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MD/DE 2026 Rankings Update: New Faces

December 4, 2023
Jamie Naill
Maryland Scouting Director

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Over the course of the last few weeks, our staff has updated the Class of 2024 and 2025 Rankings, and now turn our attention to the Class of 2026. Expanding from 75 to 100 players in this update, new faces have made their way into the rankings. 

Below, we take a look at six notable players that are set to make their first appearance in the Top 100.  

New Faces (Alphabetical Order by Last Name)

Landon Daniel C / 1B / Stephen Decatur, MD / 2026

An eye-opening performance at the Mid-Atlantic State Games in November has soared the Stephen Decatur product into the rankings for the first time. It's a quiet operation at the dish with controlled aggressiveness through contact that produces consistent hard contact to the pull side gap. Power is developing, however the 5-foot-10, 195 pound frame certainly possesses some advanced strength that is shown in the heavy barrel. Quick hands with some whip in the barrel, notching a 77.2 max bat speed will only increase as the frame continues to fill out. Defensively, the transfers are quick and consistent with throws that show some carry to the bag. As the tools become more and more refined, this is a left-handed hitting catcher that will make noise throughout this class.    

Lucas Dean OF / LHP / Archbishop curley, MD / 2026

On paper, Lucas Dean checks a plethora of boxes and certainly passes the "eye test", possessing a broad-shouldered, 6-foot-1, 175 pound frame with athleticism that impacts the game in multiple facets. On the bump, it's a high intent operation that features a developing three pitch arsenal with a ton to dream on with the fastball/slider mix. Command and feel for the zone has room for growth, and as the body matures, we should see an uptick in velocity this winter. At the dish, it's an aggressive approach that hits off the front side, with loud strength to the pull side alley. The hands are quick with some length in the barrel through the zone that allows the ability to spray line drives to both gaps. 

Luke Kreiner OF / 2B / Calvert Hall , MD / 2026

The athletic left-handed hitting outfielder was one of the many standouts at the Calvert Hall Scout Day in October, leading to an invite to the Mid-Atlantic State Games where he shined once again. It's a smooth, controlled operation at the dish with some strength in the hands and line drive tendencies to the middle, showcasing the ability to lift and produce backspin to the pull side. The tools will continue to develop, already a sub 7.00 runner with twitch in multiple facets. 

Hunter Reed C / RHP / Catoctin, MD / 2026

Potentially the most highly touted player to debut in this update is the physical 6-foot-2, 220 pound catcher out of Catoctin high school. The stock continues to rise and a huge fall circuit with 'Wow Factor' has sky-rocketed Reed into the heart of the 2026 rankings. The hit tool is advanced for the age, showcasing a consistent ability to lift to the pull side with awareness and feel for the barrel through the zone. The hands possess some whip, creating extension through with strength portrayed to the pull side gap. This is certainly one of the more intriguing bats to get eyes on this winter.

Carter Sweeney-Strawberry OF / SS / Sherwood, MD / 2026

The athleticism and metrics jump off the page for the Sherwood product, standing at a lean 6-foot-2, 170 pound frame with plenty of room to fill out. A plus runner, notching a 6.82 60-yard at the Mid-Atlantic State Games, with a nice mix of strength and bat-to-ball skills at the dish bodes well for the impact Sweeney-Strawberry can have in multiple facets of the game. The ability to spray line drives to the middle with consistency is what grabbed my attention immediately, and the power upside to the pull side gap was evident. Quick feet and clean actions in the outfield, along with advanced arm strength (87 mph outfield velo) makes for this to be one of the more exciting talents to keep eyes on in the state. 

Bo White 3B / RHP / Landon, MD / 2026

Yet another highly talented two-way jumps into the rankings after a standout performance at the Mid-Atlantic State Games. Although the actions and rhythm at the dish were impressive, the performance on the bump is really what set White apart. It's a low to mid 80's fastball with occassional sink and a consistent ability to dot the outside corner to right-handed hitters. The breaking ball is still developing, showcasing bigger, gradual shape that played well off the fastball at the State Games. With plenty of room to fill out the 6-foot-4, 190 pound frame, look for the Landon product to continuously climb the rankings for years to come.