Player of the Year Watch List

We’re proud to release the North Carolina Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, featuring twenty of the state’s most impactful players heading into the 2026 season.

This group is built on true difference-makers—middle-of-the-order bats, frontline arms, and complete players who impact the game in all phases. Each serves as a cornerstone for their program, capable of shifting the identity of a team with their presence alone.

The list features a balanced mix of position players, two-way talents, and a select group of pitcher-only standouts who anchor their staffs.

While the eventual Player of the Year could emerge from this group, the race remains wide open. Our scouting staff will be active across North Carolina throughout the spring, with this watch list evolving as players continue to separate themselves.

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Player of the Year Watch List  Josh Mozingo (2026, INF, Terry Sanford)

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 260 / POS: 69

One of the top infielders in the 2026 class, this ECU recruit has put together a historic high school career. He set state records for both career hits and career runs, finishing with 176 hits and 156 runs scored. A consistent offensive force, he hit .472 or better in every season while recording at least 41 hits each year. Mozingo also surpassed the 100 stolen base mark to cap off an impressive career.

SEASON STATS

.484 BA 39 R 45 H 12 2B 4 3B 3 HR 32 SB .550 OBP

 PLAYER VIDEO

 

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