EMERSON, GA: As we reach the thick of the fall tournament season, our staff takes a look at over 20+ standouts across nearly every class from the 2026 Prep Baseball Fall Invite. 

Prep Baseball Fall Invite: Scout Blog

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Cayden Hunter, C/1B, 2027, Taylor County
Uncommitted. Hunter had a great tourney with barrels spread throughout the weekend. In this game, he hit .500 with two hits across four AB’s. He drove in two and had QAB’s against a solid starter on the mound. Hunter showed off a mature 2K approach in a full count during his 1st AB resulting in a hard 2B to LF. Later in the game, he would 1B on the first pitch with an aggressive mentality and knock in a run. He is selfless in the box and always comes up with the big hit when runners are in scoring position. He doesn’t try to do too much and knows his strengths at the plate making him a tough out for any opponent. The innate B2B skills stand out with easy pop off the bat and room for more. Over time, he is proving to be an all-around polished player and is showing above average tools behind the dish. Hunter impressed at #GASeniorGames26 and will be a great asset to any team at the next level.

Jayden Frankenfield, OF, 2029, Fox Creek (SC)
Frankenfield had a great game and showcased the blossoming B2B skills. There was plenty to like in his AB’s throughout the night especially because he worked counts and drove in runs. He went up to the plate with a plan and looked for a specific pitch in one location while taking his BB’s at the same time. In big moments, Frankenfield found barrels and extended the game for his team with two outs when they were down late in the game. They would go on to make a big comeback win with Frankenfield being a major factor. The swing is compact with a quick toe-tap trigger and length in the zone as he showed an innate ability to handle the inner half for the PS knocks. There is projection in the 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame with an exciting polished bag of tools on the way in the near future.

Brady Keefe, OF/RHP, 2030, Dunwoody
The Dunwoody native was all over the barrel throughout the Fall Invite. Keefe is continuing to make a name for himself with a three hit day in bracket play on Sunday and even more knocks during the semifinals. With an aggressive approach at the plate, he takes full advantage of the FB early in the count and doesn’t miss it with a 2B and 2 1B’s on the day. Keefe’s RH cut is not overly complex but he has present barrel feel in a short, quick path to the inner half of the zone. If he is early in the swing, he has enough leverage to get a sharp base hit to the PS but if he catches it deep, he is quick through the zone with the barrel for an opposite field knock. The two-way has adv. tools at such a young age and they will only get better as he develops more into the 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. He also shows plus pitchability on the mound with good arm speed and athleticism from within.

Javen Bearden, 1B/SS, 2028, Fayette County
Uncommitted. Bearden came out firing against an intimidating Prostock club with talent across the whole lineup. He threw a CG giving up just one earned on three hits while K’ing 9. Each inning, he brought more energy on the bump and his stuff became more unhittable. He also helped himself at the plate with a couple of hard hits including a 1B UTM that he would end up coming around and scoring on. The athleticism and competitiveness in his offense was most impressive because the swing has a lot of moving parts but it comes together so nicely with present bat speed on display. There is a lot of projection in the high-waisted 6-foot-4 frame with good barrel feel already. 

Franyer Ortiz, RHP, 2028, Georgia Premier Academy
Eye-opening first look at the uncommitted RHP on Friday night, flashing substantial arm talent and stuff to match. Ortiz is armed with a physical, broad-shouldered 6-foot-0 frame with present above-average arm speed from a clean, near over-the-top slot that he shows ability to repeat. Fastball jumps out of the hand at 88-92 with late life that will miss bats consistently and shows ability to maintain velocity that is nowhere near reaching its peak. Slider pairs well in the high-70s with ability to hold the fastball tunnel well paired with tight, late horizontal break that can freeze batters often. Changeup in the low-80s was shown more in warm-ups than in-game but some late fade and makings of future third offering for Oritz. FB/SL combo was more than enough in the outing as the junior would strike out 8 over 3.0 no-hit IP in the run-rule victory. There’s significant potential and upside in the arm/profile for Ortiz and could be a breakout name to watch this spring. 

Andrew Waite, OF, 2028, Wesleyan
The breakout year for Waite hasn't slowed down as we move into the fall with the outfielder continuing to stack strong performances on a weekly basis. Prototype leadoff profile with innate bat-to-ball skills that stems from a rhythmic, on-time setup and excellent zone coverage from the left-side. Shows an impressive ability to keep the barrel on-plane nearly anywhere in the zone and has shown an ever-improving approach with each look. This is a high-floor hit tool with sneaky 45 raw power that he's shown he can tap into often in-game. Waite has shown the capabilities to profile across the outfield with a chance to stick long-term in CF where the instincts have stood out. In a deep 2028 outfield class, Waite has positioned himself greatly heading into next spring and could garner plenty of looks from schools across multiple levels. 

Reid Walker, SS, 2027, Bloomington South (IN)
Hard to find anyone who had a better week than what Walker put together as the Indiana Fall Stars would make a championship game run. The uncommitted SS would launch multiple HR on the week in the midst of hitting .471 with 12 RBI and zero strikeouts out of the leadoff spot. Quiet, balanced RH setup with ability to stay well-connected through the leg lift load and generating significant strength from the ground-up. Barrel stays on-plane forever while showing ability to manipulate in-zone to strengthen the bat-to-ball skills. Gritty defender in the middle infield with excellent instincts and confidence to attack balls in all directions. Arm strength is more than capable at short while showing accuracy from multiple angles. This is the definition of a gamer with high-floor tools and high makeup that would be a gem to a recruiting class.

James Dockter, 3B, 2027, Marist
The recent Amherst College commit has done nothing but hit for our staff throughout the year and put together yet another strong week at the Fall Invite. The confidence that Dockter is bringing every time he steps in the box is obvious as the 3B looks to do damage early in the count often (with success) and showing tremendous zone awareness consistently. Simple path to contact with strength in the hands/wrists to move the barrel throughout the zone with leverage to match. Feel to carry balls to the pull-side has grown throughout the year but maintains the all-fields approach overall. More than capable defender at the hot corner with soft hands and arm strength for any throw needed. Dockter’s development is going to be key heading into next spring as the senior will be looked upon as a major leader for Marist.

Graham Reker, 2B/C, 2028, Woodward Academy
The value throughout the profile for Reker continues to show up and was all over the barrel this past weekend for ATL Lightning. Multiple XBH for the uncommitted junior with nearly everything coming off the bat at 90+. Quiet setup at the plate with a wide base and quick trigger that allows Reker to maintain balance consistently and showed one of the more impressive two-strike approaches on the week, eliminating the stride and finding knocks to all-fields. Swiss-army knife type glove that could carry the profile with ability to offer quality innings across the infield as well as holding staying power behind the plate. Consistent production backed with a high-floor profile should allow the junior to garner the attention of recruiting coordinators heading into the spring.

Fran-J Confesor, SS, 2027, Georgia Premier Academy
Uncommitted. The Curaçao native burst onto the scene early during the spring and continues to turn heads this fall circuit. Showed extremely well during bracket play with a pair of homeruns and a triple as well as providing lockdown defense on the left-side of the dirt. Physical with athleticism at 6-foot-1, 188-pounds and prolific tools across the profile. Well-connected right-handed cut while syncing up the longer load and leg kick well. Fluid mover with ability to create separation and length in-zone. Approach shined while spitting on spin low and hunting his pitch in-the-zone paired with great barrel feel and adjustability in the path. Potential long-term home on the left-side of the dirt especially at the hot corner. Instincts really shined with excellent range in all directions. Arm-strength could carry long-term with accuracy to the bag and some flexibility. With this type of continued production in the spring, the projection paired with sign ability should allow Confessor to draw considerable buzz from MLB scouts. 

Coe Puckett, C/OF, 2027, Fellowship Christian
The Senior Future Games alum and recent North Georgia commit put together a standout showing on both sides of the ball across bracket play. Looked the part in my look during the quarters where he went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a single as well. Strength and athleticism stand out in the broad-shouldered 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame with present above-average tools throughout the profile. Stays well-connected through the longer load and transfers weight well in the physical right-handed cut. Works from a compact path with loose, strong hands and natural ability to create loft at contact while generating leverage through the zone. Puckett boasts a high-floor defensive makeup while displaying an advanced profile behind the dish and the ability to profile in a corner outfield spot as well. Showed extremely well behind the plate in the championship as he caught a runner stealing in a crucial spot in the late innings. Tons of athleticism in the crouch with fluid footwork and excellent blocking to match. Receives well with the ability to stick it and advanced arm strength could carry long-term and overall controls the game really well. It’s the type of profile and makeup that will make a real impact from the moment he steps on campus for the Nighthawks as a massive senior campaign appears to already be under way. 

