Inside the UT 2026 Class Rankings: Top 5 Under the Radar Players
August 30, 2025
As the summer circuit winds down and the fall season approaches, we’ve released our latest update to the Utah Class of 2026 Player Rankings, featuring notable movement within the Top 100. Strong Spring and Summer performances have shifted the landscape, as players continue to raise their profiles and solidify their standing among the State’s Top Prospects.
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This update also welcomes several new faces, showcasing the depth of talent across the State. Many of these uncommitted players stood out with impactful Summers, displaying athleticism, projection, and skillsets that make them exciting follows heading into the Fall. Each brings a fresh dynamic to the class, underscoring the bright future of Utah baseball.
🔝 5 "Under the Radar" Players Going Into Fall 2025
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Caden Imes SS / C / Mountain View, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 9
We begin our list of players I believe can absolutely play at the next level, but are all overlooked or unknown for various reasons. Caden had one of the best offensive seasons in the country last year, and that’s not hyperbole. 37 hits in just 19 games, missing a few due to injury, gave him a .638 AVG which ended up as a top 30 stat Nationally. The best stat of the year may not have been the hits, but the strikeouts; or lack thereof. Caden only struck out 3 times all Season, backing up the insane hit total and consistent display of exceptional bat to ball skills he displayed all Spring. A true utility player in HS, he can play the MIF and will also get behind the plate and hold it down. A great athlete with super high upside, whoever gets Caden in their program will not be disappointed!
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Gannon Labrum OF / Union, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 33 / POS: 7
A large component to why Gannon has remained under the radar, is geographic in nature. I’ve had the chance to see this kid play only a handful of times, but he has impressed each and every opportunity. There is a present physicality with his build that he carries very well. Powerful, athletic CF with plus tools, and the best of those tools being his bat, he is a dangerous hitter from the left side. He attacks pitches inside the zone and has developed legit gap to gap power throughout the year, showcasing pull side HR ability as well. Poised to lead the Cougars back to the 3A Championship game, I anticipate Gannon finding a home at the next level sooner rather than later. This kid can play!
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Hazen Elton C / SS / Lehi, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 36 / POS: 5
An athlete behind the plate, it’s Hazen’s time to help lead one of the premier programs in the State at Lehi. Waiting his time behind a now college player at the Catcher position, Hazen stands to play a crucial role for the Pioneers in 2026. Catch and throw type player defensively, with clean glove work and a confidence teams love to see from their battery. Plus tools all the way around (1.89 pop, 79 Velo, 7.18 Dash, 99.7 EV), Hazen has really impressed all Summer long, while also coming off a State Playoff performance on the mound which saw him go 6+ innings out of the bullpen for a huge Win. A fierce competitor who carries himself well, put this kid down as one to follow all year long as I expect a breakout Senior Season.
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Guss Johnson OF / RHP / Salem Hills, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 62 / POS: 14
Guss was one of the standouts for me over the course of the entire Summer. Although the appearances were brief, he stood out and was very impressive throughout our Top Prospects Games in July. At 6’1” 193 lbs, the two-sport athlete (FB/Baseball) displayed big time tools with repeated success in the workout that potentially projects to play at a high level. A sub 7 in the 60 time (6.99) and power elements from the left side in the box (97.7 max EV), he showcased a real intent to do damage in the box with a flat, repeatable path. Coming off an offensive explosion his Junior season and part of the 30/30 club (33H/33RBI), don’t sleep on Mr Johnson again, or he can beat you at any given time. Look for the Skyhawk Senior to be playing somewhere in 2027!
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Yoshiki Schaugaard OF / Payson, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 100 / POS: 24
It’s not often that a player like Yoshiki flies under the radar to the extent this young man has. An impressive looking athlete that I met and saw for the first time at our UT Tribe Scout Day this Summer. From a purely metrics standpoint, Yoshiki is one of the top athletes in the class. In the top 5% for his class in Exit Velocity and the 60 (99.6/6.78), the tools are clearly there and after putting him through a workout, the skills play. After not playing baseball his Junior Season, he has a big year ahead of him but based on what I see, I would not be shocked if this kid has a great season for the Lions. One of the more intriguing prospects in the Class, I’m eager to follow this next year for Yoshiki.
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