As we reach the end of high school baseball, Prep Baseball Oregon continue our latest series of player rankings updates. Over the coming weeks, we'll unveil our rankings for each of the high school classes, featuring some of the top high school talent Oregon has to offer. Today, we'll unveil the update for the sophomore class, the 2028's.

Sophomore year has proven to be a major turning point for prospects in recent years, as it's often the first time many players see extended varsity run. As a result, spring performances are largely the primary evaluating tool since our March edition. This summer also serves as a major pillar for the 2028 class, as D-1 recruiting periods will open at the start of August. Several of these 2028's will also be seen at our Summer ID events, PNW State Games, and Future Games events in an effort to showcase their skills to college recruiters.

Below is a breakdown of the sophomore class, including takeaways from the top, spring standouts, and newcomers to watch. Stay tuned next week as we unveil our update for the 2029 class.

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At The Top

Central Catholic's Sam Smith has been the top-ranked 2028 in Oregon since our first inception of the list, and the talented outfielder holds the number one spot once again in our latest update. Seen in a live look this spring, Smith continues to stand out with his speed and offensive profile, looking the part of a dynamic top of the order bat with gap power. The defense also continues to impress, and Smith should stick in CF at the next level with ease. Though he's currently further ahead as a position player, Smith has also been exceptional on the mound for Central Catholic during his first two high school seasons. We had a glimpse of the dominance in late April, on site for Smith's CG, 13 strikeout performance. Smith's 6.47 speed and upper 90's exit velocities at PNW Preseason All-State this winter have carried over into another remarkable stretch of play, and he is a must-follow heading into the summer circuit.

Another player who has held steady at his same rank since the inception of the list, Willamette's Zeke Thomas maintains his rank at the number two spot. Thomas was seen at PNW Preseason All-State this winter, where he ran his fastball into the upper 80's from a longer, projectable 6'1 frame and posted exit velocities into the low 90's at the dish as well. Thomas made an early impact as a young transfer for Willamette this spring, propelling them to the 6A state quarterfinals. Thomas has committed to Boise State as one of the better quarterback prospects since our last rankings list, but his ability on the baseball field cannot be overstated. 

The lone newcomer to the top ten, West Linn's Tyler Holmes had an incredibly impressive look earlier this spring and has been a huge piece for the Lions. The sophomore outfielder has shown a consistent ability to get the ball in the air with authority this season, blasting multiple home runs and XBH in the playoffs. A multi-sport athlete with a stocky-strong frame, Holmes moves well in a corner OF role and reached base twice with two runs scored in our live look. Holmes will be a key middle of the order bat this weekend as West Linn push for a 6A state title.

West Linn bats off to a hot start in this one

‘28 OF Tyler Holmes (@WLlionbaseball) ropes a double into the LF corner in the second

The skilled multi-sport athlete would come around to score a run later in the inning. Lions still threatening with runners on@tylerholmes2734 pic.twitter.com/NTjAa5eNow

— Prep Baseball Oregon (@PrepBaseballOR) April 10, 2026

Spring Standouts

Both from live looks and season-long honors, players across the state in the 2028 class boosted their stocks with strong performances during the high school season. Lincoln's Hunter Arana was perhaps the biggest performer during an in-game look, going 3-3 with a home run, double and 2 RBI in a game at the end of April. Arana stands out physically from his peers with leverage and a heavier barrel through the zone. The power plays to all parts of the field, with a corner INF defensive profile that carries a high ceiling overall. Arana builds on what was a strong performance at PNW Preseason All-State this winter.

‘28 INF/P Hunter Arana (Lincoln) is having a huge day at the plate

Launches a towering HR to RF here

3-3 on the day 2B, HR, R, 2 RBI

Big frame with leverage. Heavy barrel. Looks to do damage and has flashed power to all parts of the field @LHS_CardsBB pic.twitter.com/jypxoOcdNW

— Prep Baseball Oregon (@PrepBaseballOR) April 29, 2026

Grant High School's Philip Elliston was an on-base machine for the Generals this spring, finishing with a .500 average across 72 plate appearances. The wiry-framed outfielder was most recently seen by Prep Baseball at West Coast Super Sophomore Games last fall, where he displayed athleticism and tools that translated to 2026. Elliston earned 1st Team All-League honors as an outfielder, earning a nice boost in the rankings update and will be seen at PNW State Games this summer.

At the smaller classification level, Cascade Christian's Blake Patereau secured league POTY honors after a great two-way season. The righthander hit .460 at the plate with some big time power shown as well, totaling 6 home runs and 9 doubles. He showed consistent ability to control the strike zone with more walks drawn than strikeouts as well. On the mound, Patereau had just a 1.60 ERA in 52 innings, totaling 94 strikeouts. The 2028 grad is a name to circle this summer.

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