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Updated Class of 2028 Player Rankings (December)

The December update to the Ohio Class of 2028 Rankings brought meaningful movement at every tier, highlighted by a handful of arms making real jumps and several newcomers forcing their way into the conversation. As the class moves toward its sophomore spring, the group continues to separate, with pitching depth emerging as a defining strength.

Below, we dive into the biggest risers since September and a strong crop of newcomers who earned spots in the updated Top 125.

As fall sports come to an end and winter is upon us, we will take a look at "On The Rise", "Notable Newcomers”, and a look some of the top uncommitted prospects by position.

To view the Class Rankings, click below:

• Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 | Class of 2029

To view the Prospect Reports, click below:

• Uncommitted Spotlights | Commitment Insider | Overall News

To view the entire Class of 2028 rankings, please click here.

On The Rise

Ethan O'Byrne 1B / LHP / Massillon Jackson, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 3 Report: O’Byrne made the largest jump in the class, vaulting into the Top 20 after a fall that showcased advanced pitchability and one of the cleaner left-handed operations in Ohio’s 2028 group. He fills the zone, manipulates the baseball, and carries more polish than most arms his age. A major riser with clear D1 trajectory.

Ian Phiri RHP / 3B / Saint Ignatius, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 5 Report: One of the most impactful fall performances came from Phiri, whose fastball reached the 90 mph mark during a WVU workout. The combination of arm speed, physical growth, and competitive mentality solidified his status as a Top 25 arm. While he offers two-way intrigue, the ceiling on the mound is what pushed him upward.

Colt Ward C / 1B / Defiance, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 23 / POS: 4 Report: Ward’s steady progression behind the plate continues to show up on film and in-game. Advanced receiving for his age, paired with clean exchanges and improving physicality, have raised his long-term projection. What has always stood out most about the LHH catcher is his knack for finding the barrel. A strong fall places him firmly inside the Top 25.

Derek Ogden SS / 2B / Badin, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 4 Report: Ogden’s consistency and baseball IQ make him one of the safer infield profiles in the class. Though undersized, he plays clean, efficient baseball with rapidly improving tools. A move into the Top 20 reflects increasing confidence in his reliability and long-term projection.

Evan Thacker LHP / 1B / Olentangy Liberty, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 1 Report: Thacker has quietly become one of the most polished lefties in the class. His strike-throwing, tempo, and ability to mix effectively have continued to tighten. He moves into the fringes of the Top 10 with room for another jump this spring.

Anderson Mounts OF / 1B / Massillon Jackson, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 4 Report: Mounts is trending upward thanks to a blend of athleticism and offensive polish. As the body continues to develop, so does his ceiling. A solid fall pushes him into the Top 30.

Peyton Drabick SS / RHP / CVCA, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 2 Report: Drabick impressed evaluators on both sides of the ball, but it was his mound work that separated him this fall. He showed outlier movement traits, advanced pitch feel, and one of the more projectable arsenals in the class. The two-way upside remains real, but his pitching ceiling is beginning to emerge as a separator.

Seth Maybury 1B / RHP / Arch Bishop Moeller High School, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 1 Report: While the jump is small numerically, the direction is meaningful. Maybury’s long-term value is increasingly tied to the mound, where the arm talent, body control, and improving strike efficiency point to a higher ceiling. He nudges deeper into the Top 10 with more room to grow.

Notable Newcomers

The December update welcomes one of the largest newcomer groups we’ve seen in an early-cycle class. Many of these players surfaced through late-fall events, organizational recommendations, or expanded regional coverage. Several already show traits that could push them into higher tiers by next summer.

Below is a more detailed look at each newcomer and what earned them a spot.

Griffin Doxsey 2B / C / St. Xavier, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 56 / POS: 2 Report: Doxsey lands in the rankings for the first time after a consistent fall in which he showed clean actions in the infield, a dependable glove, and a contact-driven offensive approach. He’s not flashy, but the reliability stands out at this age. A high-floor MIF who could climb if strength and arm speed come together.

Anthony Mesewicz RHP / 1B / Dublin Jerome High School, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 113 / POS: 18 Report: A strong, physical right-hander whose present velocity puts him on the radar. The arm works, the body supports more, and the competitive edge stands out. A good fit in the middle range of newcomers with room to climb.

Lucas Price C / 3B / Carroll High School, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 108 / POS: 23 Report: A physical catcher who earns his keep behind the plate. Price shows sturdy receiving mechanics and developing arm strength. Offensively, the swing has strength-based upside. Projects as a D2/JUCO type now but could grow into more if the body trends up.

Xavier Wasson C / SS / Oak Hills, OH / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 117 / POS: 26 Report: Wasson brings size and early strength to the catcher position. Shows developing catch-and-throw skills and a swing geared for future impact. A physical backstop worth tracking closely.

***** To view the entire rankings, please click here.