MD/DE Class of 2029 Rankings: Initial Release
November 24, 2025
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It is officially that time, as our staff unveils the initial MD/DE Class of 2029 rankings. As is the same with all of the other classes, we begin with a smaller group of players in this initial ranking and will expand as our staff gets more in-depth looks at the class as a whole. This initial ranking sees 25 players ranked, 6 from Delaware and 19 from Maryland, and will undoubtedly expand over the next few years. In addition to the Top 25 release, our staff will release a Top 15 "Follow List", as well as highlighting the nationally ranked players later in the week.
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Sam Lerner C / OF / Mcdonogh School, MD / 2029Coming in at No. 1 is a player that our staff has yet to get an in-depth look at in-person, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound backstop showcases advanced actions with proportional strength that is unquestioned at such a young age. The swing is short and compact with eye-opening strength to the middle of the field that yields advanced power and bat-to-ball skills. It’s a high-average, power-hitting type hit tool that projects extremely well as a top-end offense producing catcher. As the frame fills and more physicality is added, look for this stock to sky-rocket across not only the state of Maryland, but the national scene as well. |
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Ethan Taylor OF / 1B / Calvert Hall College High School, MD / 2029Undoubtedly the most imposing and advanced physicality in the class, the 6-foot-4, 186-pound outfielder comes in at No. 2 and made his first appearance in front of our staff at this summer’s MD/DE State Games as the youngest player in attendance, and he fit in just fine. An above-average run tool (3.91 30-yard, 7.03 60-yard), especially for the age, coupled with the advanced physicality has all eyes locked in. The immense power and consistent approach continued down at LakePoint at the Junior Future Games, producing in-game with multiple 2+ hit games. The power is to the gaps and the feel for the barrel is something that garners my attention in each look, showcasing the ability to cut it down when needed to spray to the opposite field, or staying short and pulling the hands in on an inside fastball for a line drive to the pull side. Swing decisions and whiffs may need to clean up a touch, however, you can tally that mostly to inexperience and young age. This is a can’t-miss power bat in this class and should be a household name for years to come throughout the Ole Line State.
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Braxton Rose OF / RHP / Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, MD / 2029A left-handed hitting outfielder with speed and athleticism, Rose quickly jumped on the scene this summer and culminated it with a huge week down at the Junior Future Games. An aggressive, yet controlled swing path yields advanced bat-to-ball skills that allow for a consistent line drive approach line to line. Power is quickly on the horizon and should be added simultaneously with some physicality and lower half strength added to the frame. The sheer athleticism and feel to hit should keep Rose toward the top of this list for years to come, and some added strength, coupled with what should turn into a sub 6.9 runner only adds to the value.
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Justice Smith LHP / 1B / Caesar Rodney High School, DE / 2029At No. 4, the player with quite possibly the highest ceiling in the class, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound southpaw is one of the more exciting players to watch throughout this class, and the advanced ability already on the mound points to a bright future. Raw arm talent with the ability to locate, Smith works three pitches for strikes, showcasing a devastating FB/CH combo that showcases present success. It’s a mid 80s fastball that projects to be upper 80s this winter, coupled with a killed-spin changeup arm-side and down in the zone. The lean frame will add strength and flexibility over these winter months, and come February, I highly anticipate a breakout performance at a preseason showcase in Delaware.
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Lee Santoro LHP / OF / St. Mark's, DE / 2029Rankings StateRank: 5 / POS: 2
Our staff has had our eyes on the physical 6-foot, 190-pound two-way for years now, and the ability on both sides of the ball is really starting to come into its own. The hit tool may be a touch ahead of the arm currently, showcasing present strength to the pull side gap with doubles power to the middle of the field. The left-handed stroke projects as a middle-of-the order type power bat and as the barrel feel and swing decisions increase, look for this to be one of, if not the top hit tool to watch for across Delaware throughout his high school tenure. The arm talent is present, running the fastball into the low 80s with some deception and the consistent ability to miss bats in the zone. Currently at No. 5, look for Santoro to knock on the door of the top three, as the frame fills and athleticism comes to fruition.
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MARYLAND/DE Class of 2029 No. 6-15
*Positions listed are positions listed on their profile.*
| 6 | Scott Fillingame | St. Mark's | RHP/1B | |
| 7 | Topher Thatch | Georgetown Prep | RHP/1B | |
| 8 | Noah Stratchko | Calvert Hall | MIF | |
| 9 | Casey Kraftician | Archbishop Spalding | RHP/C | |
| 10 | Sean Madden | Georgetown Prep | 3B/RHP | |
| 11 | Trey Dickinson | Cape Henlopen | OF | |
| 12 | Parker Jackson | Archbishop Spalding | 2B/RHP | |
| 13 | Andrew Black | Calvert Hall | 1B/LHP | |
| 14 | Chase White | Patuxent | RHP/3B | |
| 15 | Mason Guth | St. George's tech | OF/RHP |