CLASS 5A BASEBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2026
 

JOSH ABRAMS, ARKANSAS CITY
 
Abrams landed a spot on the All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first team last season after batting .351 with a home run, 15 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. The senior had 26 hits with five doubles and two triples. A three-year starter, the right-handed Abrams also pitches and had two saves in his first four relief appearances this spring. Abrams and the Bulldogs are trying to improve on a 7-win season a year ago.
  

BROCK BAILEY, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Bailey enters the season already carrying the résumé of one of the state’s top pitchers after a dominant freshman campaign that helped power the Timberwolves to a 23-7 record and a third-place finish at state. Bailey was nearly untouchable on the mound in his debut season, compiling a perfect 6-0 record with a 0.764 ERA across 36.2 innings. Opposing hitters struggled to generate any offense against him, managing just a .122 batting average and  0.709 WHIP to go along with 30 strikeouts. Bailey earned first-team All-Eastern Kansas League and all-state honors.  
 

BRODY BAILEY, ANDOVER
 
Bailey, a senior, transferred to Andover last year and had an impressive first season with the Trojans, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.08 ERA in 26 innings. The Dodge City Community College-bound Bailey had a good start to 2026 as well, winning his first three decisions with a 0.84 ERA in 25 innings. The right-handed Bailey earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first-team honors last season after helping the Trojans finish 16-12.
 

 
JUDD BLASI, BISHOP CARROLL
 
Blasi, a senior second baseman, will try to help Carroll return to the Class 5A state tournament after the Golden Eagles were edged by Eisenhower in last year’s regional finals. Blasi had a productive offensive season, batting .439 with seven doubles, two triples and 24 RBIs. The Barton Community College commit earned All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team and All-5A second-team honors. 
 

LINCOLN BOYLE, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

A three-year starter for the Saints, Boyle was a driving force behind Aquinas’ second consecutive state championship last season. Committed to Arkansas, Boyle does damage both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, Boyle hit .400 with 38 hits, five home runs, 40 RBI and 11 stolen bases, while posting an impressive 1.138 OPS. He added three doubles and two triples, showcasing both power and gap-to-gap ability in the middle of the Saints’ lineup. On the mound, Boyle was just as dominant. The right-hander went 8-2 with a 1.83 ERA across 57.1 innings, striking out 65 batters on his way to earning Class 5A Pitcher of the Year honors. A first-team all-state and All-Eastern Kansas League selection, Boyle enters his senior season as one of the top players in Kansas and a key piece as the Saints look to make another title push.
 

 
AXTON BREWER, SEAMAN

A rare freshman starter for Seaman in 2024, Brewer enjoyed a big sophomore season both at the plate and on the mound for the Vikings last year. He led the Vikings with a .444 average, collecting 36 hits including 9 doubles and 3 triples. Brewer also had a team-high 35 RBI and sported a slugging percentage of .630. On the mound, he was dominant, going 7-1 with a 1.34 ERA, striking out 59 and holding opponents to a .155 batting average. Brewer earned first-team All-Class 5A honors at designated hitter and second-team honors at pitcher and was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection at both positions.
 

KADE CARY, MAIZE SOUTH
 
Cary, a junior, plays both ends of the battery for the Mavericks. He earned first-team All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I honors and All-Class 5A honorable mention last spring as a designated hitter, batting .390 with 30 hits – nine for extra bases – and 27 RBIs. He helped Maize South post a 16-9 record. A two-year starter, the Mavs are looking to use him as a back-end reliever this season.
 

 
BRODY COOPER, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
 
Cooper teamed with fellow senior Cameron Floberg to give Shawnee Heights a dominant 1-2 punch leading the pitching staff last year as the T-Birds went 21-8 and reached the Class 5A state tournament, falling 7-6 in the quarterfinals to Hays. Cooper went 8-0 with a 2.02 ERA and struck out 25. He also had the save in the 5A regional championship game, his second of the season. Cooper earned first-team All-United Kansas Conference honors.
 

SPENCER CRUMRINE, VALLEY CENTER
 
Crumrine, a sophomore pitcher and outfielder, transferred from Sedgwick to Valley Center after last season and quickly made an impact in football, earning all-league honors at wide receiver. He’s trying to do the same on the diamond after helping Sedgwick post a 25-1 record last spring. Crumrine earned All-Class 2-1A and All-Heart of America first-team honors on the mound after going 9-0 with a 0.36 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 43 innings. He also batted .382 while playing multiple positions.
 

