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Arizona 2027 Class Rankings Update

September 11, 2024
Shea Sbranti
Arizona Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Arizona staff has just released the updated prospect rankings for the 2027 class, unveiling a new Top 50 list of the most promising players in the state. After a summer filled with events, showcases, and in-depth scouting at games, the rankings reflect the top-tier talent that Arizona has to offer. From dominant pitchers to power-hitting sluggers and versatile fielders, this list captures the emerging stars who have made their mark and are poised to impact the future of baseball in Arizona. The Prep Baseball Arizona Top 50 rankings are a testament to the deep pool of talent in the 2027 class. 

FULL TOP 50!

TOP 10 MOVEMENT

Robert Villa III SS / 2B / Centennial, AZ / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 60 / POS: 14

Bobby Villa III, now ranked as the #1 prospect in Arizona for the 2027 class, is a standout switch-hitting shortstop from Centennial High School. Arguably the most athletic player in his age group, Villa possesses high-level tools both offensively and defensively. With smooth actions and a quick first step, he covers plenty of ground up the middle, making plays on anything within his range. At the plate, Villa displays a quick bat from both sides and the power to hit the ball out of the park. Profiling as a gap-to-gap hitter, he turns singles into extra bases with his speed and is a constant threat on the base paths. Following a stellar freshman season at Centennial, Villa's success carried into the summer as he competed on the national circuit with Elite Baseball Club.

 

 

Baylor Denny SS / 3B / Casteel, AZ / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 125 / POS: 29

Baylor Denny, the new #2 prospect in the Prep Baseball Arizona Rankings, made an immediate impact during his freshman season at Casteel High School. Denny played a key role in helping the Colts secure their second consecutive state title in 2024, contributing both up the middle and as a designated hitter. With an impressive .319 batting average, Denny showcased his talent early on. As Casteel moves forward without some of their key players from the 2024 season, Denny is poised to step into the starting shortstop role and lead the team for the next three years.

 

 

Cory Wuttke OF / Hamilton, AZ / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 1

Cory Wuttke, the newest addition to the Prep Baseball Arizona top 10 list, hails from Hamilton High School, where he first caught attention at the Pre Season All State games. His strong, athletic frame and quick bat have consistently made an impact, and he carried that momentum into his summer campaign. Defensively, Wuttke plays at a high level in the outfield, with advanced tracking skills and a strong arm. As his development continues, Wuttke is a prospect to watch closely over the next three years, with the potential to climb even higher in the rankings.

 

 

BIG MOVERS & SPOTLIGHTS

Dreson Ethier - Brophy High School (Shortstop)

Ethier is an exciting new name on the Prep Baseball Arizona radar, coming in at #17 in the 2027 class. Standing out with his long, athletic frame, Ethier projects to grow significantly both in terms of power and overall physicality. In his freshman campaign at Brophy, he posted an impressive slash line of .444, establishing himself as one of the top young hitters in the state. His advanced approach at the plate, combined with his natural strength and bat speed, hints at even more power to come as he continues to develop. Ethier’s ability to drive the ball to all fields makes him a constant threat in the lineup, and his projection as a power hitter is one of the highest among 2027 prospects. 

Israel Hernandez - Salpointe Catholic High School (Shortstop)

Israel Hernandez, a middle infielder from Salpointe Catholic, has seen his stock rise significantly over the past year, making his way into the Prep Baseball Arizona rankings. Hernandez has always been known for his exceptional glove work and defensive prowess up the middle, but his improvements at the plate have really turned heads. Over the past year, he has added size and strength, which has translated into increased power and consistency with the bat. His hands and feet remain among the best in his class, allowing him to play with a smoothness and confidence in the field. At the plate, Hernandez has developed a more aggressive approach, and his improved physicality now allows him to drive the ball with authority. This combination of defensive reliability and offensive growth makes Hernandez one of the top middle infield prospects in the 2027 class. 

Soren Etheridge - Phoenix Country Day High School (Right-Handed Pitcher)

Etheridge is no stranger to the Prep Baseball Arizona Rankings, he is one of the most promising young arms in the state of Arizona. Standing at 6’3”, Etheridge has a tall, athletic frame that projects well for the mound. His delivery features an over-the-top action, generating velocity with a fastball that already reaches 87 mph. With plenty of room to add strength and continue developing his mechanics, Etheridge's velocity will climb even higher, making him a must-see prospect for college recruiters. His command of the strike zone and ability to pound it with consistency have made him a standout performer on the mound. Additionally, Etheridge mixes in a developing off-speed repertoire, including a sharp breaking ball that keeps hitters off balance. As he refines his secondary pitches and gains more experience, Etheridge has the potential to emerge as one of the premier right-handed pitchers not just in Arizona but in the entire region. Expect him to be a highly sought-after arm when recruitment opens up next season.

Rank  Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Robert Villa III AZ Centennial 2027 SS
2 Baylor Denny AZ Casteel 2027 SS
3 Erick Jaylen Jimenez AZ Sandra Day O'Connor 2027 RHP
4 Conor Rae AZ Hamilton 2027 SS
5 Blake Gonzales AZ Hamilton 2027 3B
6 Ayden McGinnis AZ Sandra Day O'Connor 2027 1B
7 Xander McRae AZ American Leadership Academy - Queen Creek 2027 LHP
8 Lincoln Demmons AZ Basha 2027 3B
9 Cory Wuttke AZ Hamilton 2027 OF
10 EJ Mayer AZ Sahuarita 2027 SS
11 Hagen Haefs AZ Mountain Pointe 2027
12 Christopher Sinacori AZ Brophy 2027 C
13 Deegan Cross AZ Lake Havasu High School 2027 C
14 Soren Etheridge AZ PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 2027 RHP
15 Max Germaine AZ Mountain View High School 2027 C
16 Owen Konerko AZ Cactus Shadows 2027 3B
17 Dreson Ethier AZ Brophy Prep 2027 SS
18 Adrian Villela AZ Salpointe Catholic 2027 OF
19 David Adams AZ Canyon Del Oro 2027 LHP
20 Juan Pablo Altamirano AZ Homeschool (AZ) 2027 RHP
21 Dylan Keith AZ Red Mountain 2027 OF
22 Ty Hemenway AZ Corona Del Sol 2027 SS Arizona State
23 Aldo Teilon AZ Tucson 2027 SS
24 Tytin Clancy AZ Queen Creek 2027 3B
25 Maverick Bolen AZ Horizon 2027 C