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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - We have wrapped up the busy summer season of showcases, tournaments and various events around the state of California and move into a new school year with the 2025 CIF baseball season rapidly approaching. The summer circuit presented our staff with numerous opportunities to get live looks, track performances, and observe the continued improvement/development of players in the class of 2026. With the visibility afforded to our staff to evaluate players over the last couple of months, Prep Baseball California presents our updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings.   

With the continued exposure for our staff to the 2026 class we have made a slight expansion within our rankings to 275 players. Included in that expansion we saw quite a bit of change especially within the Top 10 of the class with a new Number 1 player, three new names joining the Top 10, and three other players moving up inside the Top 10 of the 2026 class.

Beyond the Top 10 we have seen several players continue on a fast rise up the rankings pushing themselves up the class and several players coming into the rankings for the first time after this summer headed into their junior year of High School. All players included are looking to carry their progress from the 2024 summer circuit into the upcoming Fall/Winter baseball period with an eye on the 2025 CIF high school season at the start of the new year.

This class is now starting the recruiting process after the rule change in April of 2023 to halt early communication with players prior to August 1st of the summer headed into their junior season of High School. As a result of the new rule, we have seen several notable commits in the last month and a half, and there are numerous players in these rankings who will come off the "uncommitted board" in the coming months. Plus, now this class is starting to draw more attention from MLB organizations as they near their time on the MLB draft clock for the 2026 draft.

Below you'll find the Top 10, Top 10 Uncommitted Players, along with notes on Rankings Risers and Ranking Newcomers. 

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

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CLASS OF 2026, TOP TEN

***As we head into the summer schedule of showcases, tournaments and more for the college coaches that will be diving in on their follow lists for the 2026 class we offer the Top 10 ranked uncommitted players in California.

Rank	Player	POS	School
11	Dax Hardcastle	RHP/INF	St. Mary's
12	Landon Schutte	RHP	Oakdale
14	Trey Ebel	INF	Corona
15	Cooper Sides	RHP	Redbluff
18	McCoy Silicz	RHP/1B	Bakersfield Christian
19	Carson Sheffer	C	Oaks Christian
20	Josiah Morris	C/INF	Clayton Valley
24	Caleb Trugman	RHP/INF	Ayala
25	Mason Belding	C	Del Oro
26	Jensen Hirschkorn	RHP	Kingsburg

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CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: RISERS

TOP-10 RISERS:

+ James Tronstein - Harvard Westlake - OF/SS - Stanford (Now: 1 Previous: 2)

The RH hitting OF from the powerhouse program at Harvard-Westlake nicknamed "Tronny Barrels" by the Prep Baseball California staff has figured prominently in these rankings for some time now. After a summer that saw him kickstart it by crushing the baseball all around Pepperdine's field at the Prep Baseball ProCase West, then onto the national circuit of showcases/tournaments and other top events against top competition, Tronstein continued to do what he does best and hammered the baseball all summer long. On the strength of his continued performance against top competition, Tronny Barrels takes over the number 1 spot in the 2026 class. He will travel to South Beach, Miami, Florida to take part in the 2024 Prep Baseball All American Game.

+ Tyler Spangler - De La Salle - SS - Stanford (Now: 2 Previous: 6)

Spangler had a loud spring in the NorCal region as the Stanford commit continued to shine on the high school stage. He followed that up with an outstanding summer in front of Prep Baseball VP of Scouting Shooter Hunt on the national stage, and in front of Prep Baseball California staff at the Area Codes Upperclass Games to push himself up four spots into 2nd overall in the 2026 class. The Stanford commit has solidified himself as one of the best players in the state and the country headed into his junior year.

+ CJ Weinstein - Huntington Beach - INF - Uncommitted (Now: 3 Previous: 7)

About the only thing that could slow down the polished bat of Weinstein was a freak accident which resulted in an injury to his face that slowed the end of his summer a bit. But, prior to that, the LH hitter out of Huntington Beach traveled around the country on the national circuit and continued to hammer the baseball at a high level. He started it off with a strong showing at the Prep Baseball ProCase West and just continued to perform throughout at every event he went to including the prestigious Prep Baseball National Program Invitational at LakePoint. The uncommitted Huntington Beach product will join Tronstein next month in Miami, Florida at the Prep Baseball 2024 All American Game.

+ Gary Morse - Orange Lutheran - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 6 Previous: 11)

Morse made his mark as a rising sophomore when he traveled to the 2023 Prep Baseball Future Games. He carried that performance into a standout spring as the ace of the OLu program which put him on the doorstep of the Top 10. The tall, lanky, right-hander took the next step this summer, showing an arsenal which continues to improve, feel to pitch - which is trending up, and adding strength to his frame which culminated in an electric showing at the Area Codes Underclass Games and cemented his move into the Top 10. Morse also has accepted an invite to be the third member of the 2026 Prep Baseball California Top 10 to head to Miami, Florida for the 2024 Prep Baseball All American Game.

+ Blake Bowen - JSerra - OF - Oregon State (Now: 7 Previous: 10)

Bowen was outstanding in the spring at JSerra after the sitout period from his transfer into the Trinity League powerhouse. An athletic, physical RH hitter who has an intriguing power/speed combo that was on display at the ProCase West to start his summer. Bowen continued that presentation throughout the summer circuit, including the Prep Baseball West Program Invite, to pick up 3 spots and continue to solidify his standing amongst the top players in California for the 2026 class.

+ Archer Horn - St. Ignatius - INF/RHP - Stanford (Now: 9 Previous: 25)

Horn was outstanding in the spring at St. Ignatius, and the LH hitting INF Stanford commit, took another step this summer showcasing electric power during BP of the Area Codes Underclass Games. He showcased an ability to hit during games and flashing his potential to stick on the left side of the INF dirt. Add in a quality RHP profile that includes arm strength and feel to pitch that gives him legitimate 2-way potential, the result is Horn moving up 16 spots into the Top 10.

