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Northeast’s Finest: 2026 Players Dominating the National Top 100

December 5, 2024
Dan Valerio
Prep Baseball

With the release of an updated 2026 Overall Rankings this week, it's the perfect time to spotlight the Northeast players who have cracked the national Top 100. Representing states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts these pitchers and position players are making waves as we approach the spring season. From dominant starting pitchers to versatile infielders, the region is brimming with elite talent.

Below, a look at the must-know names:

No. 24 SS Aiden Ruiz (Stony Brook HS / Vanderbilt) –

Aiden Ruiz is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2026 class. Committing to Vanderbilt late in the fall, Ruiz has firmly established himself as a player to watch. While he may be older for the class, his ability to impact the game is undeniable. Ruiz stands out for his impressive raw tools. His quick hands, strong arm, and elite footwork make him a standout at shortstop, where he can cover ground and make plays that others can’t. As a switch hitter, Ruiz has a natural feel for the barrel on both sides of the plate. His twitchy hands and keen eye allow him to consistently make solid contact, showing off his skills as a true hitter. Beyond the batter’s box, Ruiz can impact the game with his speed and base-running instincts. His quickness and decision-making allow him to take advantage of given opportunities on the bases, adding another layer to his game. With his mix of athleticism, baseball IQ, and raw talent, Ruiz is a player who could make a significant impact both in college and beyond.


No. 39 LHP Brody Bumila (Bishop Feehan / Texas) – 

Bumila is an imposing figure on the mound, standing at 6-foot-8, 240-pounds. His towering frame combined with a powerful left arm makes him a true force to be reckoned with. Bumila’s fastball consistently sits in the mid-90s, and when paired with a devastating slider, