Uncommitted Spotlight: 2026 Kross Gillen

We last saw Gillen in Week 1 on the mound, and he turned in a really good performance against Barbe, as he held the Bucs to zero runs through 5 innings. Last Monday against Acadiana, we had the opportunity to see him as a position-player and although the box score didn't turn out in his favor (0-2, R, BB), we still left really liking his overall game. Gillen got off good hacks with intent and present bat speed, and squared a ball up right at the shortstop for a line out. He's got a projectable 6'2" 185 lbs. frame with room to add strength, and is a really good two-way prospect in the state's 2026 class to continue to monitor.

6'2" athletic frame with present strength. Gillen impressed us as last fall's State Games as a position-player prospect due to present bat speed and power, but on Saturday, he showed that he should be regarded as a possible two-way prospect moving forward. The Opelousas Catholic product was given the starting nod against the defending Non-Select D-I State Champion Barbe Bucs and turned in a quality outing. Gillen was able to land his 72-75 mph CB for strikes early, before going to his 84-87 mph FB late, and he was able to locate it to both sides of the plate. He competed hard and took a 1-0 lead into the 6th before running out of gas, and although the Vikings lost, the uncommitted sophomore put himself firmly on our radar for the rest of the spring.

Kross Gillen, Opelousas Catholic (LA), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Athletic with some present physicality.
Hit: RHH. Upright and balanced stance with hands held high above back shoudler, uses a simple load and stride to get to center. Drops the bat head down to the ball with slightly uphill extension and a one-handed finish, present bat speed, flashed pop to the pull-side during BP.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 84.6 mph. 341' max distance.
Arm: RH. OF-87 mph. Compact arm stroke with an OTT release.
Defense: Received the ball clean and out front off his left foot with one hand, plays in rhythm, showed a strong, accurate arm from the OF.
ATH: 7.21 runner in the 60. 1.72 and 4.00 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.