The Colorado high school baseball season kicks off on March 5th, opening day for regular season action under CHSAA regulations. Leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2026 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Colorado Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a preseason questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

***Coaches Questionnaire Form Link: HERE*** (Coaches only please)

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today:

High School: Erie
Head Coach: Eric Dillinger
Classification: 5A
League: Granite Peaks
2025 Record: 16-8

Key Players Lost:

Ronin Ward
Taylor McMaster
Austin Muir
Jack Carnival
Varek Van Aelstyne

 

Top Players:

RHP/UTL MADDOX BURNETT

‘26 | RHP, OF | Maddox Burnett (Erie HS (CO), @Slammersbasball

BYU commit @maddox_burnett4 with an impressive outing, showcasing an effective 4 pitch mix.

FB 90-91 T93 w/ sink
CT 84-86
CB 74-78 2300+
CH 81-83@PrepBaseballKC //@PBRTournaments //@ljhatchpb pic.twitter.com/2upwFbsPsn

— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) September 21, 2025

UTL BOSTON COSLETT

2027 1B/OF Boston Coslett (CO)

Was on the barrel all game collecting two knocks here.

A-A feel for the barrel w/ loose actions in the box. Showed an all-fields approach.

@pbrcolorado #PrepBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/wKDdxhNGyU

— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) June 17, 2024

RHP AUSTIN SIECKMANN

RHP EASTON AGNEW

C EVAN DILLINGER

INF HUDSON DAGEENAKIS

INF JACKSON FLARITY

INF CHASE LIENBERGER

1B CHASE CRADDOCK

OF ZACH HARNER

OF KELLEN LANG

OF COLT HEIL

PEYTON WATTS

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Erie enters the 2026 spring season with a clear identity forming early, as the strength of this roster is expected to start on the mound. The Tigers return all but one arm from their 2025 pitching staff, giving them both continuity and depth as they open the year.

Leading that group is Maddox Burnett, a BYU commit and one of the top arms in the state. The Prep Baseball Future Games alum brings an advanced all-around toolset and an impressive feel for the game, making him a true anchor at the front of the rotation. Burnett’s impact isn’t limited to the mound either, as his two-way upside should also make him one of Erie’s more reliable offensive contributors as the season unfolds.

While the pitching staff returns largely intact, Erie will be tasked with replacing significant production at the plate after graduating much of its offensive core, including Ronin Ward, Taylor McMaster, Varek Van Aelstyne, Austin Muir, and Jack Carnival. How quickly the Tigers can fill those roles and generate consistent run production will be one of the defining storylines of the spring.

There are, however, pieces in place to help bridge that gap. Easton Agnew and Austin Sieckmann are emerging names on the mound who should provide valuable innings, while Boston Coslett, a Dayton commit, projects as a key presence in the heart of the order and a potential run producer as opportunities open up.

If Erie can pair its pitching depth with timely offensive development, the Tigers have the makeup of a team that can be competitive throughout the spring and difficult to match up with once postseason play arrives.

Find more information on the 2026 Erie program below:

+ Follow them on X: @BaseballErie
or Instagram: @erietigerbaseball

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
South Denver Preseason ID	CO	02/08	HitStreak - Aurora, CO
Denver Preseason ID	CO	02/15	Next Era - Englewood, CO
Colorado Preseason All-State (Invite-Only)	CO	02/22	The Farm Sports - Colorado Springs, CO
2026 Four Corners ProCase	CO	06/02	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ

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