Washington Class of 2026 Rankings - Spring Update

Eli Herst RHP / 1B / Seattle Academy, WA / 2026

Herst maintains his top spot on the '26 list, and was dominant in his first outing of the spring seen by Prep Baseball staff. The Vanderbilt commit overpowers hitters at the high school level with a FB that has been seen up to 93 MPH, but more typically sits in the upper 80's. Herst's wipeout SL in the mid 70's and CH in the low 80's complete a well-rounded profile. The broad-shouldered 6'4 frame looked even taller at his most recent look. The junior could very well be seen at his second straight Prep Baseball All-American game this spring, and has an incredible balance of present talent and outstanding projectability.

'26 RHP Eli Herst (Seattle Academy/@VandyBoys) looking sharp in his first spring outing

FB 88-91, on the edges
SL 73-75, strikes in all counts
CH 81

Overpowering hitters and generating whiffs. 5 K through 2 IP@eliherst | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/fCE9Qk51Gc

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 13, 2025

Anthony Karis OF / C / Gonzaga Prep, WA / 2026

The Oregon State commit is the top-ranked bat in the state class and moves up 2 spots in the latest rankings update. Last seen at February's Central Washington Preseason ID, Karis features top-end bat and hand speed, posting the second-highest average exit velocity across all PNW preseason events. The outfielder posted a 6.83 60 time and has plenty of arm for a corner OF spot as well. Karis plays with a noticable confidence and is among the most dangerous high school hitters in the PNW.

Neal Burtis LHP / OF / Tahoma, WA / 2026

Burtis makes the biggest jump of those in the top ten, moving from 22nd to 4th in the class after an outstanding showing in high school action. The lefty arm showcased an athletic delivery from a 6'0 frame, working the FB up to 91 MPH with cut. SL at 79-80 and CH at 82-83 rounded out the three pitch arsenal, with a cross-fire delivery for strikes. The lefty committed to Oregon State this fall and will be a must-follow this season.

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Look for ‘26 LHP Neal Burtis (@TahomaBaseball/@BeaverBaseball) to gain significant helium this year

Athletic lefty has an outstanding profile with a quick, projectable arm

FB 87-89, T91 with cut
SL 79-80
CH 82-83@ShooterHunt | @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/kVyeg7baJj

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 23, 2025

Emmanuel McLaurin LHP / Cavelero Mid High School, WA / 2026

A 6'3 LHP that worked his FB up to 86.4 MPH in the preseason is the highest ranked newcomer in our latest rankings update. McLaurin presents an incredibly uncomfortable at-bat with a wide, lower 3/4 slot release. The uncommitted junior's best pitch is a sweeping slider at 74-76 MPH with over 2400 RPM. With a lean, athletic frame and plenty to dream on, look for McLaurin to make even more jumps moving forward.

Alden Scott 3B / RHP / Bellingham, WA / 2026

Seen at the Northern Washington Preseason ID, Scott features loud tools on both sides of the ball in a medium frame. Scott started the event with an impressive 3.80 second 30-time, followed up by showcasing a three pitch mix with a FB sitting 85-87 MPH on the mound. The righty also showed plus bat speed at the plate, with exit velocities up to 95.8 MPH. A natural athlete with present tools earns Scott a spot well up the rankings.

'26 RHP/INF Alden Scott (Bellingham) was a big winner on the mound at the Northern Washington Preseason ID this weekend

FB 85-87 T 87.4
CH 79-82
SL 73-76

Late intent and arm speed out front. Easy athleticism. Also showcased plus bat speed at the plate@scott_alden2 |… pic.twitter.com/bvActYY2Ko

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) February 10, 2025

Kolton Weed OF / SS / Rogers, WA / 2026

A speedy outfielder with some bat-to-ball skills, Weed had a strong showing at the Seattle Preseason ID - Session II event, earning him a spot in the rankings. The righty glove had throws up to 87 MPH from the outfield and ran a quick 3.70 second 60-yard dash. The lefty bat had a peak exit velocity of 91.5 MPH. Weed is off to a nice start hitting in the middle of Rogers' order this spring, and earns a spot in the latest rankings list.

Andrew (AJ) Welch RHP / 1B / Monroe, WA / 2026

6'3 righty showed a jump in stuff at PNW Preseason All-State, sitting 89-90 MPH with the FB from an easy, fluid delivery. CH at 80-81 and a SL in the mid-70's rounded out a strong arsenal. Welch looked the part of a high-end arm and carried that momentum into the spring, winning Pitcher of the Week honors in the first week of high school action.

William Rohrbacher 1B / 3B / Bainbridge, WA / 2026

The ultra-physical 6'5 righty put on a laser show in BP rounds at PNW Preseason All-State. High leg kick load with plenty of force generated resulted in an incredible 105.5 MPH max and 96.7 MPH average exit velocity, with a max batted ball distance of 397 feet. Power bat best suited for a corner INF spot moving forward. 

Bode Webb 1B / OF / Mount Vernon, WA / 2026

Another power bat that stood out at PNW Preseason All-State, Webb showcased his plus bat and hand speed in loud BP rounds. The lefty had a peak exit velocity of 101.3 MPH and a max batted ball distance of 404 feet. The junior had his strong showing carry over into a hot start this spring for a talented Mount Vernon lineup.

Beckett Turnbow SS / RHP / Tahoma, WA / 2026

As gritty and hard-nosed of a competitor as there is in the class, Turnbow had a strong showing at the Federal Way Knights Scout Day in the preseason, and will be a two-way force for Tahoma the remainder of the spring. Turnbow is a rangy shortstop with a strong arm across the diamond and has some gap power at the plate. He also ran his FB up to 90 MPH on the mound in a recent look, with a higher-intent delivery from a medium frame. Expect his tools to continue to shine in-game.

#uncommitted ‘26 INF/P Beckett Turnbow (@TahomaBaseball) flashed lively stuff in a short outing today

FB 87-89, T90
CB 75-76 tight shape

Ball jumps out of hand. Exciting arm talent. Athletic profile @BeckettTurnbow | @PB_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/XJ6V88FOtV

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 22, 2025

Evan Hellner C / 1B / Bonney Lake, WA / 2026

Hellner has turned some heads early with an intruiging mix of skill and physicality from the catcher position. The backstop was at PNW Preseason All-State and posted exit velocities up to 97.5 MPH, and the smooth lefty swing just missed a couple of barrels in an in-game look. The defense and leadership traits really stood out in-game, and his 6'2 frame moved well behind the plate.

Hayden Galloway C / 3B / Richland, WA / 2026

The catcher will have a much larger role in the middle of the Richland order this spring, and is off to a hot start at the midway point. Galloway looks to have added some strength, with developing pop to the pull side shown in recent looks. A sound defender behind the plate as well, Galloway will be a name to follow in Tri-Cities action.

#uncommitted '26 C Hayden Galloway (Richland) clears the bases with a huge double down the line

Both offenses humming early in this one, with this double giving Richland a 5-3 lead@bomberbball45 pic.twitter.com/F9acRdZvwD

— Prep Baseball Washington (@PrepBaseballWA) March 15, 2025

Rodrigo Montano LHP / OF / Eastlake, WA / 2026

The lefty arm ran his fastball into the low 80's in preseason looks, and has been dominant as an innings eater. A true gamer with a starter's profile, the junior pounds the zone with a three pitch mix and has limited damage against some quality opponents so far. Montano will be a key piece this spring for an Eastlake team off to a hot start.