Updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings

CLASS OF 2026, TOP UNCOMMITTED (Non-Top 10)

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: RISERS

TOP-100 RISERS:

+ Anthony Murphy OF Corona (Now: 1 Ranked: 9)

The dynamic CF for the CIF-Southern Section D1 champion put together an outstanding sophomore campaign where he showed off his elite toolset as a true impact CF, speed/power offensive threat. This spring Murphy hit .390 with 7 doubles, 3 triples and 6 HRs while driving in 24 runs and scoring 36 himself including a 1.075 OPS. Not just the top ranked player in the '26 class for the state of California Murphy puts himself amongst the top players in the nation and will undoubtedly have his fair share of college programs calling him on August 1st.

+ James Tronstein OF Harvard Westlake Stanford Commit (Now: 2 Previous: 4)

Tronstein is a former Future Gamer for Team California before committing to Stanford and this spring the RH hitter showed off an advanced hit tool that allows him to be a dynamic offensive performer with emerging power to go with speed and a future that may see him shift from CF to SS for the CIF-Southern Section D1 runner up Wolverine program. All of that gives him a small bump to the number 2 spot in the '26 class.

+ Jetner Welch OF Santa Barbara (Now: 35 Previous: 103)

Welch is an impressive 6'4 180ish lbs. LH hitting OF from the Central Coast who oozes athleticism and projection which combined with being a 2 year varsity starter, 1st Team All-League performer to land himself with a 68 spot rise up the rankings and now firmly amongst the top players in California in the '26 class.

+ Ari Silva LHP/1B McClatchy (Now: 31 Previous: 131)

Silva threw 31.1 innings this spring for his high school program and in that work made a loud impression with 48 Ks and only 17 hits allowed all spring while picking up 4 wins, 1 complete game with a 2.23 ERA that moves him 100 spots up the rankings in to the top players in the '26 class in California.

+ Elijah Duarte INF/C Ayala (Now: 38 Previous: 60)

Duarte started the spring with an impressive performance at the Prep Baseball California Preseason All State Underclass event from there he continued to impress the staff with a solid showing at the Preseason Invitational. Then over the course of the spring CIF High School season Duarte was a strong contributor to the Ayala program who made a run to the CIF Southern Section D2 semifinals.

+ Braden Oliver SS Agoura (Now: 39 Previous: 175)

Oliver made an impression quickly on Prep Baseball California Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty with his defensive actions at SS over MLK weekend from there his bat caught up and potentially passed his loud defensive skills with an outstanding spring earning himself All-Marmonte League honors as a sophomore (in a league that features 4 D1 committed SS). The combination of all this made Oliver the biggest riser within the rankings jumping into the top players in the '26 class in the state with 136 spot jump.

+ Carson Sheffer C Oaks Christian (Now: 42 Previous: 124)

An athletic defender who shows potential to be an impact defender at a premium defensive spot who adds in the impressive role of being the leadoff hitter in a talented Oaks Christian lineup. With his skill set on each side of the game Sheffer earned All-Marmonte League honors as a sophomore with a bright future amongst the top players in the '26 class.

+ Jordan Walczykowski OF Jesuit (Now: 43 Previous: 94)

His performance as full time starter on varsity in a competitive high school league Walczykowski not only competed but performed at a very high level. For the spring he hit .348 with 7 doubles, 2 triples and a .871 OPS. In addition he scored 24 runs while driving in 13 with 8 stolen bases and jumps from the back half of the rankings into the top half.

+ Wyatt Denton C/RHP Las Plumas (Now: 50 Previous: 74)

Denton absolutely tore the cover off the baseball this spring with loud numbers across the board. Hitting .453 with 9 doubles, 4 triples, 1 HR, 24 RBIs, scoring 30 runs with a 1.201 OPS while walking 8 times with 8 Ks as a full time starter in his sophomore campaign. Denton made a 1 inning appearance on the mound where he struck out 2 batters.

+ Thomas Glenn SS/RHP Misson College Prep Cal Commit (Now: 60 Previous: 107)

The center piece of the Mission College Prep lineup while adding in significant innings on the mound the future Cal Golden Bear helped carry the Royals to a CIF-Central Section D2 playoff appearance. He showed his dynamic skill set at the plate which included impressive power numbers to go with loud numbers on the mound. The future is bring for Glenn as he joins the top 100 players in the '26 class in California.