 
BRODY EPKE, MAIZE SOUTH
 
Epke, a senior, has made a challenging climb to the ace role on the Mavericks’ pitching staff. He returned from elbow surgery last season and posted a 2-1 record with a 4.70 ERA in 15 innings. Also Maize South’s regular starter in center, he batted .355 a year ago with 27 hits – seven for extra bases – with a home run, 17 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. Epke, who earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first team and All-Class 5A honorable mention last spring, has signed to play with Nebraska Omaha.
 

 
CAMBREN FLOBERG, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
 
Floberg was named the United Kansas Conference pitcher of the year last year after leading the T-Birds to the league title and a Class 5A state tournament berth as the T-Birds finished 21-8 overall, losing in the state quarterfinals to Hays 7-6. Floberg fashioned an 8-0 record, matching teammate Brody Cooper, and led the team with a 1.87 ERA and 28 strikeouts. He was a second-team All-Class 5A selection and will team with Cooper to give Heights a dominant 1-2 comb at the top of its rotation this season. He also plays shortstop when not pitching. 
 

JAMES FORGY, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

A key piece of the Saints’ back-to-back state championship runs, Forgy has built a reputation as a player who delivers when it matters most. The three-year starter has done it on both sides of the ball as a pitcher and catcher, including saving the state championship game in both 2024 and 2025.  At the plate, Forgy brings consistency and production, hitting .360 with 31 hits and 10 RBI, while providing steady leadership in the middle of the lineup. Behind the dish, he anchors the defense, and on the mound, he’s proven to be one of the Saints’ most trusted arms late in games. A Cowley College commit, Forgy earned first-team All-Eastern Kansas League honors along with all-state honorable mention as a utility player.

 

BRYCE FULLEN, LANSING

Fullen returns as one of the Lions’ most reliable offensive weapons after a standout junior campaign in which he hit .359 with 33 hits and a school-record 14 doubles. The 3-year starter also added 18 RBIs and six stolen bases to round out his production. Fullen earned first-team All-UKC honors as an infielder and was named all-state honorable mention at first base. In addition to his work at the plate, he provides versatility for Lansing as a left-handed pitching option, striking out 33 batters last season. After helping the Lions reach the regional championship game a year ago, Fullen will again be a key piece as Lansing looks to take the next step this spring. 
 

FRANKIE GIAMALVA, LEAVENWORTH

The versatile shortstop and pitcher earned first-team All-United Kansas Conference honors on the infield after a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit .305 with 28 hits, 10 doubles, three home runs and 32 RBIs. Giamalva’s impact goes well beyond the batter’s box. A perfect 18-for-18 on stolen base attempts, he brings aggressiveness on the bases, while also providing steady defense up the middle. On the mound, he was effective in limited action, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.10 ERA, 15 strikeouts and a save in just 9.2 innings. After helping lead Leavenworth to a regional championship game appearance a year ago, Giamalva, who has played in every game since he was a freshman, will once again be counted on to set the tone as a senior leader as the Pioneers look to build on that postseason run. 
 

PARKER GRAVES, SALINA CENTRAL
 
Graves is part of a veteran group of Mustangs who are looking to punctuate their careers with another state tournament berth after going from surprise third-place finishers in Class 5A two years ago to a 17-10 record who dropped their postseason opener last season. Graves still collected All-5A second-team honors at first base and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first team at designated hitter after batting .407 with 33 hits – seven for extra bases – and 15 RBIs. Graves, a varsity contributor since his freshman campaign, also posted a 2.56 ERA last spring.
 

 
MICAH GRAY, EMPORIA
 
A versatile infielder for the Spartans a year ago, Gray earned first-team All-Centennial League honors as a utility pick with Emporia finishing with a 15-11 record. Gray hit .356 with 26 total hits. He drove in 12 runs and stole eight bases. He also pitched for Emporia but was just 1-3.
 

GRAYTON GROSS, SALINA CENTRAL
 
Gross, a senior, earned postseason accolades for his work on the mound last spring. He posted a 4-3 record with a 1.99 ERA and 56 strikeouts, landing on the All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II second team to go with All-Class 5A honorable mention. Also an outfielder, Gross batted .256 with one home run and 16 RBIs as the Mustangs went 17-10. Central won its first nine games this spring. 
 

HUNTER HALL, SPRING HILL

A first-team All-Frontier League catcher and all-state honorable mention selection, Hall put together an impressive junior campaign, hitting .368 with 32 hits, nine doubles and 37 RBIs while anchoring the middle of the lineup. A two-year starter, Hall brings both production and leadership to a Spring Hill team with high expectations and hopes of earning a Frontier League title. 
 

