2026 Illinois Player of the Year Watchlist
March 17, 2026
With the spring season upon us, it is only fitting that we take a look at some early favorites for Player of the Year as the season is just getting underway. This list is a culmination of previous standouts and some All-State selections, along with players we think are primed for big years ahead.
Continue reading for our early favorites and some sleepers at the bottom.
Early Favorites
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Evan Adamczewski 1B / OF / Maine South, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 35 / POS: 2
“No stranger to the varsity level, Adamczewski has seen time since his freshman year and has consistently proven to be a high-level performer. The reigning State Games Most Valuable Player, Adamczewski has the ability to be a real cornerstone in the Hawks’ lineup, pairing bat-to-ball skills with a mature approach and some thump in the swing (T101 mph EV). No. 6 Maine South will need him to be a main contributor at the plate if they want to make a deep run, and he’s more than capable of doing so.” |
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Sammy Atkinson OF / 2B / Providence Catholic, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 77 / POS: 11
“The Celtics will need someone to step up and help carry their offense after the departure of some key seniors, and Atkinson will look to fill that role. Returning a .378 average with six home runs, he has the firepower to do damage at the plate, and if he can lead the No. 9 Celtics with the bat while also making a run at state, it would be hard to keep him out of POTY talks.” |
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Omar Avalos Jr. OF / Father McGivney, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 31 / POS: 6
“Avalos returns as a key piece in the Griffins’ lineup, bringing back a .390 average from a season ago along with a team-leading eight home runs and 34 stolen bases. He’s a game-changer on the bases and in the outfield with high-level speed and instincts, making him one of the higher-profile center fielders in the state. If he can help lead No. 22 Father McGivney on another deep playoff run, he could find himself in some POTY discussions.” 
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Ethan Bass SS / RHP / Glenbrook North, IL / 2026“An All-American Game alumni, No. 2 ranked player in Illinois and No. 37 ranked player in the country - it is no bold statement to assume Bass is primed for another big year. He’s coming off a year in which he earned Second-Team All-State honors, hitting .402 with 11 doubles, nine home runs, 40 RBIs, 39 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. He’s a true shortstop with high-level athleticism and twitchy strength in his swing, and he is also one of the top prep draft prospects in the midwest.” |
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Dominic Battista OF / SS / Oswego East, IL / 2026“The prospect status of Battista alone has him in the POTY discussion, currently ranked No. 5 in Illinois and No. 59 in the country. His recent strides and impressive showing at the Super 60 has him in some early draft conversations, and a big year from him could catapult his stock even further. A true center-fielder with tools across the board (6.53 runner; T94 mph OF; T108 mph EV), Battista looks to be one of the more well-rounded and high-level players in the 2026 class.” 
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Hunter Baugh SS / RHP / Edwardsville, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 47 / POS: 12
“Returning as one of the key arms for Edwardsville, Baugh will look to once again be a main contributor for the No. 12 Tigers in 2026. He earned Third-Team All-State honors a season ago after firing 45.1 innings with a perfect 7-0 record, 38 strikeouts, 12 walks and a miniscule 0.15 ERA. If he can repeat his dominance and contribute on the other side of the ball, he could end up being one of the more valuable players in all of Illinois.” |
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Jimmy Benson LHP / St. Laurence, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 4
“Helping to lead the Vikings to a 3A state title a season ago, the southpaw earned Second-Team All-State honors after he turned in an 11-1 record with 57.2 innings pitched, 71 strikeouts, 22 walks and a 1.09 ERA. He is a nightmare for opposing hitters with his long-levered 6-foot-8 frame and near sidearm release, pairing with a heavy sinking fastball in the mid/upper-80s and a slider/changeup mix that should help keep hitters guessing.” |
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Lincoln Boersma RHP / SS / Providence Catholic, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 53 / POS: 16
“The Celtics will look to Boersma to help lead the staff after the departure of some arms from a season ago, and we think he’s more than capable of filling this role. The right-hander is equipped with a 90 mph fastball that could certainly be playing higher than that in a couple months, along with a dynamic curveball/slider combination and fading changeup. He has the arsenal to dominate lineups, and he could end up being a key piece for the No. 9 Celtics this spring.” |
