Which Positional Prospects Stood Out This Fall?

October 15, 2026
By: Andy Sroka
National Managing Editor, Scouting

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 highlighting Fall Standouts. Please submit a positional prospect from your state who stood out this fall. Include the event where you saw them and what stood out (big statistical performer, a player who showed well in game, or someone who made a name for themselves late in the year).

+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.

♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (10/15):

Alabama

+ Jace Dean, OF/1B (Rehobeth HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Dean continued to impress with the bat at the Central Alabama Fall ID on September 13, further establishing himself as one of the more polished left-handed hitters in Alabama’s 2028 class. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound outfielder hits with a quiet confidence and displays an advanced feel for the barrel, consistently producing hard contact. There is both hit and power upside in the profile, highlighted by a 101.2 mph exit velocity during his round of BP. Dean also posted a 7.09-second 60-yard dash. Having consistently performed offensively across multiple looks, Dean continues to show why the bat remains the carrying tool in his profile.”

– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor

California

+ Oliver Allen, INF (Patrick Henry High School HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Allen turned in one of the more impressive performances at the Orange County Uncommitted Games, showcasing clear development in his offensive profile since our previous looks. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound infielder has added 10 pounds since 2025, with the added strength translating to new personal bests in max EV (98.6 mph) and bat speed (76.1 mph), the latter improving by nearly seven mph. The progress carried into gameplay, where Allen went 3-for-3 with three well-struck line drives to CF and RCF, showing a more refined approach, improved swing decisions, and the ability to battle comfortably with two strikes. Also added a stolen base while displaying a solid defensive toolset with an 87-mph arm across the diamond and 7.08 speed. The reduction in swing-and-miss is particularly encouraging, and paired with the ability to handle multiple infield positions, Allen has elevated his stock as an uncommitted prospect out of the San Diego powerhouse Patrick Henry.”

– Vinnie Alfino, Manager, California Content & Operations

+ Logan Miller, OF/LHP (Centennial High School (Bakersfield) HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“The two-way product from the Bakersfield area kicked off a strong September of events for me with one of the top performances of the entire calendar. Checking in with frame that had added strength since our last look at him now up to almost 190 lbs. with sound athleticism across the board he showed an interesting corner OF profile defensively with the type of bat speed, impact and loft in his offensive profile to add impact to the middle of a lineup at the next level from the all important LH side. To close out his day the event, Miller threw one of the best bullpens of the 10 arms in attendance reaching 89 MPH with a riding FB from the LH side showing almost 2300 RPMs of spin that attacked the zone effectively to set up what was a quality upper 70s changeup that separates vertically off his FB shape with feel for landing the pitch inside the strike zone to his arm side and dropping a low 70s sweeper style SLD in down and to the glove side that helps him to attack north/south and east/west with the three pitch mix. A sound athlete with real next level ability as either a LHH OF with impact in the bat or a starter potential LH arm on the mound with a sound three pitch mix that is still uncommitted in the 2027 class for college programs to be paying close attention to. He added to his strong showing at the Bakersfield ID event with a solid overall fall across the board.”

– Steven Hardesty, Assistant Director

(9/25/26)

+ Landon Scott, 3B (Temecula Valley HS, 2027) | UC Santa Barbara:

“After a standout spring season saw him earn his way onto Team West Coast at the 2026 Prep Baseball Senior Future Games, Scott once again impressed our staff at the Orange County Uncommitted Games in September. The 6'2" 185lb. Scott continued his upward trajectory as one of the better right handed hitting third baseman in SoCal. He's very athletic in everything he does, including at 6.69 60 time to go with an 86 mph infield velocity. His 104.5 mph exit velocity is indicative of his strength and hand speed that has been on display to our staff for some time now. He finished the uncommitted games with going 1-for-1 with a walk, but that one was a hard hit ball through the left side where he sat on a slider and still managed to hit it to the pull side showing off his strength and ability to read pitches. Scott's polished glove work at third base along with his uncanny hit ability quickly led to a commitment to UC Santa Barbara shortly after the uncommitted games. As he heads into his senior season with a college commitment, Scott will now look to continue to add strength the frame so that he can make an impact when he arrives on campus at UCSB. ”

– Les Lukach, State Scouting Director

Canada

+ Kaden Carson, C (Vauxhall Academy HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Kaden Carson has developed well on both sides of the ball and showed it off in Saskatoon last weekend to close out the year. Smaller stature at 5-foot-9, 180-pounds and with the added strength, has seen his exit velocities jump 7+ mph each year. The right-handed hitting catcher was putting balls in play all weekend with competitive AB's. The catch and throw has always been there but a tick up in arm strength saw a peak pop time of 1.92. One of Alberta's top unsigned senior catchers and is really hitting his stride here in his senior year.”

