Prep Baseball Report

2027 Rankings: Position Player Risers


Dan Valerio
Assistant Scouting Director

2027 Rankings Rise: Spotlight on Position Players

The 2027 class continues to impress as a new crop of rising stars emerges. With several names climbing the rankings, here’s a deep dive into position players whose performances have turned heads. Each athlete brings a unique blend of talent, metrics, and projection, positioning them as names to follow closely in the coming years.


Casper Billington – OF, Rumson-Fair Haven
Build: 6’3”, 195 lbs – Physical presence with standout power metrics.

Casper Billington showcased his immense potential during an impressive batting practice session. His metrics underline his elite hitting capabilities:

Max Exit Velocity: 100 mph
Max Distance: 375 feet
Max Bat Speed: 88 mph
Rotational Acceleration: 15.2 g
These numbers highlight his rare combination of strength and bat speed. With such powerful tools, Billington’s potential as a middle-of-the-order bat is evident, and he’s cementing himself as a rising star in the 2027 class.


Jackson Staples – OF, The Hun School
Build: 6’3”, 185 lbs – Long, lean, and projectable frame.

Staples brings a solid foundation of tools that point to a promising future. His metrics include:

Peak Exit Velocity: 86 mph
Max Distance: 301 feet
60 Time: 7.0 seconds
Outfield Arm: 80 mph
With smooth mechanics and room for added strength, Staples has the potential to develop into an impactful player. His ability to build on these metrics will make him a name to watch in the years ahead.

 


Holden Cohn – C, Millburn High School
Build: 5’9”, 160 lbs – Compact with advanced adjustability.

Holden Cohn’s balanced swing and quick hands set him apart. He impressed with these standout metrics:

Peak Exit Velocity: 90.5 mph
Bat Speed: 76 mph
Rotational Acceleration: 23 g
Cohn’s rotational acceleration speaks to his ability to adjust mid-swing. Behind the plate, his quick footwork and accurate arm make him a reliable defensive presence.


JJ Watkins – OF, Cedar Creek High School
Build: 6’3”, 185 lbs – Muscular and athletic with room for growth.

Watkins displayed power and athleticism as a freshman, hitting .313 with 5 doubles and a home run. His additional tools include:

Outfield Arm: 86 mph
With his physical build and tools, Watkins projects as a player with significant upside. Continued strength development will elevate his impact on the field.


Dylan Reynholds – C, CBA
Build: Athletic and well-rounded with standout body control.

Reynholds’ left-handed swing is smooth and efficient, producing consistent results. His offensive metrics include:

Max Exit Velocity: 87 mph
Max Distance: 337 feet