2016 Recruiting Rankings: The Top 25
SEE ALSO: Ole Miss Class Stays Together
Baseball America’s recruiting class rankings, compiled by national writer Teddy Cahill, are based on may conversations with college coaches and pro scouts across the country this fall, as well as countless more discussions during the spring as a part our information-gathering for the 2016 draft. The rank column in the charts below refers to the 2016 BA 500 (which included all draft-eligible players). Draft references are for 2016 unless otherwise noted. The rankings do not consider transfers from four-year schools.
1. Mississippi
Total recruits: 18 (15 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Carl Lafferty
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 76 Cooper Johnson, c | R-R | 6-0 | 180 | Reds (28) | Carmel HS, Mundelein, Ill. |
| 110 Ryan Rolison, lhp | R-L | 6-2 | 180 | Padres (37) | University School, Jackson, Tenn. |
| 135 Will Ethridge, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 190 | Mariners (35) | Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. |
| 147 Thomas Dillard, c | B-R | 6-0 | 220 | Oxford (Miss.) HS | |
| 192 Grae Kessinger, ss | R-R | 6-2 | 180 | Padres (26) | Oxford (Miss.) HS |
| 438 Korey Bell, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 240 | Brentwood (Tenn.) HS | |
| 443 Greer Holston, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 190 | IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. | |
| Brady Schanuel, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 200 | Athletics (36) | Parkland (Ill.) CC |
| Chase Cockrell, 1b | R-R | 6-4 | 220 | Hinds (Miss.) CC | |
| Cole Zabowski, 1b/of | L-L | 6-5 | 205 | Collins Hill HS, Suwanee, Ga. |
The Rebels managed to navigate the draft all but unscathed (their only loss was A.J. Brown, who was expected to try to play football and baseball in college) and brought a national-best seven players from the BA 500 to campus this fall. That elite talent, combined with the depth and well-roundedness of the class pushes Mississippi to the top of the rankings for the first time in program history. Before this group of newcomers, its best ranking was fifth in 2011. The new Rebels are well positioned to provide immediate impact this spring. Johnson was one of the best defenders at any position in last year’s draft class and will have a chance to win the starting job as a freshman. He has raw power but is still developing his feel for hitting. Dillard is further along offensively but isn’t as good a defender. He has the athleticism to play elsewhere on the diamond to keep his powerful bat in the lineup. Kessinger will also have a chance to start right away at a premium defensive position. He has good infield actions, soft hands and enough arm strength to be a solid defender to go with his line drive-oriented approach at the plate. Cockrell and Zabowski both provide more thump to the Rebels lineup. Cockrell has more present power, while Zabowski is a solid hitter who should grow into more power as he fills out. On the mound, Rolison and Ethridge are polished pitchers that have the stuff to compete in the Southeastern Conference. Rolison has a solid three-pitch mix and can throw them all for strikes. Ethridge is more physical and has a bit better stuff but doesn’t locate it quite as well. Bell has a heavy fastball that gets up to 95 already, though he is still raw. Holston’s velocity has ticked up since the spring and he has been sitting around 90 mph with his fastball to go with a solid breaking ball and strike-throwing ability. Schanuel piled up strikeouts last year in junior college with a fastball-slider combination that gives him a chance to start or relieve.
2. North Carolina
Total recruits: 15 (15 freshmen)
Recruiting coordinator: Scott Forbes
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 91 Tyler Baum, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 175 | West Orange HS, Winter Garden, Fla. | |
| 165 Austin Bergner, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 190 | Red Sox (38) | Windermere (Fla.) Prep |
| 174 Luca Dalatri, rhp/1b | R-R | 6-6 | 240 | Rockies (40) | Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, N.J. |
| 179 Robbie Peto, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 195 | Angels (30) | Monroe Township (N.J.) HS |
| 183 Bo Weiss, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 180 | Yankees (29) | Regis Jesuit HS, Aurora, Colo. |
| 208 Brandon Martorano, c | R-R | 6-2 | 180 | D-backs (30) | Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, N.J. |
| Zach Attianese, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 175 | Old Bridge HS, Matawan, N.J. | |
| Laney Orr, of | L-R | 6-1 | 195 | Reynolds HS, Winston-Salem, N.C. | |
| Michael Busch, 2b/3b | L-R | 5-11 | 185 | Simley HS, Inner Grove Heights, Minn. | |
| Ike Freeman, ss | R-R | 6-0 | 185 | East Rowan HS, Salisbury, N.C. |
With a bumper crop of elite pitching prospects filling their class, the Tar Heels earn their highest ranking since topping the list in 2003. New pitching coach Robert Woodard is the beneficiary of the efforts of Forbes and Scott Jackson, who was UNC’s recruiting coordinator before leaving this summer to become the head coach at Liberty. Baum is the most advanced of the bunch but went undrafted after he sent scouts a letter telling them he intended to uphold his commitment to UNC. He commands his low 90s fastball well and can run it up to 95 mph. His big curveball is his best secondary pitch and he also mixes in a developing changeup. With his overall package, he could quickly establish himself as one of the Tar Heels’ top starters. Bergner was a prominent player nationally throughout high school and twice won a gold medal with USA Baseball’s 18U team. He wasn’t quite as crisp this spring, but he has a quality three-pitch mix and a long track record of success. While Bergner showed some promise as a hitter in addition to pitching, it is Dalatri that will get the opportunity to be a two-way player in college. He has raw righthanded power and some feel for the barrel, but he is best on the mound. He has a full four-pitch arsenal and earns praise for his pitchability, giving him the look of a workhorse starter. Peto and Weiss, the son of former Rockies manager Walt Weiss, have promising stuff and offer upside. Attianese missed much of the spring with a strained lat, but, when he’s healthy, he pounds the strike zone with an upper-80s fastball and curveball. Martorano will be entrusted with catching the Tar Heels’ new arms. He is a steady receiver and a good enough athlete that he may see some time in an outfield corner to keep his powerful bat in the lineup. Orr has easy raw power and profiles well as a right fielder, but flew under the radar due to his strong commitment to UNC. Freeman is a steady defender up the middle, while Busch is a versatile infielder that has the potential to develop into a productive hitter in time.
3. Florida
Total recruits: 12 (11 freshmen, 1 JC transfer)
Recruiting coordinator: Craig Bell
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 185 Keenan Bell, of | L-L | 6-0 | 230 | Episcopal School, Jacksonville | |
| 215 Andrew Baker, of/lhp | L-L | 5-9 | 185 | Indians (36) | Ridge Community HS, Davenport, Fla. |
| 300 Austin Langworthy, of/lhp | L-L | 5-9 | 190 | Reds (31) | Williston (Fla.) HS |
| 340 Tyler Dyson, rhp/inf | R-R | 6-2 | 230 | Braden River HS, Bradenton, Fla. | |
| 352 David Lee, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 190 | Giants (38) | Sante Fe (Fla.) CC |
| 377 Nate Brown, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 205 | Yankees (40) | Arrowhead Union HS, Hartland, Wisc. |
| Austin Bodrato, of/rhp | L-R | 6-0 | 195 | Pirates (24) | St. Joseph Regional HS, Montvale, N.J. |
| Garrett Milchin, 3b/rhp | L-R | 6-2 | 210 | Tigers (39) | The First Academy, Windermere, Fla. |
| Nick Long, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 195 | Sarasota (Fla.) HS | |
| Billy McKay, rhp | R-R | 5-11 | 205 | Plant City (Fla.) HS |
For the fourth year in a row, Florida’s recruiting class has at least five players from the BA 500. With that core leading the way, the Gators have a top-five recruiting class for the fourth straight year and sixth time in nine years under Bell and coach Kevin O’Sullivan. Florida’s class is full of two-way players, long a hallmark of its recruiting. This year’s group of two-way players profile better as position players in the long run, but all have the ability to get outs on the mound. Langworthy has elite hitting ability and more power than his frame suggests. He should immediately take over a regular spot in Florida’s outfield. He isn’t overpowering on the mound, but his mid-80s fastball plays up thanks to his pitchability. Baker has above-average speed and a contact-oriented approach at the plate, making him a top-of-the-order type hitter. He can run his fastball up to 91 mph on the mound. Bodrado also reaches 90 mph with his fastball to go with his above-average speed and athleticism. As a native of New Jersey, he hasn’t played as much baseball as his new teammates, but has a good feel for the game. Milchin has a strong frame that profiles well as a corner infielder and gives him power off the mound. Unlike the rest of the two-way players, Dyson’s professional future is likely on the mound. He ran his fastball up to 95 mph this spring and should hit that kind of velocity more regularly as he matures as a pitcher. Bell had a bit of a disappointing spring and went undrafted, but if he can get to his plus raw power consistently, he has the look of a middle-of-the-order hitter. Brown is a polished righthander with feel for three pitches, giving him a chance to compete for innings right away. Lee’s fastball-curveball combination is good enough to give him a chance to start if he is able to throw enough strikes. McKay is the Gators’ latest sidearmer, another of their staples, and his fastball-slider combination will make him a weapon out of the bullpen.
