As the spring season continues, the Prep Baseball Kansas staff has once again updated the state’s 2028 rankings. We have our biggest update to date after our loaded preseason showcase season. We saw over 100 talented freshman expanding our list from 25 to 50 players with the addition of over 25 names.

It is important to note in an update this large, there are players that may decline in total rank even with improvement and passing some peers simply due to the number of names added. For an in-depth look at how we put our rankings together, click HERE.

Below, we take an in-depth look at eight newcomers in the top 25.  

Click HERE for the full 50 player updated list

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Top Newcomers

Jackson McDonald OF / 1B / St. Thomas Aquinas, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 12 / POS: 3 Though we haven't seen McDonald in an event yet, breaking into the lineup of one of the top teams in the state as a freshman and producing is impressive. The right-handed hitter shows impressive bat speed and could be a future power-hitting prospect.

Jack Renze SS / RHP / St. Thomas Aquinas, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 4 There’s no player in the Kansas '28 class with tools as loud as Renze. As the right-handed hitting infielder continues to polish his game, expect his name to shoot up our list.

Gabriel Escobar SS / RHP / Shawnee Heights, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 6 One of the fastest players in the Kansas class and boasting some of the top arm strength, Escobar is a high-end defender who can also hop on the mound and touch 84 mph with command.

Michael Dobbs SS / C / Seaman, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 17 / POS: 5 It’s easy to dream on what the younger Dobbs could become, especially with his older brother being a Future Games participant and a Johnson County commit. Micheal flashes his athleticism as an advanced defender all over the field.

Ayden Krier 2B / SS / Concordia, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 21 / POS: 1 Krier was a standout at the Wichita Preseason ID and is hitting in the three-hole while holding down shortstop for Concordia this spring, helping lead them to an impressive start.

Miles Nichols C / OF / Mill Valley, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 5 Already 6-foot, 170 pounds, Nichols is a physical standout behind the plate and a left-handed hitter. He's a name to know as he continues to polish his game.

Asher Newton SS / SS / Manhattan, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 8 Another sibling of a former Future Gamer jumps into the top 25. Newton showcased a solid left-handed swing at the Barn Scout Day and has also earned a spot in the starting lineup at Manhattan.

Justin Carpiniello 3B / RHP / Olathe North, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 2 A two-way prospect who really stood out on the mound at the BTL Scout Day, Carpiniello filled up the zone in the low 80s, topping out with a clean arm action.

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