Top-10 Stories of 2025: No. 3 The Next Wave: Breaking Down Wisconsin’s 2026 Class

December 29, 2025
By: Kyle Rodriguez
IL/WI Content

At the end of each calendar year, the Prep Baseball Wisconsin staff reflects back on the 10 most intriguing headlines that surrounded the baseball scene in the Badger State. Through the end of the month, we will break down the most impactful storylines from an eventful 2025 campaign, ending with our No. 1 story revealed Dec. 31.

2025 was filled with evaluations, events, and in-game looks, while one thing became increasingly clear. The Wisconsin 2026 class is built through strength, impact, and depth. From preseason IDs through the Spring season, summer circuit, and into the fall, this group has consistently shown up, separating themselves from the rest. The presence of high-end talent at the top defines this group, but it's the depth that shows the true strength of this class. There is real balance across the positions, with arms continuing to make velo jumps, position players showing improved strength and polish, as they continue to develop their physical and mental traits. As 2025 has come and gone, the 2026 class shifted from a group looking to find its footing into one poised to make a loud impact in the years to come.

At the forefront of the group is a player whose consistency and impact stood out throughout the year, helping set the tone for a class that continues to gain momentum. Surrounding him is a collection of prospects drawing attention from both college programs and professional scouts alike, making the 2026 group one of the most compelling classes Wisconsin has produced in recent years

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

We start off highlighting this 2026 class with the first junior since 2019 to take home the Wisconsin Player of the Year honors in 1B Dominic Santarelli (St. Joseph Catholic, 2026; LSU commit). Santarelli put together one of the most impressive years to date within the state of Wisconsin. He opened the year at the South Milwaukee Preseason ID, where his 60-yard dash improved to 6.74, marking an early indicator of his continued development. The physical left-hander would then go into the high school season where he slashed .429/.622/1.065, with a 1.687 OPS, 10 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs (leading the state), and 40 RBIs. His presence within the lineup and dugout helped carry St. Joseph to its fifth state championship and his place as the Wisconsin Player of the Year. The bat was feared throughout the state of Wisconsin and soon would be across the nation as Santarelli had a busy summer circuit getting looks across the nation in front of pro scouts and ending his year at the Prep Baseball All-American game. Santarelli’s dominant year has placed him firmly in early conversations for the 2026 draft, but he is far from the only member of this class drawing attention from pro teams.

Dominic Santarelli 1B / OF / St. Joseph, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 41 / POS: 1

From 12/9/25: “Has been a name our staff has been following even before he stepped foot on a high school campus. Everyone knows about the eye popping power from the left-hander, and the fact that he still gets to it while using the entire field. Easy bat speed with obvious strength to his hulking 226-pound frame, above-average athlete and run times to pair. The overall quality of the hit tool and the swing decisions and performance against pitches diving down out of the zone could ultimately determine how high he could potentially go when it comes to the draft.”

Draft Prospects

Beyond the top-ranked player in this 2026 class, six others have begun to establish themselves as draft prospects after strong performances through the 2025 season. These players have separated themselves from the rest through a combination of physical tools, in-game results, and continued developmental growth.

One of the top right-handed pitchers in the Nation Tyson Grulkowski, looks to cement himself as a day one hopeful in the upcoming draft. The physical 6-foot-5, 226-pound frame has a developing power arsenal that is only advanced by his deceptive release point, helping his stuff play up. The fastball plays up to 91 mph with riding qualities from a 5ft release point. Able to show advanced feel for spin with a mid 70s sweeper abel to garner 2800 RPMs and -24.2 inches of horizontal movement. The profile of Grulkowski has the upside of a weekend starter once he hits campus, but the question following him heading into his senior year will be, can the velo continue to tick north?

Tyson Grulkowski RHP / Muskego, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 2 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 51 / POS: 13

From 5/22/25: “Recent South Florida commit, one of the top right-handers in the state, currently ranked No. 9 in the state’s junior class. Listed at 6-foot-5, 227-pound long levered right-hander exhibited a consistent, repeatable, and low effort arm action out of a lower ¾ slot while throwing five shutout innings with nine strikeouts against Oconomowoc on May 22. Fastball sat 87-89 MPH, topping 91 MPH with life, while also mixing in a sinker. Showed advanced feel for a sharp two-plane slider at 75-78 MPH , consistently throwing it for a first pitch strike, as well as a swing-and-miss pitch later in counts.”

