Which prospects created the most buzz in 2025?
December 12, 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: This week, in the spirit of the Winter Meetings, we’re highlighting the Buzziest Names of 2025. Please submit a prospect (or a few) from your state who created the most buzz throughout the year, whether through loud tools, big performances, rising recruiting interest, or notable momentum heading into 2025. Include where you saw them and what fueled their rise.
+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
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+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (12/12):
Alabama
+ Jace Duckett, LHP (Madison County HS, 2027) | Alabama:
“LHP Jace Duckett (Madison County, 2027) has created quite the buzz over the past six months, emerging as the top arm in the state while still only beginning to tap into his considerable upside. Built at a long and highly projectable 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, Duckett boasts loose limbs, easy athletic movements, and a delivery that should continue to add strength and velocity. The southpaw works comfortably at 86–87.4 mph, showing a heavy, sinking fastball that he consistently lands in the zone. His curveball is a legitimate separator, featuring vicious 1–7 bite with spin rates north of 2450 RPM, and his changeup in the upper-70s flashes heavy arm-side fade with advanced feel. With three quality offerings, a confident presence, and significant physical projection still ahead, Duckett owns massive long-term upside and profiles as one of the premier arms in the 2027 class.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
Canada
+ Calum Andersen, RHP (Vauxhall Jets HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Andersen had his breakout year in 2025 as he rose to one of the top players in the country in a matter of months. Andersen immediately stood out in May against one of the top travel programs in the country with pitch-ability being able to miss bats at 83-86 mph with a three-pitch mix. Fast forward to the Future Games, the stuff and velo had sticked up and was now sitting in the 86-89 range with two high-spin breaking balls and a fading changeup. Andersen garnered much deserved attention from college coaches across the country, as well as Baseball Canada, making his first trip on the Junior National Team circuit this fall in the DR. The ceiling is high on Andersen with current stuff and oozing projection at 6-4/185lbs, he won't be uncommitted much longer. ”
– Josh Arce, Scouting Director
Colorado
+ Ethan Wachsmann, RHP (Grandview HS, 2026) | Wake Forest:
“Wachsmann has had a meteoric rise since the 2024 Future Games, but in spring 2025 he firmly put himself on the draft radar as his fastball peaked at 97 mph in the state playoffs. There will certainly be buzz around Wachsmann in 2026, and the fastball could end up in the triple digits by end of next spring, just in time for the MLB draft. What also stands out on Wachsmann is his advanced feel for spin, having his fastball top out at over 2,600 rpm while his off-speed has been seen over 3,100 rpm in the past. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Assistant Director
Illinois
+ Dominic Battista , OF (Oswego East HS, 2026) | Illinois-Chicago :
“Battista is one of the first players that comes to mind when thinking of helium names, particularly for the draft. He's drastically risen his stock over the past year and should certainly be one that pro scouts are out to see in the spring. He's a left-handed hitter with blossoming power and present bat-to-ball ability, paired with premium speed that plays on the bases and out of the box. He can also go get it in the outfield with quality reads off the bat and the ability to cover all sorts of ground, profiling as a true centerfielder that also has a well above-average arm (T94 mph). ”
+ Traxton Roberts , RHP (Armstrong HS, 2027) | Kentucky :
“Roberts is coming off one of the best collective years we have seen in some time, with eye-opening showings both for Team Illinois at the Future Games and at the Illinois State Games where he won Most Valuable Pitcher honors. It would be foolish to think he's going to slow down anytime soon. A small-town kid with a high-waisted 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame and unteachable raw arm-talent, it's really easy to get excited about Roberts and the bright future he has. The fastball already works in the low-90s and pairs with a big, over-the-top breaking ball - and we think there is much more in the tank that will be tapped into sooner rather than later. ”
