Arizona Diamond Notes: Week 3
March 22, 2026
💎 DIAMOND NOTES: WEEK 3
Statistical standouts and notable performances from across the state. These players have produced elite numbers on the diamond during the Spring season.
The Arizona Diamond Notes is evolving. While box scores and nominations are a huge part of our process, this weekly blog is shifting focus toward what our staff sees with our own eyes.
Every week, our scouts are out at ballparks across the Valley and beyond, from the 6A powerhouses in the East Valley to the deep talent pools in Tucson and the West Valley. This notebook serves as a running log of the standout performances and breakout prospects who caught our attention in person over the past seven days.
While we continue to crown a Player and Pitcher of the Week based on nominations and statewide data, the Diamond Notes is where you’ll find the raw scouting boots on the ground perspective. If a player made an impact on the field this week, you’ll find them here.
CLASS OF 2026
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Luke Ritchie OF / Red Mountain, AZ / 2026Ritchie turned in a strong look at the plate this week, showing a blend of strength and barrel feel across multiple at bats. The physical right handed hitter stays balanced and does a good job letting the ball travel, lining a leadoff single into right field with controlled hands and a clean path through the zone. Later in the look, he got a pitch over the heart of the plate and did not miss, unloading for a no doubt solo home run that showcased his present strength and ability to impact the baseball. There is noticeable physicality in the frame with power that translates in game, and the feel for the barrel continues to trend in the right direction. Ritchie looks to be an emerging run producer with real offensive upside as he continues to put together consistent swings.
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Abram Sherrin SS/RHP / Liberty, AZ / 2026Sherrin continues to look like one of the more polished bats in the class with a steady, repeatable operation in the box. He stays on plane well and shows the ability to drive the ball with authority to the middle of the field, using a controlled lower half and clean hand path. The timing and rhythm stand out, consistently arriving on time with balanced intent. Athletic, easy mover on the dirt with a reliable glove, Sherrin brings a well rounded profile and continues to produce against quality competition.
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Marley Chancey OF / Liberty, AZ / 2026Chancey showed a mature, controlled approach at the plate, especially working with two strikes and staying through the baseball to use the right side. Keeps the swing compact with feel for the barrel and the ability to adjust mid at bat. Athletic, toolsy look that translates on the bases as well, where he adds value with his speed and instincts. Player who impacts the game in multiple ways and continues to show steady development.
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Tyler Nelson 1B/RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2026Nelson turned in a strong, complete outing with a durable look on the mound. Long, physical frame with projection remaining and the ability to hold stuff deep into the start. Fastball shows natural life through the zone and he pairs it with a well commanded curveball that he can land or use to finish. Works with tempo and confidence, controlling at bats and limiting damage throughout. Also showed well at the plate, carrying a confident presence and putting together quality at bats to round out the overall look.
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Jose Bingochea 3B / Casteel, AZ / 2026Bingochea continues to show a polished, mature offensive approach with a simple, repeatable stroke. Works the ball the other way with ease, staying through contact and showing consistent feel for the barrel. The swing is under control with good direction, allowing him to produce quality contact in game. Finished with multi hit looks and continues to profile as a steady, reliable bat that can impact the middle of the field.
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Frank Gearhart 1B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Gearhart continues to show loud power from the left side with strength that plays in game. Physical frame with the ability to get the head out front and lift with ease, creating easy carry off the barrel. The swing works with intent and impact, and he showed it again this week leaving the yard multiple times. Power profile stands out here with the ability to change the game with one swing.
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Diego Perez Samaniego 3B / Millennium, AZ / 2026Diego continues to impress with the way he competes in the box and delivers in big spots. Physical right handed bat with a simple, controlled operation and strength that plays through contact. Shows feel for the barrel with the ability to drive the ball to all fields, coming through with clutch swings time and time again to produce multiple runs. Consistently does the little things right and continues to show he can be a reliable run producer in the middle of the order.
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Grady Pratt 3B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Pratt showed off the power this week with a strong, efficient swing that translates in game. Gets the foot down early and works from a grounded base, using the lower half well to create force through contact. Stays short to the ball with intent and drives it with authority when he gets his pitch. The power plays here, and the overall operation continues to look clean and repeatable.
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Brady Perrin OF / Millennium, AZ / 2026Perrin put together one of the better overall offensive weeks we saw, consistently producing quality at bats and impacting the game in big moments. Shows a disciplined approach with feel for the barrel, working counts and finding ways to get on base. The swing is simple and under control with sneaky pop, showing the ability to drive the ball to all fields with authority. Plays with energy and confidence, emerging as a spark plug type for Millennium throughout the Boras run.
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Devin Long RHP / Chaparral, AZ / 2026Long turned in a dominant outing with a polished, controlled look on the mound. Operates with a smooth, repeatable delivery that creates downhill plane and allows him to consistently fill up the zone. Shows strong command to both sides, working the corners and staying ahead of hitters throughout. Presence and tempo stand out, maintaining control of the game from start to finish with the ability to miss bats when needed.