Potentially the biggest winner of the 2025 calendar year, Jace Matacyynski began the year uncommitted and ranked 14th in the state, ultimately climbing to 3rd in the state and committed to Auburn. Matacyynski’s athleticism has long been evident, and over the past year, those traits began to fully translate as the rest of his game took a clear step forward. The actions at shortstop have the makings to project to the highest levels of the game as he continues to develop into his 6-foot-3, 186-pound frame. While the bat continues to follow, showing in-game results paired with 103 mph EVs and 78.8 mph bat speed. With the glove, Matacynski already places himself as a day one starter, and if the bat continues to develop, the chance to have his name called on day one rises.

Jace Mataczynski SS / Hudson, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 3 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 133 / POS: 39

From 7/30/25: “Currently ranked No. 14 in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. Coming in at a high-waisted 6-foot-3, 186-pound frame, Mataczynski was the biggest winner at the event, eventually going on to win MVP of the Senior Future Games. The right-hander started the week off by showing off his athleticism, running a 6.69 60-yard dash with a 20.8 mph max run speed. He then went on to have one of the louder rounds of the day in BP. He finished with a 101.5 mph max exit velocity, four balls hit over 100 mph, a 96 mph average exit velocity, and a 375-foot max distance. He also had the highest infield velocity across the diamond at 98 mph, carrying that loose arm and clean glove into gameplay. At the plate, Mataczynski finished 3-for-5, with a pull-side home run that was 103 mph off the bat, four RBIs, three runs, two walks and two stolen bases. He also went on to hop up on the mound, giving an upside look with some lively stuff. His fastball was 90-93 mph with a 17.4” IVB max, and he flashed a slider at 80 mph. He went on to toss one scoreless inning without allowing a single hit.”

One of the top left-handers in the Midwest, Colton Semmelmann shows traits to become a starter as he continues to develop through his senior year. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound frame still has room to fill out and continue climbing the velo ladder. This will be one of the more interesting names to follow this draft, as his development will need to be shown this upcoming season.

Colton Semmelmann LHP / 1B / Brookfield Central, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 206 / POS: 20

From 5/6/25: “durable build with some strength in the lower-half, still has room to fill out in the coming years. Started on the mound for Central, going three innings with just two hits allowed, two earned runs, four walks and eight strikeouts. The big southpaw is a loose mover, working into a coiled balance point while holding some pre-bend in the back knee down the mound, clean movement patterns, creates notable layback at footstrike. Clean arm, medium arm circle, ¾ slot. Collected whiffs on the fastball in the zone, playing with some finish and life through the zone at 90-91 mph, T92 mph early. Curveball showed big 1/7 shape and depth with sharp action, 71-74 mph, could land for strikes. Flashed a cutter with shorter lateral break, developing feel, 79-80 mph. Changeup flashed hard dive and was landing arm-side in warmups. High-ceiling arm, dynamic mover with more to come.”

Ben Kuglitsch sets himself apart with this athletic ability and projectable 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame. A 6.47 runner, posting EVs up to 98 mph with room to add more. The right-hander looks to set himself as a mainstay in center field at the next level. The pure athletic ability of Kuglitsch pushes his name into the conversation, as his senior season will need to see the continued development of the bat.

Ben Kuglitsch OF / RHP / Muskego, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 5 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 226 / POS: 41

From 7/17/25: “The Florida State commit, ranked No.2 in the state of Wisconsin and 124th nationally in the 2026 class, gave one of the best looks on both sides of the field this tournament. With the bat, the right-handed hitter showed why he has some of the biggest power tools in the state from the long-limed, 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame. Staying all over the barrel with strong, quick trigger hands able to drive the ball to all parts of the field with ease, showing it through an opposite field warning track shot and double. On the mound, Kuglitsch came out in relief, working with a two-pitch mix relying on his fastball sitting 89-91 mph, T92, flashing a breaking ball in the lower 80s. Complete command of the zone, attacking hitters early and staying ahead, striking out six over three and ⅔.”

