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2026 Michigan Player of the Year Watchlist

March 18, 2026
Prep Baseball Michigan Staff

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With the spring set to get underway we highlight some players to watch for the Prep Baseball Michigan Player of the Year award.

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Ethan Armstrong / RHP/3B / 2026 / Garden City / Michigan

The state’s top ranked player is a legit two-way talent. On the mound the Wolverine recruit struck out 86 in 41 IP last spring and holds a sub 1 career ERA. At the plate hit .472 last spring, following a sophomore campaign where he hit .474, with 19 XBH and just 5 Ks. 

Hudson Brzustewicz / SS/RHP / 2026 / OLSM / Notre Dame

A four year starter for the Eaglets, Brzustewicz is coming off a spring where he hit .393 with 12 doubles, 9 home runs and 50 RBIs. The Fighting Irish recruit will assume his normal spot in the heart of the Eaglets lineup this spring.

Luke Crighton / RHP/SS / 2026 / Orchard Lake St. Mary’s / Indiana

Another four year starter for the Eaglets, Crighton is coming off a standout two-way season as a junior. At the plate hit .405 with 16 XBH and 44 runs scored out of the leadoff spot. The Hoosier recruit also excelled on the mound posting a 1.88 ERA in 51.1 IP, striking out 85. Threw a no-hitter in the season opener last year and will headline the OLSM staff featuring FB that was into low 90s last summer.

Cole Duhaime / LHP / 2026 / Brother Rice / Virginia

The state’s top left-handed arm has been a key part of the rotation since emerging as a sophomore on the Warriors 43-2 state runner-up team. Went 3-0 with 66 Ks in 48.1 IP last spring, holding batters to a .169 average, and has just a lone loss on his HS pitching resume.

Dylan Fairchild / SS / 2026 / Detroit Catholic Central / Cincinnati

The Bearcat features an athletic 6-2 frame and is coming off a spring where he hit .330 with 10 doubles. Fairchild boasts some of the top tools in his class in the middle of the diamond and enters the spring looking to cap off a stellar career at DCC with a big senior season. 

Broder Katke / C / 2027 / Brother Rice / Vanderbilt

The top junior catcher in the country has been a fixture in the middle of the order for his entire career. The Vanderbilt recruit had 17 doubles and 39 RBI last spring and will give a deep Warriors pitching staff an elite battery partner behind the dish.

Preston Kann / RHP / 2026 / Standish-Sterling / Toledo

Kann is coming off a dominant spring. The Toledo recruit went 12-0 with a .326 ERA, picking up 105 Ks in 64 IP, and helped the Panthers reach the state title game as one of the smallest schools in the D2 classification.

Carson Liedel / OF/RHP / 2026 / Monroe / Auburn

Physical two-way prospect looking to cap off a standout career with the Trojans. The Auburn recruit has flashed big power at the plate and features a power arm on the mound with a FB into the mid 90s.

Jack Manzella / RHP / 2026 / Fraser / Michigan State

Manzella is coming off a breakout junior year where he went 5-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 65 Ks in 39.1 IP, tossing a no-hitter and a perfect game along the way. The Spartan signee has been into the mid 90’s this offseason and looks poised for a big spring.

Brenden Olsen / 1B/OF / 2026 / Niles / Houston

Olsen has an athletic 6-6 frame and established himself as one of the state’s premier power threats last spring. Hit .401 on the year and had more home runs (9) than strikeouts (6). 6.7 runner was one of the big winners from last summer, committing to Houston following Senior Future Games.

Drake Roa / SS / 2026 / Notre Dame Prep / Michigan

Future Wolverine returns for his fourth year as Notre Dame Prep’s SS. Hit .464 (13 2B, 46 R, 30 RBI, 30 SB) last spring and will set the tone for a Fighting Irish team that has big aspirations this year.

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