Prep Baseball Report

Arizona Class of 2027: Winter Rankings Update


Antonio Torres
Arizona Director

 

As winter sets in and programs turn their focus toward the upcoming high school season, we are excited to unveil our latest update to the Arizona Class of 2027 Player Rankings. This update captures a meaningful stretch of development, highlighted by strong spring performances, competitive summer looks, and a full fall of Prep Baseball events that provided valuable evaluation opportunities. The class continues to gain definition, showcasing a mix of emerging physicality, improving polish, and tool sets that hint at significant upside as the group moves deeper into its recruiting cycle.

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Our evaluation process remains consistent and thorough, grounded in live evaluations, objective data, and continued dialogue with high school and travel coaches along with college recruiters. Player development is never linear, and this update reflects that reality. Some prospects have made clear strides, while others are still building toward future jumps. With another high school season approaching and important recruiting moments ahead, expect continued movement within the rankings, new names to surface, and increased clarity as Arizona’s 2027 class continues to evolve.

To view the full Class of 2027 Rankings, CLICK HERE.


THE TOP-10 IN THE CLASS OF 2027 ⭐

RANK
PLAYERS
HIGH SCHOOL POSITION
COMMITMENT
1 Robert Villa III Centennial SS Alabama
Click to view Villa's Video

Bobby remains the clear pace setter in Arizona’s 2027 class as the calendar turns toward the spring season. At the plate, his game is built on rhythm, barrel accuracy, and an advanced approach from both sides, consistently producing tough at bats and line drive contact rather than selling out for power. His speed changes the game in real time, creating constant pressure on the defense, while his actions in the middle infield continue to look natural, efficient, and under control. With a strong feel for the game and a competitive edge that shows up daily, Bobby continues to separate himself as the most complete player in the class.

 

2 Baylor Denny Casteel SS Oklahoma
Click to view Denny's Video

Baylor has firmly established himself as one of the top shortstops in Arizona’s 2027 class, a profile that earned him an early commitment to Oklahoma. Defensively, he brings confidence and polish to the position, showing smooth actions, steady footwork, and the arm strength to complete plays from all angles on the left side. His feel for the game and ability to control the pace of play continue to stand out as separators. With a balanced offensive approach that keeps trending up, Baylor enters the spring as a high end shortstop prospect with proven next level projection.

 

3 Aldo Teilon Tucson SS ASU
Click to view Teilon's Video

Aldo continues to trend upward as one of the most intriguing upside plays in Arizona’s 2027 class as the spring approaches. His left handed swing produces loud contact with ease, leveraging long levers and fast hands to generate real power that already shows up in game settings. The athleticism is evident in how he moves, and his arm strength stands out whether he is working across the diamond or letting it eat from the outfield. As his actions at shortstop continue to tighten, Aldo’s blend of physical projection, raw tools, and offensive impact gives him one of the highest ceilings in the class.

 

4 Soren Etheridge Phoenix Country RHP Wake Forest
Click to view Etheridge's Video

Soren has emerged as one of the premier arms in Arizona’s 2027 class, a rise that was validated by his commitment to Wake Forest. The right hander continues to show real velocity with a fastball that carries through the zone and plays at the top of the arsenal, backed by two distinct breaking balls that give him multiple ways to attack hitters. His delivery remains clean and repeatable, allowing the arm speed to work freely with more still in the tank as he continues to mature. With size, pitchability, and a growing presence on the mound, Soren enters the spring as a high upside arm with next level traits.

 

5 Grafton Marshall-Inman Chaparral RHP Arizona
Click to view Marshall-Inman's Video

Grafton continues to stand out as one of the more advanced pitchers in Arizona’s 2027 class, a profile that made him a natural fit for Arizona. On the mound, he shows a calm, confident presence with a repeatable delivery that allows him to consistently work in the upper 80s to low 90s while attacking the strike zone. His ability to mix four pitches with intent, especially a sharp breaking ball and a quality changeup, separates him from many of his peers. With feel, pitchability, and room for added strength, Grafton projects as a reliable arm whose ceiling continues to rise heading into the spring.

 

6 Blake Gonzales Hamilton 3B BYU
Click to view Gonzales' Video

Blake has solidified himself as one of the premier position players in Arizona’s 2027 class, a profile that aligns well with his commitment to BYU. Offensively, he brings real impact to the box, combining strength and bat speed to drive the ball with authority to all fields. Defensively, his actions at third base are steady and reliable, pairing a strong arm with smooth footwork and confidence on the left side. When you factor in his athleticism and overall feel for the game, Blake enters the spring as a complete corner infielder whose value extends well beyond the box score.

 

7 Ben Jacobus Corona del Sol OF TCU
Click to view Jacobus' Video

Ben has looked right at home in the 2027 class since reclassifying, bringing a steady, natural feel for the game that shows up every time he takes the field. Offensively, his left handed swing is controlled and efficient, producing consistent contact with the ability to use the whole field while letting power show up organically. He plays with awareness and tempo, adding value on the bases and in the outfield through instincts more than raw speed. With his frame still maturing, Ben enters the spring as a high level offensive piece whose best baseball is still ahead of him.

 

8 Dreson Ethier Brophy Prep SS Miami
Click to view Ethier's Video
Dre continues to trend upward within Arizona’s 2027 class, climbing the board as his overall game keeps tightening. His athleticism stands out at shortstop, where clean footwork, fluid actions, and speed allow him to control the middle of the field with confidence. At the plate, he shows advanced barrel feel, staying on plane for extended time and producing consistent, efficient contact. With added physical projection still coming and a recent commitment to Miami, Dre enters the spring as a clear riser with momentum firmly on his side.
9 Jace Adams Flagstaff RHP ASU
Click to view Adams' Video

Jace brings a physical presence to the mound that immediately stands out, pairing size with an aggressive, competitive demeanor. His fastball shows life out of the hand and is complemented by two secondary offerings that allow him to change speeds and keep hitters off balance. As his command continues to sharpen, the overall package becomes even more intriguing. With his frame, arm strength, and long term projection, Jace enters the spring as an upside arm trending in the right direction as he prepares for his future at Arizona State.

 

10 Will Gnirk Chaparral LHP Indiana
Click to view Gnirk's Video

Will Gnirk enters the Arizona rankings at No. 10 and has steadily built his case as one of the more interesting left handed arms in the 2027 class. The Indiana commit features a tall, lean frame with plenty of room to continue adding strength, and his clean, repeatable delivery allows the fastball to play into the mid/upper 80s with natural sink and arm side run. His slider stands out as a go to weapon with sharp, late action and high spin, while the changeup shows developing feel and separation. After gaining valuable experience at the West Coast Games, Will’s combination of projectability, pitch mix, and continued upward trajectory makes him a name we are eager to follow closely into the spring.

Upcoming Events

Showcase State Date Location
Trackman Performance Update at Prime Reaction AZ 12/21 Prime Reaction - Avondale, AZ
Southern Arizona Preseason ID AZ 01/11 Desert View High School - Tucson, AZ
East Valley Preseason ID AZ 01/18 Gilbert High School - Gilbert, AZ
Northern Arizona Preseason ID AZ 01/25 Flagstaff High School - Flagstaff, AZ
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/01 The MAX - McCook, IL
West Valley Preseason ID AZ 02/01 Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Preseason All-State: Underclass (Invite-Only) AZ 02/07 Casteel High School - Queen Creek, AZ
Preseason All-State: Upperclass (Invite-Only) AZ 02/08 Casteel High School - Queen Creek, AZ