+ Tristan Steger , C (St. Laurence HS, 2027) | Kentucky :
“Steger really burst onto the scene for us this past summer, quickly earning an invite to represent Team Illinois at the Future Games. The bat is easy to get excited about with a mature approach, power to all fields and impressive bat-to-ball abilities. He's also a hard worker behind the plate that can limit the run game and handle a pitching staff. Perhaps what gets us most excited about Steger is that he will be joining the reigning 3A State Champions after missing a year due to transferring in. Not that the Vikings needed much help with their roster, Steger will provide a very potent punch in the middle of their lineup, and we would not be surprised at all to see him put up monster numbers. ”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Davis Moore, LHP (Zionsville HS, 2027) | Vanderbilt:
“Moore's rise in 2025 brought plenty of attention from our staff, college recruiters, and professional scouts as he ascended to the #3 ranked player in Indiana's 2027 class before verbally committing to Vanderbilt late in the fall. Beginning the year as the #15 prospect on our board, and the top-ranked lefty, Moore transformed from the crafty lefty we saw as a freshman into now the top-ranked arm on our 27 board. His preseason and early spring brought steady gains, and then he exploded down the back-half of the spring season. The buzz began after he 1-hit one of the top teams in the state in a playoff matchup, showing an up-tick in velocity that did not stop there. Coming into the year with a max fastball of 84 mph, Moore grabbed a couple 90's on the summer circuit, and then a 91 at the Future Games without sacrificing the premier strike-throwing abilities that he holds. The velocity jumps he made in 2025 enhanced an already-advanced ability to control the strike-zone, boosting his stock as a prospect, which led to his SEC commitment and an invite to compete at the Underclass Area Code Games. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director
Iowa
+ George Blake, OF/LHP (Indianola HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“George Blake came to his first event this past August, the Iowa State Games and proved himself to be one of the best players in the class of 2027. Currently ranked #4 for the 2027 class in Iowa and overall ranked #238. Running a 6.69 60, throwing 91mph from the outfield and a max exit velocity of 96.2mph, while also showing a 85.8mph fastball on the mound. The 6'4" 180lb frame shows that added weight will increase that exit velocity and mound velocity. He boasts a projectable lean frame with a wiry strong swing that produces consist hard spray contact to both sides of the field with above average tools. On the mound he works with a 3/4 arm slot with above average pitchability, working in and around the zone with a quality 3 pitch mix. ”
– Tyler Cropley, Iowa Scouting Director
Kansas
+ Beau Peterson, 3B (Mill Valley HS, 2026) | Texas:
“Already regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, Peterson shifted into another gear this spring, helping guide Mill Valley back to the state championship and continuing to trend upward from there. Few players generated more buzz across the country throughout the spring and summer. He punctuated his rise with a loud showing on one of the biggest stages of the year at the All-American Game, where he claimed the Home Run Derby crown and later sealed the win for the 2026 class with a clutch two-RBI double that served as an exclamation point on a monster weekend. With some of the easiest raw power in the class and with tools that continues to level up, Peterson enters 2026 as one of the hottest names in the country.”
– Eliott Wilk, Central Region Operations Director
Kentucky
+ Kade Elam, SS (Corbin HS, 2025) | Louisville:
“Elam has been on the Prep Baseball Kentucky radar from the moment we were able to get eyes on him. Dominant on the diamond and the gridiron where he amassed a staggering 8299 yards passing, throwing for 106 TD's, rushing for 39 more, while throwing only 10 interceptions throughout his career as a three year starter.
The video game numbers Kade put up on the diamond were nothing short of jaw dropping as well. As a five year starter (Lost 7th grade season due to covid) for the Hounds he amassed 233 career hits with 83 going for extra bases, scoring 180 runs, 193 RBI, with 56 stolen bases, while hitting to the tune of (8th grade moving forward) .375, .454, .438, .372, and .455 his senior campaign. During his High School career he helped lead the school to 128 wins on the diamond as well.
Elam started gaining some draft momentum at the end of the 24' Summer while playing for Ron Slusher and his powerhouse Ohio Warhawks. Following that big Summer he caught the eye of Vice President of scouting Shooter Hunt and received an invite to the prestigious Super 60. This was truly his coming out party for all of MLB to see as he showed off silky smooth hands with above average footwork, exit velocities consistently in triple digits, while running an impressive 6.68 60.
This momentum carried over into the Spring where front office staff and cross checkers were a staple for the 6'1" 215 pound current Louisville athlete. Multiple organizations were calling the Redhounds SS before and during the July draft but he held steady with his commitment to the Cards. Elam had a massive fall for Louisville and all indications point a possible starting role at 2nd base this Spring being paired up the middle with Alex Alicea. This should give Head Coach Dan McDonnell one the top up the middle duos in the ACC and possibly the Country. Look for a big year from the Redhounds legend who could be a high level day one name to remember in a couple of years.”
+ Dylan McIntyre, RHP (Larry A. Ryle HS, 2025) | San Jacinto:
“This young man was one of our staff favorites for years since we saw him first in 2021. An undersized Righty from Northern Kentucky with some serious whip to the arm. we knew there was a chance for Dylan to be special by the end of his storied High School career and he certainly proved us right. Let's take a look at the progression from the former Team Kentucky Future Games standout over the years that led to some MLB draft calls this past July however, those offers that could not sway him from his commitment to JUCO powerhouse San Jacinto.
In 2022 he showed up to our Pre Season All State event working a Fastball 78-81with a top velocity of 82. The velocity did not deter Head Coach Joe Aylor as he ran the young Freshman out to take his lumps to the tune of a 3-6 record with a 6.93 ERA. This proved to be valuable experience for McIntyre leading into what would be a solid Sophomore campaign going 7-2, 56K's, with a 2.06 ERA. This led us to bring him to Lake Point when the light really turned on where he was dominant while showing yet another velocity jump from 89 MPH at '23 Pre Season All State up to 92 MPH with a now firmly developed slider at over 2600 RPM. Junior season he was 6-0, 85 K's, and 1.82 ERA. Senior season 7-1, 84 K's, and a miniscule 0.62 ERA while now consistently running the heater comfortably in the 92-93 MPH range.
McIntyre set the school record for strike outs in a career, threw the first and only perfect game in school history, was named 9th Region Player of The Year, 1st team Prep Baseball Kentucky All State, and is now expected to be one of the top arms on an always loaded San Jac Ravens staff.
Now working in the 93-95 MPH range McIntyre is a name to keep an eye on this season and moving forward.”
– Jamie Tessoff, Scouting Director
Louisiana
+ Kade Luker, LHP/OF (Cedar Creek HS, 2027) | Louisiana State University:
“Luker entered 2025 inside the Top-10 of our state rankings for the 2027 class, but his performances across the summer and fall have vaulted him into the conversation as one of the premier left-handed pitching prospects in the entire country. The LSU commit was dominant in his Game 3 start against Oklahoma at the 2025 Future Games, punching out five over two scoreless innings without issuing a walk.
Working exclusively from the stretch, Luker repeats a fluid, whippy arm action from a lower three-quarter slot with a 5-foot release height that creates uncomfortable angles and deception. The low release point allows his 88–91 mph fastball to play even firmer, riding through the zone and missing bats at a high rate. He pairs it with a sharp 71–74 mph curveball that shows true 1–7 shape, a pitch he can land for strikes early or bury late in counts. A late-fading 80–81 mph changeup rounds out a well-sequenced three-pitch mix that keeps hitters guessing.
With his combination of polish, power stuff, and athleticism, Luker enters the spring with as much momentum as any player in Louisiana’s 2027 class—and his trajectory is still pointing sharply upward.”
