Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Prep Baseball KC Winter Watchlist- Corner Infielders

February 17, 2026
LJ Hatch
Director of Scouting- Prep Baseball Tournaments KC

Prep Baseball Kansas City Winter Watchlist

As we roll through the winter, our Kansas City staff has a short list of players we’re especially fired up to see as showcase season heats up ahead of a massive 2026 spring. Follow along as we highlight some of the standout players we’ll be tracking at winter showcases, names we’re excited about now and expect to make serious noise heading into 2026.

Corner Infielders

Aedyn Acosta 1B / OF / Bishop Carroll, KS / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 31 / POS: 4

Acosta is one of the players we’re most excited to follow this next year, and he had a strong showing at the Wichita Preseason ID. The Building Champions 1B/OF posted an exit velocity up to 99.1 MPH and an infield velocity of 82 MPH. We’re looking forward to seeing what he brings to his spring high school season at Bishop Carroll.

Aedyn Acosta - (02/06/2026)

 

 

Jake Bartley 1B / OF / Abilene, KS / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 3

Jake Bartley showed this summer that he can be an impact bat and come through in the clutch. The Prime 27:17 1B/OF powered his team to the Fall Classic Championship, delivering a walk-off double in the quarterfinals and a walk-off homer in the semifinals. Bartley showed that same power at the MOKAN Preseason ID, where he posted exit velocities into the 103 MPH range along with an 82 MPH bat speed.

 

 

Cale Fossett 3B / RHP / Shawnee Mission South, KS / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 4

Fossett was a regular presence at Prep Kansas City tournaments this year, giving us a solid look at the KCK Community College commit. What stands out is his pop at the plate, which was on full display at the MOKAN Preseason ID when he maxed out with a 103 MPH exit velocity. The senior at Shawnee Mission South will look to add to a deep lineup aiming for a strong run this spring.

 

 

Hudson Hardesty 1B / LHP / Lawrence, KS / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 1

The 2025 Future Games first baseman for Team Kansas is a player we’re high on and excited to see develop. Hardesty boasts one of the best left-handed bats in the state, which was on full display all summer with the Royals Scout Team. He had a strong showing at the MOKAN Preseason ID, posting exit velocities near 100 MPH and consistently driving line drives to the back of the cage.

 

 

Jagger Jackson 1B / RHP / Savannah, MO / 2028

Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 2

Jackson was a difference-maker this summer for Building Champions, excelling both at the plate and in the field. He showed his power coming along nicely at the MOKAN Preseason ID, reaching a max exit velocity of 101 MPH. He also displayed smooth skills at first base during the defensive portion of the showcase. Jagger is a player we’ll be watching closely this spring.

 

 

Riley McEvoy 3B / OF / Spring Hill, KS / 2029

Rankings  StateRank: 14 / POS: 2

Riley is one of our most exciting 2029 prospects, and we’ve been watching him all year. McEvoy first impressed us with his disciplined approach at the plate, consistently working himself into good counts throughout the spring. At the Kansas City Preseason ID, the 6-foot-3, 170-pound freshman showcased his tools, posting a 96 MPH exit velocity and an 81 MPH infield velocity. McEvoy will look to compete for a spot on a strong Spring Hill roster this spring.

 

 

Aidan Nicholson 3B / RHP / Liberty, MO / 2028

Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 3

Nicholson may have the highest ceiling of anyone on our list. The 2025 Super Sophomore stands an athletic 6-foot-3, weighs 200 pounds, and is still developing his power. At the MOKAN Preseason ID, he posted a 100 MPH exit velocity and an 87 MPH infield velocity. Even more impressive was his footwork and glovework on defense, which suggests he is likely to remain at the hot corner in high school.

 

 

Follow along as we take a deeper look at some of the players we’re excited to see develop through winter training as they prepare for a big spring season. Be sure to follow @PrepBaseballKC on X and @prepbaseballkc on Instagram. You can also follow me on X at @ljhatchpb and on Instagram at @ljhatchprepbaseball for more content as we navigate the winter leading into spring.