Another athletic frame, which is truly the story and defining trait of this 2026 class, Chance Ruby has been a consistent producer in front of our staff. The bat-to-ball skills have always been there, but it's been recently that the power has started to trend north. A bat that started to produce against top-end talent, it will be an interesting follow as the glove can stick up the middle.

Chance Ruby SS / RHP / Wilmot, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 6 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 247 / POS: 62

From 7/17/25: “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.”

Another big winner for the Senior Future Games, Ezra Liggon, is a raw talent who continues to develop every time we see him. The 6-foot-4, 191-pound frame still has room to go, and just like the rest of the draft prospects, has the athletic ability to stick it anywhere in the outfield. A 6.41 runner backed by 90 mph from the outfield, and 101.2 mph EVs. The tool-set is there for Liggon as he looks to produce more in-game results.

Ezra Liggon OF / LHP / Vel Phillips Memorial, WI / 2026

Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 289 / POS: 53

From 7/31/25: “Showing off a twitchy, projectable 6-foot-4, 191-pound frame, Liggon was a winner during the workout and showed well in the first game. The left-hander started off the testing day by running a 6.41 sec 60-yard dash with a 22.3 mph top run speed. He followed that up by showing some easy power at the plate in BP. He finished with a max exit velocity of 101.2 mph, an 89.2 mph average exit velocity, and a 348-foot max distance. He also showed athletic actions in the outfield both in testing and in gameplay. He had a 90 mph outfield velocity in testing and threw a runner out at home in Wednesday’s 8-4 win. In the first game, Liggon went 2-for-2 at the plate with two singles and a run scored.”

COLLEGE PICK TO CLICK

With a class this strong, a number of players are positioned to make an immediate impact at the college level. Given the depth of the 2026 class, it’s impossible to highlight every player with the next-level potential, but the following prospects stand out as ones to watch.

+ C Jack Brenner (Found du Lac)

From 3/19/25: “was one of the top performers from the weekend. The former Prep Baseball Future Game participant impressed throughout the day. Standing at an athletic and strong 5-foot-11, 170 pound frame with room for more fill, Brenner started his day by running the fastest recorded 60-yard dash at 6.76. At the plate, the right-handed hitter took a standout round of BP consistently finding the barrel and impacting the ball with leverage out in front. Defensively, Brenner shows off his athleticism at multiple spots, a capable defender behind the plate with advanced catch-and-throw ability with a strong and accurate arm up to 82 mph from the crouch and a pop time range of 1.85-2.03. Also a sure handed infielder with range and arm strength up to 88 mph.”

+ 3B Winston Alonso (Reedsburg)

From 7/17/25: “an athletic left-handed swing and quality instincts on the dirt. At the plate, presents a loose, line-drive oriented stroke with bat speed and feel for the barrel that consistently plays up. Finished the weekend 6-for-18 with two doubles, a home run, five RBIs, eight runs scored, and four walks. Defensively showed athletic actions on the dirt with confident footwork and developing lateral agility. 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame with present strength and athleticism.”

+ SS Ian Kawczynski (Cathloic Memorial)

From 7/17/25: “A long-limed, lean, 6-foot, 171-pound frame, Kawczynski had a strong showing out of the lead-off spot, going 2-for-4 with two singles and three RBIs Sunday afternoon. A mature presence in the box, the right-hander attacks pitches he can handle, using the whole field. A contact-oriented approach with hands that work smoothly through the zone, creating a flat, direct path. At short, Kawczynski shows clean actions, with feet working around with smooth hands on a two-hand gather.”

+ RHP Liam Hagland (Germantown)

From 7/31/25: “Standing in at a broad-shouldered 6-foot-1 frame with strength present throughout, Hagland showed some quality swing-and-miss stuff in Wednesday’s 8-4 win. The right-hander earned five whiffs across two innings, keeping hitters off-balance with his two-pitch mix. His fastball was 87-90 mph, topping 90.6 mph with a max spin rate of 2,443 rpm. He also employed a sharp, late breaking slider at 79-82 mph with a 2,868 rpm max spin rate. Hagland tossed two scoreless innings, only allowing one hit and two walks, collecting weak contact and adding a strikeout.”

