Fairchild Taking Athleticism, Versatility To Cincinnati

Dylan Fairchild SS / RHP / Detroit Catholic Central, MI / 2026

WIXOM - Athletic and versatile. Those traits helped attract college interest for Dylan Fairchild, eventually ending in a commitment to the University of Cincinnati.

“They like my speed and how athletic I am,” the Detroit Catholic Central junior said of UC. “They like that they can put me anywhere. I can be a utility player for them.”

Interest in Fairchild began during the winter of freshman year.

“I started to go to Prep Baseball showcases and did well,” reflected the second-rated 2026 shortstop in Michigan, who attended three events to demonstrate his overall abilities. “I made varsity as a freshman and that got my name out there. Then I got invited to the Top Prospect Trials. Cincinnati was looking at me already and I was invited to the Future Games where they saw me. On Aug. 1 they reached out and offered.”

It was a busy day for Fairchild when college coaches could first make contact with players in the 2026 class.

“I heard from around 20 D-I schools,” the 16-year-old related. “The first day I had two offers, Xavier and Cincinnati, and a week later Akron offered.”

There was a September visit to Xavier and an October trip to Cincinnati which led to the college decision.

“The coaches … I love what they’re about and how they develop kids,” Fairchild said about his fondness for the staff at Cincinnati. “It just felt right for me. I felt at home with the kids and the culture. They’re starting to get at a high level with the new coach.”

The idea of being a utility player is intriguing for the fifth-ranked junior in the state.

“I was always primarily an infielder,” Fairchild noted. “Then freshman year in high school I played left field. I was fast and athletic and adapted to it. I played third base last year in high school and at the Future Games was in the infield. I just use speed to my advantage.”

Fairchild pointed to the Future Games as a major factor in becoming a Division I college baseball commit.

“This year I started getting looks and knew baseball was what I wanted to do in the future,” Fairchild explained. “It became a reality, especially with the Future Games and so many coaches watching.

“The Future Games really helped me the most,” Fairchild continued in talking about the highly-regarded Prep Baseball event in late July. “Seeing everybody there put it in perspective with how many coaches were looking at players from all over. When Aug. 1 came around it was exciting, but a little stressful talking to all of the coaches. When I narrowed it down it became easier.”

The 6-1 176-pounder believes the future is bright when it comes to being part of the baseball program at Cincinnati.

“I’m athletic, very coachable and can play anywhere on the field,” Fairchild said. “There is a lot of potential to develop.”

Fairchild credited a number of people with playing a role in his baseball journey, including high school coach Ryan Rogowski, summer coach Ted Thompson and, in particular, his father Dan Fairchild and grandfather Dan Talbot.

“Since I was little my dad threw BP and hit ground balls with me,” Fairchild related. “The same thing with my grandpa. They really wanted to see me succeed.”

Making gains on the ball diamond followed.

“Being coachable is the most important thing for me,” Fairchild explained. “Hitting and being aggressive and not getting behind in the count is really big. Hit it where it’s pitched. Defensively, it’s about being athletic. Wherever the coach puts you, be ready for anything.”

When Fairchild took a visit to Cincinnati he realized it was what he was looking for in a college.

“I knew it was the right place for me,” Fairchild said of UC. “A lot  of stress was gone after my commitment. Now I need to keep progressing and developing.”

Undecided on a major, the junior at Detroit Catholic Central, who carries a 3.3 GPA, understands what lies ahead at the Big 12 Conference university located four hours from home.

“I’m looking forward to being a college student and playing baseball every day,” Fairchild concluded. “It’s gonna be a lot of work, but I just love playing baseball.”