AJ Rice Named Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Year
June 29, 2026
GEORGIA - Every spring, the race for Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Year features no shortage of deserving candidates. The 2026 season was no different, as standout performances emerged from every corner of the state and across every classification. From dominant arms to prolific offensive producers, numerous players built strong cases throughout the spring. In the end, however, one player consistently separated himself from the pack with his impact on both sides of the ball while helping lead one of Georgia's premier programs to their first state title in school history.
For his outstanding senior campaign and instrumental role in guiding Pickens to a their first state championship in school history, RHP/SS AJ Rice has been named the 2026 Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Year.
AJ Rice Named '26 Prep Baseball Georgia POTY
Currently ranked as the No. 11th prospect in Georgia's 2028 class, Rice, an Auburn commit put together one of the most complete seasons in recent memory while staking his claim as one of the top prep right-handers in the nation. The senior starred as a high-level two-way player for the Dragons, and made an impact on both sides of the ball thoughout the spring season.
On the mound, Rice provided more than ace caliber production with gaudy numbers across the board. Logged 79.0 innings and posted a 14-0 record with a .35 ERA, striking out 162 hitters while holding opponents to a .096 batting average. He allowed just 4 earned runs all season and routinely delivered in the biggest of moments and yielded as a formidable presence at the top of the Pickens rotation. Ultimately leading the way to a claiming a 3A state championship title.
The impact extended beyond the mound as well as Rice served as a staple in the Dragons offense. Finished the season (.365) with 31 hits, 17 singles, 2 home runs, 10 doubles, 2 triples , 33 RBIs, 19 walks, 28 RBIs, 7 stolen bases, and 32 runs scored. Posted a .486 OBP and .600 slugging percentage as well.
Depsite a dream run to finish out his high school career, Rice put together one of the more impressive careers at Pickens the state has ever seen. In his career on the mound he went 41-3 with 253 innings pitching, a 0.99 ERA and a staggering 458 strikouts.
Past Prep Baseball Georgia POTY
Rice becomes the latest player to earn Prep Baseball Georgia Player of the Year honors, joining an impressive list of former recipients that includes high-level college standouts and some of the most accomplished players in state history.
- LHP Cooper Underwood (Allatoona, 2025)
- 3B Cade Brown (Parkview, 2024)
- SS Trey King (McIntosh, 2023)
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| Showcase | State | Date | Location |
| Macon Summer ID | GA | 06/30 | Southern Pines Indoor Facility |
| Savannah Summer ID | GA | 07/07 | Benedictine Military |
| Savannah Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | GA | 07/07 | Benedictine Military |
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