Which High School Battery Is the Best in Your State?
February 20, 2026
The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.
This week’s topic: With MLB pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, we’re identifying the top pitcher/catcher combinations in each state. Please submit a pitcher and catcher from the same high school team who you believe form the strongest battery in your state. Include where you’ve seen them and what makes their pairing especially effective entering the spring.
+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (2/20):
Alabama
+ Northridge HS, C Wyatt Rath (2027; Uncommitted) + RHP Evan Malone (2026; Alabama)
“The battery of Evan Malone and Wyatt Rath gives Northridge one of the more complete pitcher/catcher combinations in Alabama thanks to the way their skill sets complement each other on both sides of the ball.
Malone, an Alabama signee, sets the tone on the mound with a power profile that impacts games early and often. The right-hander features a strong, physical frame and the ability to work with velocity, making him difficult for opposing lineups to square up. His presence in the middle of the order only amplifies his value, as he contributes run production while also serving as the staff’s tone-setter. That two-way ability creates momentum for his team, particularly when he can control the game from the mound and then immediately influence it offensively.
Behind the plate, Rath elevates the staff with a mature defensive presence and one of the more advanced bats in his class. His receiving skills, feel for handling pitchers, and ability to control the running game give arms like Malone confidence to attack the zone. Offensively, Rath’s ability to anchor the lineup forces opponents to pitch carefully through the heart of the order, creating added pressure that benefits the entire offense.
Together, the pairing works because Malone’s power arsenal plays up with Rath’s steady game management and leadership behind the plate. Their combined impact, one dictating the pace on the mound and the other directing traffic from behind it, forms a reliable battery capable of controlling games in multiple ways. When both are locked in, they give their team a competitive edge that few pitcher/catcher duos in the state can match.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
Canada
+ Canada Reds Academy, C Zachary Lepine (2027; Texas Tech) + RHP Lukas McDowell (2026, North Florida)
“The Canada Reds Academy possesses one of Canada's top draft-eligible arms in towering right-hander Lukas McDowell and he gets the benefit of throwing '25 Future Gamer, Zachary Lepine, who committed to Texas Tech shortly after the event.
Lepine serves as one of Canada's top 2027 catchers and has no issues handling McDowell's fastball that's now running into the mid-90s. The Canada Reds have plenty to be excited about in the upcoming year and it starts with the two names above.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Scouting Director
Illinois
+ Libertyville HS, C Ryan Wilberding (2027; Marshall) + RHP Brady Buenik (2027; Tennessee)
“The reigning 4A state champs are looking to reload their talented roster, and their battery of Buenik/Wilberding will be a huge part of it. Buenik is one of the more electric arms in the entire country, coming in as the No. 2 ranked player in Illinois and No. 51 nationally. He boasts a mid-90s fastball and dynamic secondaries bound to make hitters look silly and it will be extremely valuable to have backstop with the defensive prowess of Wilberding - who will also be one of the more dangerous bats in the entire state this year. ”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
(2/5/26)
+ Center Grove HS, C Sean Dunlap (2026; Tennessee) + RHP Logan Johnston (2026; Indiana), LHP Riley Ackerman (2027; Northwestern)
“Crown Point is slated for a top spot in our 4A HS rankings, due in large part to the talent they have in the middle of the diamond. Sean Dunlap is the top catcher in the class, and the 1-2 combo the Bulldogs will roll out will be one of the best in the state. 26 Logan Johnston (Indiana) and 27 Riley Ackerman (Northwestern) are familiar faces returning on the bump, and also arms who have build an extensive track record with Sean behind the dish. This trio has played together for a long time; on the travel circuit and at the varsity level. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director
Iowa
+ Dubuque Wahlert HS, C JP Elbert (2027; Uncommitted) + RHP Jacob Pierro (2028; Uncommitted)
“Jacob Pierro and JP Elbert have established themselves as one of the most formidable batteries in Iowa high school baseball, playing a pivotal role for Wahlert Catholic. Pierro is a standout right-handed pitcher known for his explosive fastball that can touch 90-91 mph, paired with a high-spin slider that keeps hitters off balance. His effectiveness on the mound is mirrored by Elbert’s defensive reliability and leadership behind the plate, where he can manage the game.
