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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - With the chaotic summer circuit portion of the baseball calendar in the state of California completed, our staff was able to get eyes on players through Prep Baseball California events, the tournament circuit, and several other opportunities. One of the busiest periods of the year allowed our staff to observe the continued improvement/development of players in the 2027 class. With all of that visibility provided to our staff for opportunities to evaluate players over the last couple of months, we present our updated Class of 2027 Player Rankings.

With the continued exposure to the 2027 class provided this spring for our staff, we saw quite a bit of change across the rankings.  From movement within the Top 10 players in the class, players moving into the Prep Baseball National Rankings and others making their Top 100 debuts (movement up the board or newcomers to the rankings) through their summer performances.

Beyond the Top 100, we have seen several players continue their rise up the rankings and several players coming into the rankings for the first time after this summer as we expand this class to a total of 280 players (up from 225 pre-summer). This entire class is now prepping for their junior year with their high school baseball season rapidly approaching.

The recruiting process for this class is now fully underway as they have passed the August 1st date on the calendar for these players. We've seen a few commitments begin to roll in for this class, but we can anticipate this to pick up heavily in the coming months as many of the top players from this class complete their official/unofficial visits to programs of interest. The 2027 class is also starting to get more prominent in the eyes of MLB organizations who focus in on underclass scouting. 

Below you'll find the Top 10, Top 10 Uncommitted Players, along with notes on Rankings Risers and Ranking Newcomers. 

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

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CLASS OF 2027, TOP TEN

***As we conclude the 2025 summer season and shift into the final fall travel/high school scrimmage season for the class of 2027 here are the the Top 10 ranked uncommitted players in California.

Rank	Player	POS	School
11	Mariano Gonzalez	LHP	Vanden
12	Ethan Gustus	RHP	Roseville
13	Mason Sims	LHP	Corona
14	Andrew Jimenez	SS	Elsinore
15	Cole Munyon	SS	Newbury Park
16	Joseph Flores Jr.	SS/RHP	Corona
17	Jose Partida	LHP	Cathedral Catholic
18	Wyatt McElree	RHP	Redwood
19	Gavin Williams	C/RHP	Garces Memorial
20	AJ  LaSota	RHP	Notre Dame

+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS LIST

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CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: RISERS

TOP-10 RISERS:

+ RHP Davis Wilson Clovis North - Previous: 7 Now: 3

Wilson earned a spot inside the Top 10 after a strong first two seasons at Clovis North including a dominant campaign in 2025. The athletic operator out of the Central Valley took it up a notch during the summer including a dominant showing as part of Team NorCal at the Prep Baseball Future Games where his electric arsenal stymied a powerful South Texas lineup. He then followed that up with a standout showing at the Area Code Games and has earned a spot in the Prep Baseball All American Game in Miami, Florida as part of the 2027 squad in attendance.

+ SS/OF Elyjah Mason Huntington Beach - Previous: 39 Now: 5

Mason may have been flying somewhat under the radar after playing on the lower levels at the national powerhouse Huntington Beach HS program, but the twitchy, athletic LH hitter made his presence known on the summer circuit. His performance in front of State Director Les Lukach at the Future Games Tryout: Fullerton was electric earning him a spot on the Team SoCal roster. Once out in Georgia the upside in his profile was quickly on display with a two hit performance against a pair of Prep Baseball All American arms from North Texas and then posting multiple hits across the final two games vs. South Texas and NorCal. His ceiling is immense with natural athleticism, defensive versatility (SS/3B/CF profile) and a top of the order offensive profile all combine to bring Mason inside the Top Five players in the state.

+ SS Carter Hadnot Aquinas - Previous: 9 Now: 6

Hadnont has been a steady presence in the Top 10 players for California for an extended period of time and now, on the back of an electric summer, the switch hitting SS from the Inland Empire is back on the cusp of the Top Five spots. It started with an outstanding showing at the ProCase West held at Pepperdine where he looked every bit the part of one of the top players not only in the state, but nationally, and carried over into his entire summer circuit. Hadnot put an exclamation mark on his outstanding summer by excelling at the Area Code Games for the MLB Breakthrough squad during both the underclass and upperclass events, especially with his dynamic defensive profile.

+ RHP J. Beckett Berg Notre Dame - Previous: 15 Now: 8

Davis Wilson opened up the show for California based arms at Future Games, but Beckett Berg put the exclamation mark on dominant performances when he started for Team SoCal under the lights on opening night against North Texas. Using a low 90's FB, intriguing breaking ball and polished CHG, Berg made quick work of the North Texas powerful lineup retiring six of seven hitters on just 16 total pitches with one strikeout. The buzz after Berg's outing amongst the hundreds of NCAA D1 coaches watching was audible and the talented righthander will have his choice of future college programs to commit to while pushing himself back inside the Top 10.

