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2025 Rankings Update

November 20, 2024
Dan Valerio & TJ Hunt
PB NJ Staff

As the fall season winds down, it’s time to take a closer look at the standout talent in New Jersey’s 2025 high school baseball class. Rankings not only recognize the cream of the crop but also spotlight players making significant strides in their game.

New Jersey’s 2024 class set the bar high, producing three high school draft picks and numerous players already making waves on college campuses. The 2025 class is poised to carry on that tradition with a deep pool of talent.

Leading the charge are versatile athletes who excel in the middle of the field, like Nicky Becker, Chase Kroberger, and Matthew Ferrara. On the mound, the class boasts future starting pitching potential in Marcelo Harsch, Jackson Smallets, and Ryan Prior. These names anchor a top-10 filled with dynamic players ready to shine at the next level.

From power hitters to lockdown defenders, this year’s group showcases the depth and skill that continue to make New Jersey a hotspot for emerging baseball talent. Let’s dive into the names and performances that are shaping this remarkable class.

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Nicky Becker NJ Don Bosco Prep 2025 SS Virginia
2 Matthew Ferrara NJ Toms River East 2025 SS Pittsburgh
3 Marcelo Harsch NJ Seton Hall Prep 2025 RHP Wake Forest
4 Jackson Smallets NJ Gloucester Catholic 2025 RHP Coastal Carolina
5 Logan Dawson NJ Eastern Regional 2025 SS Boston College
6 Chase Kroberger NJ Moorestown 2025 OF Alabama
7 Julius Rosado NJ South River 2025 3B Rutgers
8 William Mahala NJ Seton Hall Prep 2025 OF Virginia
9 Evan Taylor NJ Ocean City 2025 RHP Alabama
10 Ryan Prior NJ Red Bank Catholic 2025 RHP Virginia


The Top 5

For the second consecutive update, Virginia recruit SS Nicky Becker (Don Bosco Prep) claims the top spot in New Jersey’s 2025 high school baseball rankings. Baseball runs deep in Becker’s family—his father played professionally for Cleveland, and his brother Eric is in his second year at UVA. The right-handed hitting shortstop out of Don Bosco Prep boasts fluid actions at the plate and the ability to spray the ball to all fields. This past spring, he slashed an impressive .456 with 12 doubles, drawing the attention of MLB scouts impressed by his consistent hitting and potential to remain at shortstop at the next level. 

Checking in at No. 2 is Pittsburgh recruit, SS Matthew Ferrara (Toms River East) a smooth-fielding shortstop from Toms River who has skyrocketed since being identified as a rising junior. Ferrara’s added strength has only amplified his game, but it’s his intangibles that set him apart. His ability to adjust in the box—finding barrels in any count or situation—makes him one of the most polished hitters in the region.

At No. 3, Wake Forest recruit RHP Marcelo Harsch (Seton Hall Prep) stands out as the top arm in the class. The lanky right-hander has starter traits and leadership qualities to match his electric stuff. Harsch’s fastball already touches the low 90s, complemented by a pair of breaking balls—a 12/6 curve and a sweeping variant—that generate consistent whiffs. With plenty of physical projection left, he’s one to watch closely.

New to the top 10 at No. 4 is Coastal Carolina commit, RHP Jackson Smallets (Gloucester Catholic), who made waves during the Junior Subway Series. Though looks were limited last spring, his October showcase was eye-opening. Smallets features a sinking fastball in the low 90s paired with a sweeping breaking ball, showing excellent command and strike-throwing ability.

Rounding out the top five is Boston College commit, SS Logan Dawson (Eastern Regional), a three-sport standout who had a breakout spring. Dawson hit .364 with nine doubles and three home runs while also delivering on the mound, tossing 64 innings with 75 strikeouts. His competitive edge and athletic versatility make him an invaluable asset to any lineup.

This top-five group epitomizes the depth and diversity of talent in New Jersey’s 2025 class, showcasing everything from elite hitting and fielding to dominant pitching performances.

At No. 6, Alabama recruit OF Chase Kroberger continues his steady climb up the rankings. The Alabama commit has been a consistent riser thanks to his improving tools and reliable on-field performance. In 2024, Kroberger launched nine home runs, showcasing his line-to-line power. While illness slowed his summer circuit, a strong offseason and dominant spring could solidify his name as a top prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft.

Rutgers commit, INF Julius Rosado (South River) checking in at No. 7, has become a staple of New Jersey’s top 10 rankings. The Rutgers recruit is a powerhouse at the plate, combining elite power with a strong hit tool. This past spring, Rosado’s bat spoke volumes as he hit .594 with 14 home runs. He carried that success into the summer circuit, thriving against high-level competition with wood bats.

At No. 8, OF William Mahala (Seton Hall Prep), a Virginia commit, is one of the most athletic players in this class. The speedy center fielder possesses a twitchy swing and is a current 60-grade athlete. Mahala’s raw tools, combined with his excellent baseball bloodlines, hint at significant upside, and a surge in power numbers could be on the horizon this spring.

Coming in at No. 9, INF/RHP Evan Taylor, an Alabama commit, has been the heart and soul of his Ocean City team. A true two-way player, Taylor impacts the game on both sides of the ball. He brings gap-to-gap power at the plate and features a cut fastball that could reach the mid-90s. Taylor’s versatility and leadership make him one of the most complete players in the class.

Rounding out the top 10 is RHP Ryan Prior (Red Bank Catholic), a power-armed right-hander and the third UVA recruit on this list. Prior has made notable adjustments to his delivery, leading to improved consistency on the mound. His performance at the Junior Subway Series was the best we’ve seen yet, as he pounded the zone with swing-and-miss stuff. Now fully committed to baseball after stepping away from his second sport, Prior is primed for a breakout spring.

This group of rising stars underscores the depth of New Jersey’s 2025 class, each player boasting the tools and talent to make waves at the next level.

Other Names to Know

No. 11 LHP Frank Cairone (Delsea / Coastal Carolina)

No. 12 LHP Sean Budis (Brearly / Boston College) 

No. 13 SS AJ Terry (Randolph / UNC)

No. 14 RHP Jake Lodgek (Mainland / Miami)

No. 15 1B Dylan Passo (Red Bank Catholic / Notre Dame)

No. 16 OF Dylan Fitzsimmons (Morris Knolls / St. Johns) 

No. 19 LHP Zach Fronio (North Hunterdon / Boston College) 

Upcoming Events

Showcase State Date Location
2025 Central NJ Preseason ID NJ 01/20 Top Corner Sports - Bridgewater, NJ
2025 Northeast Procase NJ 02/08 The Ballpark - Farmingdale, NJ
2025 NJ Rising Stars ID (2.17.25) NJ 02/17 Iron Peak Sports - Hillsborough, NJ
2025 NJ Preseason All-State: Upperclass (2025-2026s) NJ 02/23 The Dome at Adventure Crossing - Jackson, NJ
2025 NJ Preseason All-State: Underclass (2027-2028s) NJ 03/02 The Dome at Adventure Crossing - Jackson, NJ
2025 NJ Rising Stars ID (3.16.25) NJ 03/16 Sports Domain Academy - Clifton, NJ