4. Louisiana State
Total recruits: 13 (11 freshmen, 2 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Andy Cannizaro
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 150 Todd Peterson, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 205 | Lake Mary (Fla.) HS | |
| 167 Zack Hess, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 200 | Yankees (35) | Liberty Christian Academy, Lynchburg, Va. |
| 293 Josh Smith, ss | L-R | 6-0 | 180 | Tigers (38) | Catholic HS, Baton Rouge, La. |
| 306 Zach Watson, ss/of | B-R | 6-0 | 170 | West Ouachita HS, West Monroe, La. | |
| 385 Will Reese, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 190 | Anacoco (La.) HS | |
| Jake Slaughter, ss | R-R | 6-3 | 200 | Cubs (36) | Ouachita Christian HS, Monroe, La. |
| Hunter Kiel, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 220 | D-backs (29) | Pensacola State (Fla.) JC |
| Nick Coomes, c | R-R | 6-1 | 200 | LSU-Eunice JC | |
| Matthew Beck, rhp | R-R | 6-7 | 230 | Alexandria (La.) HS | |
| Eric Walker, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 175 | Martin HS, Arlington, Texas |
For the third straight year, the Tigers landed a top-10 recruiting class, as they brought in five players from the BA 500. The group features power righthanders and an athletic bunch of position players, adding more premium talent to what was already expected to be one of the best teams in the nation this spring. Smith leads the position players and has a chance to immediately seize one of the few open spots in LSU’s lineup. He profiles as a top-of-the-order hitter with a smooth lefthanded swing and above-average speed. He has all the tools necessary to play shortstop, but with senior Kramer Robertson back for LSU, Smith may start his career at third base. Slaughter, an athletic infielder with NFL bloodlines, has the best power of the newcomers and profiles well at third base or as an offensive second baseman. Watson is a plus-plus runner with the versatility to play several positions defensively, while Coomes, a junior college all-American, is a potential instant-impact middle-of-the-order bat. LSU added several high-end pitchers, and Hess and Peterson have both touched 96 mph with their fastballs. Hess is the more advanced of the pair, but both have the pitchability to start during their college careers. Kiel showed even more velocity last spring at Pensacola JC, touching 98 mph. His fastball-curveball combination plays well in the bullpen and he profiles best as a power reliever. Reese was a star basketball player who had offers to play in college, but is now solely focused on pitching for the first time. He offers significant upside thanks to his size, athleticism and his rawness. Beck and Walker are both former high school quarterbacks who show good strike throwing ability that gives them a chance to compete for innings right away.
5. Texas Christian
Total recruits: 12 (11 freshmen, 1 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Kirk Saarloos
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 78 Nick Lodolo, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 185 | Pirates (1s) | Damien HS, La Verne, Calif. |
| 126 Charles King, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 215 | Coppell (Texas) HS | |
| 346 Trey Morris, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 225 | Phillies (40) | Taylor HS, Katy, Texas |
| Dion Henderson, lhp | L-L | 6-3 | 185 | Reds (27) | Oak Park (Mich.) HS |
| Jeke Eissler, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 200 | ThunderRidge HS, Highlands Ranch, Colo. | |
| Cal Coughlin, rhp | B-R | 6-0 | 205 | Lake Forest (Ill.) HS | |
| Alec Creel, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 205 | Wake Forest, N.C. (No school) | |
| Zach Humphreys, c | R-R | 5-11 | 195 | Midlothian (Texas) HS | |
| Haylen Green, lhp | L-L | 5-10 | 180 | Lufkin (Texas) HS | |
| Austin Ingraham, of | R-R | 6-1 | 201 | North Central Texas JC |
Under the direction of coach Jim Schlossnagle, Texas Christian has had success getting high-profile recruits to campus, such as Luken Baker and Matt Purke. The Horned Frogs pulled off another coup this year, as Lodolo chose to play for them even after the Pirates drafted him 41st overall. He was the highest drafted player not to sign this year, instead giving Saarloos, also TCU’s pitching coach, another premium arm to instruct. Lodolo is a projectable lefty with a chance for three above-average pitches. He throws in the low 90s with an advanced changeup and a big breaking ball that he is still learning how to throw for strikes. While Lodolo is the most prominent, he is just one of several talented pitchers in this year’s class. King has a heavy fastball that he runs up to 95 mph to go with a developing breaking ball and changeup. He struggled with command at times in high school, but has already shown better strike-throwing ability since arriving at TCU. Henderson and Morris aren’t as polished, but have significant upside and arm strength. Morris can run his fastball up to 95 mph but was young for the draft class and is still developing. Henderson throws his fastball in the low 90s and has some feel for both his changeup and breaking ball. Eissler also figures to quickly get innings for the Horned Frogs as a result of his ability to throw three pitches for strikes and advanced pitchability. Thanks to the returning experience in their lineup, the Horned Frogs don’t figure to need much immediate impact from their new position players. Humphreys and Ingraham are the best of the bunch and have the makings of becoming solid players during their careers at TCU. Humphreys has strong catch-and-throw skills behind the plate and will likely back up Evan Skoug this spring. Ingraham is still somewhat raw but adds physicality to TCU’s outfield.
6. Stanford
Total recruits: 10 (10 freshmen)
Recruiting coordinator: Rusty Filter
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 144 Erik Miller, lhp | L-L | 6-5 | 230 | De Smet Jesuit HS, St. Louis | |
| 182 Daniel Bakst, 3b | R-R | 6-2 | 190 | Orioles (27) | Poly Prep Country Day HS, Brooklyn |
| 280 Jack Little, rhp | L-R | 6-4 | 190 | Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas | |
| 490 Andrew Daschbach, of/3b | R-R | 6-3 | 220 | Rays (40) | Sacred Heart Prep, Atherton, Calif. |
| Kyle Stowers, of/lhp | L-L | 6-3 | 205 | Christian HS, El Cajon, Calif. | |
| Maverick Handley, c | R-R | 5-10 | 200 | Mullen HS, Denver | |
| Will Matthiessen, rhp/1b | R-R | 6-5 | 205 | West Linn (Ore.) HS | |
| Zach Grech, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 165 | Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas | |
| Luke Sleeper, lhp | L-L | 6-4 | 205 | Haslett (Mich.) HS | |
| Jonathan Worley, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 200 | High Tech HS, San Diego |
The Bay Area’s “even-year magic” isn’t limited to the Giants. Starting with its top-ranked 2010 class, Stanford has hauled in a top-10 recruiting class in every even year since. This year’s class continues that streak, though the Cardinal’s run of landing a righthander ranked in the top 100 of the BA 500 ends after four years. Instead, Miller, a projectable lefty, enters as their top-ranked recruit. His velocity was inconsistent last spring, but his fastball can get up into the mid 90s. His hard curveball produces swings and misses, and he is still working to refine his changeup. While Miller has the upside, Little may be more ready to make an immediate impact. He throws strikes with three pitches and pitched in high pressure situations throughout his high school career. Grech pounds the strike zone with his sinker-slider combination and has shown the mettle necessary to carve out a role as a freshman. Sleeper and Worley both provide upside thanks to their three-pitch mixes and size. In addition to the pitchers, Stanford has a strong group of freshmen position players. Bakst is a powerful righthanded hitter, capable of producing plenty of extra-base hits. He profiles best as a third baseman, though some uncertainty about his defense helped push him to school instead of pro ball. Daschbach also has big righthanded power and physicality. He fits best defensively at a corner, and Stanford is trying him in the outfield to take advantage of his athleticism. Handley is a strong defender with good catch-and-throw skills and a mature approach at the plate. Stanford also added a pair of two-way players. Stowers is better as a position player, but his strong arm gives him a chance on the mound. Matthiessen is further ahead on the mound, but he has good athleticism and righthanded power that makes him a threat as a hitter.
