high baseball IQ. He's going to keep us in our all the games. Every time he's on the mound, we have a chance."

Korolden will be playing in college at this time next year. But before then, he wants to play a part in the Bulldogs' rebirth.

"We graduated a lot (of players last season)," Fowler said. "We brought up a lot of youngsters who don't have a lot of experience. (Korolden) and I have had a lot of conversations about remaining patient. He's going to help me bring these kids along.

"We're trying to build something here. We want to win something and I think we can. We've just got to catch these other kids up to varsity speed. I ask (Korolden) to do a lot of stuff and he does it well. He's a great team player and makes people comfortable because he's always in control. I think his teammates appreciate that."

Jason Lane, Almont, junior

Every team needs an ace. And the Raiders have found theirs in Jason Lane.

"Jason's commitment to the game has helped position him as one of the top pitchers in our conference," Almont coach Shane Campbell said in email. "Not only is he a hard worker, he's an outstanding young man. He strives to be better each day. He has a great attitude and leads by example to his teammates. His composure makes him special. He's not afraid of the big moment and usually plays up to the challenge."

Lane's next challenge is pick up where he left off in 2023.

"My expectation for Jason this season is that he maintains his work ethic and continues to grow stronger as the season progresses," Campbell said. "One thing I know is that he doesn't need any motivation from me, as he is a self-starter.

Cooper Letson, Marine City, junior

With so much talent, it's hard to believe Cooper Letson is only a junior.

"He's an elite-level catcher with a great arm and a great pop time," Marine City coach Ryan Felax said. "But the thing about him that stands out is his work ethic. He really puts in a ton of effort and time. He'll be my cleanup hitter and has done a lot of work in the (batting) cages."

In 2023, Letson threw out 50% of the baserunners (16-of-32) who attempted to steal under his watch. Perhaps more impressive is that he only had four passed balls all season.

While Letson constantly works to elevate his game, the Mariners don't want him overthinking.

"I need Cooper to stay out of his own head a little bit," Felax said. "He's got high expectations for himself, which is great in some regards. But he can't let a bad at-bat effect the way he approaches his next at-bat ... I'm looking forward to seeing him perform."

Nick Monzo, Croswell-Lexington, senior

Last year didn't go the Pioneers' way. So, over the long winter, Nick Monzo set out to make this season different.

"He's a three-year varsity player," Cros-Lex coach Bryce Davis said. "Last year, he struggled at the plate, which affected his game overall. But he put in a lot of work in the off-season. He's gotten a lot stronger, his swing looks a lot better and he's really going to be able to demonstrate how good of a pitcher he is.

"I want him to step up as a leader this year and play to his full potential. With a lot of kids that have potential, sometimes they don't ever hit that potential because they don't push themselves. And I want him to push himself to reach that full potential and end his high school career on a good note."

Peyton Mullins, Port Huron, senior

Following a strong finish to his football career, Peyton Mullins is back to doing what he does best.

"He's always been, first and foremost, a baseball player," Port Huron coach Kevin Goulding said. "It's always been his No. 1 sport. He's one of our leaders on the team. He leads by example with his work ethic and how he goes about the game every day."

The outfielder and right-handed pitcher will be a vital piece to the Red Hawks' puzzle.

"I want him to continue being a leader," Goulding said. "If he stays positive within himself and doesn't try to do too much, the sky is the limit for him. He's definitely got the tools to have a special season."

Carter Peterson, St. Clair, senior

At 6-foot-3, Carter Peterson is an intimidating figure on the mound. But opposing batters have much more to fear than his height.

"He's real cool, calm and collected with his demeanor," St. Clair coach Nick Black said. "He features a low-to-mid 80s fastball with a wipeout breaking ball. So he knows how to mix and match really well. He didn't used to pitch. We introduced the idea to him in a heavier capacity last year and he was throwing 82 miles an hour. And we were like, "Okay, we got something here.' "

With Peterson, the Saints have someone coming into their own.

"I want to see him take the reigns and be a leader on the mound," Black said. "(Primarily) by being the unspoken leader. Have that dominance and attitude that you're the guy. And he's starting to show it. He threw lights out against Algonac (on April 3) — they didn't touch him. So far, I've been incredibly impressed with him. Because all the work he's put in is really showing through."

Connor Shurkey, St. Clair, senior

Two years, two surgeries and one torn meniscus later, Connor Shurkey is finally back at full strength.

"He played all last season, not healthy, he just bulldogged it," St. Clair coach Nick Black said. "He rehabbed from it and is back to 100%. He's hitting the ball really well and putting really good at-bats together. He's our leader behind the dish — very mature personality, very mature demeanor and very smart with his pitch calling … he has total control of the game. He's everything you'd want in a catcher."

With recovery in the rearview mirror, Shurkey's focus can return to normal.

