As we look back on the 2025 summer tournament circuit here in Kansas City, we’ll be breaking down the top players by tool from each class — based on evaluations from our scouting team at Homefield and Creekside. Follow along as we take a deep dive into these players and highlight the summers they put together. Each week will feature our top five players based on each tool from the class, presented in no particular order.

Top Defenders Class of 2026

Ethan Bass SS / RHP / Glenbrook North, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 24 / POS: 9

Ethan Bass slides into our top defenders list as one of the top athletes and overall players in the country. The Wake Forest commit is a two-time Prep Baseball All-American, and his defensive ceiling may be the highest on our top-five list for the 2026 class. Bass has the tools to be a true impact player at the Division I level as he continues to polish his game. He served as a steady, consistent presence at shortstop for Top Tier Americans 17U this summer at the Midwest Premier Super 17, impacting the game in every phase for his team.

Bass shows advanced athleticism in the infield with smooth footwork, balance on the move, and the ability to make strong throws from multiple arm slots. Add in the 90 mph infield velocity, and there are very few plays Bass cannot make. What stands out most is the confidence he brings to the dirt. Flair mixed with skill that allows him to make big-time defensive plays. That confidence is a major step for an infielder with professional aspirations. We’re excited to see the strides he makes over the next year, and we believe Bass’s best days are still ahead of him.

Follow along on X: @ljhatchpb and Instagram: @ljhatchprepbaseball as we continue breaking down the top tools from this past summer.