EMERSON, GA: From walk-off home-runs to double-digit strikout efforts, standout performances littered the final tournament of the fall. Our staff takes a deeper look into 25+ players who stood out across the 2026 Prep Baseball Fall Classic. 

Prep Baseball Fall Underclass World Series: Scout Blog

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Grant Oravetz, RHP, 2027, Ola
Black Cobra Scout Team 18U
Uncommitted. The strong outings this fall continue to stack for Oravetz as he came through with a tremendous start to send Black Cobra to the semi-final game. Struck out nine across 5.0 IP in the run-rule win to advance in bracket play. Long-levered and high-waisted 6-foot-5, 155-pound frame that holds obvious projection. Huge extension downhill with body control and present arm speed from a three-quarter slot. Three pitch arsenal while showing an innate ability to command the outer half with the fastball/slider mix. Fastball creates sharp arm-side run while living on the outer half at 84-87 (T88 MPH) for both in-zone misses. Slider plays extremely well off the fastball with feel to tunnel and late-depth at 72-74. Sparingly mixed in a changeup as well at 76-78 to round out the mix. Oravetz looks to fill a bigger role at SP1 this upcoming spring as he leads a young core at Ola and could be a breakout name to monitor.

Keegan Warren, C/1B, 2028, Harrison
Prostock Baseball Club 17U
Uncommitted. Maybe the biggest winner of the entire fall circuit, Warren has been a man possessed and continued to perform at a high-level this past weekend. Stout 5-foot-10, 190-pounds with real strength in the frame and delivers loud exits at will. 7 hits on the weekend which tied for 2nd best in the event including a time-setting home-run at (98 EV/ 395ft.) on Friday night. Compact, physical right-handed cut and delivers a heavy barrel with accuracy to match. Barrel stays on-plane forever backed by present bat speed and feel to manipulate around for consistent hard contact throughout the zone. Works from the ground-up and syncs up the bigger leg-kick load well while showing strong hands/wrists that creates easy carry to all-fields. Willingness to use the entire field and pitch recognition stands out with zone awareness to do damage against both velocity and spin. Steady defender both behind the plate and first base with tools to stick and chance to continue to grow into the profile. Potent hit/power combo has shined against quality completion all fall and Warren should get every day run in arguably the deepest lineup in the state as he could be in line for a breakout.

Drew Cribb, 3B, 2028, West Forsyth
TG DBacks 17u National
Uncommitted. Standout weekend in the box for Cribb as he paced the DBacks offense throughout and tied for the event 2nd best with 7-hits. Athletic 5-foot-11, 150-pounds with present feel to hit at the dish that has stood out over the years. Simple setup with good balance and stays short to it from a left-handed cut. Ability to control the barrel well for accuracy across all parts of the zone and strong pitch recognition to match. Quality bat-to-ball skills show often with excellent zone awareness and willingness to work the other way in all counts. Athletic actions at the hot corner with instincts and arm-strength that could carry long-term. Cribb is coming off a strong spring season last year and looks to build upon it as one of the leaders for the Wolverines in ‘27.

Coleson Wood, OF, 2028, Forsyth Central
Top Tier Roos GA 17u
Uncommitted. Impressive cuts throughout my look at Wood on Saturday morning as he came through with multiple hits. Athletic 6-foot-0, 160-pounds with a well-connected RH cut and plenty of strength to project. Athletic in the box with body control and gets into his lower half really well as he stays balanced through the controlled leg-kick load. Extremely compact path to contact with present barrel feel while showing excellent hand speed and ability to adjust in-zone. Strong pitch recognition with zone awareness alike and aptitude to use the entire field shows often. Plenty of athleticism to profile across the grass long-term with excellent tracking laterally. A bit of a sleeper in the class but Wood has shown really well over recent months and boasts present tools that can make an impact at the next level. Will be looked upon to hold a major role with the Bulldogs in the spring.

