Prep Baseball Report

2026 Union County Patriots Team Preview


Prep Baseball Tennessee Staff

The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.

High School: Union County High School
Head Coach: Chris Russell
TSSAA Classification: 3A
District: 4 Region 2
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 21-17

 


ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

  • SS/RHP Brady Stinnett (2026)
  • SS Aiden Bowman (2027)
  • 3B Daniel Bailey (2026)
  • OF/RHP Brandon Reed (2026)
  • C Aiden Skiles (2026)
  • 1B Maddix Wyrick (2026)
  • OF/RHP Paxton Barnes (2026)
  • C Samual Johnson (2028)


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • Brady Stinnett
  • Aiden Skiles
  • Brandon Reed
  • Paxton Barnes
  • Abel Harless
  • Bentyn Ford

More Names to Know

2027s:

  • Zander Martin

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • Bentyn Ford (2029)
  • Abel Harless (2029)
  • Wyatt Lampkin (2029)
  • Luke Johnson (2028)
  • Sam Johnson (2028)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Union County enters the 2026 season coming off a 21–17 campaign with a roster that blends senior leadership, multi-positional depth, and a deep collection of arms. Under head coach Chris Russell, the Patriots return a battle-tested core that gained valuable experience in 3A District 4 play and now looks to take another step forward in Region 2 competition.

The offense is built around a strong 2026 class that brings both stability and versatility. Brady Stinnett (2026) headlines the group as a true two-way piece, capable of impacting the game at shortstop and on the mound. His competitiveness and ability to handle premium defensive responsibilities make him a central figure in Union County’s identity. Daniel Bailey (2026) provides a steady presence at third base, while Maddix Wyrick (2026) anchors first base and offers run-producing potential in the middle of the lineup.

Behind the plate, Aiden Skiles (2026) and Samual Johnson (2028) give Union County depth and flexibility. Skiles’ experience and ability to manage the pitching staff will be critical in tight district matchups, while Johnson represents a younger piece already factoring into meaningful varsity innings. In the outfield, Brandon Reed (2026) and Paxton Barnes (2026) bring athleticism and two-way value, each capable of contributing offensively while also taking innings on the mound. Aiden Bowman (2027) adds further stability in the infield, projecting as another key piece as the season unfolds.

On the mound, Union County’s strength lies in its depth. Stinnett, Skiles, Reed, and Barnes headline a staff that features multiple interchangeable options. That flexibility allows the Patriots to manage workloads and tailor matchups throughout the week. Younger arms such as Abel Harless (2029) and Bentyn Ford (2029) add intriguing upside, while their early varsity exposure could pay dividends as the season progresses.

The 2027 class, including Zander Martin, continues to develop and gives the program continuity beyond this spring. Meanwhile, underclass contributors like Wyatt Lampkin (2029) and Luke Johnson (2028) represent the next wave of talent pushing for expanded roles.

With a veteran-heavy 2026 core, multiple two-way contributors, and a pitching staff capable of spreading innings across several arms, Union County enters 2026 as a balanced and competitive club. If the Patriots can string together consistent offensive production and solidify defined roles on the mound, they have the pieces in place to build on last year’s winning record and position themselves for another postseason push in 3A.


Find more information on Union County High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @unioncountybase
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

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