Cooper Rice, LHP, 2028, Jones County
Uncommitted. Nothing short of dominance from Rice on the mound Sunday afternoon. Bullying start in all facets as he struck out 11 over 4.0 shut-out innings-pitched while generating swing-and-miss with the entire mix. Physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame with body control and present arm speed that holds plenty of projection. Bulldog demeanor while mound presence stands out as he works fast and attacks in-the-zone. Operates from a repeatable three-quarters slot that creates deception and is extremely tough to pick up out of the hand. Primary fastball approach as he produced in-zone misses at will at 84-86 (T87 MPH) with carry and command throughout the zone. Slider was mixed in with gradual depth and feel to spin at 72-75 while showing the ability to tunnel well off the heater. Changeup has a chance to be a future advanced offering as it racked up some ugly whiffs throughout. Consistently spotted at the bottom of the zone off the fastball at 75-78 with disappearing tumble and proved to be a weapon to right-handed hitters. Competitiveness shines in every setting for Rice as he boasts high-level pitch ability, and this profile could prove to be a vital asset to a recruiting class across multiple levels. 

Blayne Harbin, OF, 2027, Hixson (TN)
The uncommitted OF continues to stack impressive performances together this fall. Immense projectability in the 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame with advanced tools across the board. The innate feel for the barrel stands out across each look. Harbin recorded three hits in three games, with 5 RBI this weekend, all with EVs north of 92. The LHH looks the part of a middle-of-the-lineup bat at the next level. Harbin utilizes the long levers of the frame well in creating extension and length in the zone. The uphill path generates lift to the pull side to pair nicely with the already advanced impact in the barrel. The range and arm really stand out in the OF grass with smooth and efficient actions. Harbin has posted a 6.8 60-yard dash and 89 OF velo in past showcase settings, both of which translate in-game. Overall impressive multi-week look at Harbin, who remains one of the top uncommitted OF in Tennessee's 2027 class. 

Bryce Fontenot, RHP/3B, 2027, Cherokee Bluff
Samford commit. Fontenot possesses an ultra-physical 6-foot-2, 228-pound frame with a power profile at the plate and on the mound as well. In a brief two-inning outing, Fontenot flashed a 90-92 FB averaging over 15 inches of horizontal movement from a low ¾, almost sidearm, slot. The pitch was well located throughout the outing and relied on heavily to generate in-zone misses. The delivery starts controlled before exploding down the mound with a loose and whippy arm action. The SL also generated whiff and flashed plus. The offering sat 80-82 with late bite. Fontenot finished the 2-inning outing with 4 strikeouts while only allowing 1 baserunner. Exciting performance from the high upside two way, who continues to impress in each look. Fontenot looks primed to cap off a stellar HS career this spring with Cherokee Bluff.

Blake Samuda, OF, 2028, Tucker
Uncommitted. Samuda put together quality at-bats throughout the tournament, highlighted by a 2-strike triple to the deepest part of the field with a 98 EV. Athleticism and strength are evident throughout the 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. In the box, Samuda has a disciplined approach with fluidity and rhythm in the hands. The load is simple and controlled in the lower half, while creating separation in the upper half. The hand speed and barrel impact really stand out from the physical LHH. The path is short and direct to the baseball, while creating some extension through contact with evident hand and wrist strength. Samuda should prove to be a very intriguing follow for the remainder of the fall and into the spring at Tucker.

Will Larimer, LHP/1B, 2030, Mount Paran
Really impressive weekend for Larimer, collecting 3 hits, including a double and a triple, and 5 RBI. The LHH gets the bat on an efficient path early and creates an abundance of length in zone. The lead leg hovers to get on time before landing softly and creating strong separation in the upper half. Larimer uses the ground well and transfers energy up through the body at the point of contact. The slightly uphill path generates some lift with present accuracy in the barrel. Athleticism is littered throughout the 5-foot-10, 140-pound build, with strength to be added as the frame continues to develop and mature. A good runner as well, Larimer gets out of the box well from the left side and takes efficient turns on the basepaths. Larimer should prove to be an intriguing follow throughout the HS career at Mount Paran. 

Jermaine Sanders Jr., OF/C, 2028, Eastside
Uncommitted. The OF continues to make strides from summer to now. Athletic frame at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds. Defensive makeup is present, able to make plays from all 3 areas in the OF. Constantly keeping his feet hot in the OF with ability to track the ball from gap-to-gap and pole-to-pole. In the box, he competes with the best of them. A true lead-off guy, finds a way to get on base by any means necessary. Over the course of the weekend he batted well over .600, seeing the ball well all weekend long. Often found himself in 2k approaches, but fought hard, spoiling off pitches, until he was able to connect in on one. A short compact stroke with timely accuracy, tight turns keeping everything close. Balance is present as well in his stance, bat speed is present for him as well. Once he gets on base, he moves with precision, timely jumps when he steals, turning simple hits into EB. The 2028 has been consistent throughout the summer and it has continued to the fall. As HS comes he will be a name to keep circled for Eastside. 