Drew Steinemann, C/1B, 2028, Walton
Prostock Baseball Club 17U
Uncommitted. Statement look to close out the fall with multiple extra-base hits highlighted by a walk-off 2-run homerun in bracket play to advance to the semis. Physical 5-foot-11, 185-pounds with tons of strength in the frame and real impact in the barrel. Balanced approach at the plate while working from the ground-up with plus bat speed showing often in a compact, well-leveraged path. Strong hands/wrists and delivers a heavy barrel through the zone that yields loud exits as the ball simply jumps at contact with carry to all-fields. Provides defensive value behind the plate with fluid actions while showing athleticism in the couch and boasts present arm strength. Thrives when the lights are brightest and all signs point towards a breakout spring in one of the toughest regions in the state. 

Jude Smith, OF, 2028, Holy Innocents
ATL Lightning 17U Gold
Uncommitted. The former Future Gamer showed extremely well amongst various staff members as he was locked in at the plate all weekend long. Athletic 6-foot-1, 175-pounds with twitch and lean strength while offering present above-average tools throughout the profile. Multiple hard-hit knocks in my look while showing an aptitude to work the whole field with authority. Simple setup with zero wasted effort in the right-handed cut and utilizes a quick, balanced trigger to stay balanced through the zone. Present bat speed shows often in a direct path to contact with strong hands/wrists while staying level in a linear stroke and advanced accuracy in the barrel to match. Defensive tools to profile across the grass long-term and is armed with the gamer mentality to put his body on the line at all times. Present foot speed paired with a quick first step and instincts that allow for excellent tracking for coverage in all directions. It’s a high-floor profile & intangibles that thrive in the big moments, as Smith should draw plenty of interest across D1 schools with continued production this upcoming spring.

KJ Mayfield, RHP, 2028, Kings Ridge
Prostock Baseball Club 17U
Uncommitted. Multiple strong appearances across the tournament for Mayfield en route to a championship win to close the fall. Combined for eleven strikeouts over 8.0 IP including a 7 K performance in the championship game. Physical 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame with a stout lower half and present arm speed while working from a three-quarter slot and feel to repeat the delivery. Generated swing-and-miss throughout with the fastball/slider mix that plays extremely well off one another. Fastball lives in the upper 80’s at 86-88 (T89 MPH) with barrel-breaking sink and feel to command both halves of the plate well. Excellent feel to spin a sharp slider with manipulating shapes for swing-and-miss throughout the zone at 75-77 and points towards a future advanced offering. Cutter compliments the FB/SL mix well with a tight break at 82-84 that produces freezes. Mixes in a changeup as well at 80-81 with fade to left-handed hitters that rounds out the arsenal. Mayfield has looked the part since the start of the year as he is quickly developing into one of the best arms in this ‘28 class and is a name to know this spring with potential D1 upside.

Bryson Box, RHP, 2027, Creekview
TG DBacks 17u National
The uncommitted right-hander has been having a really strong past couple of weeks this fall and closes it out with a dominant bracket play win on Sunday. Eye-opening stuff showing with swing-and-miss across the full mix with eight strikeouts over 4.0 IP and no runs allowed. Athletic 5-foot-11,175-pounds with present arm speed from a three-quarter slot and moxie on the mound stands out. Innate ability to command the outer half as the 3-pitch mix plays extremely well off one another. Fastball shows ride and run characteristics with command throughout the zone for plenty of in-zone misses at 86-88 (T89 MPH). Changeup holds potential for a future advanced offering at 77-79 and was the go to secondary offering. Right-on-right feel while tunneling off the heater that showed depth and fade while proving to be another swing-and-miss pitch to righties. Late-depth slider with gyro shape at 75-76 and compliments the arsenal really well while offering another strikeout pitch. Young for the 2027 class and continues to make excellent gains over these past few months, as he is a name for coaches across multiple levels to circle heading into the spring.

