Herald-News baseball preview: 5 players to watch in 2022

Here are five baseball players to watch in the Herald-News area this season.

Cole Crafton, Lincoln-Way West, IF-P: Crafton, who’s made an early commitment to Louisville, already has made an impression despite being a sophomore. Crafton hit .312 with four home runs as a freshman on varsity and will likely see a larger role pitching this season.

Ryan Hussey, Providence, P: Hussey could be the main arm for a very deep and talented Celtics pitching staff. A Notre Dame commit, Hussey went 4-1 in 30 varsity innings as a sophomore, striking out over a batter an inning during that stretch.

Brady Louck, Plainfield East, SS-P: Louck had an earned run average under 2.00 the entire season, including his epic run in the postseason as he logged critical innings as the Bengals won the Class 4A state title. He also was dangerous with the bat hitting about .400 with five home runs.

Luka Radicevich, Joliet Catholic, OF: Radicevich will hit at or near the top of the order for the Hilltoppers as part of what should be a really strong offensive attack. Radicevich is a hit machine that tends to get on base and score runs in bunches.

Alex Stanwich, Lincoln-Way East, OF: Stanwich is a the total package, a combination of speed and power that makes him a difficult out. A Tennessee commit, Stanwich gives East even more value as a stopper out of the Griffins bullpen.