2026 Northeast Buzz 4/27-5/3
April 27, 2026
Welcome back to The 2026 Northeast Buzz, your weekly pulse on the rising stars, breakout performances, and can't-miss moments from the diamond across The Northeast Whether it's a flamethrower lighting up the radar gun in Philly, a smooth-swinging shortstop making noise in North Jersey, or a sleeper prospect turning heads in upstate New York, we’re here to highlight the talent that’s shaping the future of baseball in the Northeast.
Each week, we’ll deliver scouting insights and player write-ups to get a better understanding of the great talent that surrounds us. In this region, the grind is real, the ceilings are high, and the buzz is just getting started.
Follow The Team
Follow @DanCevette Follow @ocker_n Follow @JC_NY_PA Follow @JoeWalentin Follow @NathanGoranson Follow @EbertBaseball
Interested In Attending A Prep Baseball Event? Click Here
Interested In Subscribing to Prep Baseball Report? Click Here
Week of 4/27
 |
Owen Fear C / 1B / Saratoga Springs, NY / 2027Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 5
The #5 ranked backstop in the '27 class for NY is off to a hot start this spring at the plate - .424 avg, .574 OBP, 1.305 OPS, 11 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR. Strong arm up to 83 mph and a clean, efficient catch-and-release. Offensively, he shows power potential with strength in the swing, up to 105 mph EV
|
 |
Evan OConnell RHP / OF / Bethlehem, NY / 2027Rankings StateRank: 116 / POS: 41
At out Preseason ID; Last Chance event showed a 4-pitch RHP. FB 86–87 (~2000 RPM) w/ ride/run (13–16” HM); CB 72–74 (2460+) w/ depth/sweep; CH 78–80 heavy (17.5” HM); CT adds another look. Profile points to a pitchability arm with multiple weapons and projection tied to refining command and consistency.
|
 |
Brody Racan RHP / OF / Kingsway, NJ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 8
Premium starting pitcher frame at 6-foot-2, 187-pounds with more room for growth and development. Racan was up to 88 mph this preseason while also showcasing a high spin slider. His fastball had over 20 inches of induced vertical break and sat 86-88 mph, the slider was 74-75 mph with a spin rate over 2,600 rpm and a short shape profile with late break. His changeup is 80-81 mph with almost 18 inches of horizontal movement. He is pitching to a 2.76 ERA through 12.2 innings pitched so far this season. Young player to follow.
|
 |
Eric Marano OF / RHP / DePaul Catholic, NJ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 34 / POS: 7
Pound-for-pound one of the most electric arm talents in the entire Northeast. Marano is 5-foot-7, 147-pounds and touches upper 80s from the mound and 91 mph from the outfield. He moves extremely efficiently while maintaining balance and repeatability. On the mound, he throws from a lower 3 quarter arm slot and sits 86-88 mph with almost 15 inches of horizontal movement. His slider is 77-81 mph with an impressive 2,600 rpm spin rate and his changeup is thrown 78-81 mph. Offensively, he flashed a quick twitch swing that produced an exit velocity of 93 mph. Intriguing young prospect to follow.
|
 |
Kayden Wallace RHP / 3B / Malvern Prep, PA / 2028Rankings StateRank: 32 / POS: 14
Dual-sport athlete with a strong frame at 6-foot-1, 197-pounds. Wallace has consistently showcased his ability to be a reliable strike thrower that can cruise through innings while also producing an upper 80s fastball for one of the top teams in the state. Each outing Wallace is sitting 85-87 and tops around 88-89 consistently and holds his velo for 5+ innings each start. He has 2 different breaking pitches that he throws with confidence and convention in all counts to all hitters. His slider is 75-76 mph and his curveball is 67-70 mph. Must see Eastern PA RHP.
|
 |
Grady Forsberg 3B / C / Malvern Prep, PA / 2028Rankings StateRank: 30 / POS: 2
One of the state’s top pure hitters in the 2028 class. The sophomore has held down the Friars number 3 spot in the lineup for the majority of the season and he has been a constant bright spot for them. Forsberg has flashed impressive barrel control and barrel awareness this season while he has been driving baseball to all parts of the field off high velocities, low velocities, and everything in between. He has a repeatable and under control swing that produces upper 90s exit velocities while staying within himself. This corner infield also has shown sneaky athleticism with a 7.09 sixty-yard dash. Eastern PA bat to see this summer.
|
 |
Braydon Bartsch SS / 3B / Wheeling Park, WV / 2028
Infielder with a strong frame at 5-foot-10, 204-pounds and present athleticism with a 7.4 sixty-yard dash. Bartsch has a swing that covers the zone with a positive attack angle that can elevate the baseball to the pull side with authority. He produced a max exit velocity of 89.6 mph and a max distance of 306 feet. Intriguing infielder to follow in WV.
|
 |
Trenton Tolliver C / 2B / Pikeview High School, WV / 2028
Trenton impressive the staff at the WV Preseason All-State event and really stood out defensively with his impressive pop times. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound catcher has a loose, high-ceiling swing that has intriguing power potential. Defensively, he showcased a quick transfer and accurate throw from his elevated catcher’s crouch. His pop-time dipped down to a 1.87-1.90 with 75 mph catcher velocity. Intriguing catching prospect.
|
 |
Edgar Rodriguez SS / 2B / Bishop Hendricken High School, RI / 2027Rankings StateRank: 79 / POS: 15
High-upside infielder with advanced feel for the barrel and strong athletic traits. Offensive profile is built on bat speed (84.5 MPH) and consistent contact quality (86% sweet spot), producing 98.8 EV. Above-average runner (6.87) with arm strength (80 MPH) adds defensive value. Hit tool foundation with projection for increased power as strength and rotational output continue to develop.
|
 |
Cole Henebry RHP / 3B / Noble and Greenough School, MA / 2027Rankings StateRank: 45 / POS: 23
Impressed at the NE Procase with a deep, spin-driven mix. FB 87–89 (~2200 RPM) shows carry (~13–21” IVB) and fills the zone (73%). CB 75–78 (2500+) features depth and sweep; SL mid-to-upper 70s (2500+) adds a firmer, tighter shape. CH 82–83 (~2000 RPM) plays off the FB with velocity separation. Pitchability arm with multiple weapons—projects for increased consistency and bat-missing ability.
|