The 2025 high school baseball summer showcase circuit provided evaluators with a deep look at the next two high school draft classes, and the early consensus is that both the 2026 and 2027 groups offer impact talent across the diamond.
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo notes that scouts are “more bullish on the Class of ’26” than the previous cycle, while Baseball America’s updated 2026 and 2027 rankings highlight a younger group rich in athletic shortstops and emerging power arms.
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Blending both classes, these are the 10 best high school prospects entering the spring.
1. Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian High School, TX (Class of 2026)
MLB.com’s top high school prospect for the 2026 Draft, Emerson impressed throughout the summer with a hit‑over‑power profile and strong performance for Team USA. Mayo notes he hit .346 with a .949 OPS during the U‑18 World Cup run and showed defensive versatility by shifting to third base. His consistent contact quality and left‑handed approach make him one of the most polished bats in the country. While UCLA star Roch Cholowsky is a clear favorite to be the No. 1 pick in this summer’s MLB Draft, most early mock draft’s have Emerson going No. 2. If he stays healthy, he will certainly be a top 10 pick.
2. Dylan Seward, SS, Norco High School, CA (Class of 2027)
Baseball America’s No. 1 player in the 2027 class, Seward is a switch‑hitting shortstop with advanced quick‑twitch athleticism and fluid actions on both sides of the ball. BA highlights his “exceptional tools” and strong performance record, noting his combination of bat speed, defensive ease and game acumen. His athletic foundation and offensive polish give him one of the highest ceilings among all current high school players.
3. Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep High School, FL (Class of 2026)
Lombard’s athletic pedigree and multi‑sport background continue to translate into high‑end baseball projection. MLB.com cites his “premium athleticism” and a right‑handed swing capable of producing both average and power. He played second base for Team USA over the summer, showing defensive flexibility while maintaining his long‑term profile as a shortstop. His combination of tools and baseball instincts keeps him firmly among the elite prep prospects.
4. Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas High School, FL (Class of 2026)
Rojas may be the most advanced prep arm in either class. MLB.com reports he “might be the best overall arm, high school or college,” after a summer in which he won two games for Team USA and showcased a fastball averaging close to 95 mph. His 80‑mph slider missed bats consistently, and he showed feel for a low‑80s changeup. His combination of velocity, command, and poise gives him frontline potential.
5. Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle High School, CA (Class of 2026)
A 6‑foot‑3 Stanford commit, Spangler offers a strong blend of defensive actions, arm strength, and offensive projection. MLB.com notes his ability to “find the barrel” consistently and expects more power as he matures physically. His performances at the Area Code Games and MLB’s All‑American Game reinforced his status as one of the most complete infielders in the class, with the tools to remain at shortstop long‑term.
6. Grant Westphal, OF, Blue Valley High School, KS (Class of 2027)
Baseball America’s No. 3 player in the 2027 class, Westphal is a high‑end athlete with advanced bat speed and emerging power. BA highlights his ability to make contact with impact consistently and his strong defensive projection in the outfield. His combination of physicality, offensive upside and improving approach places him among the most promising underclassmen in the country.
7. Jacob Seamon, OF, Metrolina Christian Academy, NC (Class of 2027)
Ranked No. 2 in the 2027 class by Baseball America, Seamon brings a polished offensive profile with strong contact skills and developing power. BA notes his advanced feel for hitting and athleticism in the outfield, projecting him as a potential middle‑of‑the‑order contributor. His combination of present skill and future projection makes him one of the top young bats in the country.
8. Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian High School, SC (Class of 2026)
Bolemon offers both power and polish from the left side. MLB.com reports his fastball sits 93–94 mph and touches 96 with strong carry, while his breaking pitches generated a miss rate above 50 percent during the showcase circuit. He also shows feel for a changeup and fills the zone with all three offerings. His combination of size, stuff and strike‑throwing gives him one of the highest floors among prep pitchers.
9. Chase Fuller, SS/RHP, Lincoln HS, FL, (Class of 2027)
Baseball America’s No. 5 player in the 2027 class, Fuller is a legitimate two‑way prospect with strong athleticism and advanced actions at shortstop. BA highlights his arm strength, bat speed and potential on the mound, where he shows promising velocity and feel for secondary pitches. His versatility and overall tool set give him significant long‑term upside.
10. Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove High School, MS (Class of 2026)
Booth is one of the most athletic players in the 2026 class. MLB.com cites his “premium athleticism” and consistent contact skills, with excellent speed that should allow him to remain in center field. His flat, efficient swing is geared for bat‑to‑ball performance and evaluators believe he is only beginning to tap into his offensive ceiling. The Vanderbilt commit’s all‑around game gives him significant upside.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Top 10 high school baseball prospects as 2026 seasons begin
