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This rankings update takes a look at some movement as a result of fall performances in front of our staff. There were a few different ways to get in front of our staff this fall and some players took advantage of those opportunities by showing extremely well in those settings. Today we take a look at some big risers inside of this rankings update. Each player's breakdown includes notes on their specific performance and some video from those times that we saw them.

VA/DC Class of 2026: Risers

Henry Brown 3B / 1B / Frank W Cox High, VA / 2026 Brown has been a bat that has been on the rise since the spring, and he continued that trajectory this fall. It is a physical left-handed bat that has shown the ability to hit for average and some power. It is above-average bat speed and a bat path that looks to lift the baseball with impact from gap to gap. He has shown some ability on the mound as well with a fastball that has crept into the upper eighties. His best secondary is the changeup that has late fade and tumble. Defensively it is a corner profile, but the offense carries the profile for the future Ram.

Liam Heffernan OF / OF / Briar Woods High, VA / 2026 There is physicality to Heffernan’s game that gives you an impact bat to go along with his athleticism. He put together consistent at-bats throughout the summer and fall, showing a hit tool with some impact. He whips the barrel through the zone with line drive tendencies that work the gaps for extra bases. It is a corner outfield profile that has the athleticism and instincts to be an above-average defensive outfielder. As he continues to add strength to the lean frame, he has a chance to increase that power potential.

Damian Sasser C / OF / Churchland High, VA / 2026 Coming off of a strong summer, Sasser continued to make impressions with his combination of athleticism and his ability to hit. He keeps a level barrel path and uses the big part of the field in his approach. Behind the plate, it is above average arm strength that has quick exchanges to have a chance to manage the run game. As he continues to develop, he can help increase the offensive upside to go along with the defensive ability.

Aidan Spagna C / OF / Independence High, VA / 2026 It has been remarkable to see the progress that Spagna has made through this calendar year. He continues to work on his all-around game and has improved in all areas. The hit tool has been on display since the spring and didn’t show any signs of slowing down this fall. The impact has continued to head in the right direction, with most of the impact going to the pull side. He is a plus receiver behind the plate, with the arm strength continuing to get better. It is a strong frame that can continue to add strength, which will only continue to amplify his game.

Mark Van Tuyle RHP / OF / Heritage (Leesburg), VA / 2026 It was good to see Van Tuyle back at full strength as our staff got multiple looks this fall, and it seemed like he was picking up where he left off when we had last seen him. A big thing for him this fall was the velocity increase on the fastball. It was seen up to 91 that he attacked the corners with. The separator was the plus breaking ball that is his go-to pitch. It is a high spin rate slider that can generate plenty of whiffs in and out of the zone for an out pitch. He does show a third pitch with the changeup, but the fastball and slider combination is enough to overwhelm opposing hitters.