2026 Power 25 Countdown: No. 9 Independence Eagles

The Independence High baseball program finished the 2025 season going 30-15 and were put out by Farragut in the state championship. Going into the spring, the Eagles must replace most of their lineup, but they return some key pieces that should give them a chance in May. 

Leading the Eagles this spring will be 2027 RHP/OF Caleb Carpenter who is a Future Game alum. On the mound, Caleb is an elite competitor who sits in the mid-80s with his fastball along with a curveball and changeup that he can throw in any count. One of the best uncommitted arms in the state of Tennessee that will be a huge get for the team that snatches him up. At the plate, Caleb will hit at the top of the lineup and set the tone for the Eagles offense. Another big returner is 2027 C/OF Lucas Penland who is a versatile athlete that has the ability to play in the outfield or at catcher. At the plate, Lucas has a good mix of power and speed with gap to gap power and 6.78 speed. 2027 C Campbell Carpenter will be the starting catcher that will bring great leadership to the position while also having a sub 2.0 pop time. At the plate, Campbell will hit in the middle of the order and add some real pop to the lineup, and should be an RBI machine for the Eagles. 

The Eagles are loaded in the sophomore class which will be counted on to replace the graduating senior class. Transferring in from Franklin Road Academy is 2028 MIF Tommy Travers who should plug into the top of the lineup and man the shortstop position. At the plate, Tommy is a left-handed hitter that has great bat to ball skills that makes him a high average guy. In the field, Tommy shows advanced actions with a strong arm up to 90 MPH which should keep him in the middle of the field long term. 2028 INF Christopher Skolasky was a mainstay in the lineup in his freshman year and provided great defense and a good on base guy at the bottom of the order. This spring, Christopher will be counted on to have a bigger role higher in the lineup and will be the starting third baseman. Christopher is a good athlete with a frame with room to grow as he continues to get stronger in high school. 2028 LHP Wyatt Haskins is a left-handed pitcher with big upside with a legit breaking ball that has a 2300 spin rate. While Wyatt is only in the mid-80s right now, he comes from a lower slot that creates deception which leads to a lot of swing and miss. 2028 RHP/OF Bryce Giddens is a right-handed arm that also has some legit off speed offerings that sit in the 2700 spin rate range. Bryce also sits in the mid-80s but has a frame that will grow and add some more horsepower. Bryce should also be in the lineup and play outfield for the Eagles.

Independence come into the spring with a much younger group but just as talented, and with a pitching staff that has the chance to be one of the best in the state. The Eagles will certainly be in the discussion in May.