– Alex Armand, State Director
Massachusetts
+ Patrick Bryan, C/3B (Dexter Southfield HS, 2027) | Stanford:
“Showed up at the summer TPG at BC. The skill set is very advanced and he should walk right on campus and compete for the job. He switch hits and shows a good feel for what he is doing from both sides. He can really catch and throw. Showed well at the Future Games as well. ”
– Dennis Healy, New England Scouting Director
Minnesota
+ Connor Finn, LHP (Mahtomedi HS, 2026) | Texas Tech:
“Finn was one of the more talked about names since last March after his Preseason All State performance with a low 90s fastball. The big 6-foot-4, 200-pound lefty arm accepted his spot on Team Plains for the Sr. Future Games team and did not disappoint. A big performance created a big following and recruiting interest which eventually led to a commitment to Texas Tech.”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
New Jersey
+ Jason Amalbert, SS/OF (DePaul Catholic HS, 2026) | Oklahoma:
“Over the last twelve months, few players in the country have generated as much buzz as Amalbert. He announced himself at the 2024 Northeast ProCase, showcasing true elite raw power and posting triple‑digit exit velocities with a wood bat. Following a highly productive high school season of 9 home runs, 17 extra‑base hits, a .470 average, and a 1.41 slug—Amalbert backed it up with a dominant summer circuit against premier national competition. His performance solidified his status as one of the top bats in the class, ultimately earning a commitment to Oklahoma. He now looks to continue trending upward as he enters the next phase of his development.”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout
North Dakota
+ Cason Borchardt, OF/LHP (Horace High School HS, 2027) | Oregon:
“Future Games standout and Oregon commit, Borchardt has been one of the more talked about names coming out of the Dakotas. Ranked 1st in the 2027 grad class and 184th nationally, the left-handed hitting outfielder didn't take long after the summer to commit to the Ducks. There is much to like about the young two-way talent, and with continued development could make him a follow from scouts next spring.”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Oklahoma
+ Wyatt Pendergraph, RHP (Blanchard HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Pendergraph was extremely valuable for 4A State Champion Blanchard throughout the 2025 season as they finished their year with a 35-1 record. His stock rose at a feverish clip throughout the spring and into the summer as he showed the ability to get outs at a high level, attacking the zone with a 3-pitch mix. In 36.1 IP last spring, the 6'2" and 195 pound right hander went 7-0, added 2 saves, and punched out 40 while only allowing 24 hits - finishing with a .963 ERA. A Future Games participant for Team Oklahoma, Pendergraph was forced into action nearly two innings early due to an injury and his competitiveness took over as he excelled with a high-ride fastball (23" max IVB) and tunneled swing-and-miss slider. A must-know name for schools at the next level, the work-horse frame, competitiveness, and ability to land multiple pitches in the zone make Wyatt Pendergraph an exciting prospect in the 2027 class.”
+ Wade Webb, OF (Mount St. Mary HS, 2027) | Uncomitted:
“Webb consistently finds ways to impact baseball games at a high level with one of the more well-rounded skillsets in the state. The Mount St. Mary utility man excels in the outfield, showing the ability to play all three spots, but has shown the versatility and athleticism to defend on the infield when needed. Offensively, his stock continued to rise throughout a monster spring that featured one of the more mature approaches for a high school prospect you'll find as he racked up extra base hits to all parts of the yard. Returning as part of a potent Rockets lineup, Webb will be a huge part of a 2026 squad's success impacting games at the plate, on the bases, and in the field.”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director
Oregon
+ Joe Mendazona Jr, C/RHP (Central HS, 2027) | TCU:
“Mendazona's status as a premier talent in the area was noted heading into 2025, and his strong year helped propel him to the top spot in Oregon's 2027 rankings earlier this summer. The 6'3 athlete gained buzz with his loud toolset, on display in the spring high school season and at this summer's PNW State Games. Mendazona drove balls up to 100.7 MPH from the left side of the dish while running a 6.98 60-time, displaying his power bat and athleticism in-game as well. The junior also flashed plus arm strength that translated on the mound and at the catcher position, with 83 MPH throws and a 1.81 pop time. On the mound, Mendazona also ran his fastball up to 89 MPH for strikes in a shorter stint. The TCU commit should be an early contributor if he makes it to campus and continues to gain momentum as a name to know.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