– Cam Black-Araujo, Assistant Director

Colorado

+ Luke Eckmann , SS/RHP (Legend HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“We got a good look at Eckmann during the CO Fall Championships. He plays with high-motor energy and an all-out effort that immediately highlights his passion for the game. At the plate, he has been raking this fall, with over half of his hits going for extra bases. He currently boasts an impressive stat line of 3 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs, all while holding down a premium position at shortstop. ”

– Brandon Wakefield, State Director

Georgia

(10/13/26)

+ Jase Williams, 1B (Lowndes HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“Underclass Fall World Series Standout. Capped it off with a HR in his final AB. Tweet from Ian "2029 1B Jase Williams putting the finishing touches on an eye-opening week.

Two more 95+ EV (6th this week) on this no-doubt 💣 & 2k pull-side 2B.

Simple trigger w/ advanced barrel accuracy & tremendous strength in the 6-1 frame.”

– Hudson Graham, Scouting Director

Illinois

+ Terrell Hampton Hall , C (De La Salle HS, 2029) | Uncommitted :

“Our No. 2 ranked player in the state and the No. 27 ranked player in the country, Terrell has continued to establish himself as one of the top catchers in nation on the fall circuit. The catch/throw is ultra advanced, with soft receiving paired with a well above-average arm and ultimately a high in-game IQ that makes everything play up. The bat is also a real weapon with a blend of hit/power, making him a well-rounded prospect that will be highly sought after in the summer of 2027. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois/Wisconsin

Indiana

+ Caleb Smith, OF (Center Grove HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“While playing up this fall, Smith established himself as one of the top players in our 2029 class. Week after week on our tournament circuit, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound switch-hitting centerfield did nothing but collect hits in bunches. He blended home run power with key hits in big spots, including a walk off hit to send his team to bracket play at the Grand Park Fall Championships. He capped a big fall with a standout performance once again at our Indiana Fall State Games.”

– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director

Iowa

(9/4/26)

+ Blake Bartlett, C/RHP (Fort Dodge St. Edmond HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“Blake Bartlett has jumped into the top 5 for the class of 2029 in the most recent rankings. He is coming off an impressive summer high school season hitting .413 as a freshman on varsity starting all 25 games. Led the team in total bases with 41 in 63 at bats. Blake had 12 extra base hits out of his total 26 and took 23 walks to only 4 strikeouts. He earned himself a spot on the Iowa Super Sophomore team in August where he had two home runs during the games. Standing at 6'1" 200 pounds with athleticism behind the plate and shows the ability to also play the infield and pitch on the mound. He produces a max exit velocity of 100.2 mph, 76 mph behind the plate with a 1.89 - 2.00 pop time while running a 7.26 60. Blake will get on the mound and compete with a 4 pitch mix and a fastball topping at 84 mph. He will be a name to circle in the future, if not already.”

– Tyler Cropley, State 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

+ Karter Hawkins , UTL (Prairie View HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“The #18 ranked player in Kansas's 2029 class continually shows flashes of a full tool belt to pair with true top of the order production. Hawkins impressed across each tournament in Kansas City this season, making a statement early in the KC Labor Day Classic with a 10/12 weekend at the plate including a HR and 4XBH and has since hit over .600 at the dish across the fall. Defensively, it's hard to find a more versatile player as Hawkins has played quality defensive innings in the infield, outfield, and behind the plate, making for one of the most intriguing follows on the season. ”

– Jimmy Fackelman, Tournaments Scouting Director

Louisiana

(9/1/26)

+ Talon Sweat, LHP/1B (Barbe HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“Sweat was impressive in all facets at our second annual Texas/Louisiana Super Sophomore Games back in August. The sophomore southpaw turned in a dominant inning on the mound, allowing no hits and striking out a pair. Sweat is a smooth operator with a clean, repeatable delivery and he showed the ability to generate swing-and-miss with all three pitches. His fastball worked in the 87-89 mph range, and he mixed in a 72-74 mph curveball and 78-79 mph changeup, both for strikes. He also made an impact offensively, finishing the event 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Sweat is an easy name to circle to get out and see this spring for the Bucs.”

– Alex Armand, State Director

Michigan

+ Tate Russell, 1B (Petoskey HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :

“Tate has established himself as a threat in the box over the course of the spring and summer while producing a good day back in September for our Fall Prospect Games in Mt. Pleasant. Russell has a solid frame at 6'6 that many recruiters will be intrigued with and moves well around the bag and showed promise for a above average defender at first base. Has present bat speed and drove the ball to both alley ways and is poised for a big spring season in 2027 and will be leaned on to drive runs in for the Northmen of PHS. ”

– Adam Goodwin, Michigan Scouting Director

Minnesota

+ Daltyn McCready, LHP (St. Charles HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“McCready showed an interesting three-pitch mix at the MN Scout Day: The Yard, running his fastball up to 86.7 mph with arm-side run. His curveball flashes quality spin and depth, while the changeup is developing, giving McCready a solid foundation to build on with continued development to add to an athletic 6-foot-3, 163-pound frame”

– Andy Judkins, State Director

Nebraska

+ Trace Fountain, 3B/OF (Southwest HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Mature physical build with a violent swing, 79.8 mph bat speed. Ball jumps off bat with natural backspin and lift, 104.1 max / 94.7 avg exit velo. Can play both corner INF/OF spots at the next level. ”

+ Tanner Hytrek, C (Gretna HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:

“Easy mover out of a stocky strong build. Fluid quick barrel through the zone, flat line drive approach to the middle of the field, 99.7 max / 93.4 avg exit velo. Strong (79mph) & Accurate (2.00-2.06 pop) arm behind plate.

