2027 Rankings: Position Player Risers
December 16, 2024
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.
‘27 OF Casper Billington (Rumson-Fair Haven) @CasperBill18
— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) October 20, 2024
6’3” 195
EV: 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ mph. Strong round from the uncommitted ‘27. Covers the zone. Showcased some real pull side juice. #PBTPG || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/Uo4OI6plGf
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.
‘27 OF Jackson Staples (The Hun School)
— Prep Baseball New Jersey (@PrepBaseballNJ) October 20, 2024
6’3” 185 @Jacksonstaps27 clears the bases with this triple. Early timing/transitions and catches it out in front. Projection in this frame for future impact. #PBTPG || @Djacksbaseball || @hunschool pic.twitter.com/FjwkiSbHyS
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.
‘27 C/OF Holden Cohn (Millburn, NJ)
— Prep Baseball New York (@PrepBaseballNY) March 7, 2024
FR backstop shows quick rotational acceleration (mid-20g) with a slight lift in trunk and bat path at contact. Found plenty of barrels this round for a peak EV of 91MPH.
⁰#PreseasonID | @PBRNewJersey | @VeloUniversity | @CohnHolden pic.twitter.com/n108StB9Ey
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
‘27 C/2B Dylan Reynholds (Christian Brothers Academy)
— Prep Baseball New Jersey (@PrepBaseballNJ) October 20, 2024
6’0” 178
Calm/controlled swings. Flat path. Moved the ball. Peak EV: 87.2 mph. #PBTPG || @DylanReynholds pic.twitter.com/PxmWsD69wW