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2026 DE Player of the Year Watchlist

March 10, 2026
Staff
Prep Baseball Maryland

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We continue our spring high school previews and projections with a look at 8 players across Delaware that we believe are in contention for "Player of the Year" across the state. Players are listed in alphabetical order by grad year. 

Vincent Evans III OF / LHP / Seaford Senior High School, DE / 2026

The backbone of the Blue Jays baseball team over the last three years is back for one final run before heading for Division I baseball. The outfielder and southpaw hit over .400 for Seaford last spring along with a sub-1.5 ERA, being named to Second Team All-State as a two-way. His contributions on both sides of the ball in a difficult Henlopen Conference just makes his performances even more impressive. A similar season this spring will certainly put him in contention.

Dylan Grise RHP / SS / Indian River High School, DE / 2026

This is my personal darkhorse candidate to take home the coveted award. It’s an arm before a bat, but both have been highly productive in recent years to lead the Indians in the Henlopen South. If I need someone to go out and get me a win while competing, there aren’t many guys I’m taking over Dylan Grise this spring. If the outings are consistent and he unlocks another gear on the offensive side, it’s one to follow closely. 

Osiah Kelley RHP / SS / Sussex Central, DE / 2026

Many would say Osiah is the favorite to win the award, and the ones who don’t usually point out the fact he hasn’t played competitive baseball in nearly 18 months. It’s definitely a point of emphasis leading into the spring, but I believe he should certainly be the favorite. Looking into the past back at his sophomore year, he was virtually unstoppable with multiple complete game efforts in wins over powerhouses Cape Henlopen and Stephen Decatur. As a sophomore, the University of Maryland commit worked to a 1.2 ERA with an average slightly over .300. His offensive profile has evolved significantly compared to what he was, so we expect a major jump in that production. If he can get back to his former self on the mound, he’ll be the favorite. 

Ryan Perkins C / 1B / Dover High School, DE / 2026

One of the top power hitters across the First State, when it comes to Ryan Perkins you get what’s advertised. It’s an extremely physical catcher that has a ton of power upside while still hitting for a high average, sitting near the .450 clip last season, earning First Team All-State honors last spring. He is the face of the Dover offense, and similar production will firmly enter him into the conversation. A catcher took home the award last year, who’s to say we won’t see another this spring?

Cole Ruhland SS / 2B / Sanford School, DE / 2026

Cole Ruhland embodies Sanford’s offensive identity. The Salisbury commit is a left-handed hitting middle infielder who consistently hits for average at an impressive rate. What makes him such an intriguing candidate? He brings two notable advantages into the discussion. First, he competes against what is arguably the lightest strength of schedule among players on this list — though that likely means he’ll need eye-popping numbers to firmly establish himself in the conversation. Second, Sanford features the shortest right-field fence in the state, perhaps even in the country, which could significantly boost his home run totals. The opportunity is there; now it all comes down to executing.

Emmett Wheatley OF / RHP / Cape Henlopen High School, DE / 2026

Looking back at last spring, one performance that may have flown under the radar was Emmett Wheatley’s junior season at Cape. Surrounded by an exceptional senior class — including an MLB draft pick and the state’s Player of the Year — the team put together a historic 21–1 campaign that ended with a state championship. While much of the spotlight rightfully focused on that senior group, the Wilmington commit quietly delivered a remarkable .485 batting average. If last season was any indication, he’s poised to carry that offensive production into his senior year and take the lead at the plate.

Justin O'Connor 3B / 1B / Conrad Schools of Science, DE / 2027

Want to talk about offensive production? As a sophomore, Justin O’Connor was arguably the most productive hitter in the state outside of Jase Mitchell. His eye-opening .506 batting average turned heads last spring, and he backed it up with a strong summer showing. He’s long been known as an elite contact hitter, but the physicality in the frame brings legitimate power potential into the mix. We’ve seen flashes of it before — now the question is whether that power fully unlocks and translates in game action. If it does, he has a real chance to capture the award as a junior, something that’s become increasingly rare.

Emmett Lee Buddy Robinson OF / LHP / Delaware Military Academy, DE / 2027

Similar to Justin O’Connor, Emmett Robinson possesses the flashy hit tool that makes him a prime candidate for the award. The production in a game setting is off the roof, and although he doesn’t have the power upside that other individuals have on this list — his knack for getting the barrel through the zone and making strong contact on any type of pitch is a reason his recruitment process was short and simple, committing to Liberty in the fall. With a DMA team that saw the heart of the order depart, the responsibility now shifts to Robinson to lead the charge.