Northeast NE Fall ID”

+ Kingston McNeal, OF (Elkhorn North HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Simple operation in the box from the left side with ability to rotate tight and quick, some pull-side lift to swing reaching 96.4mph max exit velo. 90mph for the OF with a 7.04 sixty, has been up to 86 on the mound.

Northeast NE Fall Unsigned Senior”

– Pascal Paul, Scouting Director

North Dakota

(8/24/26)

+ Brody Leddige, RHP (Central HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Leddige is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed arm in the 2028 class with a projectable frame and plenty of room to add strength. His fastball currently sits 84.8–88.3 mph and has topped out at 89.1, showing quality life. Ranked No. 6 overall in the Dakotas’ 2028 class, Leddige offers intriguing long-term upside with the potential for added velocity as his frame continues to develop.”

– Andy Judkins, State Director

Ohio

+ Jase Brownlee, SS/OF (Defiance HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Brownlee stood out at the 2026 Ohio Fall Games - Session 1, posting the showcase-best bat speed at 75.4 mph and the showcase-best infield velo at 82 mph. The 6-foot, 160-pound R/R SS/OF also recorded a second-best 6.89 60-yard dash and topped out at 96 mph EV, ranking top five in the event. Added a 13.4 rotational acceleration and a 128.4 grip strength reading.”

+ Jay Lackmeyer, OF/SS (Archbishop McNicholas HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“The 6-1, 188-pound R/R OF/SS put together a dominant all-around performance at the 2026 Ohio Fall Games - Session 2, sweeping the top spots with a showcase-best 6.83 60-yard dash, 91 mph OF velo, 103 mph exit velo and 72.6 mph bat speed. Added a 12.8 rotational acceleration and a 150.7 grip strength reading. A 2028 to follow.”

– Dylan Hefflinger, Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout

Oklahoma

+ Brayden Andrews, SS/RHP (Sapulpa HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Andrews features one of the more projectable profiles in the entire state as a legitimate 2-way prospect at the next level. He has long shown sure-handed ability on the infield with the arm strength to stick on the left side, but the 6'3" 185 pound switch hitter has shown the ability to put together all pieces of his game. A series of personal bests have fallen in the last week, a 6.90 60, up to 91 mph across the diamond, and reached triple digits from both sides of the dish that included a 100.5 mph max EV/93.5 mph avg EV. On the mound, there is still huge upside, the fastball up to 93 with feel for landing secondary offerings. Massive upside and steady development with the Chieftains, Andrews is a sure follow into the spring for a talented Sapulpa squad that is on the shortlist of 5A title contenders.”

– Bret Schwartz, Scouting Director

Oregon

+ Carlin Crutcher, C (Willamette HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Seen at the Oregon Fall ID, Crutcher stood out amongst his peers and solidified his status as a top ten ranked player in the state class. A 6'5 backstop, Crutcher moves really well for his size with a 7.06 60 yard dash time and defensive ability behind the plate. Offensively, the long levers generate easy power with exit velocities up to 102.2 MPH and balls hit up to 389 feet. Crutcher is a must-circle name with an incredibly high ceiling as he enters his junior year.”

– Dylan Grenz, Assistant Scouting Director

Texas

(10/6/26)

+ Christian Lux, 3B (Homeschool HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Texas Upperclass State Games
Big, solid build at 6'2 214. Can impact baseball showing raw power. Actions present on the corner. ”

+ Roderick Buckler II, OF (Channelview HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Texas Upperclass State Games
Plus runner, 6.75 60. Plus bat speed with impact, hits baseballs hard 107 top exit velo. Can play all 3 OF spots. ”

– Max Semler, Texas Scouting Director

Virginia

+ Julius Pabon, OF/SS (Woodbridge HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:

“Pabon attended the Metro Senators Scout Day and put up solid showcase numbers running a 6.82, throwing 90 mph across the INF, and a 91 EV. The toolset allows him to be a plus defender in the outfield and serviceable in the infield depending upon the level. The offensive impact has recently picked up as he homered twice in our Fall Championships.”

– Trey Lyons, Virginia Staff

Washington

+ Nick Jones, INF/OF (Puyallup HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:

“Seen at the Seattle Fall ID, Jones was fantastic start to finish at his first showcase event. A 6'2 righthander with an athletic profile, Jones ran a 6.95 60 yard dash before showing his versatility defensively. The frame moved well in a corner INF and OF role with throws up to 87 MPH. At the plate, Jones flashed some real pop with a lofted, pull-oriented approach and EV's up to 102 MPH. The Puyallup product saw some varsity time as an underclassman and could be a real breakout candidate in 2027.”