Ten Newcomers Invade the Class of 2027 Rankings

December 22, 2025
Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

Newcomers to the NC Class of 2027 Rankings

Prep Baseball North Carolina continues to expand and refine the Class of 2027 board as fall evaluations provide new looks across the state. This installment focuses on newcomers to the rankings—players who earned their first placement after in-person evaluations at Prep Baseball fall events, scout days, and identification showcases.

Rather than tracking improvement from the previous update, this piece serves as a snapshot of each prospect’s current profile, highlighting tools, defensive roles, and offensive or pitching traits that stood out during fall looks. Each player below now carries a verified evaluation, video, and data point inside the Prep Baseball ecosystem as the class continues to take shape.

Ten Newcomers to Watch

Chase Leonard — 3B — New Hanover HS (2027)

Leonard shows a corner-infield profile built around strength and present feel for contact. At the plate, the right-handed hitter creates leverage through the zone and shows the ability to drive the baseball with intent during BP. Defensively, he profiles best at third base with reliable hands and enough arm strength to handle throws across the diamond.

Hayden Willoughby — C — DH Conley HS (2027)

Willoughby is a physical catcher with a sturdy build and offensive upside. He shows present strength at the plate with the ability to impact the ball to the pull side, while defensively he provides a stable target behind the dish. His receiving actions and catch-and-throw skill set give him a solid foundation as he continues to refine the position.

Brycen Talley — SS — Cape Fear HS (2027)

Talley brings an athletic shortstop profile with smooth actions and natural body control. He shows quick feet, clean exchanges, and the ability to play through the baseball on the dirt. Offensively, the right-handed bat works with balance and line-drive intent, projecting toward continued growth as strength develops.

Bryson Apple — RHP — Rockingham County HS (2027)

Apple is a right-handed pitcher with a projectable frame and a repeatable delivery. He shows the ability to work in the strike zone with a fastball that comes out clean, pairing it with developing secondary offerings. The overall look points to a pitchability-based arm with room to add velocity as he continues to mature.

Kaegan Radford — C — TC Roberson HS (2027)

Radford is athletic with reliable actions behind the plate. He shows a quick transfer on throws, consistent receiving, and an understanding of the position. Offensively, the swing is compact with contact-driven tendencies, giving him a balanced profile.

Matthew Winser — RHP/2B — HomeSchool (2027)

Winsler offers a potential two-way look, contributing both on the mound and as a middle infielder. As a pitcher, he brings the ability to spin the baseball. Positionally, he brings quickness and playable actions on the dirt, paired with a contact-oriented offensive approach.

Cade Gehris — OF — First Flight HS (2027)

Gehris is an athletic outfielder with solid speed. At the plate, the approach is geared toward line-drive contact, with athleticism driving the overall profile. Upside available as he continues to mature in the coming years.

Greyson Evans — 2B — North Lincoln HS (2027)

Evans profiles as a middle-infield defender with instincts and reliable actions. He plays with rhythm on the dirt, showing clean hands and the ability to turn plays efficiently. Offensively, the swing is compact and geared toward consistent contact, fitting a table-setting offensive role.

Ayden Coble — RHP — Jay M Robinson HS (2027)

Coble is a right-handed arm with physical projection and developing stuff. He shows a fastball that plays with downhill angle, supported by secondary pitches that continue to take shape. The frame and arm action suggest additional upside as strength and consistency improve.

Parker Wallace — 3B — Cape Fear HS (2027)

Wallace brings a corner-infield profile with present strength and offensive intent. The left-handed hitter shows the ability to drive the ball with authority in BP, while defensively he offers dependable hands and arm strength suited for third base.