+ Dylan Minnatee - Franklin - OF/1B - Uncommitted (Now: 10 Previous: 29)

Left-handed hitters who show the ability to hit at a high level are always intriguing, those that add the ability to hit for power helps them to catch even more eyes. Minnatee is a LF/1B defender, but what he does at the plate was on display all summer long including an outstanding showing for the MLB Breakthrough squad at the Area Codes Underclass Games where he hammered the baseball consistently to jump up 19 spots into the Top 10.

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RISERS IN TOP-100 (11-100):

+ Brody Schumaker - Santa Margarita - INF - TCU (Now: 13 Previous: 15)

Schumaker was the Co-MVP of the Trinity League this spring, which is no small feat when you consider it's widely regarded as the best high school baseball league in the nation and Schumaker did it as a sophomore. To follow that up, the TCU commit went out and continued to show his polished offensive skillset from the LH side at every event he attended including being one of the best performers on the Brewers Area Codes Underclass team. He continues to display his ability to stick on the INF dirt up the middle which only helps his stock continue to move up this time two spots.

+ Trey Ebel - Corona - INF - Uncommitted (Now: 14 Previous: 42)

Ebel figured into the rotation of talented players at Corona during a CIF-SS D1 title run, but what he did on the summer circuit helped to vault talented INF up the rankings board into the mix for a future spot in the Top 10 potentially. A RH hitter with left side of the INF defensive potential, one that flashes SS ability while continuing to polish his offensive approach, put on strong showings at various events in front of our national team along with the Prep Baseball California staff, makes a significant move up the board.

+ Ayden Deome - Westpark - INF/RHP - Arizona (Now: 17 Previous: 108)

Deome is an impactful LH hitter who picked up a commitment to Arizona prior to the rule change on the strength of what he can do in the LH batters box. The NorCal product used this summer to showcase just how talented he is on a variety of different stages including an outstanding week at the Area Codes Underclass Games for the A's squad in which he crushed the baseball consistently. He consistently made a significant impression on our national staff and the entirety of the Prep Baseball California staff in attendance to move way up the board 92 spots into the Top 20 now.

+ Carson Sheffer - Oaks Christian - C - Uncommitted (Now: 19 Previous: 46) 

Sheffer jumped into the rankings after a standout spring at Oaks Christian which carried the athletic backstop into an opportunity to make noise on the summer circuit and noise was definitely made by Sheffer. He was the best player at the Future Games Tryout: VTA which earned him a spot on Team California for the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games where he was electric with his work behind the plate showcasing one of the best arms in attendance, polished feel to receive/block, and high quality offensive profile. What Sheffer did at Future Games was consistent with what he did all over the summer circuit and picks him up 27 more spots in the 2026 class into the Top 20 and amongst the top catchers in the state.

+ Josiah Morris - Clayton Valley - C/INF - Uncommitted (Now: 20 Previous: 123)

Picking up nearly 100 spots on the board Morris in on a fast rise as the RH hitter showcased not only an impressive ability to hit at the plate throughout the summer, but also flashed the ability to play a pair of premium defensive positions in C and SS. He was dynamic at the Area Codes Underclass Games where he rocketed the ball all around the field at Blair to make a major impression on Shooter Hunt and Les Lukach.

+ Julian Cazares - Los Banos - RHP - Stanford (Now: 19 Previous: 239)

Cazares caught the eyes of Prep Baseball California scout Matt Monk by living in the low 90's with his FB and showcasing an impressive breaking ball at the Area Code tryout. He backed up that session with a very strong summer at a variety of different events and then came out on the mound at Blair Field to hit 94 MPH early in his outing and lived low 90's again. He quickly committed to Stanford after August 1 and now takes a meteoric rise up the rankings to 23 and within the Top 25.

+ Taytum Reeves - Vista Murrieta - C/1B - Uncommitted (Now: 33 Previous: 56)

Reeves made a good impression on the Prep Baseball California staff including State Director Les Lukach and Steven Hardesty with his work behind the plate across a variety of different viewings. The RH hitter also showcased himself well to Shooter Hunt with his work behind the plate and flashed some intrigue to what he could do while standing in the batters box to gain 23 spots up the board.

+ Kai'Nalu Van Scoyoc - Palos Verdes - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 36 Previous: 49)

Van Scoyoc made noise with an outstanding showing at the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass event for his 2-way potential which carried into a great spring at Palos Verdes that put him inside the Top 50. The athletic RHP and INF took the next step this summer continuing to be outstanding on the mound while his ability to hit and defend on the INF dirt continues to open eyes with realistic ability to possibly do both at the next level. He was a member of Team California at the 2024 Future Games where he was amongst the top performers earning him 13 more spots up the board.

+ Jordan Walczykowski - Jesuit - OF - Uncommitted (Now: 38 Previous: 47)

The LH hitter out of NorCal made the most of his opportunities this summer to back up a very strong spring on the NorCal high school season. Wherever Walczykowski went this summer he took a polished offensive approach with him to perform at very high level in the batters box. He picks up 9 more spots and now sits comfortably amongst the Top 50 players in the state.

+ Eric Zdunek - Maranatha - OF/RHP - TCU (Now: 45 Previous: 51)

Zdunek was very good for the Maranatha program in the spring time with the RH hitter showing why he earned a TCU commit prior to the rule change. Then he took the stage on a variety of different national events/tournaments and just continued to hit and hit at a very high level which culminated with an electric performance at Area Codes Underclass where he named to the All-Tournament team for his showing over the week of workouts/gameplay and picks up 7 more spots on the board into the Top 50.

+ Jake Ourique - Gahr - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 50 Previous: 106)

Ourique just continues to make moves in the right direction not only with his 56 spot move up the board in the rankings to take a spot amongst the Top 50 players in California, but also with his pitch arsenal on the mound. Sitting in the mid 80's touching 87 in spring time, Ourique ticked up with his velocity this summer routinely working at 86-88 and touching 89 while maintaining his plus potential CHG and adding power to his SLD which continues to trend up. The righthander out of Gahr is generating plenty of buzz amongst D1 college programs.

