As we move closer to the 2026 high school baseball season, Prep Baseball Washington continues an offseason series of Picks to Click.

The Picks to Click series focuses on spotlighting players that Prep Baseball staff feel are poised for big jumps this coming high school season. Whether players have shown significant growth in skillset, or are poised for added opportunity at their high school, these prospects will be intruiging follows as we enter the 2026 season.

Today, we spotlight three class of 2027 prospects that could click in a big way headed into their junior springs. Video and scouting reports from previous looks are included.

Picks to Click

2027 Graduates

Cervantes Gatterson OF / LHP / Decatur, WA / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 42 / POS: 10 The athletic outfielder had a productive sophomore campaign last spring, hitting .370 with 11 extra base hits.  With the graduation of Decatur's top two bats in their order, expect Gatterson to move up in the lineup, resulting in more at-bats and impact potential at the plate. The twitchy-strong, sudden lefthanded swing plays well to the big part of the field, lifting the ball in the air consistently and showing little sign of regression against high level arms. Gatterson was impressive during BP rounds at last winter's PNW Preseason All-State, averaging 90.9 MPH with a peak EV of 95.5 MPH at his best. Defensively, Gatterson has shown a sound arm with developing footspeed, highlighted by throws up to 81 MPH at PSAS. With continued development in speed and strength, look for the lefty to be a mainstay atop Decatur's lineup as they look toward another 3A state appearance.

Gavin Duckart C / 2B / Henry M. Jackson, WA / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 62 / POS: 8 Duckart solidified himself as a core piece by the end of Jackson's fantastic playoff run last spring, delivering several clutch hits down the stretch. As he enters his junior season, even more will be asked of the righty, both at the plate and in a leadership role at the catcher position. Duckart's steady demeanor stood out during spring looks and at the summer's PNW State Games, managing arms and the run game well. Duckart's showcases have been highlighted by pop times as low as 2.01 seconds and an innate feel for the barrel and contact ability at the plate. As he continues to fill out his frame, expect Duckart to produce near the top of Jackson's lineup and be a mainstay at the catcher position.

Jacob Nelson RHP / OF / Lincoln, WA / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 80 / POS: 22 In what should be one of the deeper and more talented rotations in the state, Nelson should be a productive arm heading into next season. The 6'0, 180 pound righthander started his last year strong, filling up the strike zone and working his fastball up over 83 MPH at Pacific Northwest Preseason All-State. Nelson's projectable frame and ability to move well on the mound are the keys here, as he features a longer, continuous arm action with a lower spin three-pitch arsenal. The righty competes in the zone in-game and could easily have more velocity in the tank. Look for Nelson to be a key part of a side reliant on strong pitching.

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