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Drew Borkowski III OF / RHP / Huntley, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 86 / POS: 14
“A dynamic athlete on both sides of the ball, Borkowski enters his senior year as a long-term varsity starter with experience and immense talent on both sides of the ball. The No. 8 Red Raiders will rely on him to help eat a bulk of innings, as he’s a talented right-hander on the bump with a fastball up to 90 mph. He’s also a talented position player that will help lead the offense, and if he can produce on both sides of the ball, he could end up being one of the more valuable players in the state.” |
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Brady Buenik RHP / 3B / Libertyville, IL / 2027“Currently ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 50 in the country, the Tennessee commit has the high-octane stuff that makes him a POTY contender before he even steps on the mound. The fastball plays in the mid-90s with natural running action, and he pairs it with a wipeout slider and dancing splitter that garners whiffs under the zone. He returns a 5-0 record with a 1.24 ERA in 28.1 innings - striking out 34 to just 11 walks with a .150 opponent's batting average. If the workload increases and dominance stays the same, Buenik will surely be in the discussion for POTY when it’s all said and done.” |
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Zane Caves LHP / 1B / Minooka, IL / 2026“One of the top pitching prospects in the state, the 6-foot-5 southpaw looks to be the ace of a talented Minooka squad this year. He has true swing/miss stuff in his arsenal with a fastball up to 90 mph and a big-breaking curveball that he can land around the zone whenever he wants. If he can help lead Minooka on a deep run, we’re looking at the type of player that garners POTY attention.” |
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Anthony Chavez 1B / OF / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026“Chavez has been one of the top hitters in Illinois for the better part of two years now, and he’s fresh off a couple eye-opening showings at our ProCase and the Super 60 which catapulted him up to No. 7 in the rankings. He has tremendous power upside in his left-handed swing, consistently performing in-game for our staff with a mature ability to control the zone and find the barrel against premium pitching. With the trajectory Chavez has been on, it would be foolish not to have him as an early contender for POTY.” 
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Brady Cunningham 3B / RHP / Brother Rice, IL / 2027“The Texas A&M commit is one of the more talented two-way prospects not just in the state, but in the entire country. Currently ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 59 nationally, Cunningham has been on varsity since his freshman year as a real contributor - coming off a Second-Team All-State selection as a sophomore after he hit .395 with 18 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 29 RBIs and 39 runs scored. On top of that, he went 6-0 on the mound with 53 innings pitched, 58 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.85 ERA. Looking to be the driving force for the No. 4 Crusaders, a big year from Cunningham could easily have him in the POTY discussion at season’s end.” |
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Easton DeBernardi OF / RHP / Marquette Academy, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 64 / POS: 15
“A top returner for the 1A state champs, DeBernardi brings back a 4-0 record on the mound with 27 innings pitched, 45 strikeouts and a 1.81 ERA. He’s made some notable strides that he put on display at our All-State event recently, now toting a fastball up to 90 mph to pair with a clean, athletic left-handed swing. A strong year on both sides of the ball and a playoff run could have DeBernardi in POTY discussion at the end of the year.” |
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Colin Doyle RHP / Comm High School Dist 99 - North High School, IL / 2027“Arguably the biggest winner from our winter circuit after his showing at All-State, Doyle could end up being one, if not the most dominant pitcher in the state this spring. The fastball has made a huge jump, topping at 96 mph recently, and the curveball/changeup mix looks to be taking strides as well. He saw notable time as a sophomore in the Trojans’ rotation with success, and he’s set up for an even bigger 2026 campaign.” |
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Ryan Duncheon Jr. C / RHP / East Peoria, IL / 2026“Few players in the state rival the two-way capabilities of Duncheon, and he’s coming off a huge year in 2025 where he earned Second-Team All-State honors after hitting .406 with 13 doubles, three triples, six home runs, 32 RBIs and 34 runs scored - also firing 70.2 innings on the mound with a 6-3 record, 95 strikeouts, 16 walks and a 0.99 ERA. Back to help lead a talented East Peoria club, Duncheon looks to be an early frontrunner for the POTY discussion.” 
