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: This week, we’re highlighting Fall Standouts. Please submit a positional prospect(s) from your state that stood out this fall, including the event you saw them and what stood out (big statistical performer, a player who showed well in game, or someone who made a name for themselves late in the year).

Note: Due to the number of submissions this week, we're separating The Hotlist into two stories, a position player and pitcher/two-way story.

+ 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.

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♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (10/16):

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Alabama

+ Cole Spanier, 3B (Bob Jones HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“3B Cole Spanier (Bob Jones, 2026) came onto the scene this past spring serving as a key run-producer for the Patriots in the middle of the order and has continued to make a name for himself as a physical uncommitted right-handed bat. Listed at 6-foot-2, 242-pounds, Spanier has premium physicality to his right-handed swing that features easy pull-side thump while looking to elevate the baseball for slug. He possesses easy bat speed and incoporates the strength well in the profile, which was evidenced with a top EV of 97.1 mph during his round of BP. A corner infielder defensively, the senior also showed the arm strength in the workout topping at 90 mph across, which led the event. A talented middle-of-the-order uncommitted 2026 bat to know.”

+ Cole Troutman, 1B/3B (Huntsville HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“1B Waylon Cole Troutman (Huntsville, 2028) was easily the most impressive offensive prospect from this event, as the physical 6-foot-1, 215-pounder delivered consistent hard contact to the pull-side throughout a loud round of BP. Using present proportional strength in the frame, Troutman seems to have low-effort intent to create easy strength off the barrel when he squares it up. The right-hander possesses a controlled load for timing with a medium leg kick and works the barrel on an upward path. Looks to impact to the pull-side and will continue to slug throughout his high school career. Led the event in mutliple offensive categories, including a top EV of 97.9 mph and a max estimated distance of 357 ft”

+ Jacob Thomas, SS (Orange Beach HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“SS Jacob Thomas (Orange Beach, 2028) has a chance to emerge into one of the top shortstops in the 2028 class in Alabama over the next year and appears to be on track towards doing so. An athletic 6-0, 177-pounder with a low heartbeat approach to the game, Thomas exudes smooth, clean actions in everything he does. He hits from a wider base from the right side and uses a short toe-tap trigger for load, which allows him to stay short and direct to the point of contact. The barrel stays level through the zone with a current line drive approach and future strength on the way. Repeats the swing well with consistent barrels during BP. Clean actions defensively and should stick on the left side of the infield in the future. A name to follow over the next year.”

– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor

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Arizona

+ Eli McBryde, C (Canyon View HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Eli stood out both behind the plate and in the box at the West Coast Games. The switch-hitting catcher collected four hits on the weekend and impressed during BP with his ability to drive the ball to all fields from both sides of the plate. His receiving skills and ability to keep the ball in front make him a steady presence defensively, while his offensive versatility adds valuable depth to any college lineup.”

+ Brock Jackson, OF (Valley Christian HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Brock is a 6.6 runner with a mature left-handed stroke and advanced feel for the barrel. At the West Coast Games, he showed an impressive understanding of his swing and the strike zone, rarely chasing and consistently putting together quality at bats. His BP round carried over into gameplay, where he collected four hits on the weekend and showcased his ability to use all fields. With true bat to ball skills and a disciplined approach, Brock is someone to keep close tabs on heading into the spring.”

+ Parker Williams, OF (Corona del Sol HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Parker embodies the definition of raw talent, playing the game hard and fast with controlled aggression and strong baseball instincts. At the West Coast Games, he consistently produced loud contact, recording exit velocities over 100 mph and collecting multiple extra-base hits. Defensively, he stood out in the outfield with clean routes and a 90 mph arm, while his instincts on the bases allowed him to swipe bags and take extra 90s with ease. A true gamer who impacts every facet of the game, ”

– Antonio Torres, Arizona Director

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California

+ Nick Gonzales, SS/CF (Highland High School HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Gonzales was a standout at the Central California Preseason All State held at AVC during January of 2025 to kickstart a strong year for Gonzales in front of our staff. Now he culminates his year in front of our staff with in another impressive performance at the High Desert Uncommitted Game. An upward trending athlete who shows long term athleticism to stick up the middle with 6.82 60-yard dash speed, intriguing present arm strength (88 MPH from the OF / 85 MPH from the INF) natural instincts for his angles/reads and sound footwork/hands he can defend at either SS/2B or CF now or in the future. The RH hitter features a deeper hand load in his operation at the box, but it works for him as he has a consistently strong feel for finding the barrel on time. During batting practice Nick produced strong metrics with a 96 MPH max EV while staying to hard line drive contact that produced a max distance of 328' with a 53% sweet spot rate on his contact. His hands are fast from the deeper load position with 23.6 MPH hand speed while showing upward trending bat speed now at 72.4 MPH with aggressiveness in his turn to produce 21.4 Gs of rotational acceleration. He carried over the strong workout portion of his day into the game living on the barrel throughout again with hard contact from the middle to opposite side of the field. Gonzales looks the part of potential RH hitting leadoff hitter with feel to hit, speed to create impact/chaos, up the defensive ability and solid arm strength in the 2027 class for college programs to be keeping tabs on.

– Steven Hardesty Associate Director SoCal

+ Tristen Bartlett, OF (Elk Grove High School HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Bartlett is an athletic outfielder who has been getting better each time I have seen him. From seeing him early in Spring season, to the summer ball circuit, and as of recently the Fall Uncommitted Games. Tristan has a chance to play CF or RF in the future, takes aggressive hacks, and can run. ”

– Hank LoForte, NorCal Scouting Director

+ London Anderson , OF (Bakersfield Christian HS HS, 2026) | Uncommitted :

“4-6 with 2 doubles and a triple at the West Coast Games. Barreled 5 swings at over 100 mph EV during BP portion of the event. 6.46 runner in the 60. ”

– Vinnie Alfino, Manger Content & Operations

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Canada

+ Sam Ellis, OF (Ottawa Nepean Canadians HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Sam Ellis was one of the biggest winners at the Rogers Centre last month, showcasing a well-rounded game with game-changing speed. Ellis ran a 6.39, was up to 89mph from the outfield and had a max EV 98.5mph. The ONC product also performed well in-game against elite arms and earned himself a spot on the Canadian Junior National Team this fall.

After a relatively quiet 2025, Ellis exploded onto the scene this fall and is now garnering plenty of interest from schools, scouts and national opportunities heading into his senior campaign.”

– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director

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Georgia

+ Thatcher Dumford, OF (Denmark HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Dumford rounded out the fall with a 8 for 12 performance at the Prep Baseball Fall Classic. He has emerged as a 2026 breakout candidate with a smooth left handed swing from the left side and a plus run tool. He is on a loaded Denmark Danes squad that is ready for a deep playoff run where he could be a real contributor.”

– Hudson Graham, Scouting Director

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Idaho

+ Cooper Schneidt, MIF (Mountain View HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“One of the biggest winners from the Super Sophomore Games, Schneidt lead multiple categories from the position player workout where he ran it up to 94 mph across the Infield as well as earning a 91 mph Outfield Velocity. During the Game Play portion of the event, he racked up multiple loud barrels that help solidify his name as a player to know, not only in Idaho, but in the West Region. Projecting as a middle infielder at the next level, his 6.96 VALD 60 Time solidified that as he proves that his foot speed has continued to trend over the past year with much more or come. From a state that get routinely overlooked for baseball talent, this middle infielder will be hard to ignore as we expect him to have a big Sophomore campaign, heading into a significant incoming Junior Summer.”

– Brett Harrison, West Coast Supervisor

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Indiana

+ Eli Harris, 1B/OF (Jeffersonville HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Harris shined in his first Prep Baseball event with Indiana after transferring to Jeffersonville this summer. He left our Fall State Games as the MVP of the event after collecting (5) barrels in-game, three of which were for extra-base hits. Blending a big-bodied, 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame with premier foot speed (6.67 60) and serious barrel strength - Harris' speed/power combo has gained the attention of midwest recruiters since the conclusion of the State Games and he will be the most touted newcomer in our next 2027 rankings update. ”

