Positional Rankings

The Prep Baseball rankings process is conducted holistically, without initially separating players by position. Once the overall class rankings are finalized, the scouting staff reviews how players align within their respective positions.

Positional rankings add valuable context, offering a clearer look at how prospects compare to others at the same spot on the field. These lists are influenced by positional value—players up the middle (catcher, shortstop, center field) often carry greater weight than those on the corners. At the same time, the hit tool remains the most prized attribute, and a player’s offensive ability can elevate their standing even if their long-term defensive profile projects differently. For that reason, positional rankings should not always be viewed as a definitive indicator of where a player will play in the future, but rather as a tool for understanding the overall balance of talent within the class.

For the 2027 and 2028 classes, positions are listed based on how players designate themselves in their Prep Baseball profiles. In some cases, this may differ from the scouting staff’s internal evaluations. For example, a player may be ranked as a position player if they list that as their primary spot, even if scouts currently grade them higher on the mound.

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North Carolina Class of 2028: Top 5 by Position

First Base (1B)

1. Paxton Ladner – Weddington (Rank 15)
2. Alex Hampton – Marvin Ridge (Rank 16)
3. Christian Norton – Asheville Christian Academy (Rank 20)
4. Luke Douglas – Marvin Ridge (Rank 34)
5. Cole Harris – Parrott Academy (Rank 38)

Second Base (2B)

1. Jesse Covington – Westchester Country Day (Rank 13)
2. Austin Baxter – Charlotte Christian (Rank 36)
3. Jacob Reynolds – Hopewell (Rank 35)
4. Devan Welch – Heritage (Rank 56)
5. Donaven Wright – Eastern Carolina Academy (Rank 66)

Third Base (3B)

1. Gavin Whitley – D.H. Conley (Rank 31)
2. Landon Whittington – Davidson (Rank 43)
3. Gabriel Spears – Eastern Carolina Academy (Rank 49)
4. Troy Haynes – Green Hope (Rank 50)
5. Brandon Forrest – Davie County (Rank 55)

Shortstop (SS)

1. Levi Kerr – Marvin Ridge (Rank 3)
2. Derek Vazquez – Charlotte Christian (Rank 4)
3. Brax Thompson – Providence (Rank 6)
4. Thomas Piscorik – Wakefield (Rank 9)
5. Brendan Blankenship – South Iredell (Rank 12)

Catcher (C)

1. Hunter Hedgecoe – Terry Sanford (Rank 5)
2. Henry Tutera – Christ (Rank 22)
3. Lincoln Lawson – Randleman (Rank 25)
4. Yates Toney – Burns (Rank 32)
5. Cameron Massey – Heritage (Rank 37)

Outfield (OF)

1. Ethan Stewart – D.H. Conley (Rank 1)
2. Trendyn Motley – Cox Mill (Rank 2)
3. Tyler Daugherty – North Stanly (Rank 14)
4. Hudson Simmons – Charlotte Christian (Rank 19)
5. Corbin Kendrick – J.H. Rose (Rank 24)

Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

1. Kaden Nichols – Riverside (Rank 7)
2. Duncan Carver – A.C. Reynolds (Rank 10)
3. Ivan Andino – Charlotte Christian (Rank 21)
4. Parker Williams – North Lincoln (Rank 26)
5. Barron McConnell – Needham Broughton (Rank 27)

Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP)

1. Sean Rodesiler – Davidson Day (Rank 8)
2. Garrett Burris – Lake Norman Charter (Rank 11)
3. Logan Pearce – New Hanover (Rank 29)
4. Cayden McFalls – Lincoln Charter (Rank 33)
5. Colton Small – Central Cabarrus (Rank 39)

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