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Samuel Finn LHP / Plainfield North, IL / 2026“Currently ranked No. 9 in Illinois, Finn really started to take off at the Senior Future Games and again at the State Games, emerging as one of the top pitchers in the state with a fastball in the low-90s and real wipeout slider to pair. He has a durable starter’s build that should help him handle a high work load, and he has one of the more electric and dynamic arsenals in the state that should give lineups fits all year long.” |
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Dodger Friedrich RHP / OF / Lane Tech, IL / 2028“One of the top pitchers in the country for the 2028 group, Friedrich is a high-level talent that has already proven to be an in-game performer. As a freshman on varsity a season ago, he delivered a 6-2 record in 47.1 innings with 56 strikeouts to only 10 walks and a 2.22 ERA. Equipped with a fastball up to 94 mph, wipeout slider and disappearing splitter, Friedrich has the arsenal to dominate lineups this spring for No. 10 Lane Tech.” |
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Max Heineman C / OF / Normal Community, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 25 / POS: 3
“A key piece for the Ironmen in their 4A third-place finish, Heineman is an advanced right-handed hitter that has already seen significant success - earning Second-Team All-State honors last spring after he hit .457 with nine doubles, four triples, four home runs, 41 RBIs and 32 runs scored. We fully expect him to be one of the top bats in the state this year and help lead the offense for No. 2 Normal Community.” 
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Henry Humes RHP / Homewood Flossmoor, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 6
“Looking to be the ace of a No. 25 Homewood-Flossmoor club, Humes is a high-level arm with a mature ability to pitch and change speeds. The Northwestern commit recently stood out at our ProCase with a fastball up to 90 mph, pairing with an advanced splitter and quality slider. A true starter with a three-pitch mix, it would be no surprise to see Humes put up eye-opening numbers this spring.” 
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Cory Les SS / 3B / St. Laurence, IL / 2026“Les is one of the top left-handed bats in the state, returning a .345 average in one of the toughest conferences with 16 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 37 RBIs, 49 runs scored and 17 stolen bases - earning him Second-Team All-State honors last spring. One of the key bats for the reigning 3A state champs, Les will be looking to repeat if not exceed his numbers from a season ago.” |
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Mickey Lotus SS / OF / St. Laurence, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 65 / POS: 15
“Lotus was an integral part of the Vikings capturing their first-ever state title, hitting his way to a .513 average with seven doubles, three triples, 27 RBIs, 56 runs scored, 26 walks to only 13 strikeouts and 41 stolen bases - earning First-Team All-State honors. Back for his senior year, the Lewis commit is an early frontrunner in POTY discussions." |
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Chase Lockwood RHP / 1B / Libertyville High School, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 64 / POS: 20
“One of the key pieces on the mound for the reigning 4A state champs, Lockwood is back after turning in a perfect 10-0 record with 59.2 innings pitched, 64 strikeouts, 14 walks and a minuscule 0.81 ERA - earning Second-Team All-State honors as a result. If Lockwood can repeat or even surpass his success in 2026, he could end up being on the POTY shortlist when it’s all said and done.” |
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TJ McQuillan 3B / OF / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026“Though he has missed some time in recent years to injury, the Caravan are excited to have the left-handed slugger in the heart of their lineup. The No. 5 ranked player in Illinois and recent Super 60 participant, McQuillan is one of the top left-handed hitters in the country with a mature presence in the box and control of the barrel - pairing with immense strength/power in his swing. The hit-tool alone has McQuillan in POTY discussion, and if he leads the Caravan deep into the playoffs, he very well could end up being a favorite.” 
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Gavin Michaels SS / 2B / Normal Community, IL / 2026“One of the key pieces from the Ironmen’s deep run a season ago, Michaels is back and primed for a big spring. He’s one of the more athletic and upside prospects in the entire state, boasting loud tools across the board (6.47 runner; 93 mph INF; T103 mph EV) at our recent ProCase. Currently the No. 8 ranked player in our 2026 group, look for Michaels to be one of the biggest contributors for the Ironmen this spring.” 
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Liam Nash RHP / Huntley, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 34 / POS: 10
“Entering his first year at Huntley, the No. 8 Red Raiders will look to Nash to help bolster an already talented pitching staff. He has high-end ‘stuff’ on the mound with a low-90s fastball and a plethora of off-speeds to go along with it, making him a dangerous arm that should give them a chance to win every game he pitches.” |
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Alec Novotney RHP / SS / Marquette Academy, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 61 / POS: 19
“Back to lead the Crusaders after taking home the 1A state title in 2025, Novotney returns a perfect 9-0 record with 63 innings pitched, just 27 hits allowed, 119 strikeouts to just nine walks and a 0.33 ERA with 0.57 WHIP - earning Second-Team All-State honors last spring. He’s primed for a huge year ahead, and if he can lead the now 2A Crusaders on another deep run, he will find himself in the discussion for POTY.” |
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Nolan Ramoley OF / Brother Rice, IL / 2026“One of the toolsiest players in all of Illinois, Ramoley will surely be a huge part of the No. 4 Crusaders’ offense. A recent standout from our ProCase, Ramoley pairs elite speed (6.52 runner) with immense power (T108 mph EV), making him one of the more intriguing players in the midwest from a tools standpoint alone.” 
