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 Throw Tool Class of 2026

William Pepper SS / RHP / Spring Hill, KS / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 2

Pepper, who was also one of our top defenders, is among the top throwers in the 2028 class. A true two-way prospect, he has the potential to develop into a game changer either on the mound or in the field as he continues through his high school career.

Pepper raised eyebrows with a strong performance at the Central Super Sophomore Games for the Select team. His arm strength has been trending upward since July, when he recorded an 86 MPH infield velocity and an 80.4 MPH fastball. That jump continued in November at the Mac-N-Seitz Scout Day, where his infield velocity climbed to 90 MPH and his fastball topped out at 85.9 MPH.

We’re excited to see what the next few years have in store for Pepper. With more physical growth still ahead, paired with his skill set and overall athleticism, he has the look of another potential Power 4 shortstop to come out of Spring Hill.

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