Prep Baseball Iowa Rankings Insider: Class of 2027
May 29, 2025
+ CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL IOWA CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS
TOP FIVE 👑
|
RANK |
PLAYER |
SCHOOL |
POS |
|
1 |
Waukee |
OF |
|
|
Matt Meeker, a left-handed hitting outfielder and first baseman from Waukee, stands out physically at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, projecting as a prototype right fielder at the next level. At the plate, Meeker hits from a taller, square stance and demonstrates a smooth, connected load that leads into a short, direct path to contact. He generates loud contact with ease, flashing plus power potential to all fields, as evidenced by a max exit velocity of 104 mph and an impressive average exit velocity of 101.5 mph, with a peak batted-ball distance of 384 feet. |
|||
| 2 | Brady Hicks | Saydel | RHP |
|
Saydel’s Brady Hicks has an impressive pedigree. The now six-foot-five right-hander has already experienced the Junior Future Games (2023) and Super Sophomore Games (2024), and if all goes well this spring, he should be in consideration for this year’s Future Games team.
Hicks has a frame that oozes projection with a quick, compact arm stroke into a three-quarter slot. He hides the ball well and has the arm speed that allows his fastball to get on hitters quickly. Some of his heaters run arm-side more than others, and the ones that do give right-handed hitters issues. The fastball has been up to 88.8 MPH on Trackman, and we saw that velocity upheld in-game during the fall tournament circuit. Hicks’ low-80s slider is a swing-and-miss weapon with late movement, and the two pitches are a strong foundation. |
|||
| 3 | Braylon Bingham | Pleasantville | RHP/OF |
|
Braylon Bingham, a right-handed pitcher from Pleasantville, stands out with a tall, athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. He works exclusively from the stretch, showing athletic and repeatable movements with a high-waisted build that allows him to generate good extension and finish downhill. His arm action is mostly clean and compact, with a slight hook on the backside, delivering from a high ¾ slot. In Prep Baseball Iowa Spring League action, Bingham was up to 88 mph, sitting 86-88 with arm-side run and occasional sink, showing a noticeable jump from the Prep Baseball Iowa Preseason All-State where he topped at 85. He mixes in a sharp breaking ball at 78-82 mph that tunnels effectively off his fastball, and also shows feel for a changeup at 78-79 and a knuckleball at 72-74, giving him a unique and versatile four-pitch mix. A high-end multi-sport athlete, Bingham’s blend of size, athleticism, and competitive mound presence makes him one of the more intriguing arms in the state’s 2026 class.
|
|||
| 4 | Charlie Sarsfield | Linn-Mar | OF |
|
Charlie Sarsfield, an athletic outfielder from Linn-Mar, stands at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, showcasing a well-rounded skill set with strong defensive instincts and offensive consistency. Defensively, Sarsfield displays confident actions and fluid movements in the field. He works through the baseball with purpose, utilizing above-average footwork and a quick release. His arm strength stands out, registering 87 mph from the outfield with notable carry and accuracy, allowing his arm to play up in game situations. At the plate, the left-handed hitter operates from a taller, square stance with a quiet head and repeatable mechanics. He employs a line-drive swing plane and consistently barrels the baseball, showing a mid-to-pull approach with a max exit velocity of 93.1 mph and a top batted ball distance of 318 feet. Sarsfield's athleticism is further underscored by his 6.87-second 60-yard dash, making him a dynamic presence both offensively and defensively.
|
|||
| 5 | Cedar Rapids Xavier | UTL | |
|
Beau Morio, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound catcher and third baseman from Cedar Rapids Xavier, showcases a well-rounded skill set with physicality and projection in his game. Offensively, the right-handed hitter features an athletic build with present strength and a simple, efficient load. He drives his top hand through the zone with intent, showing advanced barrel control and power to the middle of the field. Morio posted a max exit velocity of 96 mph and averaged 88.9 mph, with a peak batted ball distance of 382 feet—indicating emerging pop that should continue to grow. Defensively, he offers versatility and arm strength across multiple positions. Behind the plate, he recorded pop times in the 2.00–2.03 range with a 79 mph catcher velocity, showing quick transitions and consistent accuracy. At third base, his 90 mph arm strength, active feet, and playable glove actions make him a strong option on the infield as well. Athletically, he posted a 7.52 60-yard dash. Morio brings a physical presence, two-way defensive utility, and developing offensive impact—making him an intriguing prospect moving forward.
|
|||
+ CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL IOWA CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS
NOTABLE RISERS 📈
Players who made jumps in the rankings.
| NAME | CURRENT | PREVIOUS |
| Braylon Bingham | 4 | 7 |
| Beau Morio | 5 | 9 |
| Hunter Minner | 8 | 32 |
| Hayden Anderson | 10 | 21 |
| JP Elbert | 11 | 39 |
| Tyler Honkomp | 12 | 19 |
| Matthew Blomme | 25 | 34 |
| Luke Deike | 36 | 47 |
| Ryan Wille | 42 | 49 |
| Brody Larsen | 49 | 57 |
NEW NAMES 👋
Players who make their debut on the rankings.
| RANK | PLAYER | POS |
| 39 | Kaleb Hupke | OF |
| 47 | Brody Schoenherr | RHP |
| 52 | Owen Hupfer | 3B |
| 53 | Jaydon Leonard | SS |
| 65 | Lyncoln McCaffrey | 2B |