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Traxton Roberts RHP / 3B / Armstrong, IL / 2027“Roberts is one of the more polished pitchers in the entire state, coming in as our No. 7 ranked prospect in the 2027 group. He was a huge standout at the Future Games for Team Illinois and again at the State Games in August, taking home Most Valuable Pitcher honors. He showed some recent velocity jumps at our All-State event with a fastball up to 95 mph, and he looks to be primed for a huge spring in 2026.” |
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Quinn Rooney LHP / 1B / Benet Academy, IL / 2027“A key piece of a Benet group that made it all the way to the IHSA 3A state finals, eventually taking second - Rooney is back as a key piece on both sides of the ball for the Redwings. Currently ranked No. 8 in Illinois, he’s a high-level arm on the mound with a fastball up to 91 mph from the left side, and he’s also a dangerous left-handed bat with big power upside (T107 mph EV) and speed (6.67 runner).” |
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Jack Slightom RHP / Lyons Township, IL / 2026“Slightom is our No. 4 ranked player in the state, and his prospect status alone has him placed highly on this list. He has the arsenal to overpower every lineup he faces, boasting a mid/upper-90s fastball with advanced secondaries, and he will give the Lions a real chance to win every game he pitches.” |
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Tristan Steger C / 3B / St. Laurence, IL / 2027“The reigning 3A state champs are coming into 2026 even stronger than a year ago, with a huge reason being the addition of Steger behind the plate. He’s one of the top left-handed hitters in the midwest that will help manage their slew of talented arms, putting up huge numbers at our recent All-State event. Currently the No. 6 player in the state, Steger will be a massive addition in the heart of the Vikings’ lineup.” |
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Gavin Swartz RHP / 1B / Normal Community, IL / 2026“No. 2 Normal Community is coming off a huge year in 2025 with a third-place finish at 4A state, and Swartz will look to help lead them back to Joliet after earning Second-Team All-State honors last spring - turning in an 8-2 record with 70 innings pitched, 95 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.80 ERA. The numbers speak for themselves, and Swartz has a chance to one-up himself this year and be a true ace for the Ironmen once again.” |
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Landon Thome SS / 2B / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026“Our No. 1 ranked player in the state and No. 22 ranked player in the country, Thome is primed for his biggest year yet with the Roadrunners. A member of varsity since his freshman year, the hit-tool is one of the best in the entire country, returning a .442 average with 13 doubles, six triples, eight home runs, 25 RBIs, 46 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. Thome is right at the top of early POTY favorites as he’s also garnering day one attention in the MLB draft.” |
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Jacsen Tucker SS / 3B / Oswego East, IL / 2027“Another highly-touted prospect, Tucker is a true shortstop with one of the highest ceilings in the state. The Oklahoma State commit is primed for a big year and his prospect status has him at the forefront of early POTY favorites.” |
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Kaden Wasniewski RHP / 3B / McHenry, IL / 2027“Wasniewski is one of the best two-ways in the entire state, equipped with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout secondaries - he’s also a high-level athlete with a 6.54 in the 60 and tools to pair. He will look to lead the Warriors on the mound with some of the best ‘stuff’ in the entire country as the No. 1 ranked player in Illinois (No. 23 in the country) - while also acting as a middle of the order presence that has already put up big numbers in year’s past.” |
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Ryan Wilberding C / OF / Libertyville, IL / 2027“Taking over for the 2025 Player of the Year behind the dish in Quinn Schambow (2025; Oklahoma State), Wilberding looks to be one of the more polished right-handed bats in the entire state, and we think he has a chance to put up big numbers for the reigning 4A state champs.” 