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Tanner Anderson C / Chaparral, AZ / 2026Anderson brings energy and presence every time out with a strong, confident look in the box. Shows feel for the barrel with the ability to stay through the baseball and use the whole field with authority. Physical backstop who impacts the game offensively, with a swing that plays in game and produces consistent hard contact.
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Logan Reber C / Casteel, AZ / 2026Reber stands out for what he brings behind the plate, anchoring the defense with advanced receiving and a strong feel for the position. Quiet, controlled actions with the ability to handle arms and manage the game, showing leadership and confidence throughout. Does a good job keeping everything in front and working with pitchers, setting the tone defensively. At the plate, keeps it simple and has the ability to hit to all fields, but the value here is in the glove and presence as a true field general.
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Diego Armenta OF / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Armenta showed a confident, aggressive look at the plate with the ability to do damage when he gets his pitch. Stays on plane through the zone with a clean path and lets it fly with intent, creating loud contact. The swing works with rhythm and strength, allowing the power to show up in game.
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Xavier Candelaria OF/RHP / Millennium, AZ / 2026Candelaria continues to show a polished, well rounded game with advanced feel on both sides. At the plate, he shows the ability to adjust and get off balanced swings. Smooth rhythm and tempo stand out in the box with a mature approach overall. On the mound, he mirrors that same ease, working with a clean, repeatable delivery and the ability to change speeds effectively. Fastball shows sink and he competes in the zone, giving him a solid two way look with feel and control.
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CLASS OF 2027
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Maximus Pena SS / Saguaro High School, AZ / 2027Pena continues to establish himself as a true tablesetter with a steady, reliable presence at the top of the lineup. Shows a simple, controlled swing with feel for the barrel and the ability to consistently put the ball in play. Approach stands out with the way he impacts the game early and keeps innings moving. Defensively, he is smooth and dependable with clean actions, making the routine plays and showing comfort across the infield. Steadily trending up.
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Robert Villa III SS / Liberty, AZ / 2027Villa continues to show why he is one of the top players in the class with a dynamic, all around profile. Twitchy athlete with a polished, controlled swing that works to all fields, showing the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it with authority the other way. The bat to ball skills stand out along with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Easy actions and athleticism translate on both sides, making him a high level follow every time out.
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Aldo Teilon SS/OF / Tucson, AZ / 2027Teilon continues to stand out with a high energy, competitive look and a swing that plays with intent. Violent, on time operation that allows him to impact the baseball with lound contact, staying through it and driving it with authority to the all fields. Shows confidence in big moments with the ability to deliver, and the bat speed and strength translate in game. Dynamic athlete who continues to trend up with an impact profile.
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Gavin Hamilton OF / Hamilton, AZ / 2027Hamilton showed a clean, athletic look in the box with a swing that works easy through the zone. Loose wrists and a quick barrel stand out, allowing him to get extended and drive the ball with authority. Stays controlled through contact with the ability to impact the gaps, showing a simple, repeatable operation. Offensive profile here with present bat speed and room to continue trending up.
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Duke Henrie OF / Mountain View, AZ / 2027Henrie continues to show a polished, well rounded game with a calm, controlled presence throughout. Mature approach at the plate with the ability to stay within himself and produce quality at bats. Athletic mover in the outfield with strong instincts, covering ground and making plays with confidence. Impacts the game in multiple ways with his ability to contribute on both sides and on the bases.
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Gabriel Becho-Garcia 1B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Becho-Garcia showed a strong, physical look with the ability to impact the baseball when he gets extended. Quick hands and a tight turn allow him to get to velocity, especially up in the zone, and drive it with lift. Strength plays through contact with present power that shows up in game. Offensive profile here built around bat speed and leverage with real damage potential.
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Ben Jacobus OF / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Jacobus continues to show a high level offensive profile with easy juice and athleticism in the box. Shows good use of the ground and creates leverage through the swing, allowing him to lift the ball with authority. The bat speed and strength stand out, especially on pitches down in the zone where he can drive it with carry. Polished hitter with power that is beginning to show up consistently in game.
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Boston Bair OF / Red Mountain, AZ / 2027Bair put together a strong offensive look with the ability to impact the game with runners on. Physical, athletic build with present strength in the swing and some juice in the barrel. Shows feel to stay through the baseball and use the opposite field, driving it with authority for extra bases. Offensive profile continues to trend up with run producing upside.
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Derek Wilson OF / Red Mountain , AZ / 2027Wilson continues to stand out with a smooth, controlled offensive approach and consistent production. Relaxed rhythm in the box with loose wrists that allow the barrel to work freely, showing the ability to use all fields. Stays under control with feel for contact and the ability to string together quality at bats. Athletic mover in the outfield as well, covering ground with efficient routes and adding value on both sides of the ball.
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Anders Norgaard C / Chaparral, AZ / 2027Norgaard plays with an aggressive, high energy style that shows up in all phases. At the plate, he shows a willingness to attack and the ability to adjust, and an approach that allows him to use the big part of the field. Swing works with some strength and competitiveness, and he looks to impact the game whenever he is up. Brings energy to the field and competes throughout.