Finn McQuade, OF, 2028, Campbell
643 DP Jaguars 17u
Uncommitted. The approach at the plate from McQuade stood out immediately. He took a couple really good AB’s with nothing to show for, and then came up big in his next 2 AB’s with 2 loud doubles to the pull side. One was off the wall in RC, just missing a HR. The swing is short and compact with strength throughout. He stays in the lower half and the upper stays connected throughout the swing. He moved really well with an explosive first step out of the box. There is 2 way upside on the mound as well as a low 80’s strike thrower that can be a benefit at any level. McQuade will be a fun follow headed into the spring for Campbell and an uncommitted prospect to keep eyes on.

Christian Norton, 1B, 2028, Asheville Christian Academy (NC)
Next Level Baseball NC 2028
Uncommitted. Norton has been on another planet ever since the tournament has started. He ended the weekend slashing an astonishing .400 BA with 7 RBI’s throughout three games. He had multiple XBH’s within a couple of multihit games for a really good Next Level travel squad out of North Carolina. The super physical 1B sticks out with an eye opening and imposing 6-foot-8, 260-pound XL frame with pure muscle throughout the build. Over the weekend, Norton was very impressive with AA tools that will continue to develop and the body control he has for his size. The LH swing is majestic with balance throughout the finish and the ability to find the barrel even when the pitch is out of TZ. Overall, Norton had a really good weekend offensively but the highlight of it all was the walkoff grand slam with the game on the line in a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the 7th! Norton slowed down time and showed he is not afraid of the moment when he absolutely eradicated a 424’ rocket off the bat at an astounding 106 EV off the bat. While he was living on the barrel offensively, the glove stuck out in the dirt at 1B and it showed on some nice picks. Norton is one of the top players still on the market and will be a huge get for any team at the next level.

James Humrich, OF, 2027, North Gwinnett
Top Tier Roos GA 18u
Uncommitted. Humrich came out on a chilly Saturday morning and generated some heat with a leadoff 3B into deep RCF at 96.4 EV off the bat. The robust OF would continue to find the wood on the day with a multi hit showing in the following game and more hits on Sunday. On Saturday, he would also add another smoked 3B into LCF with an EV of 99.4. He understands the zone and knows his strengths which shows when he works counts and he is not afraid to take a BB if he doesn’t get what he wants. Humrich is exciting to watch because he always puts a hard barrel on the ball no matter where it is in the zone. He is twitchy in the box with a balanced stroke and controls the barrel very well. Humrich’s path is flat through the zone and creates backspin into the gaps where he can pick up extra bags in the meantime. He also shows rangy actions in the OF and will play a big role in his senior season for the Bulldogs.

Luke Manuszewski, C/OF, 2029, Cox Mill (NC)
CBC Showcase 16u
Manuszewski impressed with a strong offensive afternoon ATP on Saturday. The cleanup came out swinging and did his role driving in a run on a 1B to RF in a full count. Later in the game, he would catch a FB middle-middle and rip it into LCF at 92.1 EV off the bat. The QAB’s stuck out because he showed an AA 2K approach for his age with strong B2B skills to poke one out to RF. He also has good plate discipline and stung a 3-1 mistake into LF for a double to start a rally for his team. Manuszewski has a simple swing with a firm foundation throughout and fast hands in the zone. While he is only a sophomore, he is already showing blooming power and traits that college coaches look for. Manuszewski finished the fall circuit strong and will look to have a heavy impact as a sophomore for Cox Mill.

Troy Overby III, 3B, 2028, Woodstock
Top Tier Roos GA 18u
Uncommitted. Overby III went 6 for 8 with a staggering .750 batting average. He was a hitting machine all weekend with an all fields approach showing up across AB’s. Overby III consistently hit the ball hard and found the barrel in multiple facets of the zone. While he is still projecting, he is starting to show maturity in the tools with burgeoning power showing up in the swing and fluid actions in the IF with strength in the arm across the diamond. The swing plays with a simple load and good timing allows him to make adjustments mid-pitch. He showed pitch adjustment on Saturday when he matched pitch plane early and stayed down through his finish resulting in a 1B into LF. Overby III was a sleeper in the tournament this past weekend but he is starting to open some eyes and is looking to become a huge asset for any team at the next level. He will continue to fill out the 6-foot, 185-pound frame and be a strong factor with Woodstock in the spring.

