2026 National Rankings Spotlight: Chance Ruby

Illinois-Chicago commit and no. 5th ranked player in the Wisconsin 2026 class. Would showcase a premier right-handed hitting, up-the-middle profile throughout the weekend. A pure athlete who showed twitchy actions both at shortstop and at the plate, Ruby would finish the tournament 9-for-20 with three doubles, two home runs, seven RBIs, and six runs scored. Will be a name to follow within next year’s MLB Draft. An athletic 6-foot, 187-pound frame, Ruby had an interesting appearance on the mound Sunday afternoon. The right-hander was working with a two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 84-87 mph, T89, and the slider was sitting 75-76 mph, late sharp break. An athletic, fluid mover on the mound with long, clean arm action from the ¾ slot. A competitor on the mound, filling up the zone with ease, with feel for the slider.

UIC commit and former Future Gamer, Ruby had an impressive week, hitting a walk off home run against Burlington in the bottom of the 8th. He also earned the win on the mound. Ruby finished the game 4-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs, and a stolen base. On the mound threw a clean inning with a strikeout.

The Flames recruit started the season on a positive note going 4-for-7 with a walk, double, two triples, two RBIs, and two stolen bases.

+ MIF/RHP Chance Ruby (Wilmot, 2026) is one of the most exciting players in the state with his ability to perform in game to go along with the premium toolset. The 6-foot, 187 pound athlete ran the second best 60 yard dash of the day at 6.56 seconds. He then used his short swing to produce impressive exit velocity numbers at 96 mph with an average exit velocity of 93 mph which was 4th best of the day. His smooth actions and quick first step to go along with considerable arm strength (89 mph across the infield on Sunday) indicate that he’s a slam dunk to be able to stick at shortstop at the next level. Yes, It’s loud tools, but also, Ruby has tremendous feel for the game with a low pulse and he’s the type of player who has an extremely high ceiling due to the raw talent in combination with the in game performance that we’ve witnessed. He’s poised for a monster junior campaign and will soon be a name to know on the national stage.

Chance Ruby, Wilmot (WI), 2026 Illinois-Chicago
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 187-pounds. Athletic specimen with strength throughout.
Delivery: Explosive, easy mover, segmented leg lift, balanced finish.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm, 3/4 slot, compact.
FB: T90, 87-90 mph. Firm, keeps low in the zone. T1958, 1865 average rpm.
CB: 74-75 mph. Breaks at the plate, 12/6 break. T1219, 1160 average rpm.
SL: 72-75 mph. Sharp with feel. T1358, 1252 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Keeps low with fading depth. T1369, 1171 average rpm.
ATH: 6.56 runner in the 60. 1.57 and 3.66 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 26.70 max vertical.

Chance Ruby, Wilmot (WI), 2026 Illinois-Chicago
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 187-pounds. Athletic specimen with strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Stock set up, upright, relaxed, controlled leg tuck on time, lands centered. Downhill with bat speed, short and compact, hitterish with control of the barrel, ball jumps, this swing works. 72.4 mph bat speed with 8 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 93.3 mph. 359' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-89 mph. 3/4 slot, slings it, accurate, ball jumps.
Defense: Very quick first step, soft hands and clean actions, reliable with range.
ATH: 6.56 runner in the 60. 1.57 and 3.66 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 26.70 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 76.49 Edge Score