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Matthew Nevarez RHP / Millennium, AZ / 2027Nevarez turned in a controlled, composed outing with a starter look on the mound. Attacked with the fastball, showing the ability to live in all quadrants and hold velocity deep into the start. Works with tempo and intent, staying ahead of hitters and limiting damage. Mixed speeds effectively and began to layer in the slider as the game progressed, showing feel to tunnel it off the heater. Presence and command stand out here with a polished, competitive profile.
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Grafton Marshall-Inman RHP / Chaparral, AZ / 2027Marshall-Inman showed a dominant, high level look on the mound with the ability to control the game from the start. Fastball jumps out of the hand with life, allowing him to consistently get ahead and challenge hitters in the zone. Slider shows tight spin with late bite, giving him a true swing and miss option that he can land or expand with. Works with confidence and competes throughout, showing a strong feel for sequencing and the ability to finish hitters when ahead. High end arm with present stuff and command.
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Taylor Dodd OF / Casteel, AZ / 2027Dodd continues to show a gritty, competitive presence with a true gamer mentality. Adjusts well within at bats, able to simplify and stay through the middle after getting aggressive early. Swing works with quickness and control, making him a tough out who consistently finds ways to put the ball in play. Plus runner who can lay down perfectly placed bunts for hits with real speed that plays on both sides, and brings constant energy to the field. High motor player who impacts the game in a variety of ways.
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Cy Buchberger SS / Millennium, AZ / 2027Buchberger showed a quick, athletic look with the ability to impact the baseball when he gets extended. Gets the head out with intent and creates a loud barrels, driving it with authority to both sides. Athletic mover with actions that translate defensivley, bringing energy and fluidity to his game. Offensive profile with bat speed and strength that continues to trend up.
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Easton Cariveau C / Red Mountain, AZ / 2027Cariveau showed a mature, patient approach at the plate with a strong understanding of the zone. Stays within himself and works to get a pitch he can handle, often times getting efficient swings off. Shows feel for timing and barrel control, allowing him to produce quality contact. Offensive profile built around approach and consistency with continued upside.
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Nolan Leitner LHP / Casteel, AZ / 2027Leitner showed a poised, controlled look in a big moment during the 2026 Boras Classic Championship game, handling it with confidence and tempo. Works in rhythm and fills up the zone with conviction, showing the ability to land all three pitches. Fastball plays with life and can reach back when needed, while the curveball and changeup both show feel and keep hitters off balance. Composed presence on the mound with the ability to execute, continuing to trend up as a reliable arm.
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UNDERCLASS STANDOUTS (2028-2029)
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Conner Hansen OF / Saguaro, AZ / 2028Hansen continues to trend up with a clean, athletic look and steady production at the plate. Shows smooth rhythm in the box with the ability to stay through the baseball and use the opposite field, producing quality contact. Balanced operation with feel for the barrel and a swing that plays in game. Athletic mover who adds value on the bases as well, making him a young follow with upside.
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Sammy Garcia SS / Hamilton, AZ / 2028Garcia showed a smooth, twitchy look with confidence on both sides of the ball. Moves well in the dirt with a steady glove and clean actions, handling the position with comfort. At the plate, shows controlled intent with the ability to use all fields, keeping the swing simple and under control. Athletic young infielder with feel for the game and plenty of upside.
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Evan Thompson OF / Casteel, AZ / 2029Thompson continues to show why he is one of the top young players in the country with a loud, impact profile. Easy juice in the swing with the ability to create lift and carry, as the ball jumps off the barrel with minimal effort. Strength and bat speed stand out, giving him real power potential at a young age. Impact bat with tools that already play in game and plenty more to come.
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Chase Fillman OF / Millennium, AZ / 2028Fillman continues to show a strong two way profile with a composed, controlled presence on the mound. Works with a slow, deliberate tempo and easy late effort, creating natural heaviness on the fastball that makes it tough on hitters. Competed well through a full outing against a strong lineup, showing durability and poise. Also contributed at the plate with a patient approach, putting together quality at bats and finding ways to get on base. Physical, athletic profile with impact potential on both sides.
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Mikey Stortz RHP/1B / Millennium, AZ / 2028Stortz turned in a gutsy, high level performance with a mature presence well beyond his age. Came in and handled a long relief role with poise, maintaining composure and attacking hitters throughout. Fastball shows consistent sink with arm side run, creating tough looks, and he pairs it well with a sharp slider that tunnels effectively off the heater. Shows feel for sequencing and the ability to compete deep into games, making him a young arm to continue tracking.
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Macgraw VanWormer OF / Casteel, AZ / 2029VanWormer continues to show a high level athletic profile with effortless, fluid actions across the board. The swing works easy with natural bat speed, allowing him to impact the baseball with lift and carry. Strength is already starting to show up in game, and there is plenty more coming as the frame continues to develop. Advanced young player with a loose, projectable look and big upside.
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Peyton Burgess C / Millennium, AZ / 2028Burgess, the switch-hitting backstop is beginning to show a strong, controlled offensive look with the ability to stay through the baseball and use the whole field. Shows feel for the barrel with a swing that stays on plane and produces hard contact when on time. Physical young backstop with offensive upside that continues to show up in game.
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