"I'd love to see him keep up with everything he's been doing," Black said. "Being a leader — a spoken leader. He's like the program's big brother. A very mature kid physically, mentally and emotionally. He's the quarterback of the team. I want to see him have absolute dominance over that field at all times, regardless of the situation."

Bryce Simpson, Algonac, junior

When facing the Muskrats, opponents should consider themselves lucky if they avoid Josh Kasner. But any feeling of relief will likely disappear once they see Bryce Simpson is the second option.

"The moment is never too big for him," Algonac coach Scott Thaler said. "He surprised us early on (last season). We gave him some opportunities and he proved every single time out that it wasn't too big of a stage for him. Very rarely do you have a sophomore — now a junior — that slows the game down for himself and, probably, works a little bit better with pressure situations."

As a pitcher, Simpson has proven he's worthy of any of stage. Now can he do the same as a hitter?

"Last year, he didn't have to bat very much," Thaler said. "This year, when he's not pitching, he'll be asked to step into a middle-of-the-lineup type of a role and play some first base or outfield. (I want him) to become more of an overall baseball player as opposed to just that dominant pitcher."

Bryce Smith, Marysville, senior

No matter the score or the scenario, the Vikings breathe easy when Bryce Smith is on the hill.

"Bryce is our No. 1 pitcher," Marysville coach Caleb Dalman said. "He had a good year last year, but there's some unfinished business he wants to deal with. On the mound, he's definitely a presence. He's someone who's going to give us a chance to compete and win every single time he gets the ball. At the plate, he's a guy that's got some pop in his bat and could do some damage."

The goal for Smith is to demolish pitches more often.

"I want to see consistency (from him) at the plate," Dalman said. "On the mound last year, he was pretty consistent … if he can be that consistent leader for us at the plate, it extends our lineup one more hitter. And anytime you can extend your lineup, that makes it a little bit harder for the other team to take a break."

Cam Spezia, Cardinal Mooney, junior

It would be an understatement to say that the Cardinals have given Cam Spezia a promotion.

"He's batting third for us this year and swung his way into lineup after batting ninth last year," Cardinal Mooney coach Dave Bowen said. "Honestly, he's one of the better hitters we have on the team."

But with every opportunity comes added responsibility.

"I'd like to see him get on base more consistently," Bowen said. "He'll get there. He was a little bit of a power hitter last year and has gotten stronger. So we expect to get some more power and extra-base hits from him this year."

George Szep, Cardinal Mooney, senior

At last, George Szep is free of precautionary measures.

"George was on a pitch count last year coming off of Tommy John surgery," Bowen said. "Now he's back to full health. So we're looking to see what he can do. In the off-season, he was throwing mid-to-upper 80s consistently. He'll be our No. 1 (pitcher) all season."

While the restrictions are gone, Szep's acclimation is still, understandably, a work in a progress.

"Last year, he was hesitant and threw a lot of balls," Bowen said. "We're trying to get him back to finding the zone and throwing more strikes now that's he's fully back."

Gavin Troy, Port Huron, senior

Like his many of his teammates, Gavin Troy starred on the gridiron for the Red Hawks last fall. Expect him to follow suit on the diamond.

"Gavin is just a special athlete," Port Huron coach Kevin Goulding said. "He's got all kinds of power and comes up big in (pressure) situations. He's one of our best outfielders, but we're going to ask him to play a little bit of third base this year.

"I just want him to build on (what he accomplished) last year. He ended being (an All-Region selection) and led our team in pretty much all (statistical) categories, with the exception of stolen bases. But he was still there up there in that one too. I want him build on what he did last year and take it to the next level."

Jett Weeder, Croswell-Lexington, senior

With all the tools at his disposal, Jett Weeder is ready to put them to use.

"He's one of those kids that'll hold himself to a higher standard than most," Cros-Lex coach Bryce Davis said. "The kid's got an immense amount of baseball IQ. His talent level is up there with the best. So, if we can get him to put all that together, he's going to have a very good season."

After playing second base as a junior, Weeder has moved to shortstop for his senior year.

"He's really taken it upon himself to make sure he's ready to go," Davis said. "I want to see him put together a full season. If he can do that, the impact he'll have on the underclassmen will be amazing."

Zach Winston, Marysville, junior

Entering his third year on varsity, Zach Winston boasts a rare mix of youth and experience.

"He's put in a ton of work and is vying to take that next step in his development," Marysville coach Caleb Dalman said. "He'll be our shortstop throughout the year and one of those catalysts for our offense. He can definitely set the table for some of the big (sluggers) behind him in the lineup. Offensively, he has a lot to offer … defensively, he has a knack for being where the ball is at."

Now, as one of the veterans, the Vikings expect Winston to share his wisdom.

"I want him take that next step in his leadership," Dalman said. "He does it at the plate, he does it defensively, but (the goal is) to take that next step as a leader in our program. Not only on the varsity team, but just in general. Because I know the (younger players) look to him. So, seeing that leadership out of him is what we're hoping for."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 22 baseball players to watch in the Blue Water Area this season