+ Nico Bavaro LHP St. Mary's (Now: 68 Previous: 153)

The sophomore southpaw was one of the top arms on the Rams stuff which included 9 wins in 12 appearances while posting a .44 ERA. Even louder is the 47.1 innings he threw with 73 strikeouts while allowing just 41 baserunners in total all spring, including an astounding 0 extra base hits.

+ Greyson Gullage MINF Sierra Canyon (Now: 90 Previous: 135)

The LH hitting MINF for the emerging Trailblazers program who competed near the top of the difficult Mission League while impressing during the CIF-Southern Section D1 playoffs caught the eyes of Prep Baseball California Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty with his work at the plate during a MLK weekend event. From there he continued to put together strong at bats, find barrels and be a solid piece of the Sierra Canyon lineup which earned him a jump up the rankings 45 spots into the top 100.

+ JuJu Diaz-Jones RHP Notre Dame Prep (Sherman Oaks) (Now Ranked: 96 Previous: 102)

On the strength of a strong arsenal, athletic delivery and impressive 2024 spring high school season. Diaz-Jones made 14 appearances with 1 save, 1 win and an eye popping .24 ERA. Those 14 appearances equated to 28.2 innings pitched with 26 strikeouts and just 24 baserunners allowed all spring. His performance earned him a bump from the fringe of the top 100 into the top 100 this time around.

+ Aiden Simpson SS/RHP Corona Centennial (Now: 100 Previous: 112)

Another player who makes the jump from the fringes of the top 100 into the top 100 Simpson contributed on both sides of the game for the Huskies. At the plate he hit .284  while collecting 4 doubles and 1 HR with 15 runs while driving in 14 runs. He also made 2 appearances on the mound with 4 strikeouts.

RISERS OUTSIDE THE TOP-100:

+ Parker Allman LHP Saugus (Now: 102 Previous: 115)

Armed with a upper 80s FB which has started to touch 90 MPH while adding in an impressive CB that flashes power with swing and miss action. Allman was impressive in an MLK weekend event where his stuff was noticeably strong, but the control wavered at times. He polished his control and helped lead his high school to a CIF-Southern Section playoff berth and a All-Foothill League 2nd team honor for himself. Knocking on the door of the Top 100 Allman has a chance this summer to take the next step as a pitcher and earn himself a spot in the Top 100.

+ Maddox Merrill INF Clovis (Now: 105 Previous: 117)

Merrill his .292 as a full time starter for the Cougars program who was amongst the Power 25 programs for Prep Baseball California this spring. Amongst that performance in a competitive league in the Central Valley Merrill added 5 doubles, 1 triple, 11 RBIs and 16 runs scored. Putting himself on the fringe of a Top 100 spot Merrill has a chance to make that jump with a strong summer showing.

+ Jake Ourique RHP Gahr (Now: 106 Previous: 132)

Ourique was impressive in an opening day start for the Gahr program as he faced down an impressive Cypress High School lineup with one of the best '24 players in California in it to go the distance for the win in the Prep Baseball California Spring Invitational. That was his introduction and his performance over the course of the rest of the spring for the Gahr program firmly cemented himself with a spot right outside the Top 100 and every opportunity to take the next jump this summer. Jake features a solid mid 80's FB which will touch 88 presently with low effort that shows more velocity to come and feel for all his pitches within the strike zone.

+ Tanner Horn 3B Chico (Now: 114 Previous: 171)

Horn was the full time starter for the Panthers program this spring as a sophomore and used that opportunity to put together a strong spring which included a .288 average while showing his power potential with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs, 19 runs scored and solid .803 OPS this spring. Horn makes a 57 spot jump up the rankings with potential to make another jump in the future.

+ Jack Laubacher RHP/OF Oaks Christian (Now: 118 Previous: 137)

Laubacher garnered his first significant playing time this spring for the Oaks Christian Lions including impressive starts in an elite spring break tournament in front of Prep Baseball California State Director Les Lukach where his FB worked into the 90-91 range with a pair of impressive offspeed offerings and then again for Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty in the opening round of the CIF-Southern Section D1 playoffs. A solid athlete with arm speed and feel to repeat his delivery with upside on the mound Laubacher also is a solid RH hitting OF prospect who shows potential as a 2-way players and makes a nearly 20 spot jump with a good summer he should see himself within the Top 100 in the future.

