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Today we release a late summer update to the 2027 class, our fourth and final update of the year. This update has the class expanding from the Top 150 to the Top 175. Ultimately by this time next year, this class will have expanded to its final number of ranked players, the Top 250. Below we highlight a few players that our staff had an opportunity to gather evaluations on this spring during the high school season.

2027 Rankings Stories:

Rankings Risers

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+ Nico Moritz-Toledo - OF - Battlefield HS - Virginia Tech

While it is obvious to see the best tool for Moritz-Toledo has long been the run tool, the offense has really made a jump, as well as the defense. The bat to ball has never really been a major issue, it has more been his quality of contact and the true impact of his at bats as a whole. While they were limited looks this summer and fall, he showed the uptick in those areas, especially the quality of contact. His performance at the Procase was probably the biggest eye opener, especially considering some of the arms he was facing when he produced the offense he did, including a homerun out of right center. The speed plays out of the box and he is able to get accelerate and get up to speed so effortlessly. For us, he has separated himself from the pack in this class. His run tool is the best tool of any player in this class, and pair that with his offense from the left side and improved defense, it was an easy decision to move the Virginia Tech commit to the #1 spot.

The now JMU commit make a fairly sizable jump, moving from #16 to #11 in the 2027 class. Athletic 6-foot frame, moves with intent, and has one of the better out pitches in this group. The low 80's slider flashes at times a college ready offering. The arm speed and manner in which he attacks hitters bring a lot to the table. We had a chance to see Zim this fall and he was overpowering at times. It gives some reliever feel with the intent in which he works, but last spring was a clear indicator that he has the stuff to get deeper into outings and some starter potential. The slider is the separator that will allow him to work through a lineup two or three times. He can use it to hitters from both sides, can use it early and late in counts, and it is one of the best breaking balls in the state. He should be a huge asset to Highland this spring, especially with some of their turnover of arms from last season.

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+ Cam Bates - IF/RHP - Bishop O'Connell

One of the better uncommitted infielders remaining in this class, Bates brings some versatility and still has some two-way potential long term. Depending on the level of play in college will determine a little bit of where he lands position vs. arm, but his arm strength and competitveness on the mound certainly leave some future intrigue. Positionally, Bates is an above average runner (6.73), has above average arm strength across the infield, and shows some impact potential in the bat. At the plate the path has medium to slightly longer length, square setup with a toe tap to stride, and lands slightly closed. He has shown some carry in the gaps and a little bit more from pull side gap to the line. Positional future, would lean a little more second base, but has the footspeed and arm strength to contribute on the left side. He will certainly have some protection around him in the lineup this year at Bishop O'Connell with names like Jack Woda, Bryant James, Walker McElwain, and the rest of the Knights lineup. This could be a huge asset to Bates having a big spring for DJO. 

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+ Caden Stancil - RHP - Dominion Sports Collective

Long and lanky 6-foot-1 frame and still has some room to fill. Steady tempo and pace on the mound, medium leg lift, and is an open lander getting down the mound. The arm swing is more one piece and posts up a little on the backside before getting through from a three-quarter slot. Stancil has always shown some pitchability, but it is the velo jump and uptick in stuff that has caused this step up in the rankings. The right hander moves up nearly forty spots to just outside the Top 50. This fall he generally sat in the 84-87 range and touched 88-89 at times. The slider sits in the mid 70's with two plane action and he has a solid feel for the zone. His continued growth should be on full display this spring at DSC.