7. Arizona State
Total recruits: 16 (13 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Ben Greenspan
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 96 Hunter Bishop, of | L-R | 6-5 | 210 | Padres (24) | Serra HS, San Mateo, Calif. |
| 447 Zane Strand, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 205 | Hamilton HS, Chandler, Ariz. | |
| 456 Carter Aldrete, ss | R-R | 6-2 | 205 | Red Sox (37) | Monterey (Calif.) HS |
| Sam Ferri, c | R-R | 5-11 | 185 | Yankees (38) | Notre Dame College Prep, Niles, Ill. |
| Spencer Van Scoyoc, lhp/1b | L-L | 6-4 | 200 | Blue Jays (19) | Jefferson HS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
| Lyle Lin, c | R-R | 6-1 | 200 | Mariners (16) | Jserra Catholic HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. |
| Jake Godfrey, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 225 | Braves ’14 (21) | Northwest Florida State JC |
| Jackson Willeford, inf | L-R | 5-9 | 175 | Royals ’12 (12) | Cypress (Calif.) JC |
| Alec Marsh, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 220 | Reagan HS, Milwaukee | |
| Tre Turner, of | R-R | 5-9 | 191 | Holy Cross School, New Orleans |
Even after seeing three commits get picked (and later sign) on the first night of the draft, Arizona State still managed to haul in a top-10 recruiting class for the first time since 2012. The biggest coup in the class is Bishop, the younger brother of Mariners prospect Braden Bishop. A two-sport star in high school, Bishop originally committed to play wide receiver at Washington. But he changed his mind and decided to pursue baseball at Arizona State instead. Bishop is a raw, toolsy outfielder with significant upside. He has plus speed and his bat speed portends plus power, though he will have to cut down on his swing-and-miss to become a more consistent hitter. Turner gives the Sun Devils another football player in the class, though he is continuing to play both sports. He is a running back with elite speed that has a chance to fit in the outfield. Aldrete may not profile as a shortstop in pro ball, but he is a capable defender, somewhat reminiscent of former Sun Devils shortstop Colby Woodmansee. Aldrete has raw power potential and good athleticism. Strand stands out for his pitchability and control of multiple pitches, giving him the look of solid weekend rotation piece. Van Scoyoc also has that potential as a projectable lefthander that has run his fastball up to 91 mph and has a big curveball. He is better as a pitcher, but his loose lefthanded swing gives him a chance to provide some offense as well. Godfrey began his college career at Louisiana State and transferred to Northwest Florida State JC for his sophomore year. While he hasn’t really put it all together yet, he has all the tools to be a solid starter. Ferri and Lin give the Sun Devils a pair of strong defenders behind the plate. Lin is the more physical of the pair, but Ferri has an above-average arm and at the plate does a good job of keeping the barrel in the zone for a long time. Junior college transfers Willeford and Taylor Lane, who were both drafted out of high school, help Arizona State’s infield depth after it lost three infielders from last year’s team.
8. Florida State
Total recruits: 14 (11 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Mike Martin, Jr.
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 43 Drew Mendoza, 3b | L-R | 6-4 | 210 | Tigers (36) | Lake Minneola HS, Minneola, Fla. |
| 142 J.C. Flowers, of/rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 185 | Reds (18) | Trinity Christian Academy, Jacksonville |
| Nick Derr, of/2b | R-R | 6-0 | 188 | Reds (33) | Sarasota (Fla.) HS |
| Rhett Aplin, of | L-L | 6-2 | 220 | Seminole State (Fla.) JC | |
| Clayton Kwiatkowski, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 215 | Jesuit HS, Tampa | |
| Drew Parrish, lhp/of | L-L | 5-11 | 180 | Rockledge (Fla.) HS | |
| Justin Sorokowski, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 205 | Lee-Davis HS, Mechanicsville, Va. | |
| Tyler Daughtry, ss | L-R | 5-10 | 180 | Veterans HS, Kathleen, Ga. | |
| Brandon Reitz, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 175 | Trinity Catholic HS, Ocala, Fla. | |
| Ryan Mejia, of | R-R | 6-1 | 190 | Alonso HS, Tampa |
Shepherding elite position players to campus has become increasingly difficult as MLB teams have begun to target the top high school hitters every year in the draft. The Seminoles found a way to do just that this year, however. Mendoza was the highest ranked position player on the BA 500 to make it to campus, even after he built momentum with his early-season performance. He is a pure hitter who projects to become a power threat as he physically matures and learns how to tap into his raw power. He profiles best at third base, and he will be expected to step into the Seminoles lineup this spring. Flowers was a late addition to the class, choosing to come to Tallahassee after a coaching change at Kentucky, where he had been committed. His pro future is likely as an outfielder, but on his best days on the mound he can show two plus pitches with a fastball that reaches 95 mph and a sharp (though inconsistent) slider. As a hitter, he has a knack for putting the barrel on the ball, and his athleticism and above-average speed plays well in the outfield. Derr gives Florida State another athletic position player. He has the speed to play in the outfield, but his infield actions may be good enough for second base. Wherever he settles defensively, he provides good offensive value with solid power and hitability. Aplin began his career at Seminole State JC as a pitcher but became a two-way player as a sophomore and won conference player of the year honors. His hitting has become the best part of his game, and he’ll just be an outfielder for the Seminoles. Kwiatkowski dealt with injury issues in the last two years of his high school career, but is fully healthy now. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he has good feel for his breaking ball. Parrish gives the class another quality lefthander with a fastball that can get into the low 90s. He’s a strong defender in the outfield and figures to see some time there in addition to pitching. Reitz and Sorokowski, whose father David played at Florida State 30 years ago, have advanced pitchability and can contribute quickly. Reitz’s fastball-slider combination plays well out of the bullpen, and Sorokowski commands his upper-80s fastball well. Daughtry is a solid defensive infielder that should provide versatility this spring, while Mejia is a former two-sport star who has begun to make strides offensively now that he is focused on baseball.
9. Washington
Total recruits: 15 (14 freshmen, 1 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Jason Kelly
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 140 Christian Jones, 1b/of | L-L | 6-3 | 200 | Red Sox (31) | Federal Way (Wash.) HS |
| 141 Ben Baird, ss | R-R | 6-2 | 185 | Indians (20) | Agoura HS, Agoura Hills, Calif. |
| 440 Jordan Jones, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 180 | Kentwood HS, Covington, Wash. | |
| Josh Burgmann, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 215 | Cardinals (30) | Vauxhall (Alb.) Academy |
| Joe Wainhouse, rhp/1b | L-R | 6-7 | 240 | Bellevue (Wash.) JC | |
| Nick Kahle, c | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Chaminade Prep, Chatsworth, Calif. | |
| Leo Nierenberg, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 180 | Bishop O’Dowd HS, Oakland | |
| Chris Micheles, lhp | L-L | 6-0 | 185 | Puyallup (Wash.) HS | |
| Jaden Hassell, of | R-R | 5-10 | 180 | Fife (Wash.) HS | |
| Tommy Costello, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 185 | Chaminade Prep, Chatsworth, Calif. |
The Huskies cracked these rankings for the first time last year, landing the No. 15 class in the country. They did even better this year, hauling in a class headlined by Christian Jones and Baird. Jones was the top prep player in Washington this spring, where he was also a strong basketball player, winning back-to-back state championships. He has an easy, powerful lefthanded swing and enough athleticism to handle left field, though he’ll likely end up as a first baseman in the long run. Baird is a solid all-around player and grades out as above-average in hitting, speed and arm strength. Opinion this spring was mixed on his chances for staying at shortstop in the long run, but he’s a good enough defender to play there for Washington, with the versatility to play second or third base. Jordan Jones, the younger brother of Astros prospect Taylor Jones, has the most upside of the Huskies’ pitching newcomers. A projectable righthander with a three-pitch mix, Jones has good enough stuff to log important innings as a freshman, and a chance to develop into a weekend starter in time. Burgmann is a veteran of the Canadian Junior National Team and his experience as a prep has him well prepared for the Pac-12. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he has a mature feel for his craft. Wainhouse, the son of former major leaguer Dave Wainhouse, figures to help the Huskies with his power arm and bat. Like his father, he is best as a reliever, and he creates plenty of groundball outs with a fastball that gets up to 95 mph with good sinking action. But he also has significant raw power at the plate that will keep him in the Huskies’ lineup. Micheles is a polished lefty who attacks hitters with his fastball-changeup combination. Costello, Brendan Ecklebarger and Nierenberg all have upside and add more depth to the pitching staff. Kahle is a strong defender behind the plate and has a good feel for the barrel. Hassell is a savvy player with good speed and instincts on the bases and in the outfield.