Pennsylvania
+ Andrew Costello, C (Cathedral Prep HS, 2026) | Wake Forest:
“Costello has been a household name in Pennsylvania for some time, and after performing at a high level on the biggest stages, he’s now generating legitimate national buzz. In the updated 2026 rankings, he climbed more than sixty spots to No. 64 nationally and now sits No. 2 in the state. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound backstop is physically mature and consistently produces against top competition, playing the game with advanced feel and impact.”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout
Tennessee
+ Will Brick, C (Christian Brothers HS, 2026) | Mississippi State:
“Not many prospects have seen this steep of a rise, but it doesn't come as a surprise whatsoever. Brick was one of two non-seniors to make the Team USA- 18U team where he finished on the All-World Team, while simultaneously collecting a Gold Medal. Brick has very natural athletic ability behind the dish with advanced receiving/blocking and throwing skills that make him one of the top backstops in the country regardless of class. Reclassing to the 2026 class should have him right in-line with his age group. The bat has trended upwards over the last year and has he continues to add strength to his profile, should start hitting for more power. One of the top players in the country and an even better kid for an all-around great makeup that looks positioned to hear his name earlier than later in this summer's upcoming MLB draft.”
– Hunter Martin, Scouting Director
Texas
+ Grady Emerson, SS (Fort Worth Christian HS, 2026) | Texas:
“Top 2026 prospect. Athletic shortstop with actions, body control, and agility to stay in the middle of the field. Makes plays consistently. Advanced all-fields approach with line-drive contact; has hit all summer at major events. Power projects to develop with added strength. Plus runner. Will be heavily scouted throughout the spring.”
+ Cole Koeninger, SS/RHP (Keller HS HS, 2026) | Tennessee:
“Premier 2026 prospect, two-way talent who will be heavily scouted next spring. Pro build, looks the part.
+ Defensively: Solid actions, makes plays on the move. Future home will be determined by whether he sticks at SS or shifts to 3B.
+ Offensively: Can impact the baseball, with tools to be an impactful hitter; will need to prove consistency at the plate. 6.6 runner with raw tools.
+ On the mound: Plus FB, 92–95 (T97) with power stuff. Shows ability to spin both SL and CB with plus action. Strike-thrower who maintains stuff in a starting role. Next spring will determine whether he projects best as a hitter or pitcher.”
+ Sebastian Castillo , SS (Byron Nelson HS, 2027) | LSU:
“Sebastian moves to 3rd in the rankings. Tools with ability to play the game. Everytime I have see him play he does something to help his team. Defensively, has actions, makes plays on the move making it look easy. He rakes showing power. Other players in TX may have perceived higher ceilings, but, if were picking teams to play a game right now. He goes 1st.”
– Max Semler Texas Scouting Director
Vermont
+ Kaiden McCarthy, RHP (Vermont Academy HS, 2027) | Tennessee:
“He was a pretty well known arm out of New England going into the Future Games. His performance was impressive to say the least. Above average stuff and showed good feel for what he was doing. Should have to make a decision on MLB or school when high school ends. ”
– Dennis Healy, New England Scouting Director
Washington
+ Kobe Reese, OF (Eastside Catholic HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Few prospects in Washington boast a louder toolset than Reese, and the sophomore worked his way further up the top ten player ranks with his strong set of looks this year. The 6'4, 210 pound prospect looks the part physically and has tremendous raw strength, generating lightning quick hand speed to produce exit velocities up to 106.4 MPH from the left side. The power translated in-game at West Coast Super Sophomore Games this fall with multiple extra base-hits to the big part of the field. Reese's profile will likely be in a corner OF spot, with a 7.3 run time and throws up to 90 MPH generated in showcase looks. The Eastside Catholic prospect has already drawn the attention of pro scouts in the area and will be highly sought after during the 2028 recruiting period next summer.”
– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout
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