'Stock Continues To Rise' For Sophomore Right-Hander Racht

Jax Racht RHP / RHP / Niles, MI / 2026

NILES - The year 2023 was a big one for Jax Racht when it comes to his baseball future. The Niles High School sophomore is expecting 2024 to be even bigger.

“Jax’s stock continues to rise,” noted Adam Goodwin, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting. “As a freshman he was able to rack up a plethora of innings and 100-plus punch outs and will be a vital piece to the rotation this spring for the Vikings. He features a fastball in the mid-to-upper 80s and improving offspeed. He will be one to keep a close eye on this spring and into June and July, someone who already boasts a 6-3 frame and room to fill out.”

The 190-pound right-handed pitcher has made a lot of strides to get to this point.

“I’ve definitely improved over the past few years,” noted the third-rated 2026 in Michigan, who in his last outing of the summer, a PBR tournament in Ohio, threw a no-hitter over six innings with 16 Ks. “Finding a good throwing program with PRP has really helped me a lot.”

More velocity has been obvious for Racht, who was throwing 80 in the fall of 2022 before reaching 87 this past fall.

“My arm strength has definitely increased,” the 16-year-old explained. “My velo has really had an uptick this past year and my confidence, too.”

Getting college interest has followed.

“Before the new rule was in place I was talking with the Xavier coach and after the rule I went to camps at certain colleges,” the fourth-ranked sophomore RHP in the state said. “After the Michigan and Michigan State camps went well I expressed some interest. We’ll have to see how it works out in the end.”

Prep Baseball has made a difference as well according to Racht.

“I’ve really enjoyed all of them,” pointed out the fifth-rated 2026 in Michigan, whose highlights this past year have included the Procase, Top Prospect Games and Junior Future Games. “It’s been a good experience. It’s nice to get your name out there and be around dudes better than you. I’m thinking I could be that good in the future. There’s a lot of motivation in that.”

Love for the game is part of the equation.

“College baseball has always been a goal of mine since I was little,” Racht reflected. “I was brought up by my dad around the sport in a baseball family. I find a lot of fun in it.”

The upcoming year brings excitement for Racht, who looks forward to another outstanding high school season at Niles while showing colleges his potential.

“I’m going to the PBR Preseason All-State and we’ll see how that works out,” Racht noted. “I hope to get invited to the PBR Future Games, that’s a goal.”

Getting better is as well.

“I’m working on my offspeed and developing a good third pitch,” Racht explained. “That would definitely be helpful, a third pitch to go along with my fastball and slider. I’m working on a changeup now.”

Racht, who carries a 3.97 GPA and is uncertain about a college major, believes the future is bright.

“I’m looking to just keep improving and get the proper footage out there that’s accurate,” Racht said. “Hopefully, by this summer I’ll touch 90.”

Finding a future college home is also on the horizon.

“I’d like to go to a bigger school,” Racht related. “Definitely, the type of coach is important in what I’m looking for. I want to find a place where I can see myself in their program. I want to play a good role on the staff and help make a run at whatever they want to accomplish.”

When that will come is unknown.

“Whenever the time is right and it makes the most sense for me and my family,” Racht said about making his college decision.