+ Ryan Hubbard C Oak Ridge (Now: 120 Previous: 157)

Hubbard was one of the best performers at the Prep Baseball California NorCal Preseason All State event where he showed off his ability to stick behind the plate while adding in ability at the plate with power potential. Hubbard followed that up with a stellar spring for the Trojans program in NorCal where he hit .282 with both 17 runs and 17 RBIs while smashing 5 doubles and 5 HRs. Not to mention Hubbard also added in a .950 OPS this spring. There is still polish needed to the overall offensive/defensive profile, but the tools are there with a bright future that could see another jump to his ranking in the future.

+ Tyler Starling OF Agoura (Now: 162 Previous: 199)

Starling caught the eye quickly of Prep Baseball California Central Coast/VTA County Scout Steven Hardesty with his athleticism moving around the OF during an MLK weekend event while displaying bat speed with potential impact but necessary polish to his overall approach. Starling put together a strong showing this spring playing both LF/CF for the Agoura program while contributing at a high level in the competitive Marmonte League. An accomplished football player who plays WR/DB his athleticism speaks for itself and with continued development to his baseball ability don't be surprised to see Starling continue to rise up the rankings.

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: NEWCOMERS

After a full spring of competitive action through the CIF high school baseball season, here are the newcomers in the '26 rankings.

TOP-100 NEWCOMERS:

+ Jack Champlin SS St. John Bosco Now Ranked: 34

Champlin was a contributor to the CIF-Southern Section D3 finalist Braves program who provided steady defensive at the SS position which flashes impact potential. While he didn't get consistent at bats over the course of the spring Champlin was very effective in his opportunities including a .385 average with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 7 runs scored with an .869 OPS in the span. With the potential of increased playing time coming for Champlin in the next few years he has made a jump quickly into the Top 50 players in the '26 class in California with time to cement his status and potentially rise up the rankings in the future.

+ Brady Strachan OF Rancho Bernardo Now Ranked: 41

Strachan showed off an impressive hit tool all spring for the CIF-San Diego Section open division finalist Broncos program including a .365 average, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 17 RBIs, 19 runs scored with an .845 OPS. On the strength of his offensive performance amongst a very talented Rancho Bernardo program Strachan jumps into the Top 50 players in the state with plenty of time to raise his stock in the future.

+ Nathan Bembenek OF Rancho Bernardo Now Ranked: 70

With a Rancho Bernardo program deep in '26 talent Bembenek was one of the more impressive ones that earned himself a spot amongst the Top 100 players in the state. Hitting .321 this spring while collecting 5 doubles, 4 triples, 10 RBIs and 30 runs scored to go with an .854 OPS this year. The future is bright for this talented OF from San Diego.

+ Johnny Haskett RHP St. Augustine Now Ranked: 84

Haskett threw the baseball well all spring for a St. Augustine program which was amongst the Prep Baseball California Power 25 and impressed multiple times with San Diego Scout Matt Monk in attendance. Haskett made 10 appearances including 5 starts with a 3-1 record and 1.02 ERA. His spring totaled 34.1 innings over work in those 10 appearances where he collected 40 punchouts and allowed just 1 baserunner per inning pitched this spring. Haskett has joined the Top 100 and don't be surprised if we see his name rise even further in the future.

+ Caden Dockan RHP Rancho Bernardo Now Ranked: 85

Dockan made 11 appearances this spring for a total off 68 innings including 9 wins with 0 losses and a 1.65 ERA. His arsenal is presently carried by the strength of his pitchability and feel for his arsenal with a chance to continue adding life to his stuff will help this newcomer continue to raise his stock now that he is amongst the Top 100 players in the state.

+ Jayden Goldman RHP/1B Patrick Henry Now Ranked: 88

Goldman made solid contributions to the Patrick Henry program over the course of the '24 spring with the Patriots being amongst the Prep Baseball California Power 25. With a solid spring and an expected increase in his role amongst the Patriots lineup/pitching staff he can cement his status going forward and potentially rise up the rankings.

+ Parker Smith OF Poway Now Ranked: 95

An impressive looking athlete who caught the eyes quickly of Prep Baseball California State Director Les Lukach during the CIF-San Diego Section championship game he earned his way onto the Top 100 with his strong spring showing. Smith hit .343 this spring in over 100 at bats with 2 doubles, 2 HRs, 27 RBIs, 19 runs scored, an .812 OPS, and 9 stolen bases. Parker is now amongst the Top 100 players in California with plenty of time to see his stock rise up the rankings.

NEWCOMERS OUTSIDE THE TOP-100:

+ Travis Perry 3B Classical Academy Now Ranked: 112

An impressive corner INF out of San Diego who impressed San Diego Scout Matt Monk this spring he has earned a spot on the fringe of the Top 100 and with continued development to go with performancein the future we should see Perry rise up the rankings.