+ Ben Schaeffer, OF (Mt. Vernon HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Schaeffer is one of the top uncommitted players in the state and showed as such at the Indiana Fall State Games. The undersized frame packs a serious punch from the left-side of the dish, making a statement in batting practice with exits up to 103 mph and multiple homers. He followed suit with a pair of loud barrels during gameplay, while also grabbing a couple infield singles, allowing his best tool (bat-to-ball) to shine. He is a 6.8 runner with CF upside stemming from above average arm strength and he is an instinctual route runner roaming the outfield. ”

– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director

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Iowa

+ Danny Doyle, SS/2B (John F Kennedy, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Danny Doyle is a SS from John F Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. Danny came to his first event this fall after coming off a standout year. He made a big impression which lead to a jump into the 2027 rankings, ranked at #24 overall and #2 at the SS position in the state of Iowa. His summer consisted of hitting .375 with an OPS of 1.017. At the showcase he showed off his tools; running a 6.68 60, throwing 88 mph across the diamond and showing an exit velocity of 91.4 mph. Danny has flashes of line drive pop in the box along with short to contact and rotates the barrel through the zone well. On the infield he shows clean footwork with quick twitch athleticism with an above average arm with carry and accuracy. A name to watch as he continues to grow both physically and overall as a baseball player.”

– Tyler Cropley, Assistant State Director

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Mississippi

+ Parker Hawkins, OF (Sumrall HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Parker, a former Junior Future Gamer, continues to progress both physically and fundamentally. The primary outfielder has lowered his 60 time to 6.65 and added strength and explosiveness to his game resulting in a very solid showing at our recent Top Prospect Underclass held at Mississippi State University. Hawkins, a switch hitter, connected on multiple barrels during his batting practice round including an event high 103.2 exit velocity for the event. ”

– Matt Miller, State Director

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Nebraska

+ Caleb Reiners, SS/2B (Adams Central HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“The Adams Central product impressed at the Summer Review with a filled-out 6-foot-2, 195-pound build and a 6.97 sixty. His 84 mph arm velocity and 94 mph exit velocity highlight his strength and athleticism, finding the sweet spot 60% of the time in batting practice.”

– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director

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Nevada

+ Devin Martin, MIF (Arbor View HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Arguably Nevada’s Top Uncommitted 2026, Martin put together a massive West Coast Games, racking up 4 extra base hits while holding down shortstop where he proved he could play that position at a high level and could be an immediate impact player at the next level. His 6.8 second VALD 60 Time proves he continues to see his game trend and overall, we believe he is just now scratching the surface of what is to come over the next few years. ”

– Brett Harrison, West Coast Supervisor

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Oklahoma

+ Jackson Turney, 1B (Bixby HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Turney showcased his massive power at the Bixby High School Scout Day with a top exit velo of 105+ mph. The left handed hitting 1B showed the ability to drive balls all over the yard with authority, and provide a valuable middle of the order presence that can give teammates opportunities on the basepaths and hitting in front of him. Still uncommitted, Turney assuredly will continue to produce offensively and will be a valuable piece for a school at the next level.”

– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director

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Oregon

+ Cameron Hyder, OF (McMinnville HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Hyder put together one of the best PNW showings at the 2025 West Coast games, solidifying his status as one of the top remaining seniors in Oregon. The outfielder displayed some added strength and physicality since his previous look, yielding positive results and added slug at the dish while maintaining his athleticism and speed. Hyder's BP rounds were his best at a Prep Baseball event, peaking with a 99.2 and averaging a 95.7 MPH exit velocity. The quick outfielder also ran a 6.76 60-time, the best on Team PNW. In-game, Hyder finished the weekend 3 for 5 with a walk and 3 XBH's. All three knocks laced on Sunday, Hyder used the whole field with an innate feel for the barrel, driving one triple into the LCF gap and another down the RF line to go alongside another double in his final at bat. A sound defender in any of the three OF spots, Hyder should be on any recruiter's radar as a name to know into his senior season.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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Texas

+ Jayden Moeller, SS (Keller High School HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Rangy short stop with good actions. Feet work well. Solid footwork and angles. with quick release. 91mph across the infield. Has ability to drive both gaps. 97.3 exit velo. Nothing but barrels at the Texas State Upperclass Games. Hit a 2b off the wall and a home run. Started double play from deep in the 6 hole. ”

– Kyle Kilgo, South Texas Area Scout

+ Jett Vindiola, C (Weatherford HS HS, 2026) | Kansas State:

“Vindiola is a physical left-handed catcher with a strong presence behind the plate. He showed quick pop times, consistently under 1.95, with carry on his throws. At the plate, he flashes bat speed and can drive the ball when on time. The swing has some lift and length from a barrel tip, but he’s athletic enough to make adjustments. Vindiola has a strong foundation with clear upside on both sides of the ball.”