Albert "ADot" Carter, C/3B, 2028, Redan
Uncommitted. Carter is a guy that has been quietly improving throughout the summer and into the fall. B2B skills are present for Carter, he saw the ball well all weekend. Keeps it simple in the box and has a very mature approach. Understands his role in every AB, whether it's getting on base or scoring runners. Rhythmic load, with fluid motions throughout the box, paired with elite hand/bat speed. A guy that works at the backstop position as well as the hot corner. Made countless plays at 3B. Just able to cover ground quickly no matter what was hit his way and was also able to stop any balls that looked like they were going to go past him. Just an all round player, as gritty and competitive as they come. As he wraps up this fall he will look to follow up the growth this spring for the Raiders. 

Landon Evans, RHP/C, 2029, Harrison
The 2029 continues his electric fall this season as he racks up hits and RBI’s throughout. What jumps off the chart about this kid the twitchy trigger he plays with. He has a motor that is always on go and never stops. Quiet actions in the box, relies heavily on hip rotation to generate power and it is very present. Great barrel feel as well, as he consistently keeps a flat bat path every swing. Power is brought in the athletic frame from the hips standing at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds. The kid is a gamer, when his team needs him to show up in big moments he does. He showed that on their first game Sunday, about 4 innings in not much action Evans rips one to the CFW. Showcased his speed as well this AB, getting an IPHR, and driving in a run as well to get his team going. As he goes into the fall for a stacked Harrison squad, Evans looks to be a key piece to his team this spring as he goes into his sophomore year. 

Griffin Richards, 1B/RHP, 2029, Whitewater
An outstanding weekend at the plate for the 2029. Gamer like traits for the kid, and feeds well off of his team's energy. Tallied up 7 RBI’s this weekend just a stellar weekend at the plate. B2B skills on display all the weekend as he was able to make contact and drive it. A true PS approach for Richards as he bats in the 4-hole, often finding himself up with runners in scoring position. Solid frame at 6-foot-1, 176 pounds with tons of room to grow and add muscle. Simple actions in the box, adjustability is present throughout his swing as well. Along with the adjustability he brings a constant bat speed to match. Understands the game well, and you can tell he picks up the pitch out of the pitchers hand and is able to time everything up perfectly. An underrated part of his game is his speed on the bags. A smooth mover on the bags as well, and was able to consistently steal bags throughout the games this weekend. As he enters his sophomore year of HS, Richards will look to continue to grow and be a guy that this Whitewater team can count on as they go into this season. 

Braylen Taleb, CF, 2029, Houston County
Taleb lived on the barrel this weekend while impacting the game with his legs and defense. Taleb tallied 8 TBs to kick off pool play with triples to the LF corner, LCF gap, and a 2B to the RCF gap. A dual-sport athlete, Taleb’s lower-half strength stands out for his age, and his athleticism helps him maneuver the barrel well and get to all pitch types and locations. Taleb keeps it simple at the dish, with minimal moving parts, which helps him stay balanced and on plane throughout his swing. His speed plays on the bases, both in taking extra bases on balls in play and swiping bags at will. Taleb continues to project in CF with the ability to hawk down anything hit his way. He’ll look to continue building on a strong fall as he heads into his sophomore season at Houston Country this spring. 

Trenton Finley, MINF, 2029, Knights Academy (TN)
Finely impressed in bracket play in all three phases of the game. He notched 4 hits and 3 RBIs across bracket play on Sunday, pushing his Dirtbags squad to a championship victory. Finely brings a mature, steady demeanor to each AB, and he really hunts his pitch. He’ll employ a striding leg kick before posting up on his front leg, allowing him to drive the baseball to all fields. His swing is flat, and his barrel stays in the zone, allowing him to connect with the ball at all points in the hitting zone. He showed he can let fastballs get deep and shoot them to RF consistently; one found the RF corner, and he leg-out for a 3B. Defensively, Finely is a smooth mover on the dirt with a knack for making athletic plays and making the routine plays look simple. He’s a name to know for coaches looking for an impact player up the middle as he heads into his sophomore season this spring.

Isaiah Steward, MINF, 2028, Buford
Uncommitted. Steward is an impact player regardless of where he is on the field. At the dish, Steward has a well-levered left-handed swing with consistently in-sync upper- and lower-half mechanics. He packs a unique level of hit and power into his 5-foot-8, 145-pound frame, with multiple XBHs throughout the weekend consistently getting the most out of his body. A 6.5 runner, Steward is thinking three bases on any ball that finds a gap in the outfield, and he’ll rack up steals in bunches. He’s as smooth as they come on the dirt, with the athleticism and range to make highlight-reel plays, including two unassisted double plays this weekend in bracket play. He’ll look to carry this momentum and put together a strong junior season as part of a strong Buford roster.

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