+ Richie Moore C Del Norte Now Ranked: 116

The backstop for the Del Norte program he showed a solid defensive profile with intruiging offensive tools this spring for San Diego Scout Matt Monk. Playing a premium defensive spot with continued performance on the offensive side we could see a move from the fringe of the Top 100 for Moore into the Top 100 in the future.

+ Jameson Berigan RHP Thousand Oaks Now Ranked: 124

On the strength of a quality 4 pitch mix headlined by a FB that sit at 86-89 and is touching 90 MPH with a quality CHG, impressive SLD and emerging CB Berigan pitched at high level this spring to earn All-Marmonte League 2nd team honors and an invite to the Future Games Tryout. Berigan just missed the rankings early this year and now sees himself on the fringes of the Top 100.

+ Hamza Hatahet MINF Eastlake Now Ranked: 139

Seeing playing time on varsity as a sophomore the MINF for the Eastlake program showed flashes of his potential with 3 RBIs, 7 runs scored, a triple and more walks than strikeouts in his time at the plate. In addition to his ability at the plate Hatahet shows solid defensive actions which impressed San Diego Scout Matt Monk and sees him join the rankings for the first time.

+ Carson Cerny LHP/OF Moorpark Now Ranked: 140

Cerny was the top arm for the Moorpark Musketeers program who was a CIF-Southern Section D2 finalist and is playing in the D2 SoCal State Tournament. Cerny features a low to mid 80's FB with command, an interesting CB that shows potential while adding feel for his mid 70's CHG. He throws strikes and competes on the mound to the tune of a 13 appearances, 4-2 record, 2.32 ERA over 48.1 IP this spring. In addition he is solid RHH OF who was a consistent contributor at the plate. Cerny's future is on the mound where he joins the rankings for the first time which with a raise the life on his pitch arsenal we should see a raise in his rankings in the future.

+ Erick Barron OF Buena Now Ranked: 144

A bright spot amongst a tough year for his Buena High School program in the Channel League. Barron earned first team All-Channel League this spring on the strength of his defensive prowess in CF with top of the order offensive potential including 19 stolen bases where he creates havoc on the bases. With continued polish to his overall skill set and performance there is potential for Barron to make a jump up the rankings in the future.

+ Taden Krogsgaard SS/RHP Temecula Valley Now Ranked: 151

With a full time spot on varsity this spring Taden capitalized on it by hitting .310 this spring while collecting 6 doubles to go with a triple while driving in 13 RBIs with 12 run scored. Then on the mound he made 9 appearances with a .97 ERA in that work including 6 wins with 50.2 innings pitched. That strong showing this spring earns him a spot on the rankings for the first time with plenty of time for Krogsgaard to make a jump up these rankings in the future.

+ Hayden Rhodes OF Hart Now Ranked: 152

Rhodes manned CF and hit in the middle of lineup for the Hart Indians this spring enroute to a CIF-Southern Section D2 title. On top of the team success Rhodes showed impact level defensive skills at a premium spot with a solid hit tool highlighted by his bat to ball ability with above average run speed. For the spring season he was one of a select few SO. to earn All-Foothill League honors by being on the 2nd team. Rhodes has the potential to make a jump in the future as he continues to develop.

+ Tyson Bobo OF Patrick Henry Now Ranked: 163

Bobo saw playing time as a Sophomore on varsity for the talented Patrick Henry program in which he showed flashes of his ability for San Diego Scout Matt Monk. Those tools and potential earned Bobo a spot on the rankings and with more consistent playing time in his future Bobo will have time to make a jump up the rankings.

+ Kaden Graves MINF Agoura Now Ranked: 170

Graves is another interesting LH hitter who caught the eyes of Prep Baseball California Central Coast/VTA County Scout Steven Hardesty. He shows bat to ball ability, balance in his lower 1/2, solid actions on the INF dirt with athleticism to his profile that earned him a spot on the rankings for the first time.

+ Connor Chanley 3B St. Josephs Now Ranked: 176

Showing very solid defensive ability at the hot corner for the CIF-Central Section D2 Semifinalist St. Joseph's program while earning himself recognition on the CCAA-Mountain All-League teams with his all around performance Chanley stood out in multiple looks for Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty. He has a wiry athletic frame with actions and athletic ability there is plenty of opportunities for Chanley to make a jump up the rankings after joining them for the first time.