Both of them have been to Prep Baseball Iowa events in the past and most recently, Jacob Pierro made a significant impact at the 2025 Central Super Sophomore Games in Kansas City, where he led Team Iowa with a max fastball velocity of 90.3 mph. He also earned an invite to the IA Preseason All-State event upcoming March. Elbert is also an invitee to the IA Preseason All-State event in March and has most recently attended last years IA Preseason All-State event in March of 2025 showing his strong arm behind the plate with a 1.89-2.01 pop time and arm strength at 82mph.
What makes them so effective is the synergy between Pierro’s elite velocity and Elbert’s ability to frame pitches and handle high-pressure situations. Their connection was a driving force behind Wahlert Catholic's dominant 2025 season, during which the team held the #1 ranking for much of the year before falling to the Pella Dutch in the State Title Game. Together, they create a defensive anchor that limits opponents' scoring opportunities and dictates the tempo of the game. This blend of raw physical talent and mental toughness is why they are cited as the best battery mates in the state.”
– Tyler Cropley, Scouting Director
Kansas
+ Mulvane HS, C Parker Clubb (2026; Louisville) + RHP Grey Sanders (2026; Kansas)
“Parker Clubb and Grey Sanders form one of the most explosive and intriguing battery pairings in the region. Sanders, a Kansas commit, runs his fastball up to 95 mph and complements it with an upper-70s curveball, a combination that was on full display in a dominant showing at the Senior Future Games this past summer. Clubb, a Louisville commit, brings just as much firepower, producing exit velocities north of 108 mph and posting 1.83 pop times behind the plate, most recently showcasing those tools at our Wichita Preseason ID. He’s equally dynamic on the mound, where his fastball has been up to 94 mph as well. Both were key pieces of a Mulvane staff that broke the Kansas state record for strikeouts in a season last spring and look poised to challenge that mark once again in 2026.”
– Eliott Wilk, Central Region Operations Director
Kentucky
+ Trinity HS, C Harper Haywood (2026; Lincoln Memorial) + RHP Grayson Davis (2027; Clemson)
“Davis comes into his Junior season with video game numbers after his first two High School seasons with a record of 22-0 with 2 saves. The Clemson commit and 2025 Future Games standout can attribute a large part of that success to his Battery mate Harper Haywood. Davis worked two clean innings for Team Kentucky and was a hot name come August 1 before deciding on ACC powerhouse Clemson. The Shamrock righty has already pitcher in 2 State Title games and a host of others on the big stage without giving an inch. Haywood was 2024 stand out for Team Kentucky at the Future Games and has parlayed that trip into a Lincoln Memorial University commitment. Haywood with his steady presence behind the dish while controlling the running game is as good as it gets. The Backstop also hit to the tune of .359 with 8 extra base hits and we think power numbers are coming sooner rather than later. Big things are expected out of Louisville this season as the "Rocks" will once again play a top schedule including a trip to Cary, North Carolina to the prestigious NHSI where you can expect to see this duo on full display with some of the best in the country.”
– Jamie Tessoff, State Director
Massachusetts
+ Austin Prep HS, C Bradley McCafferty (2026; Virginia) + RHP Chase Edgar (2026; Elon)
“Quite the duo, McCafferty is headed to UVA and Edgar is headed to Elon. Both are good looking D1 prospects and should make a dent in college baseball early in their careers. ”
– Dennis Healy, New England
Michigan
+ Brother Rice HS, C Broder Katke (2027; Vanderbilt) + LHP Cole DuHaime (2026; Virginia)
“Both Broder (Vanderbilt) and Cole (Virginia) are former Future Game participants and have been a key staple for their respective high school program over the last few seasons. Katke is regarded as one the top defenders in the country coming off an impressive All-American game appearance in Miami & DuHaime is looking to cap off a stellar Rice career with a dogpile in East Lansing. Both have made impacts to their clubs in Catholic League play and playing role in deep playoff runs - we are excited to each of them this coming spring as they look to make another deep run towards McLane Stadium in the MHSAA postseason.”
– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director
Nebraska
+ Millard North HS, C Maverick Christensen (2026; Cowley JC) + RHP Colin Driffill (2026; Kansas State)
“Senior Mustang duo team up as the best Pitcher/Catcher pairing in the state. RHP Colin Driffill, Kansas State Commit & '24 Future Gamer, has a Fastball that will be mid to upper 90s this spring and is a top 2 preseason contender for the Nebraska Player of the Year award. Catcher Maverick Christensen, Cowley County College commit & '25 Senior Future Gamer, is a physical LHH with real juice in his barrel has 3 years of starting varsity experience catching some of the top arms to come through the state.”
– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director
New Jersey
+ St. Augustine Prep HS, C DJ Lloyd (2026; NJIT) + RHP Alex Weingartner (2026; Penn State)
“Lloyd is one of the state's premiere defensive catchers that possesses the ability to block virtually anything close to him, steal pitches, and controls the run game with ease. Weingartner, the number 1 OF/RHP in NJ, is coming off a junior season on the bump where he put up 56Ks through 36 innings and a 2.18 ERA. The RHP is typically 90-93 mph with the ability to touch 94. Look out for this battery this year.”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout
North Carolina
+ Charlotte Catholic HS, C Brady Marconi (2026; Charleston) + LHP Griffin McKain (2027; Clemson)
“Charlotte Catholic was in the hunt for a state title in 2025. Armed with power arms and a deep lineup, the Cougars ran into, now, three time state champion, TC Roberson in the 2nd round. In 2026, a lot of the Cougar talent is back and they have added Marconi and McKain to an already powerful roster. Both are committed to schools in SC (Marconi to College of Charleston and McKain to Clemson) and both are new to the Cougs in 2026. Their ability to mesh with their teammates, find their role and raise the level of talented players around them will have the Cougars in the mix for a state title in 2026.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director of Scouting
Oregon
+ South Salem HS, C Teagan Scott (2026; Oregon State) + RHP Harrison Buckingham (2027; Oregon State)
“A pair of Oregon State commits highlight the best battery in the state at South Salem High School. Scott, a talented right-handed backstop and the second ranked senior in Oregon, has displayed advanced defensive actions in multiple in-game looks throughout his high school career, paired with a middle of the order bat that has dominated at the high school level for years. Buckingham, the top-ranked arm in Oregon's junior class, has been seen in-game and at several prominent Prep Baseball showcases, including Future Games and PNW Preseason All-State. Buckingham features a fastball into the low 90's and a wipeout breaking ball. The RHP should only continue to improve as he enters his upperclass seasons. ”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
Pennsylvania
+ Avon Grove HS, C Brendon Baiocco (2027; Uncommitted) + RHP Ryan Fuller (2026; Penn State)
“This Eastern PA battery makes for an intriguing combination with Fuller's ability to touch mid 90s and Baiocco's ability to be an uber athletic defender behind the plate. It takes a catcher like Baiocco to handle the type of heat and nasty sliders Fuller has in his arsenal. We are very excited to see Fuller rack up the Ks and Baiocco to make athletic blocks and throws to second base. ”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout
Washington
+ Sumner HS, C Evan Hellner (2026; New Mexico State) + RHP Wyatt Plyler (2027; Uncommitted)
“One of the more talented teams in Washington heading into 2026 also features the best battery in the state. Evan Hellner will immediately slot in as the starting catcher after transferring for his senior spring. The New Mexico State commit features a smooth swing from the left side with pop to go alongside strong defensive ability. Plyler, a talented bat in his own right, is also one of the best arms in the state, with an electric low 90's fastball paired with pitchability and a knack for filling the strike zone. Plyler put up massive numbers at last week's PNW Preseason All-State event and is the top-ranked remaining uncommitted player in Washington's '27 class. ”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
RELATED CONTENT