2025 Showcase Standouts - Uncommitted Class of 2026 - Part 1
September 29, 2025
The Prep Baseball Kentucky staff had the chance to see a strong group of 2026 prospects throughout the calendar year. From the early looks at February’s Kentucky Preseason ID and Preseason All-State events, to the summer’s Rising Stars and Top Prospect Games, through the Future Games and State Games in July and August, and finishing with the Fall ID in September — the class consistently showcased depth and talent across the board. With plenty of names still uncommitted, several players have separated themselves as prospects to know heading into their senior spring. This is Part 1 of a look at the showcase standouts who left their mark throughout the 2025 calendar year.
+ CLICK HERE FOR FULL CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS +
Interested in attending an event?👇
CLICK HERE to create a free Prep Baseball profile!
JT's UNCOMMITTED SHOWCASE STANDOUTS - CLASS OF 2026
Highlighting 5 of the top uncommitted 2026 prospects that shined in front of the Prep Baseball KY staff on the 2025 showcase circuit!
 |
Kendrick Dunning SS / C / McCracken County High School, KY / 2026Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 1
Dunning continues to show why he’s among the premier uncommitted names in Kentucky’s 2026 class. The 6'0", 195 lb SS put together an impressive showing at the Paducah Fall ID, setting multiple personal bests across the board. He posted a 7.10 second 60-yard dash, topped out at a 101.9 mph exit velocity with a peak distance of 409 feet, and fired 88 mph across the infield — all new bests in his profile. A 2024 Future Games alum, Dunning’s strength and athleticism stand out in-game just as much as they do in a showcase. His versatility allows him to make an impact both as a shortstop and behind the dish, though he currently ranks as the top shortstop in the 2026 class. With his offensive firepower and defensive skills, Dunning remains one of the top uncommitted prospects in the state and one of the biggest names to know this upcoming season.
|
 |
Jacob Piper RHP / SS / Simon Kenton High School, KY / 2026Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 8
Checking in at No. 26 overall in Kentucky’s 2026 class and No. 8 among right-handed pitchers is Simon Kenton High School's RHP/SS Jacob Piper. The 5'11", 178 lb two-way brings plenty of interest on the bump with his aggressive, intentful movement down the mound. He shows a well-rounded arsenal, headlined by a changeup that kills spin at 1400 rpm and plays as a legitimate go-to offering. Piper maintains velocity well for his stature and mixes in a sharp 11/5-shaped curveball to pair as another strong offspeed tool, giving him multiple looks to keep hitters off balance. With his competitive edge and polish on the bump, Piper stands out as one of the top uncommitted arms left on the board in the 2026 class and expects to have another big season in the 8th Region.
|
 |
Carter Devine SS / RHP / Frederick Douglass High School, KY / 2026Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 5
Devine, ranked No. 24 overall and the No. 5 shortstop in Kentucky’s 2026 class, brings a dynamic skill set to the table and is fresh off a transfer to a uber talented Frederick Douglass squad. The 5'11", 160 lb righty is a former 2024 Future Games two-way prospect who continues to show advanced athleticism with a 6.6 second 60-yard dash and elite baserunning instincts. He’s stole 36 bags in his junior year alone, following seasons of 35 as a sophomore, 23 as a freshman, and even one as an eighth grader — a track record that will fit right in as a part of Frederick Douglass' always dominant presence on the basepaths. Devine’s compact frame and quick-twitch actions give him projection up the middle, whether in the infield or the outfield. With his athleticism, versatility, and impact speed, Devine is one of the biggest names to follow this spring if he remains uncommitted. |
 |
Brooks Hendrix OF / RHP / Highlands High School, KY / 2026Rankings StateRank: 36 / POS: 8
Hendrix, the No. 36 overall prospect and No. 8 outfielder in Kentucky’s 2026 class, has proven himself as both a leader and a performer on the state’s biggest stages. At an even 6'0", 168 pounds, he brings a strong and physical build with quick-twitch strength in the wrists that creates big-time power through the zone. His athleticism shows up in a 6.53 second 60-yard dash, giving him the range and projection to control center field at the next level with polish. Offensively, Hendrix drives the ball with leverage to all fields and put together one of the more impressive stretches in recent memory during Highlands’ 2025 state tournament run. He slashed .578 with 18 extra-base hits, 21 stolen bags, and just 3 strikeouts in 90 at-bats against a demanding high school schedule, showcasing both production and discipline at the plate. A standout for Team Midwest at the 2025 Senior Future Games, Hendrix’s combination of athleticism, offensive impact, and intangibles make him a centerpiece name in the class.
|
 |
Bryce Russell 3B / SS / Adair County High School, KY / 2026Rankings StateRank: 45 / POS: 3
Russell, ranked No. 45 overall and the No. 3 third baseman in Kentucky’s 2026 class, has established himself as one of the top uncommitted power bats still on the board. The 5'10" 181lb infielder owns a strong, built frame and put together another standout showing at the 2025 Senior Future Games. He’s posted exit velocities nearing 100 mph with peak distances of 375 feet, underscoring a big offensive thump in his profile. Russell brings the power in-game as well, finishing sixth in the state in home runs during the 2025 high school season and entering his senior year with 17 career long balls and 32 stolen bases. A 6.77s runner in the 60, he offers athleticism that could allow for a potential move to a corner outfield spot at the next level. With his combination of strength, speed, and offensive production, Russell is firmly on the radar as one of the more dangerous uncommitted bats in the class. |
Follow us on Twitter/X: @PrepBaseballKY
Follow us on Instagram: @prepbaseballky
Follow us on Facebook: Prep Baseball KY