The 2026 Arkansas high school baseball season is just getting underway, and with a full slate of preseason events now complete, the Prep Baseball Arkansas staff has made one final update to the Natural State’s 2028 rankings before the Sophomores take the field in the spring.

For a full look at the updated 2028 class rankings, click HERE. 

We have a big update following our preseason showcase season, as there has been major and minor  changes throughout the rankings including a new number 1 following some standout performances at our offseason events. 

Below, we take a deeper dive into this update, highlighting the top of the rankings while also providing a broader look at the class as a whole, including newcomers and names on the rise. Read on for the full breakdown.

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Risers

Preston Kendall C / OF / Fayetteville, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 2 Kendall’s strong preseason showings and fast start to the season have pushed him into the top 10 in this rankings update. Offensively, he’s a true power threat with an explosive swing that produced a top exit velocity of 101 mph. Defensively he’s well-rounded behind the plate, posting pop times from 2.01–2.21 and a throwing velocity of 79 mph. Overall, Kendall projects as a high-impact player both at the plate and in game management.

Bryce Meakin RHP / OF / Arkadelphia, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 4 Meakin rockets up the rankings to No. 10 after a standout showing at the Central Arkansas Preseason ID. At 6'3", 210 lbs, he uses his size and leverage to drive the ball, posting a top exit velocity of 99 mph. His arm is the standout tool — 90 mph from the outfield and up to 88 mph on the mound — making him a two-way threat. Overall, Meakin projects as a power presence with high-end arm strength.

Aden Bradicich RHP / Russellville, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 14 / POS: 5 Bradicich climbs more than 20 spots after a strong showing at our Preseason All-State Event. He brings a stout frame and a power-oriented swing that produced a top exit velocity of 99.4 mph. On the mound his fastball sat 87–88 mph and he complements it with a sharp slider at 77–79 mph. Overall, he profiles as a power hitter who also presents a legitimate pitching option.

Tyce Fletcher 3B / RHP / Cabot, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 26 / POS: 3 Fletcher soars nearly 40 spots in this update after showing well-rounded athleticism across the board. He recorded a top exit velocity of 98 mph, posted infield velocities up to 86 mph across the diamond, and runs his fastball to 85 mph on the mound. Overall, Fletcher projects as a versatile, athletic two-way player with impact tools both offensively and defensively.

Caleb Curry SS / 2B / Benton, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 5 Curry is our last big riser as he jumps nearly 30 spots after turning heads at a preseason event with his competitive, gamer mentality. At the plate he shows a smooth left-handed swing and a solid presence in the box. Defensively he fields the infield exceptionally well, projecting as a reliable defender with quality offensive upside.

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Newcomers

Quinn Birdsong RHP / 1B / Shiloh Christian, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 3 Birdsong is a first-time entrant after a standout showing at the Northwest Arkansas Preseason ID. At 6'3", 225 lbs, the right-hander features a fastball of 88–92 mph and a complementary mix — slider 78–82, changeup 81–82, and curveball 73–76 — making him one of the top arms in the state. Overall, he projects as a physically advanced pitcher with a full arsenal and immediate impact potential.

Rowan Selva OF / RHP / Little Rock Catholic, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 1 Selva bursts onto the scene after a standout preseason, showing a physical, forceful approach at the plate. His uphill swing produced a top exit velocity of 102.8 mph and the ability to drive the ball out of the yard. Defensively he showed an outfield arm velocity of 82 mph, projecting as a power bat with solid outfield capability. Look for him to be a breakout star throughout the 2026 season.

Eli Mathis 1B / RHP / Valley View, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 1 Mathis is a long‑levered athlete with clear upside and untapped potential. From the left side he showcases an uphill, power‑driven swing that produced a top exit velocity of 98 mph. On the mound he shows projection and the ability to get downhill, touching 84 mph with his fastball. With continued refinement and strength gains he projects as a two‑way piece who could develop more consistent power and pitching polish.

Luke Barley C / Hamburg, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 20 / POS: 5 Barley is a fundamentally sound player who uses a slightly uphill swing to drive the ball to the opposite field, recording a top exit velocity of 95.7 mph. Behind the plate he profiles as a top backstop, posting pop times from 1.97–2.06. His combination of plate discipline and defensive reliability makes him a high-value catch-and-control type. With continued strength and consistency he projects as an everyday backstop who can handle pitching staffs and provide occasional power.

Charlie Kroell C / OF / Shiloh Christian, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 21 / POS: 6 Kroell is the final newcomer to climb the rankings after moving in from Colorado. A multi‑tool athlete who moves well for a catcher (7.16 60-yard dash), he pairs athleticism with defensive versatility. At the plate he shows a level, contact-oriented swing that produced a top exit velocity of 93.8 mph. Overall, Kroell projects as a reliable, athletic backstop who can impact the game with consistent contact and above-average mobility.

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