The 2025 Wisconsin high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across the Badger State.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in their respective WIAA Division State Championship, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams with this initial Preseason Power 25 release which will take us right up to first pitch.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across Wisconsin. Each week we will be releasing our Power 25, Players of the Week, Diamond Notes, Scout Blog and much more.

Our 2025 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Hartford Union Orioles
Preseason Rank: 8
Head Coach: Steve Oleshko
WIAA Division: 1
Conference: North Shore
Last Year’s Record: 23-3
2024 Season Highlights: Conference Champions, Regional Champions
Key Players Lost: RJ Thomae, Brandon Pohl, Braycen Burg, Connor Ford

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

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X-FACTOR

Returning one of the top players in the Midwest INF/RHP Carter Kutz (2025; Nebraska) participated in the Super 60 and Future Games and is ranked second overall in the state of Wisconsin for the class of 2025. Kutz is entering his senior year at Hartford and has high expectations both in the field and at the plate. Standing 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame the right-handed hitter has a polished and natural look in the box with an easy swing and consistent feel for the barrel. Also seriving as the team's ace this spring, Kutz is a simple and repeatable mover with a quick, strong arm running his fastball up to 91 mph with a breaking ball to pair off of it.

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IMPACT UNDERCLASSMEN

INF Brady Helms (2027) enjoyed a successful freshman season last spring, when called on the infielder produced, hitting .305 on the year. The 6-foot, 174-pound infielder going into his second spring on varsity could see an increased role, looking more than capable to handle the workload offensively and defensively.

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TEAM OUTLOOK

“We are looking forward this year defending our North Shore title (17-1)in 2024. We have been to the sectionals 3 consecutive years, and have advanced to the State tournament once. We have quite a few players with all that tournament experience, and we are looking forward to making a run back to Appleton this year.” – Steve Oleshko, head coach

In addition to Kutz, Hartford has a lot of players who excel at the plate and on the mound. Some names to take note of are RHP/INF/C Joe Landgraf (2025), LHP/OF Jack Perkowski (2025), RHP/OF Boden Brandner (2027), RHP/OF/INF Ayden Grulke (2026), and RHP/INF/C Ethan Birkel (2026).

Landgraf is athletic, with strength throughout his 6-foot, 196-pound frame. At the plate, he has quick hands and impressive bat speed, with the ball jumping off the barrel and an exit velocity of 96 mph. On the mound, he has a loose and quick arm. He will play a vital role for Hartford this season.

Brandner can play both in the infield and outfield, in addition to pitching. The sophomore has an incredible upside. He displays a projectable frame with good proportions and athleticism. On the mound, he pounds the zone with a repeatable delivery while attacking hitters.

Perkowski is another name to know with his strong 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame. The southpaw has an easy look at the plate and on the mound as he possesses natural power. He was the Northshore Conference Pitcher of the year last season, and looks to continue his success.

Adding to the depth at the plate juniors, INF Aidan Kolb (2026) and OF Kaiden Romens (2026) look to bring a ton of offense this season for Hartford.

Kolb is ranked 34th in the state for the class of 2026. At the plate, he consistently finds the barrel and has strong hands, with an exit velocity of 96 mph. In the field, Kolb showcases soft hands and fluid actions. Returning as one of the Orioles top bats from last year, after hitting .310 while hitting mostly at the top of the order.

Kaiden Romens is ranked 47th in the state for the class of 2026 and has been the team's centerfielder for multiple years. The left-handed hitter, known for his bat-to-ball abilities has a chance to play a major part in this season with increased production at the plate as a senior.

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BOTTOM LINE

With a defense as good as it gets as all infielders from last season are returning, as well as a strong pitching staff, Hartford Union looks to build on their success from last season and stay at the top of North Shore Conference.

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Find more information on the 2025 Hartford Union program below:

• Follow the Orioles on X: @HUHS_Baseball

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