Class of 2025 Standouts: Arizona’s Top 20 High School Baseball Prospects

Boston Kellner 3B Hamilton High School Class of 2025

Image: The Prospect Pipeline | YouTube

Arizona stands out as a hub for baseball talent, producing numerous players with aspirations of reaching Division I colleges or even professional leagues. The state’s favorable weather for most of the year, coupled with its substantial population—especially in areas like Phoenix—ensures that the pool of talent keeps expanding.

The high school graduating class of 2025 is shaping up to be another promising group that scouts from various levels can closely monitor for the sport’s next rising stars.

Based on insights from Prep Baseball Report, a list featuring the top 20 players from this senior class has been curated, showcasing the versatile skills among those who made the ranking.

Top 20 Arizona baseball prospects from Class of 2025

1. SS/3B Boston Kellner, Hamilton

Hit .462 with 12 home runs and 29 RBIs in 104 at-bats as a junior last spring. Walked 23 times while striking out 16. Contributed on the mound as well, recording a 6-4 win-loss record and a 2.87 ERA in 12 appearances. Runs a 6.96 60-time and has shown to have a strong arm in the infield, reaching an infield throwing velocity of 90mph. Kellner is committed to play college baseball at Texas A&M.

2. RHP Brett Crossland, Corona Del Sol

The Texas commit joins Corona Del Sol after spending the previous two seasons of his high school career with Mountain Pointe. As a junior last spring, the 6-foot-6, 240 flamethrower had an 8-1 win-loss record with a 2.24 ERA in 11 appearances. He also struck out 94 batters while walking 22 in 56.1 innings pitched. His pitch arsenal includes a 95mph fastball with a 2450 spin rate, a 76-78mph curveball, a 75-77mph slider and an 85-86mph changeup.

3. RHP Jack Lafflam, Brophy College Prep

The 6’6 Arizona commit returns for one final prep season, where he could look to raise his stock and be a potential MLB draft pick. Having a fastball that reaches 93mph with a 2302 spin rate, Lafflam also throws a 74-79mph curveball and a 77-78mph slider. Lafflam is committed to Arizona, who he will join in the fall.

4. OF/C Caleb Danzeisen, Valley Christian

The 6’2, 195 Danzeisen hit .524 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs in 84 at-bats, striking out seven times while walking 21. A versatile defender, Danzeisen plays both catcher and outfield frequently, with his pop time from behind the plate clocking in between 1.97-2.15 seconds while his outfield throwing velocity has reached speeds of up to 87mph. Committed to Arizona, Danzeisen could be in line for another breakout campaign this spring.

5. RHP/OF Andrew Jacobs, Mountain Ridge

So far this season, the 6’2 Arizona commit has pitched in one game and has a 1-0 win-loss record and a 1.17 ERA. Jacobs throws hard, with his fastball reaching speeds of up to 92mph and possessing a 2476 spin rate. He also has a 74-76mph slider and an 80-82mph changeup.

6. C/1B Joe Forbes, Mountain Ridge

Last spring, the 6’3 Arizona commit hit .396 with two home runs and six RBIs, striking out 12 times and walking 12 times in 48 at-bats. Playing first base as well, Forbes is primarily deployed as a catcher, where his 1.97-2.05 second pop time makes it hard for base runners to try and steal off of him. As a hitter, he is a tough out to get with his ability to hit for hard contact, with his bat exit velocity reaching 102mph.

7. OF/C Braden Watson, Liberty

Last spring, the UCSB commit hit .368 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 87 at-bats, striking out 15 times and walking 17. He also hit five doubles and two triples. His size makes him more of a fit for the outfield, as he stands at 6’4, but he also can be deployed as a catcher, where his longer frame makes for a quick pop time, ranging anywhere from 1.86-1.94 seconds.

8. OF Hagen Wright, Red Mountain

Committed to Arizona State, Wright could be in line for a big year in his final high school campaign. His 6’5, 215 frame is a good size for the outfield and despite having size, he knows how to use it well, being able to run a 60 in 7.14 seconds. Wright also has a knack for being a solid contact hitter, with his fastest exit velocity off the bat being 105mph. Red Mountain could rely on Wright heavily this season if it wants to see success.

9. RHP/OF Zane Burns, Corona Del Sol

Entering his senior season, Burns could be eyeing even more attention as he looks to raise his stock even more. Despite being an outfielder as well, Burns has mostly been used as a pitcher over the last couple of seasons and has been able to hone in on his pitch speed, with his fastball reaching a velocity of 88mph with a 2217 spin rate. He also has an 82-84mph slider. He is committed to Oklahoma State.

10. SS/RHP Jaiden Lo Re, Corona Del Sol

The BYU commit returns for one final go-around with Corona Del Sol. Lo Re brings immense versatility, showing that he can be relied upon when getting the call to pitch while also being more than capable of manning the shortstop spot. He is fast, capable of running a 6.89 60-time and also has a strong arm that can reach speeds of 87mph from the infield, making Lo Re someone to watch this season.