10. Arizona
Total recruits: 15 (7 freshmen, 8 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Sergio Brown
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 114 Nick Quintana, 3b | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Red Sox (11) | Arbor View HS, Las Vegas |
| 480 Cameron Cannon, ss | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | D-backs (21) | Mountain Ridge HS, Glendale, Ariz. |
| Cal Stevenson, of/lhp | L-L | 5-10 | 170 | Dodgers (36) | Chabot (Calif.) JC |
| Cory Voss, c/1b | R-R | 5-10 | 205 | Nationals (37) | McLennan (Texas) JC |
| Matt Fraizer, of | L-R | 6-2 | 193 | Athletics (38) | Clovis (Calif.) North HS |
| Shane Martinez, ss | R-R | 6-1 | 185 | Athletics (39) | North HS, Riverside, Calif. |
| Tylor Megill, rhp | R-R | 6-7 | 240 | Cypress (Calif.) JC | |
| Seve Romo, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 185 | East Los Angeles JC | |
| Landon Faulkner, rhp | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Chipola (Fla.) JC | |
| Austin Nichols, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 175 | Queen Creek (Ariz.) HS |
In Jay Johnson’s first season as coach, the Wildcats reached the College World Series finals, nearly leaving Omaha with the program’s fifth national championship. Following their on-field success, Brown and Johnson hauled in Arizona’s first top-10 class since 2003. The class is heavy on junior college transfers, who should provide immediate help as Arizona looks to replace several key members of last year’s team. But the headliner is Quintana, Nevada’s Gatorade player of the year. He makes a lot of hard contact and has the strength and bat speed to drive home runs. He played third base for USA Baseball’s 18U team in 2015, and he’ll likely fill that role again for the Wildcats, though he has the versatility to play second base or shortstop. Cannon is also a versatile infielder, but his actions and arm strength make him a solid defender at shortstop. He has a short, simple swing that allows him to spray line drives to the gaps. Martinez also could figure into the Wildcats’ infield mix and brings a balanced approach at the plate. Fraizer’s athleticism and plus speed, combined with his budding offensive skills, give him big upside. Arizona’s junior college transfers are led by Stevenson and Voss, who were the 2015 co-Mountain West Conference freshmen of the year. Stevenson played for Johnson at Nevada and is a prototypical center fielder and leadoff hitter. He also provides some additional value as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen. Voss started his college career at New Mexico and adds a powerful bat in the middle of the order with some defensive versatility. Megill, Romo and Faulkner add depth to the Wildcats’ pitching staff. Megill throws his low-90s fastball from a steep downhill angle and has the look of a workhorse starter. Romo and Faulkner are both slightly undersized righthanders but were successful in junior college and have good pitchability. Nichols is the most exciting prep pitcher in the class and provides upside as a converted shortstop with impressive arm speed.
11. South Carolina
Total recruits: 16 (12 freshmen, 4 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Sammy Esposito
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 128 Carlos Cortes, 2b/of | L-B | 5-7 | 195 | Mets (20) | Lake Howell HS, Winter Park, Fla. |
| 180 Rian Haire, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 205 | South Caldwell HS, Hudson, N.C. | |
| 435 Joey Polak, 1b | R-R | 6-2 | 220 | Quincy (Ill.) Notre Dame HS | |
| Jacob Olson, 2b | R-R | 5-11 | 175 | D-backs (39) | West Georgia Tech JC |
| Sawyer Bridges, rhp | R-R | 5-11 | 175 | Summerville (S.C.) HS | |
| Jonathan Jahn, lhp | L-L | 5-11 | 195 | Westside HS, Augusta, Ga. | |
| Justin Row, ss | R-R | 5-7 | 170 | Fullerton (Calif.) JC | |
| Riley Hogan, 1b | B-R | 6-1 | 210 | TNXL Academy, Longwood, Fla. | |
| Colby Lee, rhp | R-R | 5-10 | 165 | Latta (S.C.) HS | |
| Graham Lawson, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 215 | Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) JC |
The steady stream of talent coming to South Carolina continues this year, as the Gamecocks landed their eighth straight Top 25 class. Cortes and Haire give South Carolina two potential stars to headline the newcomers. Cortes was possibly the best prep hitter in Florida this year thanks to his advanced approach and knack for finding the barrel with his short, compact swing. He produces a lot of hard contact and hits for more power than his frame suggests. Cortes has played all over the diamond but has yet to find a defensive home. He’ll likely end up in left field or second base for the Gamecocks. Haire’s draft stock slipped with his velocity last spring, but he has bounced back this fall. His fastball has been up to 93 mph, and he mixes in a changeup and curveball, both of which are above-average offerings at their best. Polak and Hogan have powerful bats that will fit in the middle of the order. Olson and Row provide immediate help in the middle infield, where South Carolina has open jobs this season. Olson is the more offensive of the pair and has the versatility to play the outfield as well. Row is a steady defender at shortstop with average speed and the ability to play small ball, much like Marcus Mooney, last year’s shortstop. The Gamecocks figure to have one of the better pitching staffs in the country this spring, and several of the newcomers only add to their depth. Bridges and Sawyer both throw quality fastball-slider combinations from a low three-quarters arm slot and could figure into the mix in the bullpen. Lawson has a powerful fastball-slider combination that could play either as a starter or a reliever. Lee is still raw, but he has athleticism, arm strength and projectability.
12. Arkansas
Total recruits: 23 (18 freshmen, 5 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Tony Vitello
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 209 Dominic Fletcher, of | L-L | 5-9 | 175 | Cypress (Calif.) HS | |
| 374 Jordan McFarland, 1b/of | R-R | 6-3 | 200 | Nationals (36) | Waterloo (Ill.) HS |
| 408 Brenden Heiss, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 190 | Cubs (31) | Jacobs HS, Algonquin, Ill. |
| 453 Lucas Krull, lhp | L-L | 6-7 | 230 | Mill Valley HS, Shawnee, Kan. | |
| Trevor Stephan, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 225 | Red Sox (18) | Hill (Texas) JC |
| Evan Lee, lhp/of | R-L | 6-2 | 190 | Bryant (Ark.) HS | |
| Matt Cronin, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 190 | Navarre (Fla.) HS | |
| Jaxon Williams, 2b | R-R | 5-8 | 165 | Terry HS, Rosenberg, Texas | |
| Jax Biggers, ss | L-R | 5-11 | 175 | Cisco (Texas) JC | |
| Jared Gates, 2b | L-R | 6-0 | 190 | Iowa Western CC |
The Razorbacks bring in a large class that adds premier talent and depth, both of which they needed after finishing last in the Southeastern Conference last year. Fletcher is the younger brother of Angels prospect David Fletcher, and there are some similarities in their games. He has a compact swing and solid power to go with advanced baseball instincts that help his speed play up on the bases and in the outfield. McFarland’s big righthanded power is his best tool, but questions about his defense helped push him to college. He’ll likely end up either in left field or at first base, but his bat has a chance to profile at either position. The Razorbacks also brought in a bevy of pitchers for new pitching coach Wes Johnson to work with. Heiss has an electric arm, capable of getting his fastball up to 96 mph to go with a hard breaking ball. He’ll need to improve his control to be a starter. Krull is a big lefthander with a low-90s fastball and a quality breaking ball. He had control problems of his own in high school but has shown improvement in the fall and has all the tools to develop as a starter. Stephan also has a powerful fastball that gets up to 97 mph. He is new to pitching and should at least be able to help as a power reliever, with a chance for more if his offspeed stuff develops. Cronin doesn’t have the upside of Heiss and Krull, but he has good pitchability to go with his low-90s fastball and solid breaking ball. Lee has strength both on the mound, where his fastball can touch 94 mph, and at the plate, where he consistently produces extra-base hits. Williams, Biggers and Gates add infield depth for the Razorbacks after they lost most of their infielders from last year. Biggers is a strong defender at shortstop and helped Cisco JC to the Junior College World Series last spring. Gates and Williams fit better as second basemen with good bat-to-ball skills.
