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Today we release a late winter/early spring update to the 2028 class, our first update of the calendar year. This update has the class expanding from the Top 100 to the Top 125. While the majority of the top tier of this class remains unchanged, there has been considerable movement in the middle and few guys have shown some tools that have made an impact on our staff. This update highlights some players that we have seen in a variety of settings early on this year, including events, scrimmages, and gameplay. Below we take a look at some of those players that have made jumps, are new faces, or look primed for a big year in 2026.

2028 Rankings Update

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+ Logan Carter - OF - Riverbend HS

Explosive athlete with some standout tools. That is a good starter for this talented 2028. Above average runner, turning out a 3.83 30 and a 1.59 10-yard split. Big arm strength to go along with the footspeed, getting up to 93 mph on his outfield throws. It is a longer arm swing and pretty involved, but still plenty of arm for all three outfield positions. At the plate it is medium length to the path, best impact is to the pull side, and the operation gets a little pull dominant at times. His ability to impact the game in a variety of ways and his athletic upside leave plenty to like long term for the Riverbend HS product. 

On the young side of this class, not turning 16 until late in his sophomore year. Adding to the youth are the youthful features for the West Potomac right hander, leaning to plenty of projection left for Winkelfoos. Having seen him twice so far this calendar year, Winkelfoos is going to work mostly in the 84-87 mph range, and will run a few 88-89's at times. The fastball has life out of the hand and when he stays on the slider, it is a legitimate out pitch. The slider is tight in shape and is firm at 76-78 mph, leading us to believe there is still more velo in the tank. Is an open lander and can work a little side to side at times, but when he has good direction and stays through the ball, he shows some real intrigue.

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+ Jackson Schmidt - RHP - Gonzaga College HS

One of the biggest arm standouts of the winter. Slow build up in the delivery and adds some late intent. Works from a higher three-quarter arm slot with above average arm speed through release. Having thrown his fair share of innings on varsity last season as a freshman, Schmidt should see his usage and production creep up this year. Last season there were stretches where command was an issue, but in his lone start this year it looks to have improved. The arm talent and potential stuff are there, now it is continuing to mature in his pitchability and ability to produce consistent outings versus quality competition.

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+ James Bacher - C - Madison HS

While there are no "big tools", Bacher's steadiness and ability to consistently produce results allows him to move up ten spots in this update. Some of the more consistent barrels we saw all winter. Line drive after line drive, on time and on barrel, and the swing has the ability to play in game. There is controlled intent, consistent approach, and a sense of being able to be the low pulse guy that has a chance to continue improve on his all around game. Pretty even and proportional frame, quick release with average to slightly above arm strength behind the plate, and solid receiver. He could be a big impact player at Madison this spring and will be a close follow in this catching class.

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+ Ryan Waddell - RHP/SS - Western Branch HS

Lean and long levered 6-foot-2 frame. True sophomore that is a touch on the younger side, age and physical features. Waddell certainly has projection left and there's a chance he could be the next big name to come out of the Bruins' program. Two-way abilities, with some loud barrels at the plate and some arm talent on the mound. Offensively, there are some moving parts at the plate, but he is able to generate above average hand and bat speed through the zone. Fluid mover on the mound with slightly above normal effort in the delivery. Waddell was 87-89 mph with the fastball and threw a slider that was mostly in the 73-75 mph range. Probably more sweeper that has some inconsistent shape, but flashes above average potential. As a staff, we would put the arm over the position right now, but there is some impact in the bat that is hard to walk away from. Regardless of where he ends up, there are some potential carrying tools there to make him a very close follow this spring and summer as he moves towards the opening of his recruitment time.

The first thing that stands out is the physicality he has added to his athletic frame. Listed at 6-foot-1, 191-pounds, Monticello has filled out since we saw him late last summer, especially in the lower half. Above average bat speed, average to slightly above average runner, and above average arm strength from the outfield. It is a square setup and a pretty simple operation in his pre-swing mechanics. Stays behind contact well and when he is able to get the barrel out front there is some definite impact to the middle and pull. Consistently produces hard contact, averaging 91+ mph in both BP sessions this winter, while getting up to 99 mph EV during the PAS NOVA II. With more corner outfield profile, it will be interesting to follow his offensive impact this spring at Yorktown.

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+ Alex Inget - RHP - McLean HS

After a couple quick glimpses of Inget last spring, we were excited to see the right hander up close and get some data. While he was a little under the weather, the stuff certainly showed his continual trend upward. At PAS NOVA II, Inget worked in the 85-87 mph range and showed two low 70's secondary pitches. While the slider velo does need to firm up a bit, the feel was really solid, especially for it being early season work. The fastball was more ride and run with average feel during that specific pen. It is a stretch only delivery, medium length arm path, and has shown a really solid feel to pitch. The stuff was a bit lighter last year than what it is now, but the one thing he seemed to do every time is get outs. As he continues to physically mature and the stuff improves, the present pitchability he possesses will be a huge asset.

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+ William Newburn - RHP - Langley HS

Every bit of his listed 6-foot-2, 189-pound frame, Newburn is a large framed, broad shouldered right hander with plenty of upside. More reliever feel right now, but very early on and still has time to shape up what he will be long term. Shorter arm action, works from a three-quarter slot, and has some intent to the delivery and operation. The fastball was 85-87 mph with average to slightly above average feel for the strike zone. The breaking ball was the winner. It was one of the best breaking balls we saw all winter. The slider sits 77-79 mph with hard late downer action. It got up to -10" IVB and averaged -12" Horizontal Movement. The tight velo split with the fastball and slider leads you to believe there is still more velo in the tank, as well as the large frame that should certainly continue to shape up. The breaking ball alone will keep bringing you back for more.

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+ Frankie Juguilon - SS - Western Branch HS

Another Western Branch standout made a name for himself this winter, making his way into the rankings for the first time. Extremely young for the class, not turning 16 until the end of the summer, big bat speed at the plate, and controlled intent. There is medium length to the swing path, but he is able generate real bat speed in a very tight window. It jumps off the bat and just looks different than others. The position fit is still TBD and has average athleticism that will need to continue to improve, but the offense has a chance to be impactful.

A physical monster, that is what Jones is. Listed at 6-foot-1, 201-pounds, he is pure brute strength. Not a shocker whatsoever that he is also a football player. Also on the young side for the class, Jones will not turn 16 until the back end of the summer. Works from a higher posture at the plate and an uphill barrel path, would like to see him utilize his strength more by getting into his legs and maintaining some more athletic posture. Above average hand speed, above average rotator, and raw power potential. Early this spring he got to some of that raw power during the First Pitch scrimmages when he ran one out of the yard. His physical strength alone will allow him to impact the ball, but as he begins to utilize more of his athleticism, he will tap into that power even more. 

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VIRGINIA/DC Class of 2028 Top 10

*Positions listed are primary positions listed on their profile.*

1	Josh Gunning	Battlefield HS	3B
2	Trent O'Malley	Langley HS	RHP
3	Harley Matela	Cape Henry Collegiate	OF
4	Tyler Caperton	Eastern View HS	SS
5	Elijah Archer	Highland Springs HS	1B
6	Tyler Howard	Spotswood HS	RHP
7	Gibson Beck	St. Christopher's	RHP
8	Ryan Gaines	Highland School	RHP
9	Grant Capel	Matoaca HS	LHP
10	Jack Guerin	St. Alban's	RHP

Click Here For The Full Release --> VA/DC 2028 Rankings Update