As we lead up to our end of year update, our staff hints at impending moves with the release of our position rankings for each position in the class as our board stands at the conclusion of the fall. We remain excited about this class, with some of the largest contigent of high-end depth that we've seen a class boast on both sides of the ball at this age.  

We started by highlighting:

+ Top 10 Corner Infielders for 2028

+ Top 15 Outfielders for 2028

Next, we move to a smaller crop, our top 5 backstops, with a quick overview of each player, including key metrics. 

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Top 5 Catchers

1. Spencer Schiff (Evansville Mater Dei)

2. Cooper Nichols (Fort Wayne Carroll)

3. Matthew Fields (North Decatur) 

4. Graham Vinson (Hagerstown)

5. Will Rees (Northwestern) 

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Player Reports

Spencer Schiff C / Mater Dei, IN / 2028 + Quick Overview: Our top-ranked corner infielder, catcher, and also the #5 RHP on our board, Schiff is a true do-it-all type with polished actions in every facet. Listed as a primary catcher, there are multiple future profiles that Schiff fits into, but the in-game abilities here are some of the best in the class in terms of hit-ability. Hit .338 with 10 doubles and a triple for a Mater Dei club that reached the 2A State Finals in 2025. Defensively, the profile behind the dish is led by some of, if not the best, throwing abilities amongst catchers in the class.  + Key Metrics: 98.5 mph peak exit velocity, 6.94 60-yard dash, 84 mph infield arm, 82 mph arm from crouch, 1.97 top recorded pop, 86 mph fastball, 2380 CB spin rate.

Cooper Nichols C / Carroll High School, IN / 2028 + Quick Overview: Nichols remains on the heels of Schiff, tiered back-to-back on the overall list as the two top catchers in the class. Nichols offers more of a traditional, pro-style look behind the dish with a future-physical, 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. Simple, repeatable swing with big power potential down the road, while still offering easy average to better contact skills. Defensively, is an average receiver with an above average arm that is enhanced by excellent glove-to-hand for the position.  + Key Metrics: 95 mph exit velocity, 76 mph arm from the crouch, 2.15 top recorded pop.

Matthew Fields C / North Decatur Jr-Sr High School, IN / 2028 + Quick Overview: Fields was a favorite of mine throughout the circuit this summer with a real chance to push the two names above in the coming years if his development trends properly. 6-foot-2, 185-pound LHH with premier projection to the high-waisted frame. Solid average defensive skills across the board with the arm being his best defensive trait, also have seen him up to 85 on the bump. Left-handed swing works with a controlled pace before he turns the barrel tight on a shorter path. Priority follow in 2026 that could make real jumps with physical development.  + Key Metrics: Has not attended a Prep Baseball showcase, was identified after earning 1A All-State honors as a freshman, with further evals made on the Prep Baseball tournament circuit. 85 mph fastball is our only verified metric.

Graham Vinson C / Hagerstown Jr-Sr High School, IN / 2028 + Quick Overview: High-waisted frame with quality actions across the board. Easy projections to the 6-foot, 170-pound frame... On-plane, mechanically sound swing produced proper ball flights and 92-plus mph exits. Arm strength stood out as the best physical tool at the moment, 80 mph from the crouch and up to 83 on the bump. Easy average runner with a chance to elevate that tool. Excellent mover in total.  + Key Metrics: 92.4 mph peak exit velocity, 80 mph arm from the crouch, 2.11 top recorded pop, 82 mph infield velocity, 83 mph fastball, 7.22 60-yard dash.

William Rees C / Northwestern, IN / 2028 + Quick Overview: Athletic, 5-foot-10, 170-pound R/R C that can also play in the middle infield. Nothing flashy about his game, but he produces in nearly every look we get on him. On-plane stroke includes some twitch with developing impact. Stood out throughout gameplay on the circuit, along with at the 2025 Underclass Games & Fall State Games. One of, if not the best, defender on this list from my evaluations & stood as the top def. underclass catcher at the Fall State Games. High-motor w/ athletic/mobile hips, above average hands, and excellent glove-to-hand to play up an already above average arm.   + Key Metrics: 89.4 mph peak exit velocity, 77 mph arm from the crouch, 1.95 top recorded pop, 7.20 60-yard dash.