13. Miami
Total recruits: 12 (6 freshmen, 6 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Gino DiMare
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 200 Mike Amditis, c | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Indians (37) | Boca Raton (Fla.) HS |
| 304 Greg Veliz, rhp/1b | L-R | 6-2 | 205 | North Broward Prep HS, Coconut Creek, Fla. | |
| 455 Mason Studstill, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 205 | Indians (22) | Rockledge (Fla.) HS |
| Hunter Tackett, of | R-R | 6-3 | 185 | Brewers (36) | Northwest Florida State JC |
| Jeb Bargfeldt, lhp | L-L | 6-0 | 175 | Cisco (Texas) JC | |
| Evan McKendry, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 210 | North Broward Prep HS, Coconut Creek, Fla. | |
| James Davison, of | L-R | 5-7 | 155 | White Sox ’14 (39) | Howard (Texas) JC |
| Alex Sanchez, c | R-R | 5-9 | 200 | Galveston (Texas) JC | |
| Brandon Gali, ss | R-R | 6-0 | 170 | Polk State (Fla.) JC | |
| Connor Manous, rhp | R-R | 5-11 | 170 | Munster (Ind.) HS |
Following back-to-back College World Series appearances, the Hurricanes bring in a solid recruiting class with an eye on continuing that streak. Several of the newcomers will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as Miami lost some core pieces from last year’s team. Amditis has a chance to be one of the most impactful newcomers, as he will likely be tasked with replacing All-American catcher Zack Collins if his plus arm strength returns following surgery last spring to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Amditis was the starting catcher and leading hitter for USA Baseball’s 18U team in 2015, and he has the upside to develop into one of the best up-the-middle players in the country. Veliz is a better pro prospect on the mound, but he enjoys hitting and has a powerful enough bat to get a chance to play first base or DH for Miami. He still has some rough edges as a pitcher, but he can run his fastball up to 98 mph and flashes a sharp breaking ball. Like Veliz, Studstill drew more pro interest on the mound but may have enough righthanded power to force his way into the lineup as well. He has a strong, physical frame and a lively low-90s fastball and a big, powerful curveball. McKendry is more advanced than Veliz, his high school teammate, and has the mettle to handle a key role either as a starter or a reliever as a freshman. Manous is slightly undersized and isn’t overpowering but throws multiple pitches for strikes and has some feel for his craft. Tackett leads the Hurricanes’ junior-college transfers. He was named Florida’s 2016 JC player of the year and profiles as a right fielder with some athleticism and a middle-of-the-order bat. Davison is more of a top-of-the-order hitter who has the speed to track down balls in the outfield and steal bases. Bargfeldt is a polished lefthander in the classic ‘Canes mold who should be able to step into Miami’s rotation. His fastball sits in the upper 80s, and he mixes in a solid changeup and curveball. Sanchez and Gali give the Hurricanes two more solid defenders in the middle of the diamond.
14. Vanderbilt
Total recruits: 12 (9 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: D.J. Svihlik
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 267 Jack Gillis, lhp | R-L | 6-3 | 230 | Wilmington (Mass.) HS | |
| 281 Drake Fellows, rhp | L-R | 6-5 | 205 | Joliet (Ill.) Catholic Academy | |
| 412 Zach King, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 210 | Spring Hill HS, Columbia, Tenn. | |
| 472 Tyler Duvall, c | L-R | 5-10 | 190 | Lebanon (Ohio) HS | |
| J.J. Bleday, of | L-L | 6-3 | 205 | Padres (39) | Mosley HS, Lynn Haven, Fla. |
| Harrison Ray, ss | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Lake Brantley HS, Altamonte Springs, Fla. | |
| Reed Hayes, of/rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 185 | Walters State (Tenn.) JC | |
| Paxton Stover, lhp | L-L | 5-11 | 190 | Dyersburg State (Tenn.) JC | |
| Mike Sanborn, lhp | L-L | 6-1 | 190 | Jesuit HS, Tampa | |
| Justin Wilson, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 175 | Volunteer State (Tenn.) JC |
The Commodores, who topped the rankings last year, bring in another solid crop of newcomers to extend their record streak of Top 25 classes to 12 straight years. The class was assembled by former recruiting coordinator Travis Jewett before he left Vanderbilt in July to become the head coach at Tulane. Fellows, Gillis and King add three more premium arms to the Commodores’ staff. Gillis is a strong, durable lefthander who earns comparisons to former Vanderbilt lefty Ben Bowden. At his best, Gillis has a low-90s fastball with a hard, biting breaking ball. Fellows throws his heavy low-90s fastball and slider from a low three-quarters arm slot. King is another physical lefthander with projection. He gets good life on his fastball, which projects to add velocity as he physically matures. Duvall missed his senior season after having Tommy John surgery but should be fully healthy by Opening Day. He has room to improve offensively, but he has solid defensive tools, which he will need to catch Vanderbilt’s hard-throwing staff. Bleday has solid all-around tools and should be able to quickly adjust to the college game. He has a short swing and should develop more power as he gets stronger, giving him a chance to profile well in right field. Ray has the defensive skills to stay in the middle of the diamond and does a good job of making consistent, hard contact. Sanborn is another quick-armed lefthander, capable of touching 94 mph with his fastball and mixing in a hard slider. Vanderbilt rarely mines the junior college ranks, but it did this year for Hayes, Stover and Wilson. Hayes is a strong athlete who hit for power last season and has some promise on the mound. Stover has a good feel for his four-pitch mix and should be able to carve out a role on Vanderbilt’s staff. Wilson is a converted catcher who throws in the low 90s but will likely miss this season after having Tommy John surgery in April.
15. Clemson
Total recruits: 14 (11 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Bradley LeCroy
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 131 Logan Davidson, ss | B-R | 6-3 | 190 | Phillies (30) | Providence HS, Charlotte |
| 273 Mitchell Miller, lhp | L-L | 6-5 | 200 | Loganville (Ga.) HS | |
| 420 Jeremy Beasley, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 215 | Darton State (Ga.) JC | |
| Patrick Cromwell, 3b | L-R | 6-2 | 190 | Santa Ana (Calif.) JC | |
| Ryan Miller, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 190 | State JC of Florida | |
| Blake Holliday, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 230 | Belton-Honea Path (S.C.) HS | |
| Jacob Hennessy, lhp | L-L | 6-3 | 210 | Dorman HS, Roebuck, S.C. | |
| Travis Marr, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 210 | Regis Jesuit, Aurora, Colo. | |
| Owen Griffith, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 185 | South Aiken (S.C.) HS | |
| Kyle Wilkie, c | R-R | 6-1 | 200 | Creekview HS, Canton, Ga. |
Seth Beer would have headlined this class had he not graduated from high school early and joined Clemson last spring. Beer won Freshman of the Year honors, but the Tigers add a talented class even without him. The class could have another star in Davidson, the son of former big leaguer Mark Davidson. His size and offensive upside lead to natural comparisons to Rays infielder Brad Miller, an All-American shortstop at Clemson, but Davidson is a better defender. He will be expected to take over immediately as the Tigers’ shortstop and also could quickly make an impact offensively. Mitchell Miller has a good feel for pitching already and provides significant projection. His fastball sits in the upper 80s now, and his velocity should improve as he physically matures. Beasley is a strong, physical pitcher with a fastball that touches 94 mph to go with a slider and split-change. His three-pitch mix gives him a chance to start, but it would also play well in the back end of the bullpen. Like Beasley, Ryan Miller is another candidate for the back of the bullpen with a fastball that has been up to 96 mph. He began his college career as a catcher at Florida Atlantic, appearing in 43 games as a freshman. He transferred to junior college and converted to pitching, taking advantage of his strong arm. Cromwell is a solid defender at third base who hits for average and has some gap power. Hennessey and Holliday are two of the class’ most promising prep pitchers. Holliday was named South Carolina’s Class 3A player of the year and attacks hitters with heavy fastball that sits around 90 mph and a cutter and changeup. Hennessey is a projectable lefty with an upper-80s fastball and a big curveball. Clemson’s class also receives a boost from graduate transfers righthander Tyler Jackson (South Carolina-Upstate) and outfielder Weston Jackson (Presbyterian), though they do not factor into the rankings.
16. UCLA
Total recruits: 14 (13 freshmen, 1 JC transfer)
Recruiting coordinator: Bryant Ward
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 315 Ryan Kreidler, 3b/ss | R-R | 6-2 | 170 | Cubs (35) | Davis (Calif.) HS |
| 402 Jeremy Ydens, of | R-R | 6-2 | 175 | Cardinals (40) | St. Francis HS, Mountain View, Calif. |
| 434 Michael Toglia, 1b/of | B-L | 6-5 | 200 | Rockies (35) | Gig Harbor (Wash.) HS |
| Chase Strumpf, 2b/ss | R-R | 6-1 | 180 | JSerra HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. | |
| Ryan Garcia, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 170 | La Salle HS, Pasadena, Calif. | |
| Jarron Silva, of | L-L | 5-10 | 170 | St. Mary’s HS, Stockton, Calif. | |
| Jack Stronach, 3b | L-R | 6-3 | 195 | Helix HS, La Mesa, Calif. | |
| Jordan Prendiz, of | L-L | 5-10 | 170 | Mt. Whitney HS, Visalia, Calif. | |
| Nick Scheidler, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 170 | La Costa Canyon HS, Carlsbad, Calif. | |
| Gavin Johns, c | B-R | 6-2 | 195 | Yavapai (Ariz.) JC |
UCLA’s recruiting class was raided on the first day of the draft, as three Bruins commits were taken in the first 42 picks, including No. 1 overall selection Mickey Moniak and Yankees first-rounder Blake Rutherford. All three players went on to sign, but UCLA had enough depth in its class to overcome the losses and land its third-straight Top 25 class. The Bruins went heavy on position players, and the quartet of Kreidler, Strumpf, Toglia and Ydens should provide some immediate help for a lineup that last year ranked ninth in the Pac-12 in scoring (4.82 runs per game). Kreidler and Strumpf can both play shortstop, though neither will likely man the position this year with redshirt sophomore Nick Valaika returning healthy. Kreidler is a bit better defensively than Strumpf, while Strumpf is a more offensive player. Kreidler’s arm strength and physicality makes him a solid fit at third base, while Strumpf fits the profile of an offensive second baseman. He is an advanced hitter and has some power in his bat. UCLA has rarely recruited outside of California in coach John Savage’s tenure, but it went up to Washington for Toglia’s powerful bat. The switch-hitter has pop from both sides of the plate and a good feel for hitting, especially lefthanded. He has a chance to fit in right field but is also a solid defender at first base. Ydens is another athletic outfielder with a good feel for hitting and a chance to develop power as he physically matures; he’ll be eligible for the draft as a sophomore. Prendiz and Silva profile more as center field types. They both run well and have good on-base skills, giving them a chance to be top-of-the-order hitters. Stronach has a mature approach at the plate and is a good defender at third base. He has upside, particularly if he develops more power as he fills out his frame. Johns, who comes to UCLA as a sophomore, helped Yavapai win the Junior College World Series last year and provides much needed help behind the plate for the Bruins. Garcia is the best of UCLA’s incoming pitchers. A converted infielder, he throws his fastball in the low 90s while mixing in a good changeup and curveball. Scheidler is a projectable lefty with a good enough fastball-changeup combination to compete for innings right away.