+ Parker Allman - IMG Academy - LHP - Miami (Now: 53 Previous: 102)

Allman put himself on the doorstep on the Top 100 with a stellar spring at Saugus High in Santa Clarita. Then the live armed lefthander took the summer circuit by force with strong showings at the NPI, Future Games Tryout: OC resulting in him making Team California for the 2024 Prep Baseball Future Games. What Allman did once he stepped on the stage at LakePoint culminated a fantastic summer for the southpaw. Allman made a commitment to the University of Miami in the middle of August and now jumps 49 spots up the 2026 rankings.

+ Josiah Andrade - Corona - C - Washington (Now: 56 Previous: 61)

Andrade is a compact framed backstop who shows potential at the plate with his RH swing and behind the plate with actions as a receiver. He was consistently solid on the summer circuit including a good showing at the Area Codes Underclass for the Brewers squad. Andrade is moving over to join the powerhouse Corona program for his junior campaign and picks up 5 spots with this rerank.

+ Landon Hovermale - Norco - LHP - Uncommitted (Now: 57 Previous: 146) 

Hovermale was very good at the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass before fronting the rotation at Norco all spring which put him in a solid spot in the rankings. Then the southpaw out of the Inland Empire showed up to State Games looking noticeably more athletic with changes to his body that helped his stuff tick up. With his FB now into the 87 MPH range, feel for a potential above average CHG to go with a SLD that flashes swing/miss, Hovermale makes a gigantic jump up the board 89 spots to 57 headed into his JR. campaign.

+ Hudson Flora - Foothill - C - UCSB (Now: 58 Previous: 165)

Flora took advantage of his opportunities this summer on the circuit to make a strong statement. Playing for the NorCal U travel program Flora followed up a good spring at Foothill with a strong summer behind the dish while adding in a good showing at the A's NorCal Area Code tryouts culminating with a 91 spot jump up the board and a UCSB commitment quickly after the August 1 contact date.

+ Gavin Guy - Newport Harbor - RHP/3B - UCSB (Now: 63 Previous: 129)

Guy put himself on the board last summer with his showing at the 2023 CA State Games. The athletic 2-way prospect out of the OC used the next year to make gains across the board as a hitter/defender, but especially on the mound which brought him to the 2024 CA State Games with an improved arsenal on the mound, and at the plate, putting him amongst the best players in attendance. He capitalized on the showing by earning a UCSB commitment and a move of 66 spots up the rankings.

+ Dustin Dunwoody - Royal - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 65 Previous: 169)

Dunwoody was very good in the spring pitching in a variety of roles for the strong Royal High program with a FB that is right around 90 MPH and the ability to spin a good SLD with feel for his CHG. He took the summer circuit head on with a very good outing at Future Games Tryout: OC to earn a spot on Team California where the wiry athletic Dunwoody was stellar in his appearance at LakePoint punching out 4 hitters over 2 innings of work. He now picks up 104 spots in the rankings and puts himself right on the cusp of joining the Prep Baseball National rankings with a strong fall/spring ahead of him.

+ Jonny Haskett - St. Augustine - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 69 Previous: 84)

Haskett was a favorite of Prep Baseball California scout Matt Monk this spring for what he did on the bump at St. Augustine. The wiry framed San Diegan then made the long trek up the coast to participate in the Future Games Tryout: VTA County where he showed of a pair of high spin pitches in his FB/CB to dominate hitters there which earned him a spot on Team California at Future Games. From there he continued to be outstanding on the summer travel circuit and put together a strong 2 inning outing out in Georgia which helps him slide up 15 more spots on the board.

+ Kai Bratton - Mater Dei - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 71 Previous: 86)

Bratton comes armed with a lively FB, high spin SLD that is a swing/miss offering, and a reputation of success pitching in the Trinity League. He was stellar throughout the spring picking up swing/miss consistently on both his FB and SLD while earning a spot on Team Select at the 2024 Future Games. He showed well during his 2 inning look in Georgia with multiple strikeouts. Bratton now moves up 15 spots with eyes on more as he continues to improve the feel for his arsenal.

+ Tyson Bobo - Patrick Henry - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 79 Previous: 163)

Bobo showed off his emerging potential on the mound throughout this summer at a variety of different events including a FB which sits in the high 80's and is touching 91. With an athletic frame and room to continue to add strength and life to his arsenal the 84 spot jump Bobo makes this time around may not be the end of his rise up the board with two more years ahead of him in front of the Prep Baseball California staff.

+ Tristan Ramos - Orange Lutheran - RHP/OF - Uncommitted (Now: 81 Previous: 131)

Ramos contributed strong innings this spring for the Orange Lutheran program using his FB/SLD combo with both showing swing/miss life to them.  Ramos taking to the OF/RH batters box in addition to his ability on the mound to show real 2-way potential with impact from the batters box, Added plenty of intrigue to his profile this summer. The combination of a quality RHP profile and emerging offensive profile helps Ramos move 50 spots up the board into the Top 100.

+ Royce McKenzie - St. Bernard - OF - Uncommitted (Now: 85 Previous: 98)

McKenzie made the jump into the Top 100 on the strength of a very good showing at the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass which he backed up by helping lead his St. Bernard program to a CIF-SS playoff berth. While McKenzie isn't the standout frame that will catch your eyes instantly, when the RH hitting OF takes the field what he can do in the OF defensively, combined with his strong feel to hit at the plate, will draw eyes to him. Another impressive showing at both the Future Games Tryout: VTA County to go with an outstanding CA State Games helps him gain 13 more spots up the board.

+ Jack Laubacher - Oaks Christian - RHP/OF - Uncommitted (Now: 95 Previous: 118)

Laubacher was very strong in the spring for the talented Oaks Christian program earning the start in their CIF-SS D1 playoff opener. The compact righthander has a FB into the low 90's to go with a power CHG, and emerging SLD that all have swing/miss potential. Showing himself as a quality RH hitting OF, adds intrigue to the profile. Laubacher debuts inside the Top 100 now based on a 23 spot jump up the board.