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Dark Horses
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Kanon Baxley SS / RHP / Kaneland, IL / 2028“One of the top two-way prospects in the state’s 2028 class, Baxley could put up the numbers that warrant consideration for POTY. Starting as a freshman last spring, the varsity stage will not be too big for him, and he will likely sit toward the top of both the Kaneland rotation and lineup all year.” |
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Cole Brent OF / LHP / Normal University, IL / 2027“Brent is one of the toolsier players in the state’s junior class - boasting a 6.72 60 time, 92 mph OF velo, and a 105 mph max EV that our staff has seen translate in-game. Batting toward the top of the Pioneers lineup, he could put up the offensive numbers that put him in the POTY discussion while potentially leading U-HIgh to a strong 2026 season.” |
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Mason Bruesch OF / RHP / Geneva, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 36 / POS: 7
“The Michigan State commit and former Future Gamer was one of the top two-way players in the DuKane conference as a sophomore in 2025, and could be due for an even bigger year in 2026. In 2025, he batted over .400 and put up an OPS of 1.110 with four jacks while batting toward the top of the Vikings lineup. On the mound, he punched out 54 batters over 48 ⅓ innings, and we have seen his stuff on the mound tick up recently, leading our staff to view him as a darkhorse candidate for this year’s POTY award.” |
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Richard Carlson RHP / South Beloit Sr High School, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 85 / POS: 27
“Carlson earned Third Team All-State honors last season as a sophomore and could be in line for another big year in 2026. In 2025, he batted .472 with five bombs, while putting up gaudy numbers on the mound; notching 133 strikeouts over 56 innings pitched with a 0.75 ERA. Look for Carlson to have another strong statistical year this spring.” |
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Carver Cohn OF / LHP / McHenry, IL / 2028“The state’s No. 1 prospect in the sophomore class was a star for McHenry a season ago as a freshman, helping anchor a lineup that earned 3rd at State. Now accustomed to the varsity scene, 2026 could be an even bigger year for the state’s top prospect and as we saw recently at our Preseason All-State, his overall game only continues to get better. In 2025, he broke single-season records for at-bats (135) & runs (61), while batting .378 with four homers and 18 stolen bases. Historically, the POTY award is hard to win as an underclassmen, but if there was a player to do it as a sophomore, Cohn could be that guy.” |
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Josh Colaizzi OF / RHP / Bartlett, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 120 / POS: 20
“Another two-way player that could put up big numbers again in 2026, Colaizzi batted over .400 last spring with an OPS north of 1.200, while also posting a 1.58 ERA in over 50 innings of work with 83 punchouts.” |
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Tre Cole RHP / Champaign Central, IL / 2026“The Wright State commit was one of the bigger winners from our Preseason ProCase, and showed the type of stuff that could lead to a dominant spring pitching in the central part of the state. He features a low-90’s fastball that we saw reach up to 95 mph, paired with quality offspeed pitches that could help him rack up the type of numbers that would put him in POTY discussion.” 
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Patrick Connors OF / SS / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 6
“Connors enters 2026 after earring All-State honors a season ago when he stole 44 bags, paired with a .417 batting average and 1.033 OPS. The likely leadoff man for the Red Devils, look for Connors to have another strong spring to cap off his high school career.” |
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Caleb Cox RHP / 1B / Springfield Lutheran, IL / 2026“Cox is coming off a winter where he was a standout at both the Preseason ProCase as well as the Super 60. A high-level arm that will likely attract pro scouts to each start, Cox has the type of stuff to put up loud numbers this spring. His arsenal is headlined by a low-90’s fastball that has been up to 95 mph, while also being able to turn to a breaking ball and a splitter for swing and misses.” 
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Quinn Durkin OF / Sandburg, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 123 / POS: 22
“Durkin was a Second Team All-State selection last spring after batting .496 with an OPS over 1.100 while also breaking the Sandburg single-season record for hits with 56. A two-sport star for the Eagles, Durkin could have another strong spring that puts him in POTY conversation.” |
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Tyler Gluting LHP / OF / Metea Valley, IL / 2027“The Oklahoma commit and former Future Gamer is another two-way prospect that could have a big season coming in 2026. A well-rounded left-handed hitter, Gluting will likely bat toward the top of the Metea Valley lineup while playing high-level defense in the outfield. He also has a lively arm on the mound, capable of running his fastball up to 95 mph from the left side. If Gluting has the season he’s capable of on both sides of the ball, he could put himself squarely in the POTY conversation come seasons end. |
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Joey Ireland SS / 2B / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 7
“Ireland enters 2026 as a potential catalyst for what could be a special season for the preseason No. 5 team in Mount Carmel. A Third Team All-State selection a season ago, he triple-slashed .406/.516/.655 with 36 RBI while playing shortstop for the Caravan. The Illinois signee is one to watch for a POTY-caliber season in 2026. 
