Q&A with Missouri State Commit Preston McCracken
January 15, 2026
A top-15 arm in the Show Me State’s senior class, RHP Preston McCracken (Republic) is physically built at 6-foot-3, 193 pounds with plenty of arm speed and strength to go around. McCracken was a standout at both the Missouri State Games and the A’s Scout Day, ultimately earning an invitation to represent Team Missouri at the 2024 Future Games. On the mound he runs his fastball up to 89 mph with heavy carry through the zone, while also showing the ability to land two distinct breaking balls and a splitter for strikes.
We recently had the chance to talk to McCracken about his recruitment process, along with some other fun topics, below.
Our Q&A
Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Preston: I was looking for somewhere that felt like home, and somewhere I knew I could get better at that also had the right tools for my improvements.
PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
P: Culture of the program and the way they develop players.
PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
P: The days you don’t feel like getting up and working out are the most important days, turn your work ethic into discipline rather than motivation because motivation goes away.
PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
P: Not really, I would love being close to my parents but I know my priorities in college and to get the best education I can while going to a successful baseball school.
PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
P: Right after the Future Games because that’s when August 1st was coming up and schools were actually able to come in contact with my class. The first place the school I committed to saw me play was in Alabama. They actually came to watch the other team because they were a top 10 team in the nation and I pitched really well and we won the game.
PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
P: Future Games, it is a once in a lifetime experience and I am really happy I got to. Seeing all those schools there and them being there to watch you play is an insane experience.
PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
P: I had around 8-10 schools contacting me before I made my verbal commitment, I committed really early in my recruiting process.
PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
P: Sebastian Norman, he has really quick hands and can hit any pitch. The first time I faced him I struck him out on three pitches with a fastball up and was pumped, then the next time I was behind in the count 2-1 and I threw a fastball and he hit it a mile up in the air to center but it stayed in the park and got the out. He’s definitely a future big league guy for sure.
PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?
P: Brody Crane’s velo, Not many high schoolers you see throwing upper 90s and will probably hit 100 this spring. I would definitely love to steal his velocity.
PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
P: Nolan Lashley, he played varsity as a freshman for Republic and did extremely well. He has the power and the velo while running around a 6.5 60. He has all the tools it takes to play at the next level.
PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
P: Since I was 9 years old doing pitching lessons and dominating every time I stepped on the diamond. I started taking it serious around 13-14 because it clicked in my mind knowing I have what it takes to play at the next level and hopefully pro if I continue improving.
PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
P: Definitely my first home run, I was 11 and I got a fastball at my face and shuffled two steps to the left and tomahawk chopped at it and just started running. I had no clue it had a chance of getting out until I heard my first base coach saying,”Go ball, Go ball!” Then I saw the umpire give the signal and had the biggest grin on my face.
PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
P: We will have to have a lot of guys fill key roles and step up early. We have to put up big numbers on the scoreboard to help with our young pitching staff. Mostly we have to just play 100%, have the right attitude, and give all glory to God! The rest will happen itself.
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