+ Camden Goetz - Canyon - OF - Uncommitted (Now: 100 Previous: 167)

There is a saying in baseball that "hitters hit", and when talking about hitters in the 2026 class in California, you can't forget to mention Goetz. The LH hitting OF from Canyon High has simply "hit" everytime Prep Baseball California staff sees him. He lives on the barrel of the bat when he makes contact, and can drive the ball from line to line with doubles authority to go with HR power to pull side. His athleticism and defense continue to trend upward giving him CF potential. A member of Team California at the 2024 Future Games who stood out at the Future Games Tryout: OC and CA State Games, makes his debut inside the Top 100.

RISERS OUTSIDE TOP 100 (101-275):

+ Erick Barron - Buena - OF/1B - Uncommitted (Now: 102 Previous: 144)

Barron's strong spring at Buena carried into a strong summer where the RH hitter continues to show bat to ball ability at the plate with an approach that racks up hits and quality at bats. Add in the development of his stregth and athleticism,  and Barron is trendin his overall profile up. The Team California member for the 2024 Future Games puts himself right outside the Top 100 and can very easily make a move inside the Top 100 with another strong showing this fall/spring.

+ Julian Oliver - Novato - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 105 Previous: 187)

Oliver was on the the Prep Baseball California radar as an emerging name in the NorCal area previously. After the 2-way talent out of Novato came down to the CA State Games, where he put on a terrific performance on the mound, at the plate and defensively, Oliver cemented an 82 spot jump up the board. With a strong fall/spring showing don't be surprised if that propels him inside the Top 100 in the future.

+ Jameson Berigan - Thousand Oaks - RHP/OF - Uncommitted (Now: 111 Previous: 124)

Berigan had put himself firmly on the radar with his work on the mound from a righthanded profile. Highlighted by a high spin FB which reaches 90 MPH, quality mixture of a SLD/CHG, and emerging CB, Berigan has a starters profile projection. But, this summer, the athletic Thousand Oaks High product displayed his potential as RH hitting OF who can defend in RF, has arm strength, and shows pop at the plate. Berrigan makes a 13 spot jump up to 110 and puts himself in the range of a Top 100 spot in the future.

+ Eric Nelson - Madera - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 113 Previous: 241)

The Central Valley righthander made his way onto the rankings early in his high school career on the strength of a mid 80's FB and a projectable 6'3 frame. Now, adding life to his FB, which is up to the 90 MPH range, and power to his breaking ball, and with room to continue developing, Nelson moves up 128 spots in the rankings to within striking distance of a Top 100 debut in the future.

+ Taden Krogsgaard - Temecula Valley - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 118 Previous: 151) 

Two-way talent seems to be on full display within the 2026 class, and as the next levels of baseball continue to show more openness to it, we are likely to see more players like Krogsgaard benefit from showcasing their ability on both sides. His quality RH hitting profile, with left side of the INF defensive profile, combined with a whippy quick arm on the mound, and strong pitch mix, earned him a spot on Team California for Future Games where he performed well. As a result Krogsgard sees a 33 spot climb up the rankings.

+ Max Medina - Patterson - OF - Uncommitted (Now: 121 Previous: 142)

Medina is an athlete in every sense of the word. As a LH hitting OF he won MVP of his high school league, which he paired with a Offensive Player of the Year performance on the football field. He took the field with NorCal U this summer and showed his ability to be an impact defender while adding intrigue from the LH side of the plate and seeing a 21 spot jump up the board.

+ Rallin Covey - Sacred Heart Prep - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 125 Previous: 242)

Covey comes with a prototye 6'4 205 lbs. pitchers frame at present and he adds to that frame a FB which reaches 91 MPH while sitting in the 87-90 MPH range while showing feel for his offspeed offering. Pitching for NorCal U this summer, Covery impressed Hank LoForte, Prep Baseball California's Associate Director in Northern California, with his ability to perform in game and dominate lineups. His stock makes a meteoric rise up the board with a 117 spot jump to 124.

+ Ty Diaz - West Ranch - SS - Uncommitted (Now: 132 Previous: 149)

Diaz was the starting shortstop for a talented West Ranch program which made the CIF-SS D1 playoffs this year in his Soph. season. The athletic switch hitter who projects to stay at SS long term, carried his solid first varsity campaign into a good summer in front of Steven Hardesty, Prep Baseball California's Central Coast evaluator, at a variety of different events that helps his stock continue to rise, picking up 17 spots.

+ Devin Simonton - Pittsburg - SS - Uncommitted (Now: 133 Previous: 154)

Simonton is another NorCal prospect who vaults himself up the board on the strength of his showings infront of LoForte. Playing for Pittsburg High and the NorCal U travel program, Simonton has been stellar throghout this 2024 calendar year so far and picks up 21 spots on the board.

+ Tyler Starling - Agoura - OF/LHP - Uncommitted (Now: 135 Previous: 162)

Starling is another player who can be called an athlete in every sense of the word. He is standout football player at Agoura and runs track as a sprinter during the high school baseball season. A top end runner who has body control and feel for the ball in the air, Starling has shown the ability to be an impact defender at any spot in the OF, while his quick twitch athleticism translates to bat speed and impact at the plate from the LH side. In addition, he shows potential on the mound with an athletic delivery and easy arm action. His strong summer on the circuit picked up buzz from D1 college coaches with his name attached to it and also 27 spots up the board in our rankings.

+ Alvaro Moreno Jr. - Etiwanda - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 144 Previous: 148)

Moreno Jr. put himself firmly in the rankings with a strong SoCal Preseason All State Underclass showing before contributing to the Etiwanda varsity program in the spring time. Now poised to play a bigger role with Etiwanda as he continues to develop and improve the 4 spot jump Moreno Jr. makes this time around might not be his last move up the board.

