It’s well known that California is a flourishing ground for elite baseball talent. With its fantastic climate and a vast population, the Golden State has consistently proven to be a treasure trove for scouts seeking top-notch prospects.
According to a list from Prep Baseball Report, along with supporting stats from MaxPreps and scouting information from MLB.com, here are the 20 leading California prospects from the Class of 2026.
Notably, eight of the twenty players mentioned list shortstop as one of their positions, if not their primary role.
Top 20 California baseball prospects from Class of 2026
1. OF/SS James Tronstein, Harvard-Westlake
Tronstein’s versatility shines through as he serves as the center fielder for Harvard-Westlake while also standing strong in the middle infield. His athleticism and power are evident, with a remarkable 60-yard dash time of 6.64 seconds and an exit velocity exceeding 100mph. Tronstein is likely to play a crucial part for the Wolverines in 2025, standing at 5-foot-9 and currently committed to Stanford.
2. SS Tyler Spangler, De La Salle
While players like Alec Blair may steal the spotlight for the Spartans this season, Spangler’s impressive sophomore year—where he batted .375, smashing five home runs and driving in 22 RBIs—instills more confidence that his senior year could elevate even higher. Committed to Stanford, Spangler’s junior year could prove crucial for his prospects.
3. 1B/OF AJ Curry, University City
As he begins his first season at University City, Curry joins a talented group of California players eager to make their mark. With significant power at the plate and an exit velocity of 101mph, Curry is a tough adversary for pitchers, and his remarkable speed is an asset in the outfield. He’s committed to play at Tennessee.
4. 2B/SS CJ Weinstein, Huntington Beach
Standing at 6’1 and weighing 190 pounds, the LSU commit registered a .322 batting average last season, adding three home runs and 29 RBIs to his stats, along with seven doubles and three triples in 90 at-bats. His arm strength, demonstrated by a maximum infield throw speed of 87mph, makes him a notable presence on the field. As an upperclassman now, Weinstein could be on the brink of a breakout this spring.
5. OF Anthony Murphy, Corona
The 6’0, 185-pound prospect had a striking season last spring, hitting .390 with six home runs and 24 RBIs, along with contributing seven doubles and three triples during 123 at-bats. A consistent contact hitter, he struck out only 16 times. With his 60-yard dash clocked at 6.79 seconds, Murphy runs exceptionally well, and his commitment to LSU suggests an exciting future ahead.
6. SS/RHP Alex Harrington, Cathedral Catholic
Committed to Stanford, Harrington batted .255 last spring with six home runs and 21 RBIs, also adding three doubles and two triples. His exit velocity measures around 100mph, showing his ability for hard-hitting contact that stands out during games. With Cathedral Catholic finishing their previous season at 23-10, Harrington’s performance could significantly impact the team’s success this spring.
7. 3B/RHP Archer Horn, St. Ignatius
Horn, a 6’1 Stanford commit, had a strong sophomore season, batting .333 with one home run and 20 RBIs, adding two doubles and two triples to his record. On the mound, he excelled with a remarkable 1.20 ERA across nine appearances in 11.2 innings pitched, amassing 19 strikeouts and securing four saves. SI’s recent victory over Granada, last year’s NorCal titleholder, points to promising possibilities for the team in San Francisco.
8. OF Blake Bowen, JSerra Catholic
Bowen, who is committed to Oregon State, has showcased his potential as both a hitter and fielder. This 6’3, 200-pound prospect has an impressive bat exit velocity of 105mph coupled with a throwing speed of 94mph from the outfield. Additionally, his 60-yard dash time of 6.60 seconds highlights his speed. As he heads into what could be a breakout season, Bowen aims to enhance his draft stock before his senior year in 2026.
9. RHP Gary Morse, Orange Lutheran
The 6’8 right-handed pitcher made a significant impact last season, wrapping up his year with a 6-2 win-loss record and a stellar 1.18 ERA across 12 appearances, where he struck out 45 batters over 59.1 innings pitched. Morse’s pitching toolkit includes a 92mph fastball boasting a 2405 spin rate, along with a 78-79mph curveball, 69-74mph slider, and an 80-85mph changeup. He is committed to Tennessee for college baseball.
10. 1B/OF Dylan Minnatee, Franklin
As a sophomore last season, the 6’0 LSU commit had a standout performance, hitting .380 with one home run and 28 RBIs, while also notching five doubles and four triples in 92 at-bats. Known as a contact hitter, Minnatee only struck out 10 times during 2024, leaving many wondering if he is primed for an even more impressive spring.