17. North Carolina State
Total recruits: 15 (12 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Chris Hart
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 111 Brad Debo, c | L-R | 6-2 | 210 | Orange HS, Hillsborough, N.C. | |
| 237 Dalton Feeney, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 210 | Tigers (40) | Century HS, Bismarck, N.D. |
| Michael Bienlien, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 220 | Reds (40) | Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va. |
| Will Wilson, ss | R-R | 6-0 | 180 | Kings Mountain (N.C.) HS | |
| Mathieu Gautheir, rhp | R-R | 6-1 | 170 | Candiac, Quebec (No school) | |
| E.P. Reese, of | L-L | 5-10 | 175 | North Davidson HS, Lexington, N.C. | |
| James Ferguson, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 200 | Fort Worth (Texas) Country Day School | |
| Nolan Clenney, rhp | L-R | 6-2 | 190 | Brunswick (N.C.) CC | |
| Andy Cosgrove, c | R-R | 6-2 | 190 | Santa Barbara (Calif.) CC | |
| James Vaughn, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 190 | King’s Academy, West Palm Beach, Fla. |
The Wolfpack had put together a solid, if unspectacular, class before the late additions of Debo and Feeney over the summer. Those two helped give North Carolina State its first Top 25 class since ranking fourth in 2011, the class that included Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner. Debo originally committed to South Carolina but will instead stay close to home for college. He has plus arm strength and raw power but is still a little rough around the edges both offensively and defensively. Still, he will likely provide an immediate impact for the Wolfpack, with a chance to develop into a star. Feeney was committed to Missouri until coach Tim Jamieson resigned in June. Though the level of his competition in North Dakota wasn’t particularly robust, he is advanced enough to immediately compete for key innings. He has good athleticism, a strong pitcher’s build and throws his fastball in the low to mid- 90s with a sharp slider. Bienlien and Gautheir give the Wolfpack two more pitchers who are ready to go as freshmen. Bienlien throws a heavy low-90s fastball, a good changeup and a developing slider. Gautheir, who played for the Canadian Junior National Team, stands out for his pitchability and ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Clenney was a two-way player in junior college but will just pitch for N.C. State. His sinker-slider combination plays well in the bullpen. Ferguson may also find a spot in the bullpen, particularly if he proves he can consistently throw strikes with his fastball. His best pitch is his curveball, making him particularly tough on lefthanded hitters. The Wolfpack returns most of its lineup, but Wilson has the all-around tools to carve out a role as a freshman. He is a solid defender who will be expected to be N.C. State’s starting shortstop in the future. Reese does a lot of little things well and profiles as a leadoff hitter and center fielder. Cosgrove, who began his college career at Washington, gives the class another up-the-middle player. He has solid catch-and-throw skills behind the plate.
18. Tennessee
Total recruits: 16 (14 freshmen, 2 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Aric Thomas
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 107 Zach Linginfelter, rhp | L-R | 6-5 | 225 | Yankees (16) | Sevier County HS, Sevierville, Tenn. |
| 423 Andrew Schultz, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 185 | Greater Atlanta Christian HS, Norcross, Ga. | |
| 437 Garrett Stallings, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 205 | Grassfield HS, Chesapeake, Va. | |
| Dominic Thornton, of | R-R | 6-0 | 205 | Howard (Texas) JC | |
| Pete Derkay, c | B-R | 5-11 | 210 | Allatoona HS, Acworth, Ga. | |
| Brandon Chinea, 2b/of | R-R | 5-8 | 170 | Florida Christian School, Miami | |
| Danny Sirven, c | R-R | 5-11 | 190 | Chattanooga State (Tenn.) CC | |
| Connor Darling, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 205 | North Gwinnett HS, Suwanee, Ga. | |
| Justin Ammons, of | L-R | 5-10 | 180 | Bartlett (Tenn.) HS | |
| Will Heflin, lhp | L-L | 5-11 | 177 | Morristown (Tenn.) West HS |
The Volunteers’ class features three high-profile righthanders who upgrade the pitching staff’s talent level. This year’s position player newcomers will also have a chance to make a quick impact, while also improving Tennessee’s depth. Linginfelter is the gem of the class with the potential to quickly become a weekend starter in the SEC. His fastball gets up to 95 mph to go with a solid curveball and changeup. He has an ideal pitcher’s frame, the athleticism to repeat his delivery and a mature makeup. Stallings is a polished pitcher, combining advanced pitchability with above-average command. His stuff isn’t overwhelming, but his fastball gets up to 91 mph and he combines it with a quality breaking ball and changeup. Schultz is the hardest throwing of the bunch, running his fastball up to 97 mph. He is still learning how to pitch and has significant upside, but for now is more likely to find a role in the bullpen than the rotation. Darling wasn’t as prominent in high school but has a solid three-pitch mix and throws from an arm angle that enables him to get good leverage on his fastball. Thornton began his college career at Kansas State before transferring to Howard JC, where he hit 18 home runs and stole 23 bases in 58 games last season. He has above-average arm strength and would fit well in right field. Derkay and Sirven are both solid defenders behind the plate with some power on offense. Derkay has the versatility to play on a corner to keep his bat in the lineup. Chinea, the younger brother of LSU alum and current Cardinals prospect Chris Chinea, also brings defensive versatility, and a dirtbag approach to the game. He has plus speed and profiles well as a top-of-the-order hitter. Ammons has a smooth swing and a mature, disciplined approach at the plate. Tennessee also added shortstop Reggie Southall as a graduate transfer from Southern California.
19. UC Santa Barbara
Total recruits: 16 (13 freshmen, 3 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Eddie Cornejo
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 397 Jack Dashwood, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 215 | St. Augustine HS, San Diego | |
| 446 Armani Smith, of | R-R | 6-3 | 180 | Indians (35) | De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. |
| Chris Lincoln, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 170 | Blue Jays (13) | Rancho Verde HS, Moreno Valley, Calif. |
| Ben Brecht, lhp | L-L | 6-8 | 205 | Orioles (36) | New Trier HS, Winnetka, Ill. |
| Colton Burns, 2b/of | L-R | 6-3 | 200 | JC of the Canyons (Calif.) | |
| Steve Ledesma, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 185 | Santa Barbara City (Calif.) CC | |
| Landon Silver, of | R-R | 6-2 | 190 | Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS | |
| Shea Barry, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 165 | Simi Valley (Calif.) HS | |
| Andrew Martinez, ss | R-R | 5-11 | 175 | St. Francis HS, Mountain View, Calif. | |
| Kenny Corey, 3b | L-R | 6-0 | 175 | Chabot (Calif.) JC |
The Gauchos are coming off their two most successful seasons in program history, hosting a regional in 2015 and reaching the College World Series last season. Building off that momentum, UCSB brings in a Top 25 class for the second time ever and first time since 2012. The newcomers include several premium arms for coach Andrew Checketts to work with. Dashwood is polished and has a history of winning in San Diego, where he was one of the best prep pitchers the last two years. He throws three pitches for strikes, showing the ability to repeat his delivery, especially for a pitcher of his size. He isn’t overpowering, throwing his fastball in the upper 80s, but he should be able to add more velocity as he gets stronger. Lincoln is athletic with exceptional arm speed. He throws in the low 90s and has some feel for his changeup and breaking ball. He’s still raw, but has the most upside of any of the newcomers. Brecht, one of UCSB’s rare recruits from outside of California, also has significant upside. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s with room for more velocity as he fills out his frame. Like Dashwood, he has good arm action and does a good job of throwing strikes. Ledesma is the most advanced pitcher in the class and will likely contribute immediately. He has a very projectable frame and will need to get stronger to maintain his velocity, but he has a good fastball-curveball combination and also mixes in a promising changeup. The position players, led by Smith, add plenty of athleticism to the Gauchos’ lineup. In addition to his athleticism, Smith also has a good feel for the game. He has the versatility to play second base or anywhere in the outfield, and his feel for hitting will likely allow him to quickly find a place in the Gauchos’ lineup. Burns is somewhat similar to Smith defensively and has better speed. He is more of a slasher at the plate, making him a candidate for the top of the order. Corey and Silver both produce good bat speed and could quickly force their way into the lineup.