+ Giani Camacho - St. Mary's - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 150 Previous: 195)

Camacho was a prominent piece of the pitching staff for the powerful St. Mary's program in NorCal. He continues to add life to his FB and offspeed offerings, including being up to the low 90's this summer in front of LoForte. As the stuff and feel for what he does on the mound continues to rise, so does the stock for Camacho who picks up 45 spots this time around.

+ Bobby Brooks - La Habra - SS - Uncommitted (Now: 153 Previous: 168)

The son of a coach, Brooks brings baseball IQ to to the field with him any time he steps on it, but now the up the middle defender who could stick at SS long term, is continuing to get better as an athlete and an all-around player heading into his Jr. campaign. Brooks uses that athleticism as a standout football player for La Habra as well. Brooks sees a move up 15 spots.

+ Isaiah Tillman - Royal - OF/LHP - Uncommitted (Now: 158 Previous: 171)

Tillman contributed to a strong season for the Royal High  program both as a LH arm who can run his FB into the upper 80's with feel for his offspeed offerings, and also hitting atop the Highlanders lineup and playing the OF. This summer he performed well on the circuit including a look from Steven Hardesty at the Prep Baseball West Coast Program Invite tourney at the end of the summer where he continued to hit the ball well and play good defense. Those showing help him keep trending up the board with 13 more spots.

+ Brady McKay - Crean Lutheran - SS - Uncommitted (Now: 182 Previous: 226)

McKay was very good at the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass where he showed his up the middle defense profile. He then contributed strongly to the Crean Lutheran run during the CIF-SS playoffs, but unfortunately an injury knocked him out for the start of the summer. Once he came back from the injury he made noise over the final portion of the summer, and at the CA State Games he showed very well, even looking the part of a potential SS defender who is on the rise which helps him pick up 44 spots on the board.

+ Isaac Esquer - San Marcos - LHP - Uncommitted (Now: 194 Previous: 199) 

Esquer has shown to be an athletic lefthander with a FB that is into the upper 80's now, with a clean delivery and good arm action, combined with quality offspeed offerings. Esquer threw for the Five Star West program this summer and pretty much everytime he took the bump for them he was strong in his outing. He picks up a small jump in the rankings this time around, and potentially could see even more of a rise after the fall/spring.

+ Landon Cook - De La Salle -RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 195 Previous: 215)

Cook comes with an uber intriguing 6'5 195 lbs frame at present to go with a FB that works into the upper 80's with downhill life and has plenty of projection still ahead of him. Throwing for the Alpha travel ball program this summer, Cook put together a strong summer with the arrow pointed up on his that helps him jump 20 spots on the board.

+ JJ Carmona - Pacifica (Oxnard) - C - Uncommitted (Now: 201 Previous: 207)

Carmona took over behind the plate as a sophomore at Pacifica High in Oxnard where his steady receiving and quality RH hitting offensive profile, helped them to a CIF-SS D5 semifinal run. Carmona was very good at the Future Games Tryout: VTA County and throughout the summer continuing to show his solid foundation of baseball tools. With some jumps in his strength/athleticism his 6 spot bump this time around may not be the last one for Carmona.

+ Patrick Arranga - Notre Dame - RHP - Uncommitted (Now: 212 Previous: 216)

Arranga saw time on the mound this spring at the varsity level for Notre Dame in the uber competitive Mission League where his upper mid to upper 80's FB and quality offspeed offerings helped him find success. The 6'1 180 lbs. Arranga then pitched for the SoCal Giants and Legacy Baseball travel team this summer with continued success and could see a bigger jump in his future with continued upward development of his overall profile beyond the 4 spots he picks up this time.

+ Adam Whyte - Tustin - OF/LHP - Uncommitted (Now: 215 Previous: 230)

Whyte continues to trend upward each time the Prep Baseball California staff gets eyes on him starting with the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass in January to the Future Games Tryout: OC and culminating at the CA State Games where his LHP profile and LH hitting performances has him on an upward track within the class of 2026.

+ Miles Mino - Berkeley - INF - Uncommitted (Now: 220 Previous: 245)

Mino is an interesting LH hitting INF from the Bay Area of NorCal who made an early impression to be apart of our rankings. Then coming down to the CA State Games at the end of the summer, Mino showcased why in front of the whole staff. Showing feel to hit with some strength and potential to stay on the left side of the INF dirt, Mino's arrow is on an upward trajectory as he move 35 spots up the board.

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: NEWCOMERS

After a full summer on the showcase/tournament circuit and plenty of exposure to Prep Baseball California staff we introduce the newest members of our 2026 class rankings who are making their names know in baseball circles.

TOP-100 NEWCOMERS:

+ McCoy Silicz - Bakersfield Christian - RHP/1B - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 18)

The physical 2-way product out of the Bakersfield area arrived on the Prep Baseball California and Prep Baseball National radar like a rocket as he debuts in the rankings at 18. Standing 6'4 and checking in at a present 210 lbs., there is strength to his frame and strength to his game. At the Brewers Area Codes tryout Steven Hardesty saw Silicz up to 93 during a short stint and then at Area Codes Games he was 88-92 throughout his outing with a power breaking ball. Add to his profile an impactful RH bat with HR power to middle/pull side of the field, and it's easy to see why Silicz jumps right in amongst the top players in the class with potential to continue his rise.

+ Matthew Kelley - Carlsbad - SS - Miami (Now Ranked: 21)

One of the top 2027 players in the country who earned a Miami commitment before ever playing a high school baseball game, has made the decision to reclass up to the 2026 class and now joins our 2026 rankings just outside the Top 20. An athletic defender who shows SS potential, with plenty of ability to stay on the INF dirt long term, Kelley mixes in an electric RH hitting profile with feel to hit with impact and HR power. He should push for a move up into the Top 20 or higher should he continue to perform at the high level he has shown he's capable of.

+ Declan Fitzgerald - Fullerton - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 54)

Fitzgerald put together a stellar spring for Fullerton High which he carried into a tremendous summer including stops at the Future Games Tryout: OC where he was very strong and then Brewers Area Codes tryout where he earned a spot on their underclass team. Then Fitzgerald went out and showcased a present low 90's FB to go with feel for an intriguing breaking ball with starter potential traits to put himself in the rankings for the first time.

+ Wylan Rottschafer - Costa Mesa - SS - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 64)

Southern California shortstops are always bound to catch eyes. And what Rottschafer can do at a premium defensive spot already, paired with projection to continue improving on an impressive skill set defensively, fits the mold of that position. Then add in an athletic frame with quality RH hitting profile and strong showings for State Director Les Lukach, and Central Coast evaluator Steven Hardesty, all weekend at the Prep Baseball West  Coast Program Invite tournament, and Rottschafer makes a loud introduction into these class rankings.

+ Thomas Padilla - Santiago - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 66)

Athletic with wiry strength to his frame, and a loose easy whippy arm action, Padilla made a strong impression on Lukach at the Brewers Area Code Tryouts. And after making the team, the Santiago Sharks righthander was just as impressive in his outing at the Underclass Area Codes Games. Present upper 80's FB velocity with projection to add more in the future, pairs with his sharp 74-75 MPH CB and the athleticism to be a solid OF at present, helps Padilla make his debut in the rankings.

+ Hudson Hall - Elk Grove - C/3B - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 82)

Hall contributed as sophomore on the varsity level at Elk Grove showing his versatility primarily playing the INF dirt, but his performances behind the plate at the NorCal Preseason All State, Future Games Tryout: OC, and CA State Games have been impressive for his potential at the premium spot. Adding in an intriguing RH hitting profile that shows feel to hit and emerging power, the bat has a chance to be impactful for the rising NorCal talent who debuts in the rankings for the first time.

+ Gavin Cervantes - St. John Bosco - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 88)

Cervantes has flown relatively under the radar for the Prep Baseball California staff, but his performance at the CA State Games made a loud statement for his inclusion into the rankings for the first time. With a FB up to 90 MPH and a high spin breaking ball, to go with a frame that projects to add strength to increase the quality of his stuff/pitchability, and there is plenty to like about Cervantes. He should be in competition for a prominent role on the Bosco staff as they look to back up a CIF-SS D3 title game berth and strong showing in the Trinity League.

+ Keijiro Hattori - Redondo Union - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 92)

The exposure to Hattori has been a small sample size at this time, but what Hattori did in a look for Central Coast evaluator Steven Hardesty on the showcase circuit was loud enough to earn him a spot in the Top 100 for his rankings debut. An athletic, smooth defender who shows the ability to play SS or stick on the left side of the dirt with an impressive offensive profile that shows top of the order potential the Redondo Union product has a chance to continue rising up the board in the future.

NON-TOP 100 NEWCOMERS (101-275):

+ Luke Severns - Etiwanda - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 136)

Severns started the 2024 calendar year with a good showing at the SoCal Preseason All State Underclass and he has built on that performance with a strong summer that includes multiple good in person looks for our staff. These looks put the rising LH hitting catcher out of the Inland Empire on the board for the first time. Figuring to compete for a prominent role in the Etiwanda lineup for the 2025 season don't be surprised if we eventually see Severns push his way into the Top 100.

+ Jaydn Robinson - Pittsburg - OF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 143)

An athletic LH hitting OF from NorCal, Robinson put together a strong showing this summer as a member of NorCal U travel program in front of Hank LoForte while impressing with his work at the Underclass Area Codes Games. With strong rounds of BP showing off his quick hands and strength, it carried into a week with multiple hits for Robinson who moves into the rankings for the first time with plenty of reason to believe he will continue to rise up the board.

+ Akanni Owowdunni - Berkeley - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 145)

Present physicality to his 6'2 215 lbs frame, the NorCal backstop was very good for Matt Monk in a pair of looks this summer including the A's Area Code Tryout and then again as a member of their squad at the Underclass Area Codes Games. Showing the feel to receive/block, arm strength and mobility to stick behind the plate long term, with an intriguing RH hitting offensive profile, we see Owowdunni debut in the rankings with an opportunity to move up the board.

+ Jake DeLaquil - Cypress - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 161)

DeLaquil caught the eyes of State Director Les Lukach over the course of the summer by displaying the actions to be a solid to impactful defender on the INF dirt who shows an intriguing offensive profile. A compact framed but athletic player, DeLaquil has shown the ability to hit at high level while adding speed, and feel, for a quality approach at the plate and should be in competition for a prominent role at Cypress High.

+ Tate Hammond - Long Beach Poly - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 170)

Hammond is an athletic LH hitting INF who makes his debut in the rankings on the strength of multiple good in person looks from our staff which he cemented with a strong showing at the CA State Games. Hammond has clean actions on the dirt with feel to hit from the LH side that has power potential and will be playing with the Mets Scout Team this fall in the SoCal Scout League.

+ Jonathan Tena - Aquinas - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 174)

Tena catches your eyes quickly with an intriguing 6'1 185 lbs. present frame which has wiry strength, but projects to add more as he continues to mature. The Aquinas transfer played for the Prime travel ball program this summer and his RH hitting profile was a key piece of their success and should put Tena in competition for a key role on the Aquinas roster this coming spring. Making his debut in the rankings for the first time, don't be surprised if we see Tena moving up in the future.

+ Sam Stoller - Sierra Canyon - OF/C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 175)

Stoller made noise in the spring time as he emerged on the scene by helping the Sierra Canyon program earn a CIF-SS D1 playoff berth. Now the RH hitting OF, who has experience catching, earned his way onto the rankings with a strong summer. Stoller put himself in strong contention for a spot on Team California for the Future Games after a very good showing at the Future Games Tryout: VTA County, then continued to hit throughout the summer for TPA travel program. Joining the rankings for the first time, be on the lookout for Stoller to be a key piece of the Sierra Canyon road to success in 2025.

+ Carson Baker - South Hills - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 179) 

Baker quickly jumped on the Prep Baseball California staffs radar with his showing at the VTA County Summer ID as one of the better players in attendance. Earning an invite to the CA State Games, the compact framed athletic INF made another good impression with a quality look at a top showcase event where Baker was one of the better performers in the 2026 class. Now primed to compete for a role on varsity with the talented South Hill High program, we could see Baker's name continue to rise.

