VA/DC Class of 2027 Rankings: Top 175
December 17, 2025
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Today we release a late fall/early winter update to the 2027 class, our fourth and final update of 2025. This update has the class expanding from the Top 150 to the Top 175.
Today we will focus on players from inside 76-175 range of our rankings update, including some fall standouts that made a jump.
2027 Rankings Stories:
+ Walker McElwain - 1B - Bishop O'Connell
Strong 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. Big time raw power with above average bat and hand speed at the plate. McElwain has a chance to have big run production numbers at Bishop O'Connell this spring. Lower and deeper hand load, works in rhythm with his lift, and attacks contact out front. There is intent to do damage and the approach does not really shy away from that fact. More first base defensive profile long term with middle of the order run production offensive makeup. This biggest determining factor in the future here will be how often can he get to that higher end raw power.
+ Sam Capuano - RHP - Patriot HS
Just an easy and clean operation here with plenty to dream on. Normal effort delivery, repeats it well, and slider plays extremely well off of the fastball. While the fastball usually sits in the 83-86 mph range, it is a fairly tighter velo split with the 76-77 mph two plane slider. The slider has some late action and is an above average high school offering that should only continue to get better. The 6-foot-3, 174-pound frame has a solid foundation and should only get better as he continues to mature and add strength.
+ Bryson Pickeral - RHP - Paul VI
Broad shouldered 6-foot-2, 195-pound projectable frame. Delivery works with some pace and intent, slightly above normal effort, and it tends to have a little funk that can make it a tough look for hitters, especially with a few extra moving parts for Pickeral. Short quick arm action with some whip. While the spin metrics are a little bit above average, the mid 80's pitch itself tends to work downhill and in the bottom half of the zone. Firm breaking ball with shorter shape. The 76-79 mph offering tends to be a little bit of a downer in action and not as much lateral break to it. He gets to the glove side half really well and has shown an above average feel for the fastball to that side. With a senior loaded staff at Paul VI this year, it will be interesting to see his development and how he continues to progress on the mound.
+ Ethan Wayman - RHP - Christiansburg HS - Radford
Proportional 6-foot, 190-pound frame. Slow build up in the delivery and some late intent through release. Wraps it a little on the backside, but can really turn the corner with some arm speed. Usually works in the 83-86 range and can run it up to 87 on occasion. Has shown the ability to land two breaking balls, with the slider being the true out pitch of the two. The curveball tends to have a little big bigger shape and seems more early count type of pitch, while the upper 70's slider is the putaway. Should be a big piece of the Christiansburg staff this spring and beyond. Radford commit.