Which Prospects Are on Our Winter Watchlist?
December 19, 2025
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: Looking ahead to the winter season, we’re creating our Winter Watchlist. Please submit a prospect (or a few) from your state who is registered for an upcoming event and you’re excited to see this winter. Include where you’ve seen them previously, if applicable, what stands out, and why you’re anticipating a strong showing during the winter slate.
+ 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’ (12/19):
Alabama
+ Bryon Martin, SS/2B/OF (Fairhope HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Martin is an uncommitted senior with a compact frame and high-end athleticism. A true gamer-type, he impacts the game in multiple ways, consistently translating his athletic tools into in-game performance, particularly at the plate. He hits from a slightly crouched stance with a lower hand set, loading efficiently as the hands work back while maintaining strong balance over the backside. The swing shows intent through the zone with a knob-led path to contact, staying athletic and balanced throughout. A clean, repeatable barrel path allows him to routinely square the baseball, especially evident during BP.
Defensively, Martin offers versatility with the ability to handle multiple positions. Offensively, he posted a top exit velocity of 91.0 mph in 2025, producing firm line drives to all fields. He also recorded the fastest 60-yard dash time in the state for the year, turning in a laser-timed 6.33. Looking forward to seeing him compete on January 11 at the South Alabama Preseason All-State. ”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
California
+ Austin Maiden, SS (Chaminade College Prep HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Maiden has burst on the scene as a name generating extensive buzz here in Southern California at the close of the summer. The talented Soph. put together a loud showing over the summer circuit which then carried into his fall at both Chaminade and the fall circuit where he has continued to shine.
His rapid rise to recognition brought him into our rankings for the 2028 class at the close of the fall period putting himself inside the Top 35 players in California and amongst the Top 200 players nationally. I was able to get my first in-person look at Maiden during their final fall/winter scrimmage of the 2025 calendar year against Foothill Tech High School.
During my live look it was readily apparent to the ease at which Maiden gets to some impressive tools across the board. He moves with fluid athleticism on the defensive side during INF/OF showing clean-consistent actions across the board as a defender. He took a trio of plate appearances on the day with a variety of results from a compact swing with a sound turn/sequence that shows upside as a RH hitter.
Maiden will make his debut on the Prep Baseball California event platform during the winter period with a turn at the Los Angeles Preseason ID. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing the metrics he produces athletically, defensively and offensively. But even more so getting a more in-depth opportunity to evaluate the impressive toolset that was on display during my live look. ”
(8/1/25)
+ Abraham Ramirez, OF (Saugus High School HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Ramirez has stood out over multiple looks for me in the 2025 calendar year. From the CIF-SS high school season in matchups against Ventura High School & West Ranch (both programs won league titles in 2025). Ramirez showed highlight level tools on the defensive side and offensive side of the game against both high level squads tantalizing to his present ability to perform in game.
Then the Santa Clarita Valley based OF made the trip to Orange County this fall to participate in the OC Fall ID held at Hart Park. During his time on the Open ID stage Ramirez flashed an intriguingly well-rounded toolset, athleticism, increased physicality and more. His showing here helped push him up our class of 2027 rankings update in the most recent version.
His workout performance at the OC Fall ID and his game performances in live looks earned Ramirez an invite to the upcoming Los Angeles Preseason All State event. Ramirez will be amongst numerous highly talented players to be in attendance at this event across several different graduating classes. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how his tools measure to other standout OFs who will be working out at this event from the 2026-2028 classes, as well where his metrics fall in line with those players during batting practice. But, even more so as this event provides simulated gameplay to see how Ramirez shows on a field filled with high level talent across the board.”
– Steven Hardesty, Associate Director SoCal
Canada (British Columbia)
+ Oscar Leah, OF/LHP (Langley Blaze HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
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“Another one of Canada's top uncommitted seniors (also eligible as a 2027), Leah will be attending British Columbia's Preseason Invitational in February. Leah is one of the top two-way players in the country with the ability to patrol CF, put balls in play from the left-side and run his fastball up to 90mph as a left-hander. Leah should have several college coaches following his BC Invitational performance from afar.”