Silas Baker, 1B/RHP, 2030, Sonoraville
Blaze Baseball
A great weekend for Baker as he tallied multi-hit games throughout the weekend and competed well all weekend. Just a freshman but finds a way to get the job done in every AB. First thing you notice is his frame, he stands at 5-foot-10, and 197 pounds, just present strength all over and has tons of room to grow and continue to build out that frame. Quiet actions in the box, keeps it simple and has a mature approach at the dish. Strength in the hands/wrist are evident as he also has elite barrel feel and accuracy to find that sweet spot every time to make great contact in every AB. The bat speed is present as well, just consistent meeting the baseball out in front and ropes it every time. A good athlete for his size as well, extended some bags consistently throughout the weekend. The Southeast Future Gamer shined all throughout the summer and has continued to shine as the fall went on. Just a 30’, room to grow and get better throughout these next 4 years will be something to watch.

Beau Albritton, 3B/RHP, 2028, Harrison
Nelson Baseball School 17u
Uncommitted. An outstanding weekend for 2028, consistently finding barrels throughout the weekend and competed in the field as well. An athletic frame standing at 5-foot-10, and 160 pounds, w/ some length in the levers at that size. At the 3B position, he was all the plays that were coming his way, foul ball pop ups, you name it Albritton was making the plays. At the plate a true hitter's hit mentality, just all around found ways to get his barrel to the ball whether he was spoiling off a pitch to fight deep in the count or whether he was ripping it PS to drive in runs. Quiet actions in the box, consistently kept the barrel flat through the zone and was able to get fully extended every swing. Fluid motions throughout with present bat speed, has a short direct path to the ball. A very heavy PS hitter and consistently found barrels throughout the weekend, also used length in the zone to cover the plate as well. With runners in scoring positions, he delivered just about every time. A quiet fall for Albritton but as it wraps up and spring comes into play, he will look to make an impact on a stacked Hoya team.

Wesley Thiry, RHP/3B, Norcross
Ninth Inning Royals 18u-Osby
Uncommitted. The Southeast Future Gamer continues to shine as a 2-way. A physical 6-foot-3, 190 pound frame, with a strong lower half, he uses that build to dominate in every setting of the game. Leg-kick load, and the use of long levers to cover the plate in every AB. Smooth motions and keeps the bat path flat through the zone, the hand speed/ explosive hands through the zone that gets the barrel gets around quickly. Gets into the lower half really well and has a real gap-to-gap approach able to consistently rope baseballs to the 3-4 hole and the 5-6 hole. In the dirt, he is as smooth as they come, consistently making plays throughout the weekend playing multiple positions in the field whether it was MIF or the corners. Had a standout summer and it has continued throughout the fall. As the spring comes up he looks to make an impact for Norcross as they look to make a deep run into the state playoffs this year.

Levi Espinoza, C, 2028, North Paulding
Nelson Baseball School 17u
Uncommitted. The ultimate competitor and has the tools at the dish and at the bs. As a bs he shined in every setting, throwing players out, not allowing past balls and being a vocal leader. When his team's morale was down he was always keeping his spirit up and motivating his team, and when the team were at the highs, he was able to keep them composed. A coachable guy who is able to adjust on the fly. Through multiple games he was able to tally up multiple hits and RBIS, throughout two games he went 4 for 5 while getting the job done when it was time to lay down the bunt to advance the runner. Simple actions in the box, has a short compact stroke with accuracy in the barrel. Fast hands in the zone that are consistent with every AB, which allows him to use all parts of the field. Serves as the 2nd coach on the field calling out shifts and making adjustments as the games goes on, while holding everyone accountable. The 2028 continues to make strides and impress as the fall ends. With spring around the corner he looks to make a big impact for the Wolfpack.

Garryk Hargett, MIF, 2030, NC
SBA Tucci
Hargett hits in every setting, and the freshman really impressed this weekend. The first thing that jumps out to you about his swing is the bat speed. Strength is present throughout the frame and is present in the lower half. An aggressive approach at the dish comes out looking first pitch hunting. Mulit-hit games across all the games, a toe-tap trigger load, tight turn w/ a weight transfer. Stays well connected through the baseball and brings the power in the hands. A lot of his hits were ropes to the wall in one game he was inches away from launching a rocket out the park, but secured the GRD. A consistent gamer in the MIF, smooth fluid through the field and made multiple plays at 2nd base. Covering ground the whole game, catching pop flys, making sliding stops, whatever his team needed. The freshman already has elite b2b skills that are present and makes plays when his team needs it. As he continues to grow and get stronger the 2030 looks to make an impact and be a rising star over the next couple of years.

Bryce Floyd, RHP, 2028, Holy Innocents
ProStock Baseball Club 17u.
Missouri commit. Another eye-catching performance from Floyd this fall, as the impressive looks continue to stack for the 2026 Future Gamer. The spin characteristics continue to stand out throughout the arsenal. Ultra-athletic 5-foot-10, 160-pound frame, Floyd maximizes the build with a loose arm-action from an almost sidearm slot, allowing for the unique run/ride traits on the FB that sat 88-91, touching 92 multiple times. The RHP operates with a controlled delivery and held the upper 80s velo throughout the 5.1-inning outing, with a Strike% of 64% and Whiff% of 31%, collecting 8 K's along the way. Floyd showed the ability to +/- HM on the SL at will with 2600+ RPM. Flashed a late tumble CH in the low 80s that missed barrels consistently. With plenty of projection remaining, Bryce Floyd is a name to know amongst the highest levels across the country, and will be extremely exciting to watch this spring at Holy Innocents.

Patrick Melton, 1B/RHP, 2030, Pro5 Academy (NC)
SBA Tucci National 15u
Impressive look across multiple games from the North Carolina Junior Future Gamer. Physicality stands out for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound two-way, with immense power projections in the profile. In the box, Melton sets up balanced before a slight toe-tap trigger into the load. The upper half works in sync with the lower half with relaxed and adjustable actions. Strength is evident throughout the frame, with hand and bat speed indicative of present, all-fields power. The rotational flexibility stands out in the swing with an efficient path. On the mound, the power outputs continue with the low-mid 80s FB that plays throughout the zone with cut shape. The CH sat 73-75 and showed some late fade, and the CB sat 69-71 and had 12-6 shape. Melton struck out 5 through the 3-inning outing while not allowing a hit. Exciting high-upside two-way follow out of North Carolina’s 2030 class.

Brayden Harris, 1B/LHP, 2029, Providence (NC)
SBA Tucci National 15u
Perhaps the most impactful single-game performance came from Harris in the Underclass championship game, collecting 3 hits with 2RBI and a run scored in a 6-3 extra-inning win. Athleticism is evident within the 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame with budding strength. The feel to hit is already advanced with good swing decisions and a mature approach. Through 15 PA this weekend, Harris did not record a strikeout. Barrel impact shows at times, with the ability to capitalize on mistakes. Harris creates length in-zone with a well-leveraged barrel and efficient path. Utilizes the long levers of the frame to get extended through contact with a strong lead leg anchor. Standout first look this weekend, with more to inevitably come from the LHH as the tools continue to refine. 

