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Oregon Class of 2028 Rankings - August Update

August 26, 2026
Dylan Grenz
Assistant Scouting Director

As we conclude the summer showcase circuit, Prep Baseball Oregon continues with our latest series of player rankings updates. Whether at open ID's or invite-only events, many players across the state have solidified their prospect status with showcase performances throughout the summer. With these looks in mind, today we unveil our update for the class of 2028.

Oregon's 2028 class stands out as an intriguing set of talent, with 80 players comprising the latest list. Many players saw changes in their ranks after performances at events, including Scout Days, Summer ID's, and our biggest event of the summer, the invite-only Pacific Northwest State Games. Many of the top prospects were also seen at LakePoint at the coveted Prep Baseball Future Games. To view the full rankings list, click here.

Below are notes on the latest rankings list, including notes at the top, Future Games standouts, and other big summer winners.

At The Top

Central Catholic's Sam Smith continued to show out well this summer, solidifying his status as the top-ranked player in Oregon's 2028 class. We had several looks at the speedy outfielder, and he delivered at just about every opportunity. Smith was first seen at Future Games with Team PNW down at LakePoint, where he was exceptional start to finish. His workout was highlighted by a 6.5 run time and exit velocities into the mid 90's. In-game, he was flat out one of the best and most consistent performers across all three games. Smith finished 4-7 with a double, 3 singles, a walk and 4 runs scored overall. The middle of the field approach and loose, whippy bat path showed out against high level competition, paired with plus CF defense. 

After his great showing at Future Games, Smith was even better at PNW Scout Games, earning offensive MVP with a great pair of games at the dish. Below is a snippet from a recent writeup on Smith after Scout Games.

"No player had a better set of games than the rising junior, who secured the Offensive MVP award at Scout Games. Smith collected 4 hits in total, setting the tone at the top of the lineup with an impressive blend of plate coverage and hard contact. Smith's day started with a flare to left for a single, reaching out on a pitch away. He then delivered a high fly that traveled over the wall in RF for a home run, getting to a pitch well up and out of the zone. His second game, he delivered some of the loudest barrels with a pair of hard-hit singles to right field. Smith features a looser, rhythmic operation with some lag through the zone and impressive bat speed from a wiry frame. The athleticism was on full display in CF with a couple of nice plays on balls in the gaps as well. Smith's status as the top-ranked 2028 in Oregon has been fortified by strong showings at Future Games and Scout Games, and he's a must-follow prospect as he enters his final two years of high school."

Willamette RHP/OF Zeke Thomas holds strong as the number two player in the state class. The lone 2028 grad to represent Oregon at Area Codes this summer, Thomas showed well on the big stage, throwing 2.1 innings of hitless ball against a talented Athletics UC side. The projectable 6'1 righthander worked his fastball into the low 90's, allowing just 1 walk while striking out 3 batters. Thomas carries a ton of upside and some two-way ability, and should he choose to forego his current college football commitment, could make a real impact at the collegiate level for a baseball program.

Elsewhere near the top, West Linn's Tyler Holmes makes another jump up the ranks. A multi-sport athlete and 6A state champion this spring, Holmes' athleticism and pop from the right side stand out amongst his peers. The outfielder has hit in every look we've had this year, and we expect big things as he enters his upperclass seasons for one of the best HS programs in the state.

Future Games Standouts

Many players that comprise the rest of the top ten contributed to Team PNW's success at Future Games this July. Summit's Evan Guadalupe swung the bat well across the three games. The infielder finished 4-8 with a double, 3 singles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. A 7 second runner in the 60 with a chance to stick on the dirt, Guadalupe plays with a confidence and aggression that led to success at LakePoint. He's carried throws up to 91 MPH across the dirt earlier this year, and in Georgia he set a new personal best with EV's up to 99 MPH at the plate.

Jesuit RHP Ethan Peng was solid in his outing at Future Games. Across two innings of work, Peng worked the fastball up to 88.8 MPH, paired well with a mid-70's slider commanded to the arm side. The starter type also features a high-70's changeup that could unlock even more as he continues to develop the pitch. A smooth, repeatable mechanical operation, Peng saw a ton of use this year and is a steady arm to know in the class.

The athleticism and tools of Wilsonville OF Beau Johnson were on full display in Georgia, with some in-game success mixed in as well. Johnson began his week at Future Games well with new PB's in his workout including a 6.73 60 time and throws up to 87 MPH defensively. He shot the gaps in BP and has been up to 100 MPH exit velocities earlier this year. In-game, Johnson stayed within himself well, finishing with a pair of singles and a walk to go alongside a pair of RBI. A speedy defender, Johnson can hold his own in all three outfield positions for the time being and carries an enticing skillset in a compact frame.

The final member of Oregon's top ten seen at Future Games, Summit LHP Ryker Hartlaub saw positive results on the hill. A strike thrower with some deception and funk, Hartlaub worked 2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts against Team Colorado. He ran the fastball up to 85.6 MPH, paired with a SL/CT offspeed combination. A sturdy-strong 6'3 arm, Hartlaub carries plenty of pitch-ability and continues to be a sure bet to succeed on the mound.

Other Summer Winners

Few players were as solid at PNW State Games this summer out of Oregon than Lincoln's Tyler Kim. The righthanded outfielder got it done during gameplay, reaching base several times with a nice blend of size and skill. During the workout, he set many new personal bests metrically as well. Kim ran a 6.84 60 yard dash time with straight line speed shown in the outfield. The BP was crisp and consistent, peaking with EV's in the mid-90's while averaging 92 MPH and driving baseballs up to 368 feet. Kim is a name to circle for college recruiters moving forward. 

Canby INF Brody Joyce showed his best at the Eugene Summer ID at the University of Oregon in early July. A 6'2 185 pound prospect, Joyce's BP stood out in a positive way in Eugene, carrying a rhythmic, connected RH stroke through the zone. He peaked with a 95 MPH exit velocity, driving pitches up to 354 feet with an average EV of 89 MPH. The 7 flat runner in the 60 displayed clean actions in the infield with a loose, whippy arm generating throws up to 80 MPH across. Joyce is another player with upside in the class, and has a real chance to contribute at the college level.

Seen multiple times in 2026, Central High School OF Cooper Larson was at his best at PNW State Games in Ridgefield. A 5'10 athlete with room to fill, Larson ran a 6.79 60 yard dash with an impressive burst/first step. The bat is more contact over power to this point but peaked at nearly 90 MPH EV's. Larson works through a gradual leg lift load with balance and late intent through the zone, carrying a flatter barrel through with a strong two-handed finish. Larson comprises part of what is an exciting returning core for a defending state champion high school program.

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