Spring Rankings Update: 2027 Class
June 5, 2024
Prep Baseball Arizona has released its updated 2027 class rankings, following an outstanding spring high school season. This class has garnered significant attention, regarded as one of the most promising and highly anticipated cohorts in recent years. As the next wave of talent emerges, Prep Baseball Arizona's rankings highlight the players to watch, setting the stage for what is expected to be an exciting journey over the next three years. With impressive performances already making waves this spring high school season, the 2027 class is poised to deliver a remarkable array of rising stars and elite prospects, promising a bright future for Arizona baseball.
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Erick Jaylen Jimenez RHP / OF / Sandra Day O'Connor High School, AZ / 2027Coming in at #1 in the Arizona 2027 class rankings is right-handed pitcher Jaylen Jimenez from Sandra Day O'Connor High School. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 185 pounds, the freshman is as projectable as they come in the baseball landscape. With a fastball sitting at 86-88 mph and touching 90 mph, Jimenez is poised to be a special talent to watch moving forward. During his freshman season, he started for the Eagles in seven games, pitching a total of 24.2 innings and recording 25 strikeouts. Highlighting his remarkable season, Jimenez made the start for the Eagles in the 6A State Title game, showcasing his poise and talent on a big stage.
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Robert Villa III SS / 2B / Centennial, AZ / 2027Coming in at #2 in the 2027 class rankings is middle infielder Robert Villa III. Villa was the top freshman in the state of Arizona this season at the varsity level for Centennial High School, boasting an impressive slash line of .381 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs. Renowned for his exceptional athleticism, Villa's dynamic play extended to the base paths, where he led his team with 16 stolen bases. Defensively, he is known for his high-level glove work and quick first step, making him a standout in the middle infield. The switch-hitting shortstop's blend of speed, power, and defensive prowess makes him an exciting player to watch in the upcoming high school seasons. Villa is poised to be a high-level prospect for college coaches come August 1st of his junior year.
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Conor Rae SS / OF / Hamilton High School, AZ / 2027Coming in at #3 in the Arizona high school rankings is Hamilton High School's Conor Rae. Rae played up in his freshman season at the JV level, hitting .370 with 5 home runs. Where Rae truly stood out for the Huskies was on the mound, posting an impressive ERA of 0.34 in 20 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts. As the top utility player in the state for the 2027 class, Rae's versatility and talent make him a standout prospect. He will be an exciting player to watch at the varsity level for Hamilton in his sophomore campaign.
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Baylor Denny SS / 3B / Casteel, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 3
Coming in at the #4 spot in Arizona, previously ranked #6, is Baylor Denny, a shortstop from Casteel High School. Denny is one of the top shortstops in the state for the 2027 class and played a crucial role in leading Casteel to their second consecutive state title. Throughout the season, Denny was a reliable presence in the lineup, whether as the designated hitter or at shortstop, hitting .319 with 4 doubles and 17 RBIs. His consistent performance and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a standout player in Arizona's 2027 class.
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Blake Gonzales 3B / RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2027Coming in at #5 in the Arizona 2027 class is two-way player Blake Gonzales. Gonzales had a monstrous freshman season with the Hamilton JV team, hitting .436 in 17 games with 9 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs. He also showcased his talent on the mound, pitching 16.1 innings and recording 19 strikeouts, with his velocity ranging from 86-89 mph. As a true two-way player, Gonzales excels both at the hot corner and on the mound, making him a versatile and exciting prospect to watch. His ability to contribute significantly in multiple aspects of the game will be a key asset for the Huskies in the upcoming season.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2024 ProCase - West | AZ | 06/02 | Pepperdine University |
| Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/03 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/10 | American Family Fields of Phoenix |
| West Side Summer ID | AZ | 06/18 | Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ |
| Glendale Summer ID | AZ | 07/16 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Future Games (Class of 2026/27) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |