The Dakotas, USA - The 2026 high school baseball season had standout players from both North and South Dakota. Players showed up in big ways for their respective teams and put up some eye popping stats in the process. With 2026 being our second full year of coverage in the Dakotas, we were able to scout top talent and identify players from each corner of the Dakotas. We want to thank the high school coaches for your constant communication on our player of the week surveys and player information requests. Without you, our coverage would not be half of what it is. 

With that being said, our player of the year is none other than Texas A&M commit Caden Nelson. The 2027 Fargo South grad led the Bruins to a State Championship and put up video game numbers on both sides of the ball, while showing next level velocity numbers on the mound, sitting in the mid-90s at the North Dakota State Tournament.

Caden Nelson's 2026 Pitching Stats

IP	BAA	W/L	R	ERA	K	BB	WHIP
38.2	.167	5-0	12	1.63	70	13	.931

Caden Nelson's 2026 Hitting Stats

AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SB
98	48	7	5	8	35	13	12

Caden Nelson Q&A 

McNaughton: What was your thought process like going into the 2026 season?

Nelson: "There were high expectations to perform in all aspects of the game this year. Staying true to myself on the mound and hitting by competing every pitch and plate appearance was my goal."

McNaughton: What was your process of taking next jump into the low to mid-90s on the mound?

Nelson: "I feel my mechanics have been there, getting in the weight room, preparing my body well as well as being mentally prepared. The combination of all of these little things allows me to have success and compete. 

McNaughton: Who has been the biggest influence on your baseball career this year?

Nelson: "My mother for sure. She has been there for me in all aspects, having rough games or not doing the best mentally, she's been right there for me."

McNaughton: What made your Fargo South squad so special this season? 

Nelson: "It was our connection and our ability to stay loose, that was what coach Sillerud proritized all year. When the boys were loose, we were able to play to the best of our abilities."

McNaughton: After a long game, where's the first place you go to get food, and what's your order.

Nelson: "Panda Express to get some carbs in, double orange chicken, teriyaki chicken and fried rice."

Coach Nathan Sillerud Q&A

McNaughton: How was Caden as a leader after committing to Texas A&M?

Sillerud: "I don’t think he really changed much, there was no before or after switch. He has always maintained his composure and has been a leader. Caden has always been level headed, very hard working, and a competitor. I think there was more pressure on him before though. Pressure to perform in game and pressure to continually make strides with his physical performance. I think he handled that pressure and expectations exceptionally well. But overall, Caden is a great leader. He demonstrates what it takes in the weight room to get to that next level. On the field is where he really shined as a leader. Taking ownership in everything he does. Leading by example and vocally."

McNaughton: What was it like watching his progression up until this point in his young career?

Sillerud: "It has been so fun to watch. Each spring season he seems comes back throwing 8 mph harder than he did the last. He has worked so hard to transform his body from a string bean freshman into a future D1 athlete. Every aspect of his game has been on an uphill climb since he was a freshman. His speed and athleticism helped him turn singles into doubles and doubles into triples. And the power that he swung the bat with this year, hitting 8 homeruns. Pitching has been where his most growth has come. He already has a tall hard throwing frame to work with but now that he paired that with the work in the weight room. I can only see him continuing to keep progressing at a very fast rate."