11. RHP Benton Hickman, Brophy Prep

The 6’1, 168 Arizona commit is listed as a pitcher but also has experience playing catcher, third base, second base, and outfield, showcasing a skillset that makes him extremely versatile. Finishing at 24-7 last season, Hickman could be relied upon even more this season to help Brophy go all the way.

12. OF/3B Jayden Garrison, Desert Vista

Last spring, the San Francisco commit hit .361 with a home run and 13 RBIs, striking out 17 times and walking 14 times in 97 at-bats. As a baserunner, his 7.08 60-time was evident, as he managed to steal nine bases. A strong fielder with good bat-to-ball skills, Garrison could be a big key for Desert Vista this season before coming to the Bay Area to begin his college career.

13. C/3B Cooper Clouser, Corona Del Sol

Seeing limited action last spring, where he only played in six games, Clouser hit .188 in 16 at-bats, striking out six times and walking four. Behind the dish, Clouser has a 1.87-2.00 second pop time while reaching a throwing speed of 80mph. After his senior season, it could be expected that Clouser will fulfill his commitment to Arizona State and join its program next fall.

14. 1B/OF Ganon Dwyer, Catalina Foothills

Last spring, the 6’3 prospect hit .436 with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 78 at-bats, striking out 20 times while walking 22. He also hit 11 doubles and a triple. In four games this season, Dwyer has picked up right where he left off, currently hitting .417 in 12 at-bats. His bat exit velocity has reached 100mph while on the basepaths; he runs a 7.43 60-time. Dwyer is currently without a commitment.

15. OF/2B Jaylen Payne, Hamilton

During the previous spring season, the 5’10 prospect achieved a batting average of .333, accumulating 26 RBIs over 102 at-bats, with eight strikeouts and 12 walks. He also recorded 10 doubles and a triple. While presently pledged to Central Arizona JC, Payne has the upcoming season and the next to enhance his draft prospects before selecting a four-year institution to join.

16. C/1B Brock Cross, Lake Havasu

Last season as a junior, Cross maintained an impressive .565 batting average, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 44 RBIs from 92 at-bats, while walking 13 times and striking out five. Although primarily a catcher for Lake Havasu, he also plays first base; his impressive pop time of 1.87-2.00 seconds makes it challenging for runners to steal bases on him. He will be continuing his baseball career at Washington State.

17. RHP Ryan Caruso, Corona Del Sol

Standing at 6’0 and weighing 175 pounds, this Arizona State commit seeks to captivate scouts with his powerful throwing skills, featuring a fastball that can reach up to 89 mph alongside a 2532 spin rate. His pitch repertoire also consists of a 77 mph curveball, a slider clocking in at 75-76 mph, and an 81 mph changeup.

18. RHP/C Landon Sloan, Estrella Foothills

As a junior last spring, the GCU commit achieved a batting average of .356 with 21 hits and 19 RBIs in 92 at-bats, striking out 11 times and earning 13 walks. Additionally, he appeared on the mound nine times (with one start), finishing with a 2-0 win-loss record, a 1.15 ERA, and striking out 24 batters while walking 15 over 18.1 innings pitched.

19. LHP/OF Mickey Fox, Yuma Catholic

Fox boasted a 9-2 win-loss record last spring, along with a solid 1.63 ERA in 12 appearances. He struck out 106 batters and walked 34 across 55.2 innings. At the plate, he recorded a .430 batting average and drove in 23 RBIs in 86 at-bats, striking out 14 times while also walking 11. The Saint Mary’s commit showcases a pitching arsenal that includes an 86.6 mph fastball with a spin rate of 2357, a 76 mph curveball, a slider ranging from 72-76 mph, and a changeup clocking in at 77-79 mph.

20. OF/3B Gavin Mesa, Chaparral

Last spring, he posted a batting average of .257, with one home run and 15 RBIs in 74 at-bats, resulting in 24 strikeouts and nine walks. He also had three doubles and two triples. Mesa’s exit velocity has peaked at 98 mph, making him a challenging player to retire. Currently uncommitted, an impressive year could attract interest from high-level programs.

  1. Athletic Highlights

    Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.

    The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.

    “Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”

    Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.

    “I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”

    This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.

    “I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”

    Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.

    “I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.

    The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.

    The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.

    Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.

    The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.

    The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.

    The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.

    The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.

    For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.

    For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

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  2. Athletic Highlights

    Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

    Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

    “you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

    A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

    Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

    Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

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  3. Athletic Highlights

    Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

    Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

    Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

    1. Bay City Western (12-1)

    Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

    2. De La Salle (12-2)

    The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

    3. Northville (14-1)

    The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

    4. Dakota (11-4)

    After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

    5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

    The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

    6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

    With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

    7. Saline (15-1)

    The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

    8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

    OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

    9. Romeo (16-2)

    The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

    10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

    Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

    11. Hudsonville (12-2)

    The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

    12. Jenison (8-2)

    The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

    13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

    The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

    14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

    The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

    15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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