Which Pitchers & Two-Way Prospects Stood Out This Fall?
October 22, 2026
The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.
This week’s topic: This week, we’re continuing to highlight Fall Standouts. Please submit a pitcher or two-way prospect from your state who stood out this fall, including the event you saw them and what stood out.
+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
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+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.
♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (10/22):
Alabama
+ Luke Channell, LHP/1B (Oak Mountain HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Channell showed legitimate two-way upside at the Alabama Fall Games this past weekend with a strong showing on the mound and present offensive impact from the left side. The 6-1, 207-pound junior worked 83-85 mph and touched 86.4 with his fastball, which reached 2266 RPM with 23.0 inches of induced vertical break and showed carry through the zone. He paired it with a 75-77 mph slider and a 78-79 mph changeup, then showed gap-to-gap strength at the plate with a 93.4 mph exit velocity. The uncommitted junior continues to stand out as an intriguing two-way prospect with plenty to offer on both sides of the ball.”
– Austin Sharp, Scouting Director
Arizona
+ Chase Fillman, OF/LHP (Millennium HS, 2028) | Alabama:
“Chase gave us plenty to like this summer and looks primed for a big junior season following his commitment to Alabama as a two-way prospect. The physical 6-foot-1, 224-pound lefty already reaches the low 90s with his fastball, pairing it with a mid 70s curveball and fading changeup. His left handed bat brings real power, with exit velocities up to 106 mph and the threat of a middle of the order presence. There’s a high ceiling here on both sides, with further refinement on the mound and continued growth as a hitter giving Chase plenty of room to build on his present tools.”
– Antonio Torres, State Director
Canada
+ Benjamin Conforti, SS/RHP (Durham Stallions HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“Ben Conforti broke out at the Vaughan Fall ID last week and has quickly emerged as one of biggest risers in Ontario's 2029 class. Athletic frame at 5-foot-11, 160-pounds with feel to hit from the left side, generating a peak EV of 95.4mph. On the mound, the right-hander sat 84-85mph with a two-plane breaking ball at 69-70mph and late horizontal action to his changeup at 73-75mph. With the athleticism to back it up, it will be fun to see which side of Conforti's makes the first big jump.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director
Colorado
+ Hudson Stewart , RHP (Mullen HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :
“Hudson Stewart put together a true breakout fall campaign. Over 22 innings of work, he posted a dominant 0.64 ERA while registering 27 strikeouts. He capped off his fall campaign with an impressive showing at the Prep Baseball West Coast Games. Stewart showcased advanced pitchability during the event, relying on his sequencing and a swing-and-miss off-speed arsenal to keep hitters off balance. As a prospect in the 2028 class, he already demonstrates a mature feel for pitching, making him a name to circle heading into 2027. ”
– Brandon Wakefield, State Director
Florida
+ Tzu-Chaio Ou, RHP (IMG Academy HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“Ou, a Taiwan native, made his United States debut at the 2026 Florida State Games and wasted no time announcing himself, running the fastball up to 93 mph. Clean arm with polished mechanics and a ceiling to be one of the top 2029s in the country.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Director of Operations
Georgia
+ Bryson Box, RHP (Creekview HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“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.”
– Hudson Graham, Scouting Director
Illinois
+ Ian Boland , RHP (McHenry HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Boland was arguably the biggest winner at our recent Illinois Fall Games, firmly establishing himself as one of the top uncommitted arms in the state's senior class. It's a projectable 6-foot-2, 162-pound frame with all sorts of room to add, and there's clean movement patterns to go along with it. The fastball already creeps up to the 89 mph mark, but we expect that number to continue to climb as he continues to gain strength - along with other indicators like his ability to spin his slider at an above-average clip. Currently ranked No. 285 in the state, Boland is set to rise a substantial amount in our next update. ”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois & Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Charlie Herr, RHP (Homestead HS, 2027) | Indiana:
“After a great fall, Herr is set to move up our board in this next rankings update, and I have attached my report on him from our Grand Park Fall Championships: Herr was my favorite arm from the weekend and continues to take nice strides in all areas. A high-upside arm with a 6-foot-5, 185-pound athletic frame, Herr lifts to an even, athletic balance point before a controlled stride works in-conjunction with a loose, low-effort arm stroke that releases from a mid-¾ slot. He showed a pair of fastball shapes that worked at 88-92 mph; 4S with bore and consistent carry life & 2S/SNK with heavy arm-side life. He showed a pair of pitches that worked to his glove side, as well, an 82-84 cutter that was a weapon vs. hitters on both sides & and 76-78 sweeper with bigger shape. He also showed an upper-70s change vs. LHH’s that may grade out as his best secondary. He showed above average control for all of his pitches to present a starters’ profile. My background on Herr leaves me even more bullish as he has done nothing but trend up in my follows. He plays shortstop for his high school, continues to get stronger from a physical standpoint, and I think he could grab significant helium next spring. ”
– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director
Kansas
+ Max Ackerley, RHP (Spring Hill HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“A recent standout from our Central Super Sophomore Games earlier this year, Ackerley has continued to make a name for himself this fall with an electric showing at our Kansas Fall Games. The Spring Hill product pounded the zone with a fastball up to 89 mph, generating swing and miss with a tight 2,300 RPM slider in a dominant inning of work. Already standing at a physically imposing, 6-foot-3, 220-pounds there's still plenty more to come as he continues to polish his game.”
