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Colorado 2026 Class Rankings: Summer Update

September 6, 2023
Caleb Dameron
PBR Colorado Staff

The summer 2023 rankings update consists of 50 players from the Colorado 2026 class. This group is led by a strong core of arms at the top, and the list has been expanded up to 50 players with many upsides to monitor. When creating our rankings, we consider various factors, such as skills, physical abilities, potential, projection, and on-field performance as well.

As the fall season unfolds, we are excited to see how these players develop and are constantly looking for new talent within our state. We understand that each player progresses at their own pace, and we will update the rankings throughout the year. It's important to remember that each player has their journey, and the ultimate goal should always be to strive for continuous improvement.

FULL RANKINGS: CLICK HERE

SURGING ARMS:

Hudson Alpert SS / RHP / Regis Jesuit, CO / 2026

Alpert is a highly projectable right-hander that already has plenty of top level experience for a 2026. As a freshman this spring, Alpert allowed just a .160 batting average against him across over 43 innings in one of the toughest leagues in Colorado. We have seen the fastball jump up to 89 mph at times this summer for Alpert as well, and he does generate excellent spin on both the fastball and curveball with an athletic and wiry frame. Alpert is once again the #1 ranked player in the Colorado 2026 class and comes with a high ceiling on the mound.  

Aaron Jaquez RHP / 1B / Falcon, CO / 2026

Jaquez is another arm to get excited about as his athletic and physical frame has allowed him to touch into the upper 80's in 2023 as well. The sophomore creates a deceptive arm slot with a whippy over the top delivery. Jaquez also does a great job of tunneling his off-speeds with his fastball for whiffs. Physical athlete that should only get better and has been seen around 89 mph at times this summer. 

Maddox Burnett OF / RHP / Erie, CO / 2026

Burnett continues to thrive and has ramped the fastball up to 90 mph during some summer outings in 2023. The frame on Burnett projects quite well and the sophomore has a feel for spin and a changeup as well. Burnett is one to keep a close eye on as he is actively developing into a high upside on the mound.

Carson Munroe RHP / SS / Chaparral, CO / 2026

Munroe flashed some electric stuff during this year's Colorado State Games thanks to a fastball topping out over 88 mph with a quality curveball and changeup. The sophomore attacks the zone with all three pitches and can generate whiffs thanks to spin and deception. Munroe has some of the best pitch-ability in this class, and has earned his keep in the top 5 of the rankings.  

Tyler Houston RHP / OF / Legend, CO / 2026

Houston rounds out the surging right-handers in the 2026 class, and he has made quite the name for himself this summer. The fastball on Houston has been consistently seen in the upper 80's lately while he throws out of a lower 3/4 arm slot with spin and whip. If the right-hander continues to develop, he could end up with some top tier outlier stuff on the mound. 

 

 

TOP RISERS:

Brayden Millikan 1B / OF / Falcon, CO / 2026

Millikan impresses thanks to a physical left-handed swing that is already producing exit-velocities over 97 mph. The sophomore is a confident hitter that posted a .320 average this spring at the varsity level. Millikan has a chance to develop exceptional power from the left-side in the near future, with a well-rounded approach.  

Luc Gaca Thiele 3B / RHP / Fossil Ridge , CO / 2026

Gaca Thiele has made a jump in summer 2023 as the left-handed swing continues to get stronger. The short and compact swing that Gaca Thiele is producing right now has generated exit-velocities into the mid 90's with plate coverage. Gaca Thiele is another left-handed bat to keep on watch as he is actively developing. 

 

TOP NEWCOMERS:

Pierce Hafferkamp SS / RHP / Discovery Canyon, CO / 2026

Hafferkamp is an athlete all around that cracks the top 50 during this update to the rankings. The Discovery Canyon sophomore posted a 97.5 top exit-velocity, ran a 6.9 60 yard dash, and hit 83 mph on the mound with the fastball. Hafferkamp has strength along with athleticism and a feel for mechanics as well. Strong follow to see how he continues to get better.  

Karter Vega-Hernandez SS / 2B / Fountain-Fort Carson , CO / 2026

Vega-Hernandez has earned himself a spot in this set of the rankings as he has tools on both sides of the ball. The sophomore made some high-level plays in the infield during the 2023 Colorado State Games while ramping the fastball on the mound up to 83 mph with a quality curveball and changeup. Vega-Hernandez has a projectable athletic frame and also ran a 6.9 60 yard dash time. 

Caleb Korth LHP / 1B / Ponderosa , CO / 2026

Korth is a strong and athletic sophomore that has some varsity experience from spring 2023. The top exit-velocity on Korth is up to an impressive 99.8 at the moment while he has also gotten up to around 83 mph with the fastball on the mound from the left-side. Korth is a very intriguing follow as he has plenty of time to keep improving. 

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