+ Evan Spencer - Summit - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 180)

When you think of a baseball player the image of someone who can run, hit, defend, plays with instinct/passion comes to mind and Spencer embodies each of these qualities. A smaller framed player who won't catch your eye just walking in the field, when Spencer takes the field and displays his toolset, inevitably the eyes of baseball fans/coaches are going to be drawn to the Summit High product. Jumping into the rankings for the first time Spencer has plenty of opportunity to continue to raise his stock.

+ Jose Borrego - Sultana - OF/C/RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 184)

Compact in size and strength doesn't hold back Borrego from having loud arm strength. The High Desert product out of Sultana High showed up at Ca State Games slightly under the radar, but what he did throwing the baseball from behind the plate, the outfield, and on the rubber. With a FB up to 90 MPH and a high spin breaking ball that immediately got everyone's attention. With some rawness to his offensive profile, but interesting upside, Borrego comes into the rankings for the first time.

+ Justin Torres - La Mirada - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 185)

Torres is primed to build on a strong first year on the varsity level for the La Mirada program where he played a part in helping them to a CIF-SS D1 playoff run. The quality backstop continued to improve his solid foundation behind the plate, while raising his solid offensive profile through the summer, which earns him a spot in the rankings for the first time.

+ Tyler Ritter - Roseville - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 187)

Ritter was a key piece of the staff at Roseville in the spring, and then the 6'1 righthander out of NorCal went out and threw for the the Alpha travel ball program in the summer. On the strength of a FB up to the 90 MPH range, with quality offspeed offerings, he was consistently dominant throughout the start of the 2024 calendar year and is now on the rankings board for the first time.

+ Oscar Grijalva - Gahr - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 199)

Grijalva makes his debut on the rankings board for the first time on the strength of his work throughout the summer behind the plate. A member of the varsity squad at Gahr in the spring, showing strong tools as a catch/throw backstop who is emerging as a RH hitter, he will be counted on in the 2025 season for Gahr giving him plenty of opportunities to make a move up the board.

+ Brise Boop - JSerra - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 204)

Boop catches your eyes quickly with an intriguing 6'4 200 lbs. frame that has some present strength to it, but can grow into increased physicality. Boop showed to be a versatile defender who shows potential to play 3B on the dirt, or corner OF with RF arm strength potential, to go with a RH hitting profile that shows pull side power. Boop put together a strong summer in front of the Prep Baseball California staff at the OC Summer ID and CA State Games plus with the Legacy Baseball travel group.

+ Aidan Nieto - Tesoro - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 205)

Nieto joined the varsity squad at Tesoro as a sophomore where he contributed to their 2024 success while earning All-League honors. Then the 6'5 200 lbs. Nieto went out and put together a strong summer which he culminated with a very good showing at the CA State Games cementing his spot in the 2026 class rankings.

+ Carter Head - Beckman - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 206)

Head was a key piece of the Beckman squad which claimed the CIF-SS D3 title by earning Rookie of the Year and All League honors. Then the 6'1 righthander went out to continue his stellar 2024 showings by having a very good summer as part of the TB Socal travel team with his mid 80's FB that peaks at 87, and feel for his offspeed offerings, while adding in a quality RH hitting profile in the summer. Head cemented his spot on the board with a strong outing at the CA State Games with plenty of opportunity to raise his stock in the coming years.

+ Ace Turango - Mira Costa - OF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 207)

Turango took the varsity level at Mira Costa by storm as a sophomore that included a batting average over .500 in the spring to lead the team in significant playing time. Building on that success the RH hitter shows potential to be the next potential D1 commit for the Mustangs program which is loaded with talent and looking to have a successful 2025 season. Replicating what he did as a sophomore will be difficult, but the talented/athleticism that Turango has should give him plenty of opportunity to achieve it and raise his stock up the rankings board after making his debut this time around.

+ Ronnie Martinez - Fullerton High - OF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 208)

Martinez was very good at the OC Preseason ID as one of the top 2026 players in attendance. He shows upside at the plate with feel to hit and potential HR power as he matures while looking like a CF/RF defender. Transferring over to Fullerton Union High for his Jr. campagain with a chance to compete for a significant role in their lineup, Martinez could make moves up the board in the future.

+ Sawyer Atkinson - Estancia - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 213)

Atkinson was a key piece for the Estancia programs 2024 success in the Orange County high school ranks, both with his work behind the plate and over .400 batting average. Taking the field with the Stacked Recruiting travel program this summer the RH hitting Atkinson continued to swing a hot bat to earn his first appearance on the rankings board.

+ Connor Uchida - Canyon Springs Uplands - INF/OF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 219)

The LH hitter out of NorCal was extremely good during the spring high school season earning All-League honors with a nearly .500 batting average. He carried it into the summer with Cal Club Baseball where his offensive performance planted him on the Prep Baseball California radar heading into the CA State Games. There he continued to hit very well as one of the top 2026 performers in attendance and now puts himself on the board for the first time.

+ Bret Warner - Thousand Oaks - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 221)

Warner is a physically well built 2-sport athlete from Thousand Oaks High who put together a very good showing at the VTA County Summer ID. With solid receiving skills, strength to stick at catcher, and athleticism from his football background, he looks like a potential strong backstop with some intriguing RH power in his bat. Looking to compete for a role on the varsity level in his JR. campaign Warner has a chance to move up the rankings after debuting.

+ Westley Vega - James Logan - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 222)

The versatile NorCal product who shows real upside on the mound has impressed Hank LoForte with his potential. After a dominant spring for James Logan including an ERA under 2.00 with 9 wins, he continued to show his stuff and feel to pitch over the course of the summer for USA Prime travel program to earn his first appearance in the rankings.