– Eliott Wilk, Central Region Operations Director
Kentucky
+ Lane Hundley, LHP (Owensboro Catholic HS, 2027) | Kentucky Wesleyan:
“The recent Kentucky Wesleyan commit is the epitome of not paying attention to radar gun because Hundley can flat out pitch. A mainstay for Head Coach Jody Hamilton since 8th grade who has already logged 138 high school innings. Relying on a 3 pitch mix with a low 80's arm side run fastball, confident 72-74 mph curve ball, and his 76-78 mph bread and butter change up. Hundley profiles as high end bullpen arm at the next level but with another uptick in velocity he might just bully his way into the Wesleyan rotation. If Catholic is going get out of the always tough 3rd Region, all eyes will be on the KWC commit to be at the forefront of the Catholic staff.”
– Jamie Tessoff, State Director
Michigan
+ Kasey Carman, RHP (Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Strong, physical 6-1/200 arm with a solid lower half and intriguing upside on the mound. Carman emerged as a standout at the Fall Prospect Games, running his fastball up to 88 mph while showing a developing slider to complement the heater. Features present strength throughout the frame with the foundation to continue refining his overall arsenal. The combination of physicality, present velocity, and developing secondary offering makes Carman an intriguing follow in Michigan's 2028 class. Struck out 7 of 8 batters faced and didn't allow a ball in play during outing.”
– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director
Minnesota
+ Evan Johnson, RHP (Holy Angels HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Johnson is a 6-foot-4, 160-pound right-handed pitcher with a long, projectable frame and considerable room for added strength. The fastball has reached 87 mph, complementing a developing secondary mix that includes a breaking ball and changeup. Johnson’s physical projection and existing arm strength offer intriguing upside, with additional velocity potential as he continues to fill out”
– Andy Judkins, State Director
Missouri
+ Wyatt Glass, RHP/INF (Jackson HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Wyatt impressed on the mound during the STL Showcase Series. Wyatt tossed 6 shutout innings, racking up 10 strikeouts, no walks, and no runs. He lived comfortably in the mid 80's and showed a sharp CB with spin approaching 2700 RPM. ”
– Ryan Malzahn, Assistant State Director
Nebraska
+ Peyton Drake, RHP (Hastings HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“6"8 250lb physical frame. Uncommitted with Fastball up to 91 at the Fall Review at Elkhorn Training Camp on 10/18/26. Has the build to be a frontline starter at the Next level”
+ Wyatt Appuhn, 3B (Millard South HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Physicality shines at the plate with consistent high end output 100+ max exit velo / 94.5 average exit velo. Has the frame, hands and arm strength to stayto be an everyday 3B in college. ”
– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director
New Jersey
+ Aayush Karlekar, RHP (Whippany Park HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Karlekar was a stand out pitcher from the NJ Fall ID - Session 1 in Wood-Ridge, NJ. He attacked the zone with a 3-pitch mix that included an 85-86mph FB, a 74-76mph SL and a changeup thrown at 78-80mph. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound RHP works from a closed-off windup and has a lower 3-quarter arm slot. His fastball holds plane at the top of the zone and his slider tunnels off of the fastball with late horizontal break showing swing and miss potential, up to -15" of horizontal movement. Karlekar has quietly emerged as one of the Garden State's more underrated RHPs. ”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Scout
North Carolina
+ Aiden Harrist, RHP (Metrolina Christian Academy HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“The right hander impressed at the Tobacco Road State Games in August and has continued to build into this fall. A strike thrower with good feel for his slider, he has the ability to attack hitters in several ways. At the On Deck Baseball Scout Day in September, Harrist continued to tick up the charts with his feel, movement, and the potential out pitch in the slider. The fastball has been up to 86 with the slider spinning at 2300rpm.”
+ Jake Seeley, C/3B (Liberty University Online Academy HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Seeley was extremely impressive at the Fall ID at Gaston JC this fall. At 6-foot-2, 192 pounds there is quickness and strength. From the right side of the plate, Seeley uses a leg kick and loads into the back side with good rhythm. The bat works with a direct path, showing quickness and barrel feel. The exit velocity peaked at 102.2mph with an average above 87mph through his BP rounds. Behind the dish, there is arm strength with carry at 77 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.00 - 2.09.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director
North Dakota
+ Jack Joyce, RHP/OF (Fargo North HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Joyce didn't throw a fastball under 88 MPH during his bullpen session in Fargo. His arsenal showed above average ride on his fastball, complemented by legitimate weapons in his sweeping slider and diving change.
