Shooter's Shortlist: West Coast 2026s
April 20, 2023
As the season inches towards summer and the recruiting trips get planned, a look into the must-see uncommitted underclassmen that PBR’s Vice President of Scouting, Shooter Hunt, is circling for college coaches to plan around.
CALIFORNIA
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Gavin Hottle SS / 3B / Orange Lutheran, CA / 2026Get ready for the next wave of SoCal shorts. Hottle got his first starts of the year for Orange Lutheran, cracking the lineup of one of the country’s premier programs as just a freshman. At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, he hardly looks like an underclassman outside of the fact that the frame still should see significant strength gains in coming years. The right-handed hitter looked more than comfortable in the box going against a ‘23 draft arm, and delivered a loud line drive single in his first at-bat of the tournament. There is an easy to the load with the hands rhythmically flowing back into a power position with a short stride before quickly bringing the barrel directly to the ball with significant impact for a freshman. Staying behind the ball with an almost exaggerated two-handed finish that kept the barrel in the zone, it was easy to dream on the premium upside that Hottle’s bat presented, and one that is going to be a must-follow over the course of the next four years. On the infield, he showed some confidence at shortstop with quality actions and solid hands that allowed him to look the part at shortstop. The frame hints at a future shift to third base, but for now shortstop suits Hottle well, and he is a player that every program in the country will want to get eyes on this summer. |
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Anthony Murphy OF / RHP / Corona, CA / 2026Murphy’s elite athleticism allows him to stand head-and-shoulders above much of the freshman class, and aids in the electric tools and upside that he presents. Dynamic in all phases, he has enjoyed a strong start to his high school career for a Corona program that has been nationally ranked this spring. A 6.86-runner in the fall with long, graceful strides, the outfielder also unleashed throws up to 89 mph with exit velocities as high as 95.3 per Trackman. There is lightning in the hands and thunder in the barrel as he remains compact throughout an approach that features easy movement. Given the athleticism and aggressiveness, it is easy to bet on Murphy’s continued ascension in this young class.
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Landon Schutte RHP / 1B / Oakdale, CA / 2026Already fairly well known throughout the country thanks to his youth success, Schutte remains a must-follow this summer thanks to the elite arm talent and stuff that he showcases on the mound…oh yea, and the fact that Northern California routinely churns out some of the top players in the country. At 6-foot-4, 210-pounds the frame screams imposing power, and his athleticism should help the young right-hander quickly approach a high ceiling. |
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CJ Weinstein 2B / SS / Huntington Beach, CA / 2026Simply put, Weinstein has one of the sweetest swings in the freshman class, and playing at powerhouse program, Huntington Beach, it is easy to count on his continued progression. A varsity starter for a team already stocked with double-digit division 1 commits, the left-handed hitting infielder possesses the upside potential of hitting at a high level. Lean and athletic at 6-foot, 165-pounds with wider shoulders, his athletic frame should carry significantly more strength in coming years which will only aid in the future power production. A quieter approach with minor separation sees his quick hands turn the barrel with some authority which includes some sneaky pop to the pull side. The decision making along with an innate clock that allows him to slow things down on both sides of the ball stands out at a young age and makes him an immediate must-follow this spring/summer.
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ARIZONA
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Ryan Harwood 1B / RHP / Casteel, AZ / 2026
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Carter Macanas SS / 3B / Desert Ridge, AZ / 2026Rankings State Rank: 7 / POS: 2
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OREGON
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Kruz Schoolcraft LHP / Sunset, OR / 2026
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Trenton Hertzog 3B / RHP / Tigard, OR / 2026Rankings State Rank: 4 / POS: 1
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UTAH
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Cache Poulson C / 3B / American Fork, UT / 2026 |
WASHINGTON
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Bryce Collins RHP / OF / Kelso, WA / 2026Rankings StateRank: 9 / POS: 5
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Sean Evans 3B / RHP / Tahoma, WA / 2026Rankings StateRank: 14 / POS: 1
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