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Class of 2026 Player Rankings Update (May 2024)

May 29, 2024
Dylan Grenz
Associate Scout

As the Washington high school baseball season reaches its conclusion, we continue with our spring update of high school player rankings. This spring, Prep Baseball Staff saw hundreds of players, and saw several standout performers throughout. Today, in our second week of the three-week player rankings updates, we reveal our 2026 player rankings.

As always, Prep Baseball's evaluation process is a fluid and ongoing process with multiple viewings in order to get the best feel for players abilities. It is important to note that as players continue their development, some show marked improvement at a much more rapid pace. That doesn’t indicate that other players have necessarily gotten worse or went backwards. As the year unfolds, players make improvements and new prospects constantly arise, naturally expanding Prep Baseball's ranking lists. In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in Washington and nationally, have had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and create the most informed and comprehensive rankings list possible.

Featuring a total of 100 prospects, the class of 2026 list showcases several newcomers on the rise, other mainstays in top prospect lists, and an increasingly deep pool of high school baseball talent. Below is our top 10 list and scouting notes on some of the top risers within the 2026 class.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS

 

New #1 Player

After being in the top 10 conistently across multiple updates to the 2026 class, RHP Eli Herst (Garfield) ascends to the #1 overall spot. He's had a steady trajectory over the past 18 months or so and the jump in overall stuff paired with his production and high ceiling makes him the top prospect in the class heading into the summer. At 6'4, 190, it's a prototypical starter's build with proportional height and wide, sloped shoulders. Mechanically he moves easily down the mound with an athletic decel and fluid rotation. Arm creates significant layback with a short, compact path and length out front. After being a mid-80s arm for the bulk of last year, he was up to 89 mph this spring and holds 84-88 deep into starts. The SL has emerged as his best secondary at 75-77 with tight, late shape. He rarely needs a CH at the HS level but given how well he stays behind the ball and the hand speed, it has a chance to be above average at 78-80 with late tumble. For the season and Metro playoffs, put together a final stat line of a 1.33 ERA, 52.2 IP, 35 H, 9 BB, 86 K. 

Top Risers

#3 2026 LHP James Gill III (Battle Ground)
Gill was an arm that shot up our rankings after multiple impressive looks throughout the spring. The strong-framed LH had a monster season, finishing with a 1.05 ERA en route to winning the Columbian All-Region Player of the Year.  Smooth, repeatable delivery on the mound with easy juice. FB consistently sat upper 80's in all looks with life up in the zone, topping out at 90. Pairs the heater with a curveball in the low-mid 70's. Easy projectability moving forward, especially as his secondary pitches continue to develop.

#8 2026 RHP Maxwell Schweyen (Puyallup)
A standout arm in what was a deep and talented Puyallup staff, Schweyen turned heads with the jump in his "stuff" on the mound. Medium-framed righty features a FB 87-90 and a slider 73-76 with plus sweeping action. High intent, quick paced delivery can overpower HS hitters. A surefire arm to keep an eye on moving forward.

#11 2026 OF Anthony Karis (Gonzaga Prep)
One of Prep Baseball scouts' favorite hit tools in the '26 class, Karis had a stellar year and was a key part of Gonzaga Prep's run to the state playoffs. A real hit tool with ability to get to power in game. Plus bat speed, creates leverage at contact consistently. One of the most productive HS seasons offensively from a power standpoint. Athletic prospect can make all plays needed defensively in the outfield.

 

#28 2026 RHP Kody Moyer (North Creek)
Moyer had a productive season for a North Creek squad that had a deep run into the 4A state playoffs this season. Offers a three pitch mix, including a FB 83-87, SL 74-76, and CH 77-80. Fills up the zone with a whippy arm action and a low, loose gloveside follow. Finished with an impressive 0.74 ERA in 57 IP with 56 K's to just 10 BB's. Season was highlighted by a monster 7.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 7 K performance in the state semi's.

#35 2026 C Tilden Hsu (Lakeside)
Strong framed, switch hitting catcher provides plenty of versatility in his game. From the RH side, has a wider base with strong hands at point of contact. LH swing features an open stance into a toe tap load. Creates leverage consistently from both sides. Solid defensively behind the plate. Had a strong sophomore campaign en route to earning 1st Team All-Metro honors.

#76 2026 MIF Kanata Barber (Shorewood)
A newcomer to this edition of the 2026 rankings, Barber had a standout offensive season for Shorewood. Finished the season with a .403 AVG and over a .500 OBP in 22 games played. Upright, balanced LH swing. Short stride and simple approach leads to repeatable swing actions. Controls the zone with present feel for hit. Smooth actions defensively with quick hands.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Reign Baseball Scout Day WA 05/31 The Sandlot - Pasco, WA
Idaho Rising Stars ID WA 06/04 College of Southern Idaho - Twin Falls, ID
Portland Summer ID WA 06/05 Milwaukie High School
Washington Rush Scout Day WA 06/11 Edmonds Woodway HS
Ridgefield Summer ID WA 06/20 Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex
Seattle Summer ID WA 06/25 Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Spokane Summer ID WA 06/26 Whitworth University - Spokane, WA
Seattle Summer ID - Session II WA 07/02 Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Portland Summer ID - Session II WA 07/02 Wilsonville High School
Future Games (Class of 2026/27) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Pacific Northwest State Games (Invite-Only) WA 07/30 Heritage High School