In the box, Joyce produced loud contact, with upper-90s exit velos and showed in-game production at the end of the summer season. Joyce is another exciting junior to follow into the spring out of North Dakota. ”
– Dayne McNaughton, Dakotas Staff
Ohio
+ Kaden Kindl, RHP/OF (Brecksville-Broadview Heights HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“Two-way standout at the Northern Ohio Fall ID. Kaden is a fluid mover on the mound with a high-vert FB that topped at 84. 3-pitch secondary arsenal highlighted by a 74 mph curveball that sits 9 mph above the Ohio 2029 average. Was low 90's off the bat with a 95 mph EV max in BP. Mature round that saw him drive both gaps with some consistency. High follow this spring. ”
+ Charles Slaby, SS/RHP (St. Edward HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“We were impressed with the arsenal at the Ohio Fall Games in early October. Loose, fluid delivery. Fastball ran up to 84 with above avg vert and some arm side action. Gets up to 18 inches of HM on the changeup and a 10 mph separation from the heater without losing arm speed. Pairs those with a slider and curveball that both showed promise in this look. Potential late riser in the class as he heads into a crucial offseason. ”
– Kyle Weldon, Scouting Director
Oklahoma
+ Jake Lingle, INF/RHP (Navajo HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“INF/RHP Jake Lingle (Navajo, 2027) flashed a balanced, wide-ranging skillset that continues to develop with a power profile at the Tulsa Fall ID on 10/19. A physical 6’0” and 191 pounds, the uncommitted senior generated big time force with 36.7g Rotational Acceleration that translated through impact as he reached 102.8 mph max EV. On the mound, he touched 87.2 mph with his fastball (2,397 RPM max spin) that had plenty of life with up to 18" IVB and 18.2" HM, while also mixing in a curveball and changeup. He landed both of the offerings and each tunneling well off the fastball to showcase the polish and pitchability that goes with the upper 80s fastball. The breaking ball in particular has a chance to become a wipeout offering with up to -18.2" IVB and limited IVB. Packed with upside throughout his game, Lingle has the ability to impact games on both sides of the ball and is a name to know for schools at the next level.”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director
Oregon
+ Dawson Richards, RHP/INF (Crescent Valley HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Richards impressed in all facets, but particularly on the mound at the Oregon Fall ID. The 6'0 righty has an athletic trim with some arm talent present, sitting 83-85 MPH with a higher spin fastball in his latest look. Richards pairs the fastball with a changeup in the upper 70's, but his best secondary looked to be his slider, generating over 2600 RPM and nearly 20 inches of horizontal break on average.”
– Dylan Grenz, Assistant Scouting Director
Pennsylvania
+ Nicholas Zuvich, RHP (Trinity HS, 2030) | Uncommitted:
“Zuvich burst onto the Prep Baseball scene making his debut at the PA Fall ID - Session 2 at Shippensburg University. The freshman stood out right away due to his highly projectable 6-foot-5, 170-pound frame. On the mound, Zuvich displayed impressive arm talent recording a fastball at 83-84.7 mph with over 22" of IVB displaying 4-seam ride and carry. He also mixed in a shorter profile curveball at 71-73 mph and a changeup at 70-72 mph where he is able to kill spin creating depth. ”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Scout
Virginia
+ Jordan O'Brien, RHP/OF (Benedictine College Preparatory HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“O’Brien has pitched well all fall, with a standout outing in relief at the Richmond Fall Championships showcasing the velocity jump he made this fall and his competitive demeanor on the mound, as well as in the Virginia Fall World Series, where he got to the velocity with less effort, still showcasing a depthy slider in the upper 70s and a fading changeup up to 80. An athletic mover with a shorter, whippy arm action from a low three-quarter slot, he creates tough angles on hitters at times and has developed more pitchability this fall, locating his fastball on the inner half and attacking early in counts. ”
– Trey Lyons, Special Assistant to the Director - Director of Operations
Washington
+ Eli Grant, RHP (Tahoma HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“A physical 6'3 righthander, Grant impressed in his bullpen showing at the Seattle Fall ID this September. Grant works through a steady-paced wind with late arm speed, working the fastball up to 87.6 MPH in his latest look. He paired the heater with a firm, fading low 80's changeup and a slider that averaged north of 2600 RPM in the mid 70's. Grant's overall operation carries repeatability and should play well for further jumps as he develops. He'll slot in nicely to a Tahoma program that has done nothing but produce high quality arms in recent years.”
– Dylan Grenz, Assistant Scouting Director