+ OF Jack Leeper St. Francis (Stanford Commit)  - Previous: 19 Now: 10

A dynamic athlete who is twitched up with explosiveness in his defensive ability and in the offensive profile, Leeper was outstanding all summer long. This comes on the heels of a strong season in the WCAL in NorCal and the exclamation mark on his standout year came with not only an impressive live look at Area Codes Underclass, but in his commitment to Stanford. Leeper has been on a steady uphill climb on the rankings board since he debuted at this time last year just outside the Top 100, and now one year later finds himself inside the Top 10 players in California.

TOP-100 RISERS:

+ LHP Mariano Gonzalez - Vanden - Previous: 29 Now: 11

Gonzalez made a push into the Top 10 at this time last year on the strength of his showings in front of Associate Director, Hank LoForte, but after a bit of a down spring he slid a bit on the board. This summer though, Gonzalez made strides with his control again and showed off electric arm speed that will drop your jaw which could mean his present low to mid 90's FB velocity will have the potential to reach the upper 90's and possible triple digits in the future. His showing with Team NorCal at the Futures Games, and then again with the Athletics squad at Area Codes, were strong enough to bring him back onto the cusp of the Top 10.

+ RHP AJ LaSota - Notre Dame - Previous: 112 Now: 20

LaSota has always shown intriguing arm potential out of his wiry present build which include loose quick arm speed and the makings of an interesting breaking ball. This summer, the Notre Dame product made intriguing strides forward on both showing consistent upper 80's velocity which now sneaks into the low 90's, while also spinning a sharp breaking ball up near 3000 RPMs. With a strong showing at the Future Games as the second arm up for the SoCal squad that came on the back of a strong West Coast Program Invite start in front of Associate Director SoCal Steven Hardesty the week prior to Future Games, LaSota confrirmed our opinion of his upward trend. LaSota now has stuff, but the ceiling is intriguing as he adds future strength to his frame the upside is high for the Mission League product.

+ RHP Gavin McMillan - Monte Vista - Previous: 30 Now: 24

McMillan made a loud move up the board right before the start of the high school season and the athletic operator from NorCal now makes a push towards the Top 20 in the class on the heels of strong summer. McMillan was a member of the Canes National program, showed extremely well at the Team USA National Team Development Program and then put his exclamation mark on the summer with a dominant showing at the Area Codes Underclass in front of Lukach where he worked into the low 90's with his FB during the outing.

+ OF Carson Richter - Newbury Park - Previous: 60 Now: 25

Richter possesses as tantalizing of a profile as potentially any player in the 2027 class with his 6'5" frame, top end athleticism, top end arm strength and power potential at the plate. The Newbury Park product looks the part of a future potential power/speed profile CF who can provide impact defense at a premium spot and could reside in the middle of a lineup at the next level with his powerful ability to impact the baseball while showing 6.5 60 yard speed. There is still some present rawness to the game of Richter, but he has made big strides forward in the last two years and continues to show the aptitude to develop which brings him into the Top 25 players in the state. As the in game consistency continues to trend up don't be surprised if we see another rise up the board for him.

+ SS Jordan Kurz - Orange Lutheran - Previous: 40 Now: 28

Kurz made a small back slide after his sophomore year at OLU where he was predominantly a role player in the Lancers program. This summer the athletic middle of the diamond defender and top of the order potential offensive player reasserted himself as one of the top INF prospects in the state of California. He cemented this move back inside the Top 30 players on the back of a strong week at the Area Codes Underclass event with the Brewers squad in front of Hardesty.

+ OF/RHP Bryce Farris - Whitney - Previous: 70 Now: 38

Farris showed well in the spring time for the Wildcats who earned a CIF title in NorCal that earned him a spot inside the Top 75 players in the state heading into the summer. Then during the summer circuit his showing at the Future Games Tryout: NorCal for LoForte put him on the roster headed to Future Games for Team NorCal. Once he arrived in Georgia he took advantage of the opportunities afforded him as a position player to show off the powerful right arm he possesses and impact in his RH bat. But, when he toed the rubber for a one inning outing on the last day of Future Games, his arm took his profile to another level reaching 94 MPH on his FB while striking out two of the three hitters he faced. He then picked up a late opportunity to attend Area Code Games with the Athletics squad where he was again strong as a two-way product and sees a 33 spot move up the board.

+ LHP Roy Kim - Great Oak (Stanford Commit) - Previous: 62 Now: 44

Kim has long been a favorite of Les Lukach for his solid present stuff, intriguingly good pitchability, and the future upside to his profile which has hovered him around the Prep Baseball National rankings for some time. Now on the back of a strong showing this summer across the tournament/showcase scene, he makes his debut inside the National Rankings and on the cusp of a spot inside the Top 50. In addition his combination of high end baseball ability, his high end academics earned him a commitment to Stanford.

+ RHP/OF Alexander Elizondo - Murrieta Valley - Previous: 58 Now: 53

Elizondo saw somewhat of a backslide in his rankings after the spring high school season to the 58 spot on our board. But, he continues to show an intriguing set of tools as both a righthanded pitcher who can easily reach the low 90's on his FB at present with the makings of a very strong breaking ball, but also the toolset to project as a potential RH hitting RF with impact in his bat. The combination of upside as a two-way product with some present rawness to his profile has him just outside the Top 50 currently still, but with progress in his development in the future we could see another move back inside the Top 50.

