As the first pitch of the 2024 high school season is close to just a week away, we've updated the 2027 AL Rankings. As the build-up for the high school season is in full swing, we highlight the top-5 in the rankings as well as the top uncommitted prospects by position. 

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As always, the evaluation process is a fluid and ongoing process with multiple viewings in order to get the best feel for players abilities. It’s important to note that as players continue their development some show marked improvement at a much more rapid pace. That doesn’t indicate that other players got worse or went backwards, it’s just how player development works. As the year unfolds, players make improvements and new prospects pop up on the radar expanding the PBR rankings universe.  In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in Alabama and nationally, have also had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and then make adjustments based on what we've each seen. 

Below, you will find the top-5, top uncommitted prospects in their respective positions, and more. To view the Class of 2027 Rankings, CLICK HERE.

 

The Top-5

Jamarkius Smith RHP / Reeltown , AL / 2027 From 7/28/23: "RHP Jamarkius Smith (Reeltown, 2027) is as impressive of a young prospect that we’ve seen in some time, and continues to elevate his presence with each viewing. Listed as 6-foot-2, 160-pounds, the rising freshman is a natural athlete that has tons of twitch. Getting the start in the nightcap for Team Alabama 14U (2), the electric right-hander tossed three no-hit innings and racked up a handful of strikeouts during the outing. Using a loose and whippy arm action, Smith fired 88-92 mph bullets throughout his outing and still showed the ability to grab higher velocities later in his outing. The offering possesses tons of arm-side run thanks to a true ¾ arm slot, and tunnels it with a wipeout mid-70s slider that registered spin rates near the 2500 rpm range consistently. Yes, the velocity is what immediately jumps out for a pitcher of his age, but the advanced feel for spin and the ability to locate it to various parts of the zone is what truly makes him such an elite talent. There is still so much more in the tank with the highest of upsides, and he continues to cement himself as a must-follow for the coming years."

Andrew Bennett RHP / Mobile Christian, AL / 2027 From 6/9/22: "RHP Andrew Bennett (Mobile Christian, 2027) was thoroughly impressive in his first PBR event showing some electric stuff stuff on the mound as a rising eighth-grader. Bennett stands a long and lanky 6-foot-1, 175-pounds with long limbs and will obviously carry much more strength as he grows and matures. In this look, the right-hander worked around the 85-86 mph range with his fastball and touched 87.4 mph on one of his first few pitches with spin near 2300 rpm. Bennett's ability to spin a sharp breaking ball at 74-75 mph with typical downward bite was equally as impressive, and posted spin up to 2600 rpm. Both spin metrics are both near the average for MLB pitchers. His long and slim frame paired with a fairly low-effort delivery definitely suggests for much more in the tank over the next five years."

Judson Harris OF / Gulf Shores , AL / 2027 From 1/7/24: "Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 150-pounds. Athletic frame with lean strength and more coming. Currently regarded as the No. 3 prospect in the recently released 2026 rankings and AL and is top-100 nationally. If anyone was to rival Barrett from the most impressive day during the workout, it was certainly Harris, who put up some gaudy numbers across the board for a freshman. An elite multi-sport athlete who also served as the starting quarterback for Gulf Shores this fall, and helped lead them to a perfect 15-0 record and captured a Class 5A State Championship. Also plays basketball and runs track. Hits from an athletic right-handed stance and uses a controlled stride; possesses elite hand (25.1 mph avg.) and bat (78.3 mph) speed, per Blast Motion, and helps him deliver firm contact to all fields. Posted a top EV of 100.2 mph, which was second-best from the event. Line drive hitter currently with a chance to hit for higher volumes of power output in the future. Also impressive in other stations during the workout, where he recorded an OF velo of 90 mph and clocked a 7.00 60 YD. Athleticism translates to the mound, where he worked up to 85 mph and showed feel for spin. Uber-talented young freshman to follow closely over the next few years in AL."

Braxton Williams 3B / RHP / Sparkman, AL / 2027 No. 4: You won't find many more prospects that are as physically-imposing as 3B/RHP Braxton Williams in this class, and he comes in at No. 4 in this first edition of this list. Standing 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, the physical right-hander demands attention when he steps in the box, where he looks to drive the ball with authority to the pull-side. The corner infielder never gets cheated with his swings and routinely generates high exits with each swing, and arguably has the best power in this young class.

JB Upton SS / Auburn , AL / 2027 From 10/17/23: "Uncommitted. 6-foot-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build with compact strength and quick twitch. Already has cemented himself as one of the top hitters in the 2027 class in AL, and showcased the bat well from both sides on the weekend. A true switch-hitter with advanced ability from both sides of the plate, the freshman possesses a quick stroke that leads a heavy barrel on an upward path through the zone. High contact rate hitter with good feel to hit and solid bat-to-ball skills. Consistent in-game performer and delivered firm contact to all fields during his round of BP. Early movement to back side during load and utilizes a toe-tap trigger that allows him to be on-time with each pitch. Possesses quick hands and creates good extension out front with use of his strong lower-half. Smooth defender at the shortstop position with an 80 mph arm across the diamond and will continue to tick up as he develops. Well-rounded athlete across the board and clocked a 7.08 60 YD to go along with a 93.8 mph EV during BP. Certainly one to keep close tabs on over the next couple of years as the young freshman continues to develop."

Uncommitted By Position:

Primary P: Jamarkius Smith | Andrew Bennett | Brodie Wilson

C: Rocco Maniscaloco | Evan Taylor | Hudson Smith

CINF: Braxton Williams (P) | Carson Stancil | Ayden Noyola

MINF: JB Upton | Connor Greb | Charlie Taaffe

OF: Judson Harris (P) | Colin Watson | Kainen Bozeman (P)

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