LUKE HANAHAN, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Hanahan returns as one of the Timberwolves’ top players after putting together a record-setting junior campaign. A Xavier commit, Hanahan impacts the game in nearly every phase. At the plate, Hanahan hit .369 with a .475 on-base percentage and a .774 slugging mark, leading the team in extra-base hits with eight doubles, seven triples and four home runs. His ability to drive the ball and create offense in multiple ways resulted in 28 runs scored and 28 RBIs, while also going 13-for-14 on stolen base attempts. He set a school record for triples in a season and career, and also established a career home run mark with nine. Hanahan was just as valuable on the mound, going 5-0 with a 1.18 ERA across 41.2 innings. He allowed just 25 hits while striking out 32, helping anchor a pitching staff that was key to Southwest’s success. Hanahan was also a first-team All-Eastern Kansas League selection and second-team all-state designated hitter.
 

LINCOLN JENSEN, GODDARD
 
Jensen, a senior, delivered on the mound and at the plate for Goddard last season. He won five games while recording a 2.25 ERA with 63 strikeouts. Also a third basmen, Jensen batted .368 with six doubles, two triples and 14 RBIs. A Hutchinson Community College signee, Jensen earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first team at third along with All-Class 5A honorable mention last spring.
 

CHASE LEGAULT, LANSING

Legault returns as a steady two-way contributor for the Lions, bringing value both in the infield and on the mound. A two-year starter, Legault earned honorable mention all-state and All-United Kansas Conference honors as a pitcher after putting together an impressive sophomore campaign. On the mound, the right-hander was a reliable arm for Lansing, going 3-1 with a 1.29 ERA while striking out 20 and recording two saves. Offensively, Legault hit .250 with 13 hits, nine RBIs and seven stolen bases, adding speed and versatility to the lineup. 
 

 
DAXTON MINTON, GREAT BEND

Minton was instrumental in helping Great Bend to a Class 5A runner-up finish in 2025, posting a .456 batting average with 36 hits and 23 RBIs. The Panthers suffered significant graduation losses, including WAC Player of the Year Carson Umphres, but the senior shortstop is one of three returning all-league players. Minton earned first-team All-WAC honors and received honorable mention All-5A recognition.  Minton also was a three-year starting quarterback for the Great Bend football team.
 

YADEN MONTANEZ, SALINA SOUTH
 
Montanez, a junior, embraces the utility player role for the Cougars. A two-year starter, he has already played all three outfield positions, shortstop, third base and pitcher this spring. Last year, Montanez and the Cougars finished 14-13 as he batted .319 with 10 RBIs and 16 runs scored. He was South’s lone first-team selection on the All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first team – at utility. 
 

CONNOR MUCCIACCIO, MAIZE SOUTH
 
Mucciaccio’s performance in left field earned him All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team honors last season. The senior batted .356 with 26 hits, 14 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and 24 runs scored. A two-year starter, Mucciaccio helped the Mavericks post a 16-9 record last year. He was also a key contributor on Maize South’s 5A runner-up soccer teams the last two falls. 
 

KEATON NEAL, SPRING HILL

A four-year starter at shortstop and pitcher, Neal has been a steady presence throughout his career and is coming off another strong season at the plate, hitting .354 with 28 hits, six doubles, three home runs and 22 RBIs, while also adding eight stolen bases. A second-team all-state selection at shortstop and first-team All-Frontier League honoree, Neal’s impact goes well beyond the stat sheet. His defensive reliability and versatility give Spring Hill a cornerstone up the middle. Committed to the University of Florida, Neal enters his senior season poised to be one of the top players in the Frontier League. 
 

 
MAKADE ORTON, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
 
Orton was one of the leading hitters for a Shawnee Heights team that captured the United Kansas Conference crown with a 15-1 mark and also qualified for the Class 5A state tournament, finishing with a 21-8 record. An outfielder, Orton hit .311 and also drew a a whopping 20 walks. He stole a team-high 16 bases on his way to earning first-team All-UKC honors.
 

 
OSCAR PEREZ, SALINA CENTRAL
 
Perez, a senior, supplied a productive bat and an effective arm for the Mustangs during their 17-10 season a year ago. The Central catcher batted .392 with 31 hits – nine for extra bases – and 24 RBIs, and added to the Mustangs’ pitching depth with a 3.15 ERA. Perez earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first-team honors at catcher.
 

