MD/DE Class of 2026 Rankings: Breakout Players
August 25, 2025
Jamie Naill Jr
Prep Baseball MD Director
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As the summer comes to a close, our staff is set to update the rankings across Maryland and Delaware. This week, our attention turns to the class of 2026 as they enter their senior year. Today, we take a look at ten players who had breakout summers in front of our staff and look to make a considerable jump in this latest update. Be on the lookout for a Risers story on Tuesday, the top 100 release on Wednesday and the full release on Thursday.
Breakout Stars
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Nicky Dello Buono RHP / OF / Conrad Schools Of Science, DE / 2026
One of the top remaining uncommitted arms in the class, the long 6-foot-1, 175-pound righty showed extremely well in each look this summer with DCP and cemented himself as a legit top-end starter across Delaware as we inch closer to 2026. Usually sitting in the mid 80s, Dello Buono showed the velo jump that we’ve been waiting for down at the 16U National Championship in June, running the fastball into the upper 80s and grabbing a few 90s with ease. It’s a shorter, deceptive release, allowing the fastball to play up from the upper 80s velo and beat bats in the zone, mixing the low 70s breaking ball for strikes consistently this summer. The ability to compete in the zone and attack both sides of the plate allows for consistent effectiveness, and as this body continues to mature, look for an even bigger breakout season come spring time for Conrad.
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Lukas Hummer OF / 2B / Indian Creek, MD / 2026
A player that jumped onto the scene at our MD Preseason All-State I in February, Hummer repeated his success with a strong spring season at Indian Creek and a huge summer for Rawlings Prospects, culminating with a breakout performance at a scout day earlier this month. It’s a physical, yet highly athletic 5-foot-11, 175-pound build with an intriguing hit tool that screams power upside and versatility. Strong wrists allow for the hands to work quick at the dish, showcasing a heavy barrel with present strength to the pull side gap. Smooth, controlled aggression with fluid actions speak volumes to the projection in the hit tool/approach, and look for this to be a household name across the uncommitted ranks throughout the fall.
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Darian Gaskins LHP / 1B / Boonsboro high school, MD / 2026
There were a ton of players that broke onto the scene this summer, especially from the Mid-Atlantic Redsox organization, however, I’m not sure anyone had quite the impact that Gaskins did. The two-way was scalding hot all summer long, showcasing projection and eye-opening talent on both sides of the ball. On the bump, the fastball ramped up as the summer grew on, running the heater into the upper 80s, coupled with a tight slider down in the zone. Loose arm action with some whip should project well with added velo in the coming months, and look for this to be a hot commodity this fall. Don’t sleep on the offense either, as the power upside was on full display throughout the summer with extra-base hit ability to the middle of the field. Fluid hands with a fairly sound approach only adds to the recruitment profile.
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Matthew Rich C / 3B / Dulaney High, MD / 2026
Coming out of the spring, Rich was one of my favorite backstops to watch as we turned the page to the summer, and a standout performance at the MD Top Prospect Games only grew his recruitment. It’s a true gap-to-gap line drive approach with some power upside evident to the middle of the field. The defensive ability is what sets him apart. Low 80s velo out of the crouch with throws on the money to the bag and quick, fluid footwork. This is an impact, versatile player with game-changing ability on both sides of the ball. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher made his decision and committed to Monmouth University earlier this month.
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Evan Zarroli RHP / OF / Urbana, MD / 2026
One of the more electric arms in the class, Zarroli was the epitome of a breakout star this summer and put his name on the map consistently. Most likely a bullpen guy at the next level, Zarroli brings intensity and pitchability that is tough to match across the state. The fastball explodes out of the hand, running it up to 93 at the MAPI in June, showcasing feel for two secondary pitches in a downer curveball and a devastating splitter. As the command and feel for the secondary continues to increase, look for this to be an absolute steal for UMBC, where Zarroli committed earlier this month.
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Other Notable Breakout Players
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Dylan Grise RHP / SS / Indian River High School, DE / 2026
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