+ Michael Richards - Albany - 3B/1B - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 224)

A NorCal RH hitting corner INF defender who has showed solid ability at both the NorCal Preseason All-State event and CA State Games. He hit nearly .400 this spring for Albany High and at 6' 190 lbs. is beginning to show his power potential at the plate. With plenty of opportunities to continue raising his stock, Richards makes his debut in the rankings.

+ Caden Atkinson - Westlake - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 229) 

Atkinson is a 2-spot athlete at Westlake who is QB1 on the football team and is figuring to take a prominent role on their varsity pitching staff next spring. With a FB that reaches the high 80's and shows potential to continue adding velocity, to go with athletic ability, Atkinson has a chance to make a big raise up the board as he continues on in his high school career.

+ Nicholas Feidler - Mira Costa - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 234)

Feidler joins the rankings on the strength of a pair of good showings in front of our staff at the OC Summer ID and CA  State Games where the compact, athletic, MINF defender shows feel to hit and performed well. Heading into his Jr. campaign, he will be primed to compete for a significant role on a Mira Costa High team that has a chance to be very good.

+ Griffin Vorhaus - Novato - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 245)

Vorhaus was on the Prep Baseball California radar as one of the names to know in the NorCal '26 class, but hadn't quite earned his way on the board. With a strong summer for the NorCal U travel program, the 6'1 190 lbs. 2-way came into the CA State Games with a chance to cement his spot in the rankings, and he did just that. With solid work at the plate, on the mound, and the INF dirt, Vorhaus is now in the rankings for the first time.

+ Garrett Gandolfo - San Juan Hills - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 248)

Gandolfo is another summer standout who used a quality bullpen at the OC Summer ID to earn a CA State Games invite where he again looked good on the bump to put himself in the rankings. Standing 6'2 190 lbs. with a pitchers build, the San Juan Hills product threw for Team Cal travel program in the summer earning All Tournament honors at the 15U USA Baseball National Championship. In the rankings for the first time, keep eyes on this name for a potential rise in the future.

+ Nicholas Rodriguez - Shadow Hills - INF/RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 249)

The Shadow Hills 2-way LH hitter saw some time on varsity with inconsistent results, but took the summer to really build his toolset and build his toolset he did. With a strong showing playing for ApexSportsCA travel team, he swung the bat very well, and then at the CA State Games he backed up a good summer with a strong showing there catching the eyes of our staff for his first appearance in the rankings.

+ Noah Darnell - Santa Margarita - LHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 250)

Darnell got a taste of the Trinity League as a sophomore on varsity at Santa Margarita, and then went out this summer throwing for TB SoCal travel program. He had consistent success on the strength of his quality pitchability from the LH side and feel for 3 pitches. Then with a strong showing at the CA State Games, he put himself firmly in the 2026 class rankings for the first time with a chance to make a move up the board in the coming years.

+ Riley Moran - Norco - RHP - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 251)

Moran started out the year with a very good bullpen session at the OC Preseason ID where he showed pitchability from a projectable frame with a downhill FB in the low 80's and feel for his offspeed. Moran battled through a brief injury that limited him early in the year, but finished with a strong showing for the California PFA travel team. He now has a chance to be a key piece of the Norco High pitching staff heading into next spring.

+ Caydin Wilson - Chaminade - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 254)

Wilson looked solid at the OC Preseason ID to put himself on the radar of the Prep Baseball California staff for the spring/summer period to follow. The Chaminade Eagles program was a surprise standout program in the Mission League and Wilson's steady work behind the plate, with intriguing potential at the plate, played a role in their success. Now after a solid sophomore campaign, the RH hitting backstop makes debut in the rankings heading into his Jr. season.

+ Christian Villegas - Santiago - C/OF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 258)

Villegas plays for a very good Santiago program and with his showing at the Inland Empire Summer ID, he put himself on the radar for the Prep Baseball California staff to earn a spot in the rankings. Headed into his junior campaign for the Sharks, he looks to be in position to compete for a role on the varsity level of their program.

+ Kamal Bhatt - El Cerrito - SS - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 260)

Bhatt impressed Prep Baseball California scout Matt Monk with his athletic ability and his prowess to hit from the RH side and stick up the middle with strong defensive actions. Bhatt solidified his 4-year starting SS track at El Cerrito with a strong season. He had a good summer for the Zoots travel program and is a name to keep eyes on.

+ Chase Stewart - Westlake - C - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 263) 

With Westlake losing their catcher to graduation, the rising Stewart looks to be in a position to compete for the starting spot behind the plate for the Warriors program. He put together a solid showing this summer playing for the A1 travel ball program with good live looks at the Prep Baseball West Coast Program Invite and the CA State Games, earning himself his debut in the 2026 class rankings.

+ Carl McMullan - Sierra Canyon - INF - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 266) 

McMullan is another talented younger player in the Sierra Canyon program. Getting some exposure on the varsity level this spring in the Mission League, the compact RH hitting MINF took that experience into the summer where he performed very well for the PFA travel program, and at the CA State Games where he started the event 4-4 before finally recording an out. 

+ Jaxson Ehlers - Venice - 1B - Uncommitted (Now Ranked: 268)

Our final addition to the 2026 class rankings, the 6'3 200 lbs. RH hitting 1B, Ehlers swung a hot bat all summer long. Playing for the Legacy Baseball travel program, he consistently hit while showing power throughout the tournament schedule and then swung the bat very well at the CA State Games. Headed into his junior campaign at Venice, a strong fall/spring could move this power potential bat up the rankings in the future.

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

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Upcoming Events

Showcase	State	Date	Location
Ventura County Uncommitted Games	CA	09/22	Ventura College
SoCal Underclass Top Prospect Game	CA	09/28	University of San Diego
2024 West Coast Games	CA	10/04	JSerra High School & Chapman University (Hart Park)
Northern California Uncommitted Games	CA	10/05	Del Oro High School
Northern California Underclass Games	CA	10/06	Del Oro High School
Orange County Uncommitted Games	CA	10/13	Cypress College
Ventura County Fall ID	CA	10/20	Ventura College

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