 
JORDEY PIERCE, ARKANSAS CITY
 
The left-handed Pierce recorded 74 strikeouts in 50 innings last season to earn All-Class 5A second-team and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first-team honors. Pierce earned all-league both on the mound, where he went 3-5 with a 2.35 ERA, and at outfielder. He batted .359 with 28 hits and 10 stolen bases. Pierce, a senior who will play baseball and football at Emporia State, has carried two no-hitters to the final out this season, and recorded 15 strikeouts in the Bulldogs’ opener against Garden City. 
 

WILL RAY, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

A three-year starter at pitcher and in the outfield, Ray has been a key piece in the Saints’ recent dominance, including last season’s state championship run. The Cowley College commit brings a steady presence to the mound, where he went 5-0 with a 2.03 ERA over 51 innings, striking out 54 batters while also recording two saves. His ability to rise in big moments was on full display in the postseason, highlighted by a two-hit shutout in the state quarterfinals. At the plate, Ray is just as reliable. He hit .331 with 28 hits, including four doubles, a triple and two home runs, while driving in 31 runs to help power the Aquinas offense. He also earned second team all-state selection on the mound and a first team All-Eastern Kansas League pick. 
 

KOEHN RIBORDY, GREAT BEND

Ribordy is one of the Panthers’ top returning hitters off last season’s Class 5A runner-up team. He hit .419 with 36 hits and 27 RBIs. Ribordy also made eight pitching appearances and recorded one save. The senior was a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection for the Panthers, who finished 22-6 and fell 7-4 to St. Thomas Aquinas in the 5A title game.
 

BODIE RODRIGUEZ, SALINA CENTRAL
 
Rodriguez was one of three current Mustang seniors who earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first team last spring, getting his nod at pitcher after going 5-1 with a 1.53 ERA and 39 strikeouts. Also an outfielder, Rodriguez batted .308 with 28 hits, 10 RBI, 21 runs scored and eight stolen bases in Central’s 17-10 campaign. He helped the Mustangs, third-place state finishers in 2024, open this season with victories in nine of their first 10 games. 
 

MYLES ROSS, PIPER

A first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection, Ross put together a strong 2025 campaign at the plate, hitting .337 with 29 hits, seven doubles and 18 RBIs while also adding five stolen bases. Ross played an important role in helping Piper capture a regional championship, highlighted by a 3-2 win over Basehor-Linwood, before the Pirates’ season ended in the state quarterfinals. The Piper senior has committed to play at Texas Tech next season.  
 

COLTON SCOTT, SPRING HILL

Scott returns as one of the Broncos’ most reliable bats after putting together an impressive junior campaign. A two-year starter in the outfield, Scott hit .397 with 23 hits and nine RBIs, to help the Broncos during their 13-11 season. A first team All-Frontier League selection and honorable mention all-state pick, Scott brings experience and production and will be a key piece for Spring Hill as it looks to build on last year’s success this spring. 

 

BRAYDEN SHANNON, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Committed to Nebraska, Shannon was a catalyst for the Timberwolves’ 23-7 season and third-place finish at state, showcasing a rare blend of power, speed and plate discipline. Shannon hit .370 with a .495 on-base percentage and a .630 slugging mark, while setting a school record with 35 RBIs. He tallied 24 runs, five doubles, five triples and two home runs, and was equally dangerous on the basepaths, swiping 24 bases in 26 attempts. His advanced approach at the plate was evident with 14 walks, 14 strikeouts and six hit-by-pitches. A second-team all-state and second-team All-EKL selection, Shannon enters his junior season as a centerpiece in the Timberwolves’ lineup. 
 

JULIAN SIMON, LEAVENWORTH

Simon has been a constant for the Pioneers since day one, starting every game of his high school career and bringing a steady presence to the top of the lineup. A four-year starter and now the team’s leadoff hitter, Simon’s impact goes well beyond his .263 batting average. He owns a strong .457 on-base percentage with 22 walks and six hit-by-pitches, consistently finding ways to get on base and spark the offense. Simon has earned All-United Kansas Conference honors three times as an outfielder, including back-to-back first-team selections, before making the transition to catcher this season. He tallied 20 hits, including six doubles, a triple and a home run, while driving in 13 runs and swiping nine bases in 10 attempts. 
 

BRADY STEWART, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

As a four-year starter, Stewart has been a key piece in the Saints’ back-to-back state championship runs and will anchor the infield at shortstop this spring after earning all-league and all-state honors in the outfield a year ago. Last season, the South Carolina commit hit .389 with three home runs, 16 RBIs and a .476 on-base percentage last season while scoring 37 runs and swiping 16 bases. A first-team All-Eastern Kansas League selection in the outfield, Stewart’s will now shift to shortstop and will be counted on as the Saints look to extend their championship run.