+ Mason Trigo 3B Buena Now Ranked: 191

Another bright spot for the Buena program amongst a difficult spring Trigo showed tools and athletic ability in multiple looks by Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty. He has the actions at 3B to stay there long term with potential to move to SS with increased athletic ability while showing bat speed, leverage and offensive potential he makes his first appearance on the '26 rankings.

+ Alec Fontyn 1B/OF Rio Mesa Now Ranked: 196

A 2-year varsity starter for the Rio Mesa Spartan program where Fontyn has hit in the middle of the order he earned 2nd team All-Channel League honors based on the strength of his offensive ability at the plate which continues to impress. As Fontyn continues to add power to his profile there is reason to believe he can make a jump up the rankings in the future.

+ Gabe Barraza MINF Cabrillo Now Ranked: 197

Barraza intrigued with a one game live look for Central Coast/VTA County scout Steven Hardesty with a solid LH swing that showed pull side impact while adding the ability to stick on the INF dirt long term he has put his name on the map this spring and joins the rankings for the first time.

+ Isaac Esquer LHP San Marcos (San Diego) Now Ranked: 199

Esquer made 11 appearances this spring for the Knights in which he went 6-3 with a 2.16 ERA. As impressive as his front line stats are Esquer showed quality stuff over his 52.2 IP with 59 Ks, but will need to continue to polish his control going forward to make a jump after joining the rankings for the first time.

+ Hugo Gonzalez OF Rancho Bernardo Now Ranked: 200

Gonzalez was a full time starter on varsity for the Broncos which allowed him to show glimpses of his ability. He will need to continue to polish his overall profile, but those glimpses this spring included 8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 17 RBIs, 18 runs scored while drawing 15 BBs and Gonzalez joins the rankings.

+ Rocco Cimartusi 1B La Costa Canyon Now Ranked: 205

Cimartusi showed off his tool set with an interesting potential this spring on the San Diego High School circuit which caught the eye of San Diego Scout Matt Monk and finds himself on the rankings now.

+ Riley Ortega OF Pacifica Now Ranked: 206

Ortega is an athletic '26 CF whose tools are strong presently and he showed them well at the varsity level this spring for the CIF-Southern Section D5 quarterfinalist Pacifica program. Ortega profiles to stay in CF with above average potential and adds in a top of the order potential bat making him an intriguing prospect who can raise his stock after joining the rankings.

+ JJ Carmona C Pacifica Now Ranked: 207

Carmona had a strong year behind the plate where he played in every game for the Tritons which included a solid offensive season with a .288 average with 14 RBIs and 8 runs scored adding depth to the lineup. As he continues to polish his offensive approach to go with ability to stick at a premium spot defensively Carmona could make a jump up the rankings after earning his spot on them.

+ Mikey Ruiz 1B St. Augustine Now Ranked: 211

Ruiz picked up consistent playing time on one of the best teams in the San Diego section which gave him a chance to show glimpses of his potential for San Diego Scout Matt Monk. Ruiz picked up a pair of doubles to go with a triple this spring while both driving in and scoring 11 runs. Ruiz is now amongst the top players in the '26 class in California.

+ Andrew Logsdon SS Riverside Prep Now Ranked: 212

The year started with Logsdon showing well at the Prep Baseball California OC Preseason ID and that strong showing carried into a very loud spring for Logsdon. He hit .398 with 9 doubles, 5 triples and 1 HR with 32 RBIs, 29 runs scored and a 1.167 OPS as the 3 hitter for the Silver Knights in their run to the CIF-Southern Section D5 quarterfinals. 

+ Andrew Albrecht RHP Thousand Oaks Now Ranked: 213

Another talented arm for the Lancers program with a mid to upper 80's FB and feel for his offspeed offerings he was able to string together a strong sophomore campaign working as both a reliever and starter with a future in the starting rotation for Thousand Oaks. On the strength of his stuff and performance Albrecht joins the rankings with plenty of time to make a jump up the rankings.

+ Mason Crang 3B San Marcos (Santa Barbara) Now Ranked: 224

Stepping into a full time varsity role for the first time this spring Crang hit in the middle of the order for the Royals program as they looked to build on a 3-peat Channel League title run with a CIF-Southern Section D4 runner up 2023 spring and Crang put them right in the mix all spring long. Crang finished the year at .282 with 8 doubles, 1 HR, drove in 14 runs while scoring 14 runs while playing solid defense at 3B. Crang enters the rankings with this expansion and has a chance to raise his stock in the future.

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

 

UPCOMING EVENTS