Gaven French Named Prep Baseball Tennessee POTY
June 3, 2026
TENNESSEE - Every spring, the race for Prep Baseball Tennessee Player of the Year features no shortage of deserving candidates. The 2026 season was no different, as standout performances emerged from every corner of the state and across every classification. From dominant arms to prolific offensive producers, numerous players built strong cases throughout the spring. In the end, however, one player consistently separated himself from the pack with his impact on both sides of the ball while helping lead one of Alabama's premier programs back to championship weekend.
For his outstanding junior campaign and instrumental role in guiding Heritage to a 35-14 record this spring, SS/RHP Gaven French has been named the 2026 Prep Baseball Tennessee Player of the Year.
Gaven French Named '26 Prep Baseball Tennessee POTY 🏅
Ranked No. 4 in Tennessee's 2027 class, French assembled one of the state's most impressive all-around campaigns this spring, solidifying himself as one of the premier prospects in the Southeast. The standout junior was a difference-maker in every phase of the game for the Mountaineers, excelling as a true two-way talent and consistently impacting outcomes with both his offensive production and dominance on the mound throughout the season.
Gavin French’s remarkable two-way performance earned him the title of Prep Baseball Tennessee Player of the Year after a spring season packed with standout achievements. At the plate, French was an offensive force, hitting .463 while racking up 16 doubles, a triple, and an impressive 17 home runs, driving in 56 runs. His all-around offensive production was highlighted by a 1.575 OPS and a .598 on-base percentage, showing his ability to impact games consistently. He also added 12 stolen bases, adding speed to his already impressive offensive arsenal. On the mound, French was just as dominant, finishing with a 9-1 record and two saves. Across 65.1 innings pitched, he posted a stellar 1.17 ERA, struck out 109 batters, and held opposing hitters to a .160 batting average. His command was evident with a 0.980 WHIP, making him a true force on both sides of the ball all season long.
Past Prep Baseball Tennessee POTY
French becomes the latest player to earn Prep Baseball Tennessee Player of the Year honors, joining an impressive list of former recipients that includes former draft picks, current high-level college standouts, and some of the most accomplished players in state history.
- 2026 Gaven French (Heritage)
- 2025 Blake Lundy (Baylor School)
- 2024 Tomas Valincius (Baylor School)
- 2023 Dylan Loy (Pigeon Forge)
- 2021 Cooper Kinney (Baylor School)
- 2019 Jacob Tate (Christian Academy of Knoxville)
UPCOMING 2026 SUMMER EVENTS ⤵️
| SHOWCASE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Nashville Summer ID | 06/09 | Lipscomb Academy |
| Nashville Rising Stars ID | 06/09 | Lipscomb Academy |
| Memphis Summer ID | 06/16 | USA Stadium |
| Memphis Rising Stars ID | 06/16 | USA Stadium |
| Clarksville Summer ID | 06/30 | Austin Peay State University |
| Clarksville Rising Stars ID | 06/30 | Austin Peay State University |
| Murfreesboro Summer ID | 07/01 | Riverdale High School |
| Murfreesboro Rising Stars ID | 07/01 | Riverdale High School |
| Top Prospect Games: Knoxville | 07/07 | University of Tennessee |
| Chattanooga Summer ID | 07/14 | Chattanooga State CC |
| Chattanooga Rising Stars ID | 07/14 | Chattanooga State CC |
| Nashville Summer ID - Session II | 07/28 | Lipscomb Academy |
| Nashville Rising Stars ID - Session II | 07/28 | Lipscomb Academy |
Related Content:
- TN Gaven French Named Prep Baseball Tennessee POTY 6/03/26
- TN Tennessee Top Prospect Games: TrackMan Files 6/01/26
- TN Tennessee Power 25: Final 2026 Edition 6/01/26
- TN Tennessee Top Prospect Games: Statistical Leaderboards 5/29/26
- TN Tennessee Class of 2027 Player Rankings: Post-Spring Update 5/27/26
- TN Tennessee Top Prospect Games: Event Preview 5/25/26
- TN TN Daily Roundup: May 20th 5/21/26
- TN TN Daily Roundup: May 19th 5/20/26
- TN Future Gamers in the 2026 TSSAA State Tournament 5/19/26
- TN TN Daily Roundup: May 14th 5/15/26
