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2026 State Player Rankings

November 16, 2022
PBR California Staff

New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - With one class graduating from the high school ranks and moving onto the college level, it's time to introduce the next batch of high school prospects looking to make their impact on the state of California. The class of 2026 in the state of California is setting up to be one of the best we've seen over the past few years with loads of top-end talent and some prospects looking to make jumps over the course of the next four years.

Starting out with our initial list of these prospects, we've narrowed this list down to 50 players after spending time the last couple summers getting extended and multiple looks. This list is surely to expand and shuffle throughout over the next four years as these players continue to refine their skills and mature. At this point in the process, there were numerous other prospects outside of this list that are high quality players and are sure to crack into this list in the next few updates.

For now, let's dive deeper into the Top-5 in this class starting with SS Alex Harrington from Cathedral Catholic HS in San Diego, who debuts in the No. 1 spot. 

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THE TOP FIVE

Alex Harrington SS / RHP / Cathedral Catholic, CA / 2026

Harrington has demonstrated the ability to do virtually anything on the baseball field whether it’s hitting at a high level, showing advanced SS actions, and even getting on the mound and pounding strikes in the zone. He has an uber projectable frame that will continue to develop adding to his profile. Has present above average speed running in the sub 7’s consistently and adds a strong arm - 85 infield velo - that adds to his ability to command the SS position. Harrington’s combination of advanced athleticism and baseball skills for his age give us reason to believe he has the ability to elevate himself into a premier SS and why he’s our #1 player in the state.

Quentin Young SS / 3B / Oaks Christian , CA / 2026

Young is an imposing and athletic infielder at 6-foot-4 who can play on the left side of the infield. With present all-fields power, Young is arguably the top power hitter in the class today. Shows strong defensive skills on the dirt now that should continue to develop. The bat is the present carrying tool as he’s consistently hit quality pitching in every viewing we’ve had. MLB bloodlines are there for Young who could very well have his own opportunity to fulfill that level of potential.

 

 

James Tronstein SS / OF / Harvard-Westlake, CA / 2026

Tronstein showed all summer that premium pitching is no problem for him. During the Future Games he demonstrated a high level ability to hit not only velocity but above average spin as well. An outfielder by trade, Tronstein has the ability to play on the dirt as well, showing a quick first step and the type of hands/glovework and arm strength that make him such a high level player in the class. He also has present speed - 6.80 60 - that plays up while roaming the outfield. He will be playing at Harvard Westlake next spring which has a knack for churning out high level talent. 

Blake Bowen OF / King, CA / 2026

Bowen got in front of our staff at his club team's Scout Day this summer showcasing high-end tools across the board. It’s a physical build currently standing 6-foot-1 185lbs. At the plate it’s a smooth stroke that shows advanced present power where he’s already posting 100+ mph EVs and 77+ mph bat speed. During the workout portion of the Scout Day he exhibited sub 7.00 speed in the 60 that will play in the OF and he pairs that with a strong 87 mph arm. It’s our early belief that Bowen is amongst the best pure power bats in the country in his class. 

Landon Schutte RHP / 1B / Oakdale, CA / 2026

At 6-foot-4 210-pounds, Schutte is a physical specimen and an imposing figure on the mound as only a freshman. Shows a true three-pitch mix with his fastball (up to 86), and 11-5 shaped curveball and a changeup that projects to be plus by the time he’s done with high school. All pitches show average at worst spin, with the fastball being well above average. His curveball is a present out pitch that he’ll throw in any count. Works quick on the mound and goes after hitters with a sense of urgency.

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NAMES TO KNOW

No. 6 - Anthony Murphy - Corona HS…Murphy has established himself as one of the top outfielders in the class on the strength of his overall game. There’s the speed that allows him to track balls easily in the outfield. There’s the arm strength - 89 mph- and accuracy. Then there’s the bat that has the chance to be special as he’s able to hit premium pitching with flashes of developing power. Also touches 85 on the mound.

No. 13 - Marcus Greis - JSerra HS…the recent TCU commit is another player in a long line of elite level players for the Lions. Can play anywhere on the infield and do it at a high level. The bat profiles for a top of the order type hitter.

No. 14 - Sammy Kane - Jesuit HS…during scout ball in the fall season he showed a high level hit tool, to the point that without a roster to know he was a freshman amongst seniors and juniors a scout might assume he was older. Strong arm and also has shown prowess on the mound, looks to be another significant talent coming out of the traditionally strong Jesuit program.

No. 16 - Tyler Spangler - De La Salle HS…young LHH with what looks to be a highly projectable and impactful hit tool. Long and lean, likely going to be a sizeable player as he ages which will only enhance the ceiling with the the bat. Showed us mid-90s EV in the early fall with pullside power. Whether he stays at SS or moves elsewhere, it's the LHH profile that matters.

No. 19 - CJ Weinstein - Huntington Beach HS…the left handed bat is one of the best we’ve seen. Consistently hammers balls with some present power in a compact albeit strong frame. Can play middle infield and outfield and also hops on the mound where he shows a deep understanding of pitching. 

No. 21 - Gavin Hottle - Orange Lutheran HS…high level defensive player that can play anywhere on the infield. Hands, arm, and glove are all very good now with more projection coming as he continues to mature physically. There’s power in the bat presently and his middle-middle line drive approach has proven to be productive.

No. 24 - Warren Gravely - Valley Christian HS…the tools, particularly behind the plate, are big right now. The raw arm is up to 78 mph on pop throws and also 87 mph across the diamond from 3B. Also has catch/throw skill to pop in the low 2.0s while also profiling as an everyday 3rd baseman. Has some pop at the plate with bat that flashes as potentially ready at varsity level.

No. 31 - Vincent Milo - Santa Margarita HS…there's speed and there's game speed and Milo has both. That’s the present carrying tool although the bat is not far behind. Wiry strong with a knack for the barrel when hitting, Milo shows a very patient approach at the plate with the ability to manipulate the barrel through the zone. Strong armed outfielder who is also a high level soccer player. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
SoCal Preseason All-State Underclass CA 01/07 Elsinore High School
Fresno Preseason ID CA 01/08 Euless Ballpark - Fresno City College
SoCal Preseason All-State Upperclass CA 01/08 Cerritos College
Far North Preseason ID CA 01/15 Butte College - Oroville
Peninsula Preseason ID CA 01/22 College of San Mateo
South Bay Preseason ID CA 01/29 Mission College - San Jose
East Bay Preseason ID CA 02/05 Chabot College - Hayward
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/05 The MAX - McCook, IL

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