The Next Wave of Impact Players and Where They’re Headed

California continues to set the standard in high school baseball, and the Class of 2026 is another example of why. This group is deep, physical, and filled with players who are already producing at a high level while projecting even higher at the college and professional levels.

From elite middle infielders to power arms and dynamic outfielders, this class represents the next wave of impact players.

Top 25 California Prospects — Class of 2026

1. James Tronstein — OF/SS — Harvard-Westlake — Stanford

Tronstein is one of the most complete athletes in the country. He brings advanced feel for the game, positional versatility, and a polished offensive approach. He can impact the game in multiple ways and projects as a high-level contributor at Stanford.

2. Tyler Spangler — SS — De La Salle — Stanford

A true cornerstone-type infielder, Spangler combines size, athleticism, and defensive polish. His left-handed bat continues to develop power, making him one of the most balanced prospects in the class.

3. AJ Curry — 1B/OF — University City — Tennessee

Curry is a physical presence at the plate with real power potential. His ability to impact the baseball consistently makes him one of the top offensive prospects in the state.

4. CJ Weinstein — 2B/SS — Huntington Beach — LSU

Weinstein is a high-IQ infielder who brings consistency and competitiveness. He shows strong defensive actions and an advanced ability to handle quality pitching.

5. Anthony Murphy — OF — Corona — LSU

Murphy is an explosive athlete with speed and offensive upside. His ability to impact the game on the bases and in the outfield separates him from many in this class.

6. Alex Harrington — SS/RHP — Cathedral Catholic — Stanford

A true two-way prospect, Harrington brings power at the plate and versatility on the field. His athleticism and arm strength give him multiple paths to impact at the next level.

7. Archer Horn — 3B/RHP — St. Ignatius — Stanford

Horn offers physicality and two-way value. He shows power potential offensively and the ability to compete on the mound with strong presence.

8. Blake Bowen — OF — JSerra Catholic — Oregon State

Bowen is one of the most toolsy players in the class. He brings speed, power, and arm strength, making him a complete outfield prospect.

9. Gary Morse — RHP — Orange Lutheran — Tennessee

A towering right-hander with projection, Morse combines size with developing velocity and command. His upside continues to grow as he matures physically.

10. Dylan Minnatee — 1B/OF — Franklin — LSU

Minnatee is a polished left-handed hitter with a strong approach. His ability to control at-bats and drive the baseball makes him a reliable offensive presence.

11. Dax Hardcastle — RHP/1B — St. Mary’s (Stockton) — Mississippi State

Hardcastle is a physical two-way player who produces on both sides of the ball. His competitive edge and consistency stand out.

12. Landon Schutte — RHP/1B — Oakdale — Georgia

Schutte brings a strong combination of power hitting and pitching ability. His development on the mound continues to elevate his overall profile.

13. Brody Schumaker — SS/OF — Santa Margarita Catholic — TCU

Schumaker is a versatile defender with the ability to handle multiple positions. His athleticism and offensive development make him a strong D1 prospect.

14. Trey Ebel — SS — Corona — Texas A&M

Ebel is a high-level contact hitter with strong instincts. His ability to control the strike zone and play a premium position gives him a high floor.

15. Cooper Sides — RHP/1B — Red Bluff — LSU

Sides is a dominant presence on the mound with the ability to miss bats and control games. He also contributes offensively, adding to his value.

16. Ayden Deome — 3B/SS — West Park — Arizona

Deome is a strong corner infielder with offensive upside. He consistently produces at the plate and continues to develop defensively.

17. McCoy Silicz — RHP/1B — Bakersfield Christian — Ole Miss

Silicz is a competitive two-way player who stands out with his ability to win games. His production on the mound and at the plate makes him valuable.

18. Carson Sheffer — C/1B — Oaks Christian — Oklahoma State

One of the top catching prospects in the state, Sheffer brings strong defensive tools and improving offensive production.

19. Josiah Morris — SS/C — Clayton Valley Charter — Uncommitted

Morris is one of the top uncommitted players in the class. His versatility and athleticism make him a high-upside prospect still trending upward.

20. Matthew Kelley — SS/3B — Carlsbad — Miami

Kelley is a polished infielder with arm strength and consistency. He plays the game with confidence and reliability.

21. Hunter Harrington — OF/RHP — Cathedral Catholic — Stanford

A strong athlete with two-way potential, Harrington brings speed, arm strength, and defensive ability in the outfield.

22. Eric Zdunek — OF/RHP — Maranatha — TCU

Zdunek is a balanced player with offensive production and athleticism. His ability to contribute on both sides makes him valuable.

23. Jordan Walczykowski — OF/LHP — Jesuit — Uncommitted

Walczykowski is a rising prospect with left-handed tools. His athleticism and projection make him one to watch closely.

24. Jetner Welch — OF/1B/LHP — Santa Barbara — Claremont-Mudd-Scripps

Welch is a multi-dimensional player with size and athleticism. His ability to contribute in multiple roles stands out.

25. Tyson Bobo — RHP/OF — Patrick Henry — Texas Tech

Bobo is a strong two-way athlete with arm talent and competitiveness. His development continues to trend in the right direction.

What this class represents

The 2026 California class is built on depth and versatility.

You are seeing:

• More two-way players
• More athletic middle defenders
• More arms with projection

This is what modern baseball looks like.

California is leading the way

This list highlights the top end of one of the deepest classes in the country.

But as always, rankings will change.

Development will decide everything.

The players who continue to improve, adjust, and compete at a high level are the ones who will ultimately define this class.

And once again, California is leading the way.