+ SS/RHP Noah Lemau - Homeschool - Previous: 66 Now: 54

Lemau debuted in the rankings right at the start of the summer circuit in the 66 spot. His athletic two-way profile made the most of the opportunity all summer long. Showing off an easy upper 80's present FB that has touched 90 MPH consistently, paired with a top of the order offensive profile while looking like he could stick at SS long term, pushes him up the board 12 spots and sits just outside the Prep Baseball National rankings for the time being.

+ OF Tyler Vladic - Cypress (Oregon Commit) - Previous: 78 Now: 58

Vladic has long impressed with his feel to hit from the LH side going back as far as the 2024 Preseason All State: Underclass event at Temescal Canyon HS. Now the Orange County product has just continued to hit and hit and hit some more across the high school scene and travel ball circuit to push himself onto the cusp of a spot in the National rankings. His 20 spot jump comes along with a very well earned commitment to the University of Oregon.

+ RHP Ben Lewis - Santiago - Previous: 125 Now: 62

Lewis first popped on the radar as an athletic moving, low 80's velocity, high ceiling righthander out of Santiago when Hardesty saw him at an MLK tourney in 2024. Now, about 20 months later, the operation for Lewis has shown the development towards his intriguing ceiling with a FB now in the upper 80's consistently and bumping the low 90's to go with impressive feel for his offspeed arsenal. Lewis earned a spot on the Brewers Underclass squad at the Area Code Games where his outing was strong again in front of Hardesty. His performance and development earns him a spot inside the Top 75 players in the state with the kind of profile that still projects for even more development for a future rise again.

+ C Gio Castaing - Novato - Previous: 69 Now: 64

Castaing in a two-sport standout in NorCal where he doubles as a talented football player at Novato HS, but his long term future is on the baseball diamond where he is a well-rounded catching product. Castaing showed his strong feel to receive, intriguing throwing arm and top to middle of the order offensive profile both at the Future Games Tryout: NorCal and then again with Team NorCal in Georgia. His showing in Georgia combined with a follow up strong week at the Area Code Games with the Athletics squad, pushes him five spots up the board and we should continue to see him rise in the future.

+ C Drew Rico - Harvard Westlake - Previous: 79 Now: 65

Rico is as polished of a defensive backstop as you can find in the state of California who has consistently and comfortably handled elite arms at Harvard Westlake since he was a freshman. His offensive profile had not quite caught up to his defensive profile in the first year plus of his high school journey. This summer saw him begin to make the strides on that side of the game and, even more impressively, he continues to look even better behind the dish. The continued growth of his overall game helps move Rico back up the board 14 spots and inside the Top 75 players in the state again.

+ SS Stevie Wellens - Liberty - Previous: 117 Now: 71

Wellens was flying a bit under the radar as a compact, athletic RH hitting MINF from the NorCal region, but he earned his opportunity to head to Future Games with Team NorCal and emphatically changed his profile out there. A smooth mover on the dirt with clean hands, quick transfers, accurate throws, consistent feel for angles/instincts, had him earning the praise of not only LoForte, but both Lukach and Hardesty from SoCal at the Future Games. Then mix in his impressive feel to hit at the dish with barrel awareness, an all fields approach, and athleticism on the bases, Wellens makes a 46 spot jump up the board inside the Top 75 players in the state.

+ C Luke Bacon - Santiago - Previous: 81 Now: 72

Bacon is another Southern California based catcher who continues to get better on what was already a strong overall profile. With added strength to his frame, upward trending improvement to his catch/throw tools behind the dish, and continued improvement to an already strong LH hitting offensive profile, he made the SoCal squad for Future Games. Once out in Georgia he was consistently very good behind the plate handling the quality staff of SoCal looking comfortable with arms he had minimal experience receiving pitches from. He showed well at the dish over the three games too. Bacon makes a push 9 spots up the board into the Top 75 players in the state.

+ INF Mason Hackler - Turlock - Previous: 166 Now: 77

Hackler had slid off the Prep Baseball radar a bit after a strong showing during the Future Games Tryout: Ventura County in summer 2024, but the LH hitting INF from the Turlock area pushed himself into a prominent spot this summer. First with an outstanding showing during the Future Games Tryout: NorCal where he earned a spot to head to Georgia to represent Team NorCal. His workout out day in Georgia was electric including a 400+ foot homer, 100+MPH exit velocity, sub 7.0 60 yard sprint and 83 MPH INF velo, that all showed the upward development to his game. He would go on to pick up multiple hits facing off with elite arms from the state of Texas, and even took a turn on the bump with a solid outing featuring a mid 80's FB. Hackler makes an extensive jump up the board inside the Top 100 now.