11. RHP/1B Dax Hardcastle, St. Mary’s-Stockton
In his last season, the 6’1 Mississippi State commit achieved a .343 batting average accompanied by three home runs and 31 RBIs, which also included nine doubles and a single triple. On the pitching front, he recorded a 1-0 record with a 0.81 ERA over eight appearances and struck out 15 batters in just 8.2 innings. The Rams were among the top teams in NorCal, and if Hardcastle can build upon his impressive performance from last season, further success awaits for his team this spring.
12. RHP/1B Landon Schutte, Oakdale
The 6’3, 215-pound Georgia commit had an outstanding two-way season in 2024, hitting .312 with three home runs and 30 RBIs across 93 at-bats, all while boasting a perfect 7-0 record with a remarkable 0.87 ERA in nine appearances on the mound, where he was able to strike out 90 batters across 48.1 innings. His impressive arsenal includes a fastball reaching 93mph, a curveball ranging from 78-82mph, a slider clocking in at 75-77mph, and a changeup between 72-75mph.
13. SS/OF Brody Schumaker, Santa Margarita Catholic
The 5’9, 145-pound TCU commit has the potential to bolster his standing this spring with a stellar season for Santa Margarita, who is coming off a successful 22-10-1 campaign in 2024 and are starting their 2025 season strong at 3-0. Versatile enough to play both infield and outfield, Schumaker could become a vital asset in Santa Margarita’s lineup this season.
14. SS Trey Ebel, Corona
In his inaugural varsity season as a sophomore in 2024, the 5’9, 160-pound Texas A&M commit batted .262, hitting one home run and tallying 10 RBIs while striking out just twice in 61 at-bats. With a current national rank of No. 19 at his position and No. 79 overall, Ebel’s potential for a breakout season is something to watch for.
15. RHP/1B Cooper Sides, Red Bluff
On the mound last spring, the 6’5″, 180-pound LSU commit recorded an impressive 9-2 win-loss record with a remarkable 0.71 ERA across 14 appearances (four of which were starts), fanning 137 batters over 78.1 innings. At the plate, he batted .221, driving in nine RBIs. Although Sides doesn’t possess the fastest pitch, with a maximum fastball of 86 mph, his exceptional command and placement make him a challenging opponent. His pitching repertoire also includes a curveball in the 64-67 mph range, a slider measuring 72-74 mph, and a changeup at 74-75 mph.
16. 3B/SS Ayden Deome, West Park
Last spring, the 6’1″, 195-pound Arizona commit impressed by hitting .407 with a home run and 25 RBIs, alongside 11 doubles and a triple. His bat boasts considerable power, clocking a bat speed of approximately 74 mph and achieving a maximum exit velocity of 92.7 mph. With a stellar start to his junior season at .500, Deome appears primed for a successful year that could elevate his draft stock.
17. RHP/1B McCoy Silicz, Bakersfield Christian
The 6’5″, 210-pound Ole Miss commit had an outstanding performance last spring, achieving a 13-2 win-loss record with a 1.49 ERA throughout 16 appearances (15 as a starter) and striking out 90 batters in 79.2 innings pitched. Offensively, he contributed a .389 batting average with 24 RBIs, including five doubles and a triple. Having led the Eagles to a 28-6 record last season, Silicz is expected to be a key player as the team aims to build on that success.
18. C/1B Carson Sheffer, Oaks Christian
Primarily playing as a catcher for Oaks Christian, the 6’1″, 162-pound Oklahoma State commit has transformed into a standout performer behind the plate. With a pop time of 1.85-1.90 seconds and an arm capable of throwing at 86 mph, Sheffer presents a significant challenge for opposing base runners considering a steal. Offensively, he boasts an impressive bat speed of 85.6 mph and an exit velocity reaching 97.5 mph.
19. SS/C Josiah Morris, Clayton Valley Charter
The 6’0″, 165-pound uncommitted utility player from the East Bay is aiming to boost his stock this spring with a solid performance for the Ugly Eagles. He currently ranks as the No. 24 player nationally at his position and is the No. 104 overall.
20. SS/3B Matthew Kelley, Carlsbad
In the previous spring season, the 6’2″, 173-pound Miami commit recorded a .329 batting average with two home runs and 18 RBIs, in addition to three doubles and two triples from 82 at-bats. His ability to make strong contact consistently renders him a dependable hitter for Carlsbad, where his exit velocity can reach up to 94 mph. In the field, he showcases a versatile throwing capability, with his throwing speed also topping at 94 mph.