+ OF Joseph Meeter (Holmen)

From 7/31/25: “Presenting an athletic 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame with some upside, Meeter had one of the more impressive workouts during testing day. The right-hander began the day with a 6.65 sec 60-yard dash, reaching a 20.7 mph max run speed with a 30” vertical jump. He then showed easy power at the plate during the hitting portion. He finished with a 100.3 mph max exit velocity in BP, with four balls hit over 100 mph, a 94.7 mph average exit velocity, and a 353-foot max distance. He also would look the part in the outfield with a strong arm at a 91 mph outfield velocity.”

+ OF Gavin Weissenburger (Living World Lutheran)

From 7/31/25: “Set to rise big in the next rankings update as one of the top athletes in Wisconsin – he’s a two-way with a very high ceiling. Athletic 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame with twitch and strength. On the mound, he’s an athletic mover with a fluid, repeatable delivery. He works from a medium leg lift into a controlled drop-and-drive motion with slight crossfire, creating a tough angle for hitters. Low ¾ slot with a long, loose arm action. Relied heavily on his fastball that averaged 86.3 and topped out at 88.4 with heavy arm-side run and sink. Mixed in a short, tight slider with gyro shape at 76-78 mph that earned some ugly whiffs. Weissenburger may not have had the results to show for it, but he consistently induced weak contact and generated multiple ground balls. At the plate, Weissenburger was a performer with the bat throughout gameplay, collecting three hits throughout gameplay including a triple and a home run.”

+ OF Kaiden Romens (Hartford)

From 7/31/25: “flashed all sorts of athleticism throughout the event. Romens stands an athletic 5-foot-7, 161-pound, ran a 6.86 60-yard dash, had a max EV of 96 mph, and tossed 81 mph from the outfield. In gameplay, Romens stood out, showed aggression at the plate as well as on the bases, swiping bags left and right and attacking pitches early in the count. The LHH was on the barrel throughout the event and connected a number of hits, and he is another of the best prospects in Wisconsin who does not yet have a next-level home.”

+ 1B Zach Rizzo (St. Joseph)

From 3/12/24: “is a two-sport standout, and one of the state’s top QB prospects. The imposing 6-foot-5, 239-pound two-way prospect stood out on both sides of the ball this past weekend. At the plate, Rizzo took a loud round from the right side, from a simple and easily repeatable path, showing feel to drive the baseball. The ball jumps, making consistent hard contact averaging 93.6 mph exit velo, reaching a peak of 102.6 mph with above average bat speed at 74.9 mph. On the mound, Rizzo delivers the baseball with power, the ball jumps out of the hand with life, playing in the upper-80s while showing feel for three secondaries. A two plane breaking ball that plays with plays with two plane break in the mid-70s to pair with a firm changeup in the low-80s and a true feel for a low-80s cutter with late action. A definite name-to-know in Wisconsin’s junior class.”

+ RHP Landon Lassahn (Verona Area)

From 7/31/25: “Lassahn is one of the top uncommitted two-ways in the state; an athlete with an especially bright future on the mound. Athletic mover on the mound with a high leg lift and coil, loose arm from a high 3/4 slot. Struck out four batters across two innings of work, showcasing a four pitch mix. Fastball: 82-85 mph; T-86 with ride, slider: 73-75mph, curveball: 70-73 mph, change up: 74 mph.”

+ LHP Brett Paulsen (Kewaunee)

From 7/17/25: “A lean, long-limbed, 6-foot, 195-pound frame, Paulsen gave one of the most interesting outings of the weekend. Working with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 85-87 mph; 2400-2500 RPM, the slider was 78-80 mph; 2500-2600, and the change-up was 66-70 mph. An easy mover on the mound, with a drop and drive motion, with quick short-arm action from the ¾ slot. Although a short appearance, Paulsen flashed some of the best stuff of the tournament and is a must-know throughout the state of Wisconsin class of 2026.”