+ SS/RHP Nolan Riesenberg - Culver City - Previous: 84 Now: 78

Riesenberg opened up 2025 with a standout performance at the Central California Preseason All State event before putting together another dominant high school season at Culver City. He showed out on the Future Games Tryout circuit earning serious consideration for a roster spot on Team SoCal to go with a strong overall showing throughout the tournament/showcase circuit in the summer. He also was very good for Hardesty on the opening weekend of the SoCal Scouts Association Scout League playing for the Braves team. He makes a small move up the board to the 78 spot.

+ INF/OF Jace Wooley - Cardinal Newman - Previous: 96 Now: 84

The strongly built, compact, versatile RH hitter out of the NorCal region makes a solid jump up the board 12 spots on the back of a strong summer showing. With an impressive day at the Future Games Tryout: NorCal he earned his way on the NorCal squad for Future Games. Once out there he displayed his powerful arm and defensive versatility playing all over the OF and INF for NorCal while uncorking some impressive swings from the RH side over the course of the three games. 

+ C Sean Brian - Los Osos - Previous: 109 Now: 91

In a class loaded with talented catchers from all over the state, Brian has consistently shown our staff he is right there with any of the top of defensive backstops. Solidly built with an accurate and strong throwing arm, he consistently pops sub 2.0 on his throws to the base or missing just off to the 2B side of the bag. His bat has continued to steadily tick up from first looks at the SoCal Top Prospect Underclass and then in the preseason of high school by Hardesty at an MLK tourney and OC Preseason ID. His three days at the California State Games confirmed the upward move for Brian to now inside the Top 100.

+ INF Santino Williams - Archbishop Riordan - Previous: 116 Now: 97

An intriguingly built 6'6 200 lbs. RH hitter out of NorCal with the length and athleticism to his operation that tantalizes towards his future potential, Williams first jumped into the rankings mix on the back of a strong high school season at Archbishop Riordan in the Bay area. Now after a strong showing across the summer circuit, including a very good look for Hardesty at the Area Code games where he played a variety of spots defensively and showed bat speed and the feel to hit to be a potential high level RH hitter, brings William into the Top 100.

+ RHP/OF Camden Salisbury - C.K. McClatchy - Previous: 183 Now: 98

Salisbury first came into the rankings during this time last summer after he impressed at the 2024 California State Games. He again was very good in front of both Lukach and LoForte at the NorCal Preseason All State and during the high school season which earned him an invite to the FGT: NorCal. After making Team NorCal, he tossed two strong innings against a talented North Texas squad with a mid 80's FB and low to mid 70's SLD. He makes a strong 85 spot jump up the board into the Top 100.

+ RHP/3B Damien Nolan - St. Mary's Prep - Previous: 134 Now: 99

Nolan was impressive all throughout his opportunities to get in front of our staff from the NorCal Preseason All State, during his high school season at St. Mary's with LoForte in attendance at games, in front of Hardesty at the West Coast Program Invite and with his turn on the bump and at the plate for Team NorCal at the Future Games. He showed off a FB living at 86-89 MPH with life, spinning a mid-70s SLD to get whiff and feel for his mid-70's CHG to keep hitters off balance. He deftly worked through the lineup of North Texas. He showed impact in his RH hitting profile by reaching north of 100 MPH on his exit velocity. The upward movement for Nolan brings him inside the Top 100.

+ OF Jrue Hurd St. John Bosco - Previous: 143 Now: 100

Hurd predominantly saw role player opportunities for the Braves CIF-SS and CIF-Southern Region D1 title teams. He has made the most of his opportunities during the showcase circuit and travel ball circuit to show why he is a name to know in the 2027 class as a LH hitting OF with interesting ability at the plate and CF potential athleticism. From a standout showing at the Central California Preseason ID to the California State Games where he blasted a pair of homers and played sterling defense, his tools/game ability have readily been on display. He will be in competition for a prominent role at Bosco as they look to defend their titles and Hurd pushes his way to a Top 100 debut.

10 NAMES TO KNOW OUTSIDE-TOP-100 RISERS:

+ INF Shane D'Arcy - JSerra - Previous: 168 Now: 102

The Trinity League in Orange County does not lack for talent on any roster and especially at the traditional power JSerra program, and D'Arcy is quickly making his name known as one of better players in the league. A strongly built LH hitter who shows a corner defensive profile, D'Arcy could slot into the middle of not only a Trinity League lineup, but a future college lineup. D'Arcy is highly regarded by Lukach both in the reports the State Director is receiving from coaches/scouts, but also the live looks Lukach has had at him around the Orange County region. Keep this name in mind as D'Arcy pushes to just outside the Top 100, but undoubtedly has the ability and opportunities in front of him to break through into the Top 100.

+ INF Charlie Cummings - Sierra Canyon - Previous: 195 Now: 110

Cummings has consistently performed well in front of the entirety of the Prep Baseball California staff from his multiple hit day at the SoCal Top Prospect: Underclass, to multiple impressive performances at the West Coast Program Invite, and even back to his appearance at the Rising Stars game. The baseball ability for Cummings has never been in doubt, but the RH hitting INF from the Sierra Canyon program went to work on his physicality and athleticism during his sophomore year to make strong jumps forward. Flying a bit under the radar heading into the FGT: Fullerton event, Cummings picked up multiple hits again while showing off his athletic and strength gains to earn his spot in Georgia with Team SoCal. His showing at Future Games was stellar throughout all four days (workout - three games) to push him 85 spots up the board and within striking distance of a potential Top 100 spot.

