Prep Baseball Report

Oregon Rankings Update - 2027's


Dylan Grenz
Associate Scout

Today, Prep Baseball Oregon wraps up our final series of rankings updates this year. After updating the 2026 and 2028 ranks lists, as well as unveiling our first edition of 2029 rankings, we conclude with our update for the class of 2027.

The Oregon junior class continues to evolve into a deep and talented set of players, with 90 prospects earning their way onto our latest list. Several players at the top of the ranks have made high-level college commitments, with several more commitments expected soon as we head into the new calendar year. Click here to view the full rankings list.

Below is a breakdown of some of the key takeaways from the latest update. Be sure to check out our 2026 Preseason Event Schedule for the next chance to be seen.

Click Here to View Full 2027 Rankings List

Consistency At The Top

After taking over the number one spot in our previous rankings update, Central High School C/RHP Joe Mendazona Jr stays at the top spot for the second consecutive list. Mendazona's incredible year included looks by Prep Baseball scouts during his spring high school season, at PNW State Games in July, and at PNW Scout Games in August. The 6'3 prospect's tools stood out across the board, leading in several major statistical categories across all Prep Baseball events this year. Mendazona's metrics were headlined by a 1.81 second pop time behind the plate, a 100.7 MPH exit velocity from the left side, and a fastball up to 89 MPH on the mound. Mendazona continues to trend upward in the scouting community and has consistently produced against all levels of competition. The junior capped off his stellar 2025 with a recent commitment to TCU, a significant move for a power school that does not typically recruit many PNW prospects.

Mendazona also recently sat down with PNW Reporter Maggie Akins to discuss his commitment process and standout year. The full interview article can be found here.

A pair of infielders also hold strong at the number two and three spots in Manny Ehinger and JT Girod. Ehinger, a high-upside prospect who has transferred to Sherwood High School, displayed loud tools with some rawness still present at PNW Preseason All-State. Few players can match the upside of Ehinger if it all clicks. Girod attended several of Prep Baseball's top events this year, inlcuding Preseason All-State, Future Games, and PNW State Games. His strong showings at these events, paired with a stellar high school season, resulted in a recent well-earned commitment to the University of Oregon.

The top-ranked pitcher in the state class, RHP Harrison Buckingham stays at the number four position in the overall ranks. Another attendee of All-State, Future Games, and PNW State Games, Buckingham has a true starter's build with plenty to dream on moving forward. The South Salem High School product features a four pitch mix with a fastball seen into the low 90's and a plus spin breaking ball, generating whiffs and chase when at his best. Buckingham committed to Oregon State this fall.

Fall Commitments of Note

Several highly touted prospects have made their commitments early in the '27 recruiting process, including multiple prospects seen at Prep Baseball events. Clackamas arm Cade King committed to the University of Washington in late September after multiple strong looks. King, a 6'2, 190 pound athlete, broke on to scout's radars at the Corvallis Preseason ID, followed by a strong showing at Future Games in Georgia. The righty mostly sat in the mid-80's but worked up over 88 MPH at his best from a smooth 3/4 slot release. King also features a CH/CB/SL offspeed arsenal, leaning on the SL the most and working down in the zone in-game. UW's quick start in recruiting has included picking up three prospects inside our top twenty Oregon 2027 ranks.

Seen at PNW Preseason All-State this winter, South Salem RHP Kellen Bowman committed to the University of Portland this October. A productive, high-usage arm for the Saxons in recent years, Bowman features a mid-80's from a longer, fluid 3/4 release, paired with a CH/CB offspeed combination. A multi-sport prospect, Bowman's athleticism shines through on the diamond with upper 90's exit velocities at the plate produced as well.

Lincoln infielder Grady Wilmot also secured a committment to Portland this Fall. The smooth-swinging lefty works from more of an upright setup at the dish, producing some pop from a high-waisted 6'3 frame. Time will tell if Wilmot will stick at SS defensively, and Prep Baseball will be circling a Lincoln High School side with multiple high-end prospects heading into 2026.

Other Fall Sleepers and Standouts

Seen at our recent Holiday Hitters - Salem event, outfielder Carson Zellick boosted his stock and worked his way up to #32 in our latest ranks. Also seen earlier this year at the Eugene summer ID, the Wilsonville HS product is a 7.0 second runner with significant pop from the left side of the plate. Zellick posted exit velocities up to 98.4 MPH in his latest look, driving balls up to 363 feet at his best. Coming off an arm injury, Zellick could boost his stock further with a healthy offseason and strong spring.

Oregon City catcher Dane Boyle also showed some nice offensive progress in his look at the Holiday Hitters - Salem event. Boyle generated an exceptional 86.2 MPH peak bat speed to produce exit velocities up to 102.1 MPH. The righty was on the barrel throughout BP rounds as well, averaging a 93.2 MPH EV in an impressive look. Defensively, Boyle has flashed a 2.12 pop time from behind the plate in a previous showcase.

One of ten players to make their rankings debut, Xavier Gonzalez earns his spot in the latest list after a look at PNW Fall Games. The McNary High School prospect showed some intriguing potential in-game and during his workout. Gonzalez delivered some of the more consistent BP rounds at the event, peaking with a 92.6 MPH and averaging a 86.5 MPH exit velocity. A 7.3 runner with developing arm strength in the outfield, Gonzalez has a chance to pop with continued maturation and added strength. Gonzalez will be in attendance at PNW Preseason All-State this February.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Corvallis Preseason ID OR 02/14 Oregon State University - Corvallis, OR
Pacific Northwest Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) OR 02/16 NW Sports Hub - Centralia, WA
Pacific Northwest Preseason ID OR 02/17 NW Sports Hub - Centralia, WA
Eugene Preseason ID OR 03/01 University of Oregon, PK Park - Eugene, OR

RELATED CONTENT