Canada (Ontario)
+ Sam Ellis, CF (Ottawa Nepean Canadians HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
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“Sam Ellis will be with us at Ontario's marquee preseason event, the Ontario Preseason Invitational. An explosive 2025 campaign saw Ellis breakthrough onto Canada's Junior National Team and jump into Ontario's Top 10 in the senior class. Elite tools with a 6.39 60-yard, 89mph arm in the outfield and upper 90s exit velocities, Ellis is going to make a college program really happy in the near future.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director
Florida
+ DeAndre' Williams, OF (Trinity Christian Academy HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“We are excited to have Williams at the Jacksonville Preseason ID in a few weeks. He is the number 3-ranked 2029 in Florida, and we are excited to see how the tools have progressed this offseason.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Managing Director
Illinois
+ Ian Crabb , RHP/INF (Harrisburg HS, 2027) | Uncommitted :
“Recently making his rankings debut in Illinois, we're excited to get our eyes on Ian Crabb this winter as he is making his way all the way from Southern Illinois to the Chicagoland area to get in front of us. There's some clay to work with on the mound, boasting athletic movement patterns with arm-speed, and we think some jumps are likely in the near future for Crabb. ”
+ Caleb Cox , RHP (Springfield Lutheran HS, 2026) | Northern Illinois :
“Set to attend our Preseason ProCase, we are extremely excited to see the jumps that Cox has made since the summer. Already boasting a fastball up to 93 mph, Cox provides a ton of intrigue on the mound with his highly projectable 6-foot-5 frame and raw arm-talent, and we think he could really make a name for himself at this event. ”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Drew Morgan, RHP (Mt. Vernon HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Morgan is a young arm within the state that our staff is super excited about - currently the #12 ranked player in our very talented 2028 group. He made a name for himself as an early contributor at Mt. Vernon as a freshman, and then solidified that on the travel circuit. He is a 6-foot-5, rail thin (for now), RHP with an infield background that has a real chance to jump into contention amongst the top arms in this class. Point blank, he is the type of arm that makes big jumps as he matures. He has the frame to hold big jumps, he floods the zone, and he has already been up to 88 with a firm slider with shape, yet another indicator that jumps are to be had. He also has the athleticism to run a 6.8 60-yard dash. When you look at the profile, and the way he moves, tons of boxes are checked. I am excited to see Drew's bullpen at the Preseason All-State and think he has a chance to make big time traction with recruiters leading up to August 1st. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director
Iowa
+ Drew Sullivan, RHP/OF (Dubuque Senior HS, 2026) | Nebraska:
“Drew Sullivan is a 6'4" RHP/OF that has been low to mid 90's with two solid off-speed pitches. Sullivan will make his Prep Baseball Iowa debut at the Upper Midwest ProCase, providing pro scouts and evaluators their first opportunity to get an on-site look at the Dubuque Senior standout. A Nebraska commit, Sullivan enters the event as a top 20 prospect, and this setting will allow scouts to establish a foundational evaluation that includes physicality, athletic actions, and overall projection. With this being his first appearance on the Prep Baseball platform, the Pro Case will serve as an important checkpoint to gather objective data, assess present tools, and project future development as he continues toward the next level.”
– Tyler Cropley, State Director
Louisiana
+ Nathan Sprankle, RHP (Benton HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Lean and wiry at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Sprankle owns plenty of physical projection with significant strength gains still ahead. We first saw the Benton product at our Baton Rouge Fall ID and we’re excited to see him again at our Baton Rouge Preseason ID on January 10, 2026.
Working exclusively out of the stretch on the first-base side of the rubber, he strides slightly closed and does a great job of hiding the baseball, adding a layer of built-in deception. His quick arm works through a high three-quarter slot, filling up the zone with an 86–88 mph fastball that plays up thanks to an average 7.1 feet of extension (per TrackMan Baseball). He complements it with a sharp 76–78 mph curveball featuring true 11–5 shape, and he flashes an 81–82 mph splitterwith late tumble and spin-killing action.
Uncommitted for now, Sprankle is a guy that is firmly on our radar and should on the radars of college coaches heading into the spring season. ”
– Alex Armand, State Director
Mississippi
+ Braylon Edwards, Middle Infield (Madiosn Central HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Braylon attended the Southeast Super Sophomore Showcase at Lakepoint in August and was really impressive. He showed the ability to spray the baseball all over the field with pop from both sides of the plate which is fairly uncommon for players his age. Edwards runs well and seems to be very instinctive on the diamond. We can’t wait to see more of him and how his high school career unfolds over the next 3 seasons! ”
– Matt Miller, State Director
Minnesota
+ Ethyn Cantin, RHP (Becker HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“One of the bigger performances that took place this past fall came from Cantin at the Minnesota Fall ID- Twin Cities. From last March to this past October, Cantin saw a big velocity jump from 82-84 mph to 87-90 mph, topping at 91.6 mph. Much improved physically and athletically, the uncommitted righty is a name to look for this March at the Preseason All State event”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Nebraska
+ Bryson Rhodes, OF (Lincoln East HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Twitchy high end athlete with a lot more opportunity in the lineup this spring for the Defending Champ Lincoln East Spartans.”
+ Chance Kinman, RHP/OF (Omaha North HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Upper 80s at the Summer Review on Aug 10th. Chance is physical two sport athlete at 6'1 180 frame with projectable athleticism that should see increased output in 2026!”
– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director
New Jersey
+ Luke Dana, OF/RHP (Wall HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Dana is a follow I’m eager to get eyes on again at the NJ Preseason All‑State Session 1. The 6‑foot‑4, 191‑pound two‑way prospect made a strong impression at the East Coast Super Sophomore Games this summer, and the ingredients are all there for a real jump. He pairs a high‑ceiling frame with present production—up to 88 mph on the bump, 90 from the outfield—and shows a mature, polished look in the box. Plenty to like, and plenty more that could be coming.”
– Nate Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout
New York
+ Enmanuel Acevedo, RHP (Poly Prep HS, 2027) | Virginia:
“The 6-foot-5, 240-pound recent Virginia commit impressed from the preseason straight through the fall. He stood out at the Future Games in LakePoint, running his fastball up to 95 MPH and flashing a 2,400 RPM slider with the makings of a true out pitch. He followed that with an electric bullpen at the Metro Scout Day, where his fastball reached 96 MPH. A high-upside power arm who will be an exciting follow as he continues to trend upward.”
– Joe Walentin, Scouting Director
North Caroilna
+ Sam Rice, LHP (Reagan HS HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Rice is a physical left-hander with a clean arm and advanced pitchability, highlighted by an excellent feel for his changeup. After attending the Top Prospect Games Upperclass in October, he’ll head to the Preseason All-State West in February with momentum. In an era dominated by velocity, Rice’s ability to sequence, compete, and project as his frame continues to fill out makes him a high-upside arm for evaluators following the 2027 class.”
+ Dean Cappelletti, RHP (West Johnston HS HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Cappelletti returns to the spotlight this preseason after standing out at the 2025 Preseason All-State East before missing time in the spring and summer. Now back to full strength, the right-hander showed a fastball up to 89 mph last year, pairing it with improved presence, command, and secondary feel that separated him from his peers. Scheduled to attend the Preseason All-State East in February, he’ll be a key arm to track as his prospect profile continues to trend upward.”
+ Mikey Papciak, SS/RHP (Wesleyan Christian Academy HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Papciak is an athletic, quick-twitch 2028 who checks multiple boxes and continues to trend up. After attending the Asheville Summer ID, he’s scheduled for the Preseason All-State Central in February, where the spotlight turns toward the early Future Games race. With athleticism already present and strength gains ahead, Papciak enters the preseason primed to make a statement and position himself firmly in the Team NC conversation.”
+ Ryder Sheffield, SS (North Stanly HS HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“Sheffield headlines a talented 2029 group set to take center stage this preseason. After competing at the Junior Future Games with Team NC at LakePoint, the dynamic infielder stood out for his pace, high motor, and advanced baseball IQ. He’ll attend the Preseason All-State South in February, where continued physical and skill development could quickly elevate his profile within one of the youngest classes in the state.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director of Scouting
North Dakota
+ Caden Nelson, RHP (Fargo South HS, 2027) | Texas A&M:
“Nelson's coming out party began last March at the North Dakota Preseason ID, which led to a invite to last summer's Future Games, and eventually helped lead to his commitment to the Aggies. The big righty's stock continues to rise and if the trend continues, Nelson could be put on notice from a national level out of the state of North Dakota. The new Aggies commit will be attending the North Dakota Preseason ID again this winter.”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Oregon
+ Landon Elmer, LHP/1B (Sam Barlow HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“The second ranked prospect in Oregon's 2029 player rankings, Elmer will be seen at the invite-only PNW Preseason All-State event this February in Centralia. Elmer impressed in his first Prep Baseball event at Junior Future Games this summer, overpowering hitters with a fastball up to 84.5 MPH from the left side. He was also recently seen at our Holiday Hitter's - Salem event, where he set several new best metrics offensively, including a 96.9 MPH exit velocity. Few 2029's can match the physicality and skill Elmer brings in his 6'1, 185 pound frame, making him a likely star performer at Preseason All-State.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
South Dakota
+ Brady Waddell, RHP/SS (Rapid City Stevens HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“A Future Games participant last summer for Team Midwest, Waddell has a track record of gradual improvement and development each event. The body is still maturing and continues to build on his athleticism. A two-way talented player, that in the track record continues, Waddell could be a for sure watch at the upcoming South Dakota Preseason ID at the end of February.”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Tennessee
+ Connor York, SS (Knoxville Catholic HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :
“Came to our Fall Games at UT. Impressed in every facet, putting up consistent mid 90s exit velocities, threw 92 mph across the infield and ran a 6.89 60 time. Will be one to watch this spring as he could be a sought after true shortstop when his recruiting window opens up.”
– Hunter Martin, State Director
Washington
+ Jonathan Purcell, OF (Moses Lake HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Purcell will be seen at the Central Washington Preseason ID this February after a breakout 2025 at the PNW State Games and West Coast Super Sophomore Games events. The compact-framed sophomore did nothing but hit across the two gameplay events, displaying athleticism and batspeed that should play in a big way as he continues to mature. The lefty has already posted a 6.8 run time and exit velocities into the mid-90's, and with another offseason of development he could easily see another boost in metrics.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
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