+ Tyler King, CF (Argyle Christian HS, 2027) | Texas State:

“Metrically, King stacked the stat sheet with some astounding data that included a 6.48 60-yard dash time, 102.6 mph exit velocity, and 89 mph arm from the outfield. At 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, the frame stands out for its natural strength and athleticism while still showing signs of further development. There was some inconsistency to the barrel accuracy in batting practice, but the outputs were loud when right. Adding to King’s allure as a close follow was his ability to comfortably track in game play while exhibiting a more simple, relaxed approach that still produced firm contact. College coaches will want to get multiple looks at the speedy outfielder in order to track his hit-tool and impact potential.”

+ Cooper Newby, C (Southlake Carroll HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Uncommitted junior catcher for Southlake Carroll, had a solid performance last night. The switch-hitter collected a couple of hits from the left side off a talented arm. Behind the plate, Newby really stood out, handling a premium arm well and making an impressive pick on a tough ball in the dirt, leading to a back pick at second base. With a projectable frame, Newby has plenty of upside as both a hitter and a defender, making him a player to watch as he continues to develop.”

+ Ryan Steele, CF (Victoria East HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“Strong, athletic build with present lower-half strength. Premium runner (6.52 60) with impact speed that plays in center field. Moves well to the baseball with present arm strength and potential for more. At the plate, shows consistent barrel contact, pull-side power, and extra-base ability. Game swings highlighted his speed-pressure offense and hard contact. Profiles as a well-above-average runner with power upside in CF.”

+ Max Woerner, SS (Southwest Christian HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Woerner is a high-level athlete who ran a 6.69 60 and shows the ability to stick in center field. He covers ground well and his arm has life. He also showed capable actions in the infield with clean hands and a good transfer. At the plate, he has bat speed and a compact swing. There is some length from a hitch, but he gets through the zone and creates loft. The athleticism is real, and he has the makeup to make the adjustments needed to keep improving.”

+ Jax Robinson, C (Waxahachie HS HS, 2026) | Texas:

“A University of Texas commit and former Future Gamer, C Jax Robinson (Waxahachie, 2026) is recognized as one of the top offensive catchers in Texas. The 5’10”, 191-pound left-handed hitter posted a 101 mph max exit velocity (averaging 93.1 mph) with a 369-foot max distance, showcasing significant power potential. Behind the plate, he delivers 1.86–1.97 pop times with an 83 mph arm, displaying advanced blocking, receiving, and framing skills. Jax’s potent bat and consistent hard contact set him apart, making him a premier prospect in the 2026 class.”

– Max Semler, Texas Scouting Director

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Vermont

+ Eli Davis, INF (Colchester HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Relatively unknown 2027 out of Vermont, the bat has serious juice in it. He currently plays SS, he will have to move positionally as he matures in age. The bat is a middle of the order type bat. ”

– Dennis Healy, New England Co-Scouting Director

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Washington

+ Ethan Swallom, C (North Creek HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:

“After earning Offensive MVP honors at this summer's PNW State Games, Swallom was once again the best bat at our West Coast Games in California. Swallom went a remarkable 5 for 6 with 4 doubles and a single across the three games. The righty gets the barrel on plane early, staying through the zone and catching the ball out front for a pair of hits to left in the first game. He then added another double in game two before slugging two more XBH's in game three, with a shot to RCF rounding out his weekend. Swallom drove in four runners in total and scored twice to lead all PNW hitters. The catcher also posted a 1.95 second pop time in the workout and threw out a runner from the catcher position in-game. Swallom's Fall performance caps off one of the best series of showcase looks we have seen in quite some time.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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