VA/DC Class of 2028 Spring Update: Top 50
June 4, 2025
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Today we release a late spring update to the 2028 class. This update will have the class holding at the Top 50, with the next expansion coming in late summer after our tournaments and showcase events. Below we highlight a few players that our staff had an opportunity to gather evaluations on this spring during the high school season.
+ Josh Gunning - SS/RHP - Battlefield HS
We have a new #1 player in the 2028 class. Gunning has been thrusted into early action at Battlefield this spring, and has more than handled his own. Starting at shortstop, hitting in a variety of spots in the lineup (most recently seeing a lot of time in the second spot), and throwing some big innings in tight spots for Battlefield. While there is still some wondering as to where is the ceiling on the two-way talent and whether he will be an arm or a positional player or not, there is no doubt that he has earned this spot. He just looks like he belongs, he looks mature beyond his years, especially for a freshman starting at a Class 6 power. There is a maturity to his game and he looks comfortable under the bright lights, but there is plenty of talent to go along with the poise and performance.
+ Grant Capel - LHP - Matoaca HS
Capel has thrown himself in the conversation of staff ace, or at least closed that gap significantly. He has been really strong for Matoaca this year. While the velo was not where we saw it early in the year, he continues to show growth in pitchability and a significant upside in his longterm potential. The 6-foot-2 left hander is the youngest player inside of the Top 10, and in comparison to some, by nearly a year. While there is some present ability that he has shown in front of our staff, the most important part is that there is so much room for him to grow on the mound (spin, future velo, projection to frame, etc), and that is why he could end up being one of the most coveted players in this 2028 Virginia/DC class.
+ Trent O'Malley - OF - Langley HS
Maybe the youngest player in this class in general, not even having turned fifteen yet. O'Malley showed some legitimate power this spring, and we are talking in game power, not just raw power. It is a slightly wider setup with weight sitting over backside, hands are quiet on load, and is short to contact with explosive bat speed through the zone. O'Malley not only showed the aforementioned power, but he also showed some ability to hit for average. He does a nice job staying through the ball and getting extension, which in turn should allow for some adjustability as he continues to mature. The swing decisions, zone awareness, and barrel rate should continue to improve as he matures, but this is a freshman in one of the better districts/regions in the state that has been hitting in the middle of the order and has had some significant weight on his shoulders. All of these things should only improve his chances of taking a significant leap in the near future.
VIRGINIA/DC Class of 2028 Top 10
*Positions listed are primary positions listed on their profile.*
1 | Josh Gunning | Battlefield | 3B | |
2 | Liam Skeen | Union | RHP | |
3 | Harley Matela | Cape Henry | OF | |
4 | Tyler Caperton | Eastern View | SS | |
5 | Tyler Jackson | Liberty Christian | SS | |
6 | Grant Capel | Matoaca | LHP | |
7 | Elijah Archer | Highland Springs | 1B | |
8 | Gibson Beck | St. Christopher's | SS | |
9 | Drew Wade | Miller School | RHP | |
10 | Danny Sullivan | St. John's | RHP |
Click Here For The Full Release --> VA/DC 2028 Rankings: Top 50