+ OF Asher Bunnin - Harvard Westlake - Previous: 173 Now: 113

Bunnin is a dynamic athlete whose explosive run tool gives him the type of athletic ability to be a potential impact defender in CF that has steadily been adding strength to his compact frame. Those gains in strength have increased his offensive profile which was on display during the Central California Preseason All State where he knocked an opposite field triple. Then again on the summer circuit he continued to hit the ball with authority all around the field capped off by a strong showing at the California State Games. Bunnin will be in the mix to be a key piece of the Wolverines attack offensively in 2026 and moves up 60 spots into the mix for a possible Top 100 spot in the future.

+ INF Austin Olness - Mira Costa - Previous: 141 Now: 115

Olness first jumped out to the Prep Baseball California staff at the beginning of his sophomore year when he was outstanding at the SoCal Top Prospect Underclass event to debut in the rankings late in 2024. He was solid for the Mira Costa program as they put together a very strong spring season to win the Bay League. The combination of those two earned him an invite to the FGT: Los Angeles where he made a solid case for a shot at the SoCal squad. His summer was strong playing for GBG on the tournament circuit where he showed off feel to hit with interesting impact from the RH side. Olness is looking primed for a strong junior year at Mira Costa and moves up 26 spots in this update.

+ OF Patrick Foster - San Marcos - Previous: 131 Now: 118

Foster has been a two year starter for the San Marcos program out of Santa Barbara, but made huge strides forward during his sophomore season hitting for a .400+ average. The LH hitter has shown the athleticism/offensive approach to be a spark plug profile at the top of the lineup while manning CF long term with his range/instincts/solid throwing arm. He made a pair of loud appearances on the Prep Baseball California event platform in summer of 2025 with a standout showing at the Central California Summer ID followed by an impressive California State Games. His live looks for Hardesty, showcase performance, and State Games showing, helps to push him 13 spots up the board and now within striking distance of a future move into the Top 100.

+ INF/RHP Bronson Jackson - Chaminade Prep - Previous: 170 Now: 121

Jackson showed off intriguing potential at the OC Preseason ID to open up the 2025 calendar year while putting together a solid overall showing during his sophomore season at Chaminade in his time on the field. He had a strong showing at the FGT: Los Angeles both with his LH hitting profile that has impact, and an interesting arm from the RH side on the mound. Jackson then picked up a chance to play for the MLB Breakthrough squad at the Area Codes Underclass event where he looked comfortable going up against some of the top players in the 2027 class from around the country. Jackson steadily continues to get better and now moves 49 spots up the board.

+ INF Aaaron Springston - Corona - Previous: 139 Now: 128

Springston was a standout during his freshman year at Corona on the lower levels and then earned a spot with the powerhouse varsity level squad last season, but saw sporadic playing time with a loaded upper class group of infield talent. The RH hitting SS/3B profile defender has the tools in his arsenal to be a potential prominent piece of the Panthers lineup in the future as they look to replace those departed seniors. He showcased his potential at the FGT: Fullerton event and then again at the California State Games. There is real impact from the RH side for Springston to help push him 11 spots up the board, and if he can earn his shot at consistent playing time for the Panthers this coming season, we could see a push for the Top 100.

+ RHP Owen Digenan - Poway - Previous: 154 Now: 133

Digenan popped up in the spring for our San Diego scouting staff who had a chance to see him on the high school circuit where his mid to upper 80's velocity and feel for offspeed put together a solid sophomore campaign. Digenan then attended the FGT: Fullerton where he was stellar in his outing to pick up an invite to represent Team SoCal in Georgia at the Future Games. His outing against NorCal was consistent with his previous showings as he filled up the zone with his FB and spun off an intriguing upper 70's to low 80's SLD. The frame for Digenan still has projection to add strength to tick his velocity upwards and his move 21 spots up the board after summer likely will not be the last for this San Diego based righthander.

+ OF/LHP Che Thomas - Loyola - Previous: 164 Now: 158

Thomas popped up during the SoCal Scouts Association Scout League in fall of 2024 to earn his way onto the board and then had solid sophomore year at the Mission League based Loyola program. He then earned a spot on the MLB Breakthrough squad at the Area Codes Underclass event where he looked the part up against other top 2027 players from around the country. Playing for the Braves team in the same scout league this fall, Hardesty had a chance to get eyes on him for the opening weekend off scout league on top of the look at Area Codes where the two-way product looks to steadily be getting better and earns himself a 6 spot move up the board.

+ OF Liam Spahr - Ventura - Previous: 162 Now: 159

Spahr popped up late in 2024 where he first caught the eye of Hardesty with his showing during the high school scrimmage season schedule to earn a varsity spot with the Channel League Champion Ventura program. Playing across the OF, and showing a strong bat to ball profile with solid present athletic ability, got him on the rankings board. This summer Spahr made a pair of strong showings first at the FGT: Malibu where his strong baseball foundation showed very well, and then after a summer of continued development, he showed off his improvements during a strong three days at the California State Games to make a three spot push up the board.

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CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: NEWCOMERS

TOP-100 NEWCOMERS:

+ RHP Wyatt McElree - Redwood - Now ranked: 18

While Davis Wilson opened the NorCal squads day against the South Texas squad with a dominant performance, McElree who followed him was equally electric against the powerful lineup. Coming out of the Central Valley, he made a strong showing at the Sacramento ID to pop on the radar of LoForte who invited the talented righthander to be a member of the NorCal squad on the strength of his athletic delivery, easy arm speed and feel for spin. McElree took the two inning opportunity to throw in front of hundreds of college coaches to showcase just how well that profile can perform. Living at 89-91 and topping 92 with 2500+ RPMs of spin, snapping off a 77-78 MPH SLD with 2700+ RPMs of spin and backing those up with firm 80-81 MPH kick CHG, McElree punched out 3 hitters in two innings without allowing a run. He debuts inside the Top 20 and has the type of upside to not only stay there long term, but potentially push even higher up the board.

+ RHP Vinny Boatwright - Chico - Now Ranked: 22

Boatwright boasts an imposing 6'7" 225 lbs. frame that has outstanding present stuff including a FB in the 88-91 MPH range spinning it between 2300-2400 RPMs and dropping in a 78-80 MPH sweepy style SLD. Those two pitches, combined with Boatwright's imposing frame, feel to attack the strike zone, and upside to continue adding strenght/velocity to his profile, earned him a pair of opportunities this summer. First, he put together a solid showing against South Texas when he toed the rubber at Future Games for the NorCal squad, and then came back the following week to toss a strong three innings for the Athletics squad at the Area Codes Underclass event. Boatwright makes his rankings debut inside the Top 25 heading into his junior season.

+ RHP Andrew Carlson - Trinity Classical Academy - Now Ranked: 23

Carlson is the younger half of the Carlson brothers who formed a dominant duo at the smaller school Trinity Classical Academy during the spring high school season. Featuring a powerful FB that lives in the upper 80's while consistently starting to reach the low 90's this summer (91-93) on the offering, he can bully hitters with the life on the offering. His arm stroke has deception and he can spin a solid SLD off the FB while backing those up with feel for a sound CHG. Carlson was dominant for the Brewers squad at the Area Codes Underclass event in front of Lukach who raved about his outing. The Santa Clarita based product jumps into the rankings inside the Top 25.

+ LHP Brody Coxen - Del Oro - Now Ranked: 32

Coxen is very high on the radar of LoForte after his strong showing this summer. With a tall build and length to his limbs, the present stuff for Coxen is intriguing, but it's his upside that is even more tantalizing. Coxen earned his spot on the Athletics squad at the Area Codes Underclass event where he tossed two scoreless innings working off a predominant 86-88 MPH FB that has deception from his height and touched 89-90 MPH with the offering. Spins a present low 70's CB which tunnels effectively off his FB. The upside and present ability for Coxen earns him a spot on the rankings board to debut at 32 in the 2027 class for California.

+ 1B Jake Kim - Harvard Westlake - Now Ranked: 46

Harvard Westlake has had some very successful hitters come through their powerhouse program in the last 15-20 years, but no one has hit more home runs in a single season than the talented LH hitting Jake Kim. During his sophomore season for the Wolverine, Kim blasted seven homers and then came out to the FGT: Los Angeles to just continue hitting the ball with the type of authority that is special. Kim earned a spot on the SoCal squad out in Georgia at the Future Games where he posted multiple hits, multiple extra base hits including a massive home run on the final day, and looked extremely comfortable in every plate appearance en route to earning Team MVP honors. Kim has the type of special offensive profile that can impact a lineup at the next level from the LH side and jumps him on our board in the number 46 spot.

+ C Carson Kinnick - Upland - Now Ranked: 48

Kinnick was strong during his showing at the Inland Empire Preseason ID during late January and then posted a solid overall spring season at Upland High School in the Inland Empire. But, the LH hitting backstop took off like a rocket this summer with a strong showing all over the circuit and earned a spot on the Brewers underclass team at Area Codes where he looked very strong especially in a live look for Hardesty. He shows the type of receiving/throwing profile to be a strong defender at the premium spot and his LH hitting offensive tools flash the potential to slot into the middle of a lineup to add impact. Kinnick jumps into the rankings at 41 and is quickly making a case to be amongst the top catchers in the state for a very strong catching class in 2027.

+ RHP Charlie Fuller - Capistrano Valley - Now Ranked: 51

The Orange County based righthander put together a strong sophomore season at Capo Valley where he struck out more than one batter per inning with an ERA below 3.00. From there his 88-92 MPH FB, interesting power CB at 78-81 MPH, and emerging CHG, all carried him to a very strong summer showing capped with a standout two innings at the Area Codes Underclass for the Brewers squad. Fuller is a smooth mover down the mound who pounded the zone with his three pitch mix and has room to add strength/velocity as he matures showing an interesting upside to his profile. He jumps on the rankings board just outside the Top 50 headed into his JR. season.

+ RHP/3B Andrew Weber - Upland - Now Ranked: 60

Weber announced his presence to the SoCal baseball scene this summer with a loud series of performances from the showcase circuit to tournament circuit and all the way to Georgia where he threw a solid two innings for the SoCal squad at Future Games. Weber saw sporadic time at Upland in the spring, but his upper 80's FB, which touches the low 90's, combined with a biting SLD was outstanding at the FGT: Central California. For good measure he showed a solid RH hitting corner INF profile. In Georgia, Weber scuffled early, but locked in to put together two strong innings before posting a solid showing at the start of the SoCal Scouts Association Scout League for the Braves team. He moves into the ranking in the number 60 slot with potential to push up the board in the future.

+ OF Roman Del Castillo - Damien - Now Ranked: 73

Del Castillo missed time during his sophomore season at Damien after a good showing at the OC Preseason ID, but the LH hitting OF took the time to make gains to his overall profile over the course of the first eight months of 2025. Coming out to the California State Games at Fullerton CC and Fullerton HS, Del Castillo was ready to demonstrate his upward trending profile. Over the course of three days the athletic OF did nothing but perform from the workout to the gameplay portion where he was dominant en route to winning the MVP award of the event. Now with him headed into his junior year at Damien he looks primed to take the next steps towards his future potential and jumps on the board inside the Top 75.

+ SS Mason Park - Fullerton Union - Now Ranked: 74

Park is a compact, but athletic version of the SoCal shortstop profile and while he may not tower in stature, he does not lack for ability. With an electric spring campaign that saw him earn league MVP honors, the RH hitter showed extremely well at the OC Summer ID which carried into a standout summer campaign. He capped what has been an impressive start to his 2025 calendar year by showing off dynamic defense, top of the order offensive ability, and athleticism over three days at the California State Games to push himself into the Top 75 players in the state.

+ INF/RHP Cade McElmoyl - Exeter - Now Ranked: 79

The NorCal based McElmoyl showed off a strong overall two-way profile throughout the early portion of the 2025 calendar year which he stamped with an exclamation mark during his showing at Future Games. His showing as a RH hitting INF in Georgia was strong including a quality workout day with EVs north of 90 MPH throughout his BP session. Then for good measure on the final day he hopped on the mound for a strong one inning look against Team SoCal. McElmoyl worked up to 88 with his FB riding above 2400 RPMs while mixing in a downer CB at 76-78 MPH with some present power down in the zone and the makings of a quality CHG at 80-81 MPH. The combination of two-way tools and upside in his game push McElmoyl on the board heading into his JR. season.

+ INF Merrick Lee - Menlo-Atherton - Now Ranked: 89

The switch hitter out of the Bay Area impressed during spring high school season for our NorCal scouting staff including an average up near .400 on the spring while playing strong INF defense. His strong present foundation and his projectable potential, earned him a spot on the NorCal squad headed to Georgia where he put together a solid overall performance during the four days of the event. With an intriguing ability to hit from both sides of the plate and defensive versatility, Lee has showed off a strong present ability and has the profile to continue getting better. He makes his debut inside the Top 100.

+ OF/RHP Cash Gerecke - Liberty - Now Ranked: 90

Gerecke saw playing time during his sophomore season at Liberty both as an OF with plate discipline from the LH side, and a strong present foundation on the mound as a RHP. While he didn't post extensive success, the tools for Gerecke are noticeable as the youngest of three strong baseball playing brothers from Bakersfield. His present skill set was on display during a strong showing at the Bakersfield Summer ID with his arm strength, rising athleticism, intriguing LH swing, and a high quality bullpen session. Gerecke breaks into the rankings inside the Top 100 with a shot to move further up the board in the future.

10 NAMES TO KNOW OUTSIDE-TOP 100 NEWCOMERS:

+ OF Trey Howell-Chase - Rio Americano - Now Ranked: 104

Howell-Chase is an extremely talented athlete who shows not only impressive athletic ability on the baseball diamond, but also on the soccer pitch and basketball court. His athleticism has taken quickly to the game of baseball where he has flashed an impact defensive profile in CF, especially during his time with Team NorCal at the Future Games. Highly projectable with his profile, defense, and room to add strength to an athletic frame, the next step for Howell-Chase is to tap into his offensive ability. He jumps into the rankings just outside the Top 100, but if he can make the developments to his offensive tool set we should see Howell-Chase move into the Top 100 in the future.

+ SS/2B Sebastian Navarro - Mater Dei - Now Ranked: 106

Navarro was a key defensive and offensive piece for a Mater Dei program which made a run to the CIF-SS D2 title game before falling in an electric game to West Ranch. Smaller in stature, but big on athleticism and baseball ability, Navarro shows a strong defensive profile to stay on the INF dirt and up the middle long term. While his defense is strong, the offensive profile for Navarro is sneaky good with a consistent feel to find his barrel and impact to the middle/pull side of the field to spark plug an offense. The Trinity League product moves into the rankings for the first time heading into his JR. season.

+ RHP Hudson December - El Camino Real - Now Ranked: 130

December spent his sophomore season at ECR primarily pitching on the lower levels, but the wiry, athletic built righthander out of the Los Angeles area opened eyes once he got to the summer circuit. During his bullpen session at the Central California Summer ID, December showed an athletic operation with loose present arm speed to reach the upper 80's, and towards the end of the summer has started touch 90 MPH. He flashed an interesting breaking ball with a CHG that has potential. The foundation for December is strong and if he continues to develop on the path he is on, his profile should move up the rankings board in the future.

+ OF Chase Mena - San Marino - Now Ranked: 140

Mena opened the 2025 calendar year with a strong showing at the OC Preseason ID where the athletic ability, arm strength, and LHH impact all flashed during the showcase workout. Mena earned a starting role on the varsity level at San Marino in the spring where he posted 14 extra base hits (27 total hits) including 11 doubles demonstrating his ability to hit with impact during games. From there he earned his invite to the FGT: Fullerton where he again impressed Les Lukach with an overall strong day to earn a spot in the Future Games. In Georgia, Mena stayed consistent to his profile with athletic ability, arm strength, and upside from the LH batters box including a double versus North Texas. Mena makes his debut at 136 heading into his junior season.

+ RHP James Venick - Harvard Westlake - Now Ranked: 141

Venick hails from the powerhouse Harvard Westlake program and is a strongly built righthander with a FB into the 90 MPH range who was very strong all throughout the summer. His quality arsenal, strong build, and performance during the summer circuit, helped him push into a spot for Team SoCal at the Future Games. While in Georgia, Venick worked off a solid three pitch mix and showed flashes of his future potential. Venick heads back to Harvard Westlake in the rankings for the first time and will compete for a prominent role on the Wolverines pitching staff.

+ OF Jordan Hall - Summit - Now Ranked: 155

Hall is a corner profile OF who is built with physicality at present, but still shows room to get even stronger as he matures boasting an intriguing upside. The RH hitter put on a display during BP at the OC Summer ID to earn a spot at the California State Games where he rocketed the ball all over the field at both Fullerton CC and Fullerton HS that included a pair of massive HRs showing off the power in his profile. Hall heads back to the Summit program for his junior season on the rise and making his first appearance in our state rankings.

+ SS/RHP Ruben Servin - Arroyo Grande - Now Ranked: 162

Servin is an athletically built LH hitter out of the Central Coast town of Arroyo Grande who had a solid sophomore season to head into the summer circuit. Standing 6'4", Servin shows a strong present feel to hit with a smooth swing that finds the barrel consistently and was on display during the summer tourney circuit concluding with a loud showing at the California State Games. Additionally, he has a solid present foundation on the mound with the type of frame and clean arm action to dream on. Servin debuts in the rankings for the first time heading into his JR. season on the Central Coast.

+ OF Austin Loughrin - La Canada - Now Ranked: 165

Loughrin posted a solid sophomore season for the La Canada program seeing consistent playing time in the OF. He then opened his summer with a strong showing at the FGT: Fullerton event before having a really impressive three days at the California State Games including a loud offensive performance during the game play portion. Loughrin boasts solid present athleticism, a high quality throwing arm, and a defensive profile with CF/RF potential long term. He jumps into the rankings for the first time ahead of his junior year at La Canada.

+ OF/RHP Dylan Bell - Garces Memorial - Now Ranked: 170

Bell saw playing time on the varsity level at Garces Memorial based in Bakersfield in his sophomore season showing flashes of success playing against older competition. The wiry, athletically built two-way profile has strong ability as both a RH hitting OF and a RHP with solid present athleticism in his operation to both profiles. Bell posted a strong showing during the Bakersfield Summer ID where his tools, frame, and potential all are ones that coaches can dream on from the next level. He makes his debut in the California rankings after a strong overall summer.

+ C/1B Tristan Puga - Lemoore - Now Ranked: 178

Puga is a stoutly built RH hitting C with a personality that is as big as his offensive profile. Making the trip down to Fullerton from the Central Valley, Puga made sure to make his presence felt both on the field and in the dugout with the type of offensive profile to slot into the middle of a lineup at the next level while being a tremendous teammate in a program. Puga blasted eight extra base hits during his sophomore campaign at Lemoore, then during State Games, he launched two homers to go with multiple singles while showing a strong throwing arm behind the dish. Whether Puga profiles behind the dish long term or makes a move to 1B, his bat has the type of ability to impact a lineup long term. He makes his first appearance in the rankings after the strong start to his 2025 calendar year.

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