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2026 Pass Christian Pirates Team Preview

January 27, 2026
Prep Baseball Mississippi Staff

The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Pass Christian High School
Head Coach: Ricky Smith
MHSAA Classification: 4A
District Number: Region 8
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 12-17 (Second Round Playoffs)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • P Kayleb Munsch (2026)
  • P Emerson Wyers (2027)
  • P Cooper Lyrock (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Pass Christian enters the 2026 season looking to build on a 12–17 campaign that included a second-round playoff appearance in Class 4A. Under head coach Ricky Smith, the Pirates return a competitive core with varsity experience while integrating new pieces that add toughness and versatility across the roster as they prepare to compete in Region 8.

Offensively, the lineup is anchored by shortstop Kayleb Munsch (2026), a key two-way contributor who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Munsch provides stability in the middle infield while also factoring into the pitching rotation, giving Pass Christian a dependable presence in premium spots. In center field, Stephen Cole Tinsley (2026) brings athleticism and range to the outfield, pairing defensive value with offensive upside at the top and middle of the order.

The Pirates also return Cooper Lyrock (2027), a versatile infielder with two-way ability who continues to grow into a larger role. Lyrock’s ability to contribute both at the plate and on the mound gives the coaching staff flexibility as they piece together lineups and pitching assignments throughout the spring.

One of the more intriguing additions to the roster is JT Taylor (2026), a transfer from Harrison Central who steps in with a tough-minded, competitive makeup. A standout multi-sport athlete who set his school’s football record for tackles, Taylor brings physicality, edge, and right-handed pop to the lineup, projecting as an immediate impact bat while also offering depth on the mound.

On the pitching side, Pass Christian will lean on Munsch along with Emerson Wyers (2027) and Lyrock to handle meaningful innings. That trio provides a mix of experience and developing upside, giving the Pirates multiple looks on the mound as they navigate district play.

The next wave of talent is highlighted by Brayden Winstead (2029), a young utility piece who adds athleticism and long-term projection to the program.

With returning two-way contributors, an infusion of competitive toughness, and growing depth across the roster, Pass Christian enters 2026 with the pieces in place to take another step forward in Class 4A. If the Pirates can get consistent production from their core and solidify roles on the mound, they’ll be positioned to make another push in Region 8.

Find more information on Pass Christian High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @PassHighBSB
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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