New Jersey’s Rising Stars: 2026 Class Making Waves Nationally

The release of the expanded 2026 national rankings has brought a fresh perspective to prep baseball, highlighting the exceptional talent across the country. For players in New Jersey, every performance on the state level is amplified nationally, providing a unique opportunity to measure themselves against the best from coast to coast. With 16 players from NJ now represented in the rankings, it’s clear that the Garden State is producing some of the nation’s top talent.

While Guy Lynam currently stands as the lone New Jersey player in the Top 100, the state boasts six more players within the Top 200. The depth of this 2026 class is undeniable, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a number of these players climb higher in the rankings over the next 12 months.

The talent in New Jersey extends far beyond just one or two names, making this class one to watch closely. Below, we’ll highlight a few standout prospects—our “clicks to pick”—who have the tools and potential to rise significantly in the rankings. Stay tuned for their journeys as they continue to develop and impress on both state and national stages.

 Click to Pick: Potential Risers 

Scouting is inherently forward-looking, built on assessing not just what players are now but what they could become. Based on recent production and exciting potential, three players stand out from New Jersey’s talented 2026 class as prime candidates for significant ranking jumps:

Mickey Gilligan (No. 270)
- Profile: A dynamic hitter and a high-level defensive catcher.
- Why He Could Rise: Gilligan's ability to consistently produce at the plate sets him apart. After an impressive spring with six home runs and a strong batting average, he’s shown that his bat is legitimate. Coupled with advanced catch-and-throw skills behind the plate, he has the all-around game to climb the rankings quickly. Continued offensive consistency and defensive refinement will be key to his ascent.

Alex Famolari (No. 374)
- Profile: A projectable pitcher with athleticism and raw stuff.
- Why He Could Rise: Despite current command issues, Famolari’s looseness, athleticism, and ability to spin the baseball suggest significant upside. His potential to develop into a dominant pitcher hinges on improving his control and harnessing his natural tools. If he can take those steps, Famolari has the makings of a major riser in the rankings.

Zach Geertsma (No. 412)
- Profile: A power-hitting UVA commit with elite physicality.
- Why He Could Rise: Geertsma’s unteachable raw power is his defining trait, as evidenced by his eight home runs last spring. His ability to deliver the barrel with force and drive the ball deep makes him a standout offensive threat. If he can maintain his production and refine other aspects of his game, his ranking could skyrocket in the coming months.

Each of these players combines current performance with significant projection, making them ones to watch as the 2026 class continues to evolve. Their ability to rise will depend on how they build on their tools and address the areas that can take their game to the next level.

No. 95 IF Guy Lynam (Gloucester Catholic) 

No. 149 RHP Alex Weingartner (St Augustine Prep) 

No. 151 RHP/3B Jason Amalbert (DePaul Catholic) 

No. 158 RHP Ethan Lee (Don Bosco Prep) 

No. 160 C Braeden Lipoff (Gloucester Catholic) 

No. 170 SS Sal Garcia (Delbarton) 

No. 268 SS JC Pacheco (DePaul Catholic) 

No. 270 C Mickey Gilligan (PCTI) 

No. 296 LHP Ryan Auten (Immaculata) 

No. 325 OF Mason Myers (Paul VI)

No. 367 C Chase Bagley (Don Bosco Prep) 

No. 371 OF Michael Hanna (Don Bosco Prep) 

No. 374 RHP Alex Famolari (North Hunterdon) 

No. 409 RHP Tyler Bunnell (Robbinsville) 

No. 412 SS Zach Geertsma (Gov. Livingston) 

No. 440 RHP Chris Marano (Depual Catholic)