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Anderson Kaufmann RHP / C / Alton, IL / 2028“Kaufmann is one of the top arms in the state’s 2028 class, and will return toward the top of the Alton rotation after getting time on varsity last spring as a freshman. In 2025, he struck out 40 batters over 35 ⅔ innings, while posting a 3.14 ERA. His stuff has only continued to get better on the mound, and he could put up big numbers in 2026.” |
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Brody Landgraf 1B / RHP / Columbia, IL / 2026“Landgraf returns for his senior season at Columbia as a four-year starter at the varsity level. A strong left-handed hitter, batting near the middle of the lineup, he could accumulate big numbers in 2026 that could warrant POTY discussion.” |
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Collin Lawlor LHP / OF / Marist, IL / 2028“Lawlor has quickly gained the reputation as one of the top southpaws in the Chicagoland area, after just one spring pitching at the varsity level. In 2026, Lawlor likely will be slotted at or toward the top of the Marist rotation and will have plenty of opportunities for statement performances against their schedule.” |
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Trevor McClure SS / RHP / Mount Vernon, IL / 2027“McClure will be back in 2026 for Mount Vernon after missing all of last year due to injury. Entering this spring, McClure is still viewed by our staff as one of the top two-way players in the entire state and will be a key cog for the Rams on both sides of the ball. He has shown the potential on the mound to be an ace, after starring as a freshman in 2024, while also likely slotting near the top of the lineup and playing shortstop when he’s not pitching.” |
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Connor McKay RHP / RHP / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 52 / POS: 14
“McKay enters 2026 as the likely ace for what could be a very strong Nazareth Academy squad. Pitching atop their rotation, and likely getting the ball in their tougher conference matchups as well as in the postseason, makes McKay a potential darkhorse candidate for POTY entering the spring.” |
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Braydon McKendrick LHP / OF / Brother Rice, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 67 / POS: 11
“Entering 2026 as one of the top southpaws in the chicagoland area as well one of the top pitchers in the entire CCL Blue, makes McKendrick a darkhorse candidate for this award. IN 2025, he earned Third Team All-State after going a stellar 11-1 on the mound, posting a 1.79 ERA in nearly 60 innings pitched. If he can replicate or even top those numbers in 2026, while sitting atop the rotation of one of the better teams in the state, McKendrick could be a name in the POTY discussion by seasons end.” |
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Keegan Seipp 1B / C / Triad, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 1
“Seipp is one of the better left-handed bats in the entire state entering 2026, and will be batting near the heart of the order for Triad again this spring. As a sophomore in 2025, he batted .359 with six homers while driving in 44, helping lead Triad to State. If Seipp continues to hit and put up big numbers in 2026, he could be firmly in the mix for POTY while helping lead Triad to another strong season.” 
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Brandon Thomsen C / 3B / St. Viator, IL / 2026“Thomsen is one of the premier backstops in the state coming into 2026, and could be in line for a big senior campaign. The Purdue signee earned Third Team All-State honors last year after batting .451 with six homers, 36 RBI, and posting a 1.404 OPS, all while playing high-level defense at perhaps the game’s most pivotal position. Keep an eye on Thomsen in his senior season as he could continue to put up big numbers for St. Viator in 2026.” 
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Ian Tosi LHP / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 4
“Tosi returns to the Caravan in 2026 after missing last spring due to injury. Prior to 2025, Tosi had earned the reputation as one of the better gameday performers on the mound in the entire state. If Tosi can return to pre-2025 form, it could make for a very special 2026 for Mount Carmel, and will put him firmly in the POTY conversation.” |
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Isaac Wendler 1B / RHP / Father McGivney, IL / 2026Rankings StateRank: 99 / POS: 4
“Wendler will be a key player for the Griffins on both sides of the ball in 2026, while trying to lead them to state at the 2A level. In 2025, he batted .402 with five jacks and an OPS north of 1.200, while also starring on the mound where he put up a 1.91 ERA in 33 innings pitched with 57 strikeouts.” |
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Austin Winge RHP / OF / Lockport, IL / 2027Rankings StateRank: 32 / POS: 9
“Winge had an impressive debut season as a sophomore for the Porters in 2025, who owned a 0.00 ERA entering the final week of the season as a closer. He owns a lively fastball that has been up to 93 mph, paired with quality offspeed pitches he can throw for strikes. Look for Winge to have another big season as he sees his role expanded in 2026.” |
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