Arkansas Class of 2029 Rankings Update: Preseason Edition
March 25, 2026
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 2029 rankings as the Freshmen take the field in the spring.
For a full look at the updated 2029 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 revamped top 10 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.
Risers
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Preston Lambert RHP / 3B / Jonesboro, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 9 / POS: 1
After a nice start to the season, Lambert has shown why we moved him up the rankings. Racking up some innings at the varsity level is not an easy feat to accomplish as a freshman and he is doing just that. Look for him to continue to make jumps in his game as this young athlete has a high upside for future progression. |
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Brayden Grooms C / 3B / Pocahontas, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 13 / POS: 2
Grooms jumps 8 spots in this update as he is a switch-hitting catcher with strong barrel control from both sides, he presents a rare offensive profile that keeps opposing pitchers guessing. Fundamentally sound behind the plate, he handles pitchers confidently, blocks well and shows the footwork and arm mechanics to develop into an above-average framer and thrower. His ability to consistently find the barrel from either side gives him lineup versatility and immediate impact potential, while physical projection and continued game-calling growth could push him into a premium catching role. The keys are maintaining plate balance and continuing to refine throwing accuracy and pitch-framing to maximize long-term value. 
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Max Scroggins 1B / RHP / Conway, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 2
Scroggins makes a big jump in this rankings update. A true swiss-army knife on the diamond, he impacts the game everywhere — giving managers lineup flexibility and matchup advantages with plus defense at multiple spots. At the plate his uphill swing unlocks explosive pull-side power and carries into the gaps, turning one swing into extra bases and changing the momentum of a game. Athletic, competitive and fearless, he’s the kind of high-ceiling playmaker who can slot into any lineup and immediately influence run-scoring while keeping opposing coaches up at night. 
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Newcomers
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Sawyer Boone 3B / SS / Little Rock Christian, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 2 / POS: 1
Boone is the first newcomer into the rankings as he makes a huge breakthrough into the top 10. A complete, two-way threat—this smooth left-handed swinger pairs premium feel for the barrel with a top exit velocity of 94.9, turning contact into loud, game-changing hits. Defensively he’s ultra-reliable with an 86 mph infield arm that plays up across the diamond, and his two-way upside is highlighted by an 84 mph arm from the mound that gives him real pitching upside as well. Athletic, polished and competitive, he projects as an impact performer who can influence the game in multiple ways and profile as a high-leverage piece at the next level. 
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Dekklyn Henslee SS / RHP / Har-Ber, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 3 / POS: 2
Henslee is a high-upside athlete with raw tools on both sides of the ball, he consistently creates easy pop at the plate—top exit velocity of 93.8—that produces loud contact and frequent extra-base power. On the mound his clean mechanics translate to effortless velocity, already touching 83 mph with clear projection for more as he adds strength and repeats his delivery. Athletic and projectable, he profiles as a two-way impact player whose upside could quickly separate him as a middle-of-the-order power bat or a high-leverage arm at the next level. 
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Carter Emerson SS / OF / Har-Ber, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 5 / POS: 4
A true multi-tool talent, he blends plus athleticism with advanced instincts that show up on both sides of the ball, giving him immediate impact and long-term projection. His foundational skill set — steady hands, quick feet, and a feel for the barrel — provides a reliable floor while his athleticism and work ethic point to consistent growth over the coming years. As he continues to refine his approach and physical profile, he projects into an above-average everyday player who can influence the game with speed, defense, and run-production. 
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Gavin Dozier OF / RHP / Fayetteville, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 6 / POS: 1
Standing 6'2" and 187 lbs, he pairs an athletic frame with a dependable, consistent barrel path that routinely produces hard, on-plane contact. That foundational approach gives him a reliable offensive floor and the physical profile to add strength and extra-base pop as he matures. Defensively and athletically he projects well across multiple spots, offering positional versatility and steady play. With continued reps and physical development, he projects into a high-utility everyday contributor with upside to impact the middle of the lineup. 
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Hudson McAlister C / SS / Hector, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 1
A twitchy athlete whose explosive left-handed swing consistently produces premium contact — top exit velocity of 94.2 — giving him true game-changing power from the left side. Behind the plate he pairs quick hands and a strong arm with pop times (2.01–2.11), projecting as an immediate defensive weapon who can control the running game. His athleticism and raw juice make him a high-upside catcher with middle-of-the-order impact potential, and his profile plays well at higher levels as he continues to polish game-calling and receiving. 
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Landon Silvey RHP / OF / Har-Ber, AR / 2029Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 2
Silvey rounds out our list of top newcomers as this two-way player showcases his ability to collect outs on the mound and drive the ball the other way at the plate. He is a fundamentally sound player with clean mechanics on the mound and smooth swing at the plate. Look for Silvey to grow his game over the years with added strength and physical maturity. 
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