Garrett Wilkerson, MIF, 2028, South Paulding
643 DP Cougars 16u
Uncommitted. Wilkerson put on a clinic in all facets of the game this weekend, collecting 5 hits, 5 runs, and 6 RBI in 12 AB, all while not recording a strikeout. Bat-to-ball stands out with simple actions and impressive swing decisions. Wilkerson matches pitch plane, showing some adjustability, with unwavering timing on all pitch types. On the infield dirt, Wilkerson features steady hands and shows a clear confidence around the baseball with efficient footwork and the innate ability to be in advantageous positions. Wilkerson remains an uncommitted name to know in the 2028 class and looks to carry momentum into the spring at South Paulding.

Caden Kappler, CIF/ RHP, 2030, Hoover (AL)
Birmingham Stars
Really impressive all-around look at the ‘26 Junior Future Gamer this weekend. The explosive physicality within the 6-foot-3, 204-pound frame stands out across the diamond. On the mound, Kappler works with a composed confidence and attacks hitters in-zone, with an advanced feel to spin throughout the entire arsenal. The RHP ran the FB up to 85 multiple times before settling into the 82-84 range with plenty of ASR from the L3/4 slot. The CB showed a 2-plane shape and generated swing-and-miss throughout the appearance, in the upper-60s. In the box, Kappler starts in a narrow, slightly open set-up before loading into a strong and balanced position. The hands fly through the zone and deliver the barrel with accuracy and clear impact, highlighted by a 98 EV ground-rule double into CF. The rotational strength is evident both in the box and on the mound. Lots to like in the high-upside 2-way profile and a name to know in Alabama’s 2030 class.

Max Kimbrell, RHP/SS, 2030, Hartselle (AL)
Birmingham Stars
Possibly one of the highest upside players throughout the tournament this weekend was Kimbrell. Ridiculous physicality in the 6-foot-2,195-pound frame with athletic actions across the diamond. In the box, it’s a really simple operation with strong anchors and balance throughout. Kimbrell uses the ground well, with the lead leg transferring strength into the hands at the point of contact. The path is efficient with lightning-quick hands and evident bat speed, with the ability to lift to the pull side. On the mound, Kimbrell oozes upside with an already exciting arsenal featuring an 86-90 (T91) FB with a sharp, high spin CB, and advanced feel for the CH, both sitting 75-76. The delivery is smooth and repeatable. Explodes down the mound from a ¾ slot with athleticism to hold velo. Potent middle-of-the-lineup bat with upside on the mound to match, and an absolute name to know nationally across the top levels.

Braden Smith, SS/OF, 2029, Houston County
ProStock Baseball Club 16u
Ultra-athletic 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame with defensive actions that shine in the OF grass. Offensively, Smith features innate bat-to-ball ability with length in-zone and a mature approach. Swing decisions stood out across multiple looks. Smith applies constant pressure on the basepaths, with the ability to take extra bases on balls in play, or stealing a bag to advance into scoring position. Defensively, the 6.9 runner patrols gap-to-gap in CF, getting good reads and jumps to turn potential hits into outs. Smith looks the part of a dangerous top-of-the-lineup bat and sure-handed option in CF. Very intriguing follow out of Houston County.

Luke Bennett, LHP/1B, 2027, South Paulding
Top Tier Lakeside Athletics
Uncommitted. Really intriguing look this weekend at the lean, 6-foot-3, 170-pound LHP. Bennett lived in the strike zone with all three offerings and missed barrels with ease to post a final line of 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, and 8 K. The southpaw located the upper-70s, sinking FB with authority on the outer third, with a CH at 69-71 that tumbled well from the same tunnel. Flashed the CB vs LHH, but worked primarily with the FB/CH mix to an RHH-heavy lineup. Bennett operates from a L3/4 slot with a crossfire look that creates plenty of deception. The athleticism is evident on the mound, a fluid mover with the ability to sync the actions of the long levers and repeat the delivery to hold velocity and command late into the outing. Overall quality showing from Bennett, who looks to be an intriguing follow come spring, and is only scratching the surface of the frame.

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