20. Oregon State
Total recruits: 18 (18 freshmen)
Recruiting coordinator: Nate Yeskie/Pat Bailey
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 217 Grant Gambrell, rhp | L-R | 6-4 | 220 | Buchanan HS, Clovis, Calif. | |
| 241 Adley Rutschman, c | B-R | 6-2 | 210 | Sherwood (Ore.) HS | |
| 441 Mitchell Verburg, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 195 | Lake Oswego (Ore.) HS | |
| Tyler Malone, 2b/3b | L-R | 5-11 | 185 | Woodcreek HS, Roseville, Calif. | |
| George Mendazona, ss | L-R | 6-0 | 186 | Ridgeview HS, Redmond, Ore. | |
| Dakota Donovan, rhp | R-R | 6-7 | 240 | Pine View HS, St. George, Utah | |
| Elliot Willy, of | R-R | 6-0 | 185 | Bend (Ore.) HS | |
| Preston Jones, of | R-R | 5-11 | 187 | Mountain View HS, Vancouver, Wash. | |
| Andy Armstrong, ss | R-R | 5-9 | 165 | West Salem (Ore.) HS | |
| Jake Mulholland, lhp | L-L | 6-3 | 190 | Snohomish (Wash.) HS |
The Beavers brought in a Top 25 class for the fourth year in a row, a program record. The class is deep and well-rounded, adding both solid pitching and versatile position players. Rutschman is an exceptional athlete, earning all-state honors in high school in both football and baseball, where he was a two-way player. He’s continuing as a two-sport athlete at Oregon State, serving as the football team’s kickoff specialist, but will no longer be a two-way player on the diamond. He will focus on catching, where he is still a little raw but has standout tools. He is a switch-hitter with the ability to drive the ball out from both sides of the plate and has plus arm strength behind it. Malone and Mendazona give the Beavers two more versatile infielders. Malone is more offensive, while Mendazona has a good feel for the game and can play multiple positions. Willy was an infielder in high school but is moving to the outfield where his above-average speed will play well. Armstrong and Jones both have good defensive tools and look like they’ll be able to stick up the middle. On the mound, Gambrell and Verburg give Oregon State two more big, high-upside arms. Gambrell has a deceptive low-90s fastball to go with a changeup and curveball, all of which he can throw for strikes. Verburg’s fastball sits in the upper 80s, and he mixes in a heavy slider and a changeup. He should be able to add more velocity as he fills out his frame. Donovan wasn’t as high profile as Gambrell and Verburg but adds another arm with upside. He has some funkiness to his delivery, which helps his three-pitch mix play up. He throws in the upper 80s now and should add more velocity as he physically matures.
21. Auburn
Total recruits: 20 (10 freshmen, 10 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Brad Bohannon
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 109 Davis Daniel, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 180 | Cubs (34) | St. James School, Montgomery, Ala. |
| Josh Anthony, 3b | R-R | 5-10 | 200 | Braves (16) | Western Oklahoma State JC |
| Trevor Hillhouse, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 200 | Phillies (38) | Woodstock (Ga.) HS |
| Ryan Watson, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 210 | Dodgers (29) | Auburn (Ala.) HS |
| Luke Jarvis, ss | R-R | 5-11 | 180 | Saddleback (Calif.) JC | |
| Corey Herndon, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 200 | Columbia State (Tenn.) CC | |
| Welby Malczewski, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 230 | D-backs (37) | Heartland (Ill.) CC |
| Jay Estes, 2b | R-R | 5-9 | 175 | Chipola (Fla.) JC | |
| Will Holland, ss | R-R | 5-10 | 170 | Collins Hill HS, Suwanee, Ga. | |
| Mike Rojas, c | R-R | 6-2 | 210 | Mariners ’15 (40) | Chipola (Fla.) JC |
Auburn’s coaching change last fall left the new staff very little time to work on its first recruiting class. Bohannon was hired just two weeks before the start of the early signing period, but the 2015 Assistant Coach of the Year still managed to bring a Top 25 class to the Plains. Daniel gives the class a premier prospect who will be expected to immediately step into Auburn’s rotation. He is much more polished than most prep pitchers and throws three pitches for strikes. His fastball gets up to 95 mph and his breaking ball can be a plus pitch at its best. While Daniel is ready to go as a freshman, Hillhouse and Watson present head coach Butch Thompson (who handles the pitchers) with more of a project. Hillhouse is a little further along thanks to the downhill plane he gets on his heavy fastball. But as he fills out his large frame and refines his secondary offerings, he has the upside to develop into a solid starter. Watson has a projectable frame and clean arm action, but his stuff is still coming along. Holland is raw on the diamond but has exciting athleticism and upside. The Tigers also bring in a large group of junior college transfers who should provide immediate reinforcements for a team that missed the SEC Tournament last season. Anthony hit 25 home runs and stole 49 bases in 65 games last spring for Western Oklahoma State and provides a middle-of-the-order presence. Jarvis is a steady all-around player who is a capable shortstop and a savvy offensive player. Estes could be his double-play partner and has the speed and on-base skills to hit at the top of the lineup. Rojas has good catch-and-throw skills and adds to Auburn’s depth behind the plate. Herndon is the best of the junior college transfers on the mound. A former two-way player, he is now just pitching and has seen his stuff jump. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he can throw strikes with three pitches, giving him the chance to win a starting job or be a reliable arm out of the bullpen. Malzewski will likely also find a role as a reliever thanks to his sharp breaking ball.
22. Oregon
Total recruits: 18 (16 freshmen, 2 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Jason Dietrich
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 219 Kenyon Yovan, rhp/dh | R-R | 6-3 | 210 | Mariners (32) | Westview HS, Portland, Ore. |
| 429 Morgan McCullough, ss | L-R | 5-9 | 175 | Mariners (33) | West Seattle HS |
| Spencer Steer, 3b/ss | R-R | 5-11 | 180 | Indians (29) | Millikan HS, Long Beach, Calif. |
| Cameron Jabara, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 180 | Braves (31) | Newport Harbor HS, Newport Beach, Calif. |
| Ryan Nelson, ss/rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 180 | Basic HS, Henderson, Nev. | |
| Matthew Dyer, c | R-R | 6-4 | 176 | Mountain Ridge HS, Glendale, Ariz. | |
| James Acuna, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 160 | Cypress (Calif.) HS | |
| Tristan Duncan, rhp | R-R | 6-3 | 200 | El Capitan HS, Lakeside, Calif. | |
| Gabe Matthews, 1b | L-R | 6-2 | 205 | South Salem (Ore.) HS | |
| Zack Noll, lhp | L-L | 6-6 | 185 | Great Oak HS, Temecula, Calif. |
Former recruiting coordinator Mark Wasikowski assembled a Top 25 class for the Ducks before leaving Oregon in June to become head coach at Purdue. The class helps build Oregon’s pitching depth and adds several athletic infielders. Nelson and Yovan are both potential impact two-way players. Yovan is better on the mound, where his fastball touches 95 mph and he pairs it with a power breaking ball. He has a powerful bat as well, but he likely would be limited to first base or DH to save his arm for pitching. Nelson is more of a position player thanks to his defensive ability up the middle. He doesn’t throw as hard but has good feel on the mound. McCullough’s size helped push him to campus, but he has a long track record of performance as a prep player. He has a short swing and a good feel at the plate and will stick up the middle defensively. Steer is also a polished hitter with a little more present power than McCullough. He could end up at third base but is a good enough defender to be given a chance at shortstop. Dyer is a good defender behind the plate with above-average arm strength. He has plenty of room to add strength and should grow into a more offensive player as he fills out. Matthews is a little raw after playing three sports in high school but offers promising lefthanded power. On the mound, Acuna and Jabara combine projection with a feel for pitching. Acuna has some deception to his delivery, while Jabara can run his fastball into the low 90s. Duncan and Noll are a little further away, but both have upside. Duncan throws his fastball-slider combination from multiple arm slots and Noll has good size but will need to get stronger.
23. East Carolina
Total recruits: 14 (9 freshmen, 5 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Jeff Palumbo
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 213 Trey Benton, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 290 | West Columbus HS, Cerro Gordo, N.C. | |
| 225 Spencer Brickhouse, 1b/of | R-R | 6-4 | 225 | Bunn (N.C.) HS | |
| 250 Bryant Packard, 1b/of | L-R | 6-3 | 200 | Conley HS, Greenville, N.C. | |
| Jake Agnos, lhp | L-L | 5-11 | 200 | Battlefield HS, Haymarket, Va. | |
| Tyler Smith, rhp | R-R | 6-0 | 190 | East Surry HS, Pilot Mountain, N.C. | |
| Tyler Edwards, of | R-R | 6-3 | 200 | Southeast (Neb.) CC | |
| T.J. Riles, of | L-L | 6-2 | 185 | Wallace (Ala.) CC | |
| Hunter Hood, lhp | L-L | 6-2 | 180 | Wallace (Ala.) CC | |
| Nick Barber, ss | R-R | 6-0 | 160 | Apopka (Fla.) HS | |
| Hunter Britt, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 230 | Hobbton HS, Newton Grove, N.C. |
Coach Cliff Godwin built a reputation as an outstanding recruiter during his time as an assistant coach at Central Florida, Louisiana State and Mississippi. Now, he and his staff, led by Palumbo, land the program’s first-ever Top 25 class as they enter their third season with the Pirates. Brickhouse and Packard give East Carolina a pair of powerful hitters who could become mainstays in the middle of the order. Both have plus raw power and can drive the ball out to all fields. Brickhouse is more advanced as a hitter and does a god job of getting to his power in games. Packard is a little more athletic, however. Either could see time at first base or as a corner outfielder, but both profile best as first basemen in the long run. Agnos and Benton lead the newcomers on the mound and will be expected to pitch meaningful innings this spring. Benton is the best pro prospect in the class thanks to his arm strength and projectable frame. His fastball sits around 90 mph, but he’s been up to 95 mph. Agnos has a strong, physical build and comes right after hitters with a low-90s fastball and a good curveball. That combination would play well in the bullpen, but his changeup gives him a third promising pitch. Hood will quickly carve out a role on the Pirates’ staff thanks to his pitchability from the left side. He isn’t overpowering, but he throws three pitches for strikes and knows how to get outs. Britt and Smith were both two-sport stars in high school and have the upside to develop into bigger pieces of the ECU staff as they get more time on the mound. Edwards and Riles, the son of former big leaguer Ernie Riles, were productive hitters in junior college and give the Pirates more outfield depth. Barber is a capable defender who can play anywhere on the infield.
24. Georgia
Total recruits: 16 (14 freshmen, 2 JC transfers)
Recruiting coordinator: Scott Daeley
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 272 Will Proctor, ss | R-R | 6-2 | 190 | Mira Costa HS, Manhatten Beach, Calif. | |
| 407 Anthony Locey, rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 235 | Houston County HS, Warner Robins, Ga. | |
| Cam Shepherd, ss | R-R | 6-0 | 190 | Red Sox (29) | Peachtree Ridge HS, Suwanee, Ga. |
| Aaron Schunk, 3b/rhp | R-R | 6-2 | 190 | Lovett School, Atlanta | |
| Justin Glover, lhp | L-L | 6-0 | 190 | Rays (26) | Buford (Ga.) HS |
| Tucker Bradley, of/lhp | L-L | 5-11 | 175 | Gordon Lee HS, Chickamauga, Ga. | |
| Will Campbell, of | R-L | 5-10 | 175 | Chattahoochee Valley (Ga.) JC | |
| Christian Ryder, rhp | R-R | 6-5 | 195 | North Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga. | |
| Tucker Maxwell, of | L-L | 5-9 | 175 | Dawson County HS, Dawsonville, Ga. | |
| Austin Biggar, c | R-R | 6-1 | 200 | Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. |
The Bulldogs have been bitten by the draft recently, losing a couple high-profile recruits every year. This year, however, they kept their class together and, as a result, land in the Top 25. Proctor and Shepherd give Georgia a pair of solid infielders up the middle. Both can play shortstop, but Shepherd is more likely to stay there in the long run. He isn’t flashy, but he’s a steady defender who has a disciplined approach at the plate and a chance to hit for some power. Proctor has a bigger frame and may end up outgrowing shortstop. He has above-average arm strength that will play at third base, though he’ll need to adopt a more consistent approach at the plate. Schunk will also factor into the Bulldogs’ plans on the left side of the infield. He has a knack for putting the bat on the ball, and his arm strength gives him a chance to pitch as well. He’s primarily a position player, but he throws his upper-80s fastball for strikes and pairs it with a hard breaking ball. Bradley also is more of a position player with a chance to contribute on the mound. He has above-average speed and takes advantage of it on the base paths. Glover and Locey are the top pitchers in the class and both have the stuff to become weekend starters. Glover’s velocity has made a jump in the last year, and he now throws his fastball in the low 90s. He has a good feel for pitching and throws three pitches for strikes. Locey is more physical and can locate his 93-94 mph fastball well. His breaking ball has promise, but he’ll need to tighten it up to turn it into a true out pitch. Ryder is the most projectable of the newcomers and can run his fastball into the low 90s. As he fills out his frame, he should be able to throw with that kind of velocity consistently. Campbell and Maxwell have a chance to make an immediate impact in the outfield. Campbell produces good bat speed and power, which he turned into 19 home runs last spring in junior college. Maxwell fits the center field profile thanks to his speed and athleticism.
25. Duke
Total recruits: 9 (9 freshmen)
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Jordan
| Rank, Name, Pos. | B-T | Ht. | Wt. | Drafted | Previous School |
| 81 Adam Laskey, lhp | R-L | 6-3 | 190 | Giants (31) | Haddon Heights (N.J.) HS |
| 271 Graeme Stinson, lhp | L-L | 6-5 | 225 | Norcross (Ga.) HS | |
| Matt Mervis, 1b/rhp | L-R | 6-4 | 230 | Nationals (39) | Georgetown Prep School, Bethesda, Md. |
| Chase Cheek, of | L-L | 6-1 | 190 | Dr. Phillips HS, Orlando | |
| Bill Chillari, lhp | L-L | 6-1 | 210 | St. Augustine Prep School, Richland, N.J. | |
| Coleman Williams, rhp | R-R | 6-4 | 205 | Marist School, Atlanta | |
| Erikson Nichols, 3b | R-R | 6-4 | 200 | Bergen Catholic HS, Oradell, N.J. | |
| Chris Dutra, c | R-R | 6-1 | 210 | Iona Prep School, New Rochelle, N.Y. | |
| Cam Kovachik, rhp | R-R | 6-6 | 200 | Masuk (Conn.) HS |
The Blue Devils assembled a smaller class—nine freshmen and one graduate transfer from Columbia—but it’s heavy on potential high-impact talents. As a result, Duke earns its second-ever Top 25 ranking (No. 25 in 2008). Laskey and Stinson both have the potential to develop into Friday starters, a role one could be asked to fill sooner than later after the Blue Devils lost their top four starters from last year’s regional team. Laskey is further ahead in his development and has a good feel for his three-pitch mix. His fastball sits in the low 90s, and his changeup and slider both have the potential to be above-average offerings. Stinson is more physical and has a bit more velocity to go with his developing changeup and slider. His stuff is solid, but he’s still working to refine his control and learn some of the finer points of pitching. Mervis is a two-way prospect with power on the mound and at the plate. He has a short swing and hits for power, especially when he turns on the ball. He has the arm strength for third base but is a better fit defensively at first base. On the mound, he has a good fastball-changeup combination and could earn a spot in the bullpen, much like Duke’s third baseman/reliever Jack Labosky. Cheek is a plus runner whose speed plays well in the outfield and at the plate. He’s more than a slap hitter, however, and has a chance to hit for some power as he physically matures. Chillari, Kovachik and Williams add depth to the Blue Devils’ staff. Chillari has advanced pitchability with feel for three pitches. Kovachik and Williams offer more projection. Both do a good job of using their height to pitch from a steep downhill plane and have the tools to develop into solid pitchers. Nichols and Dutra also have the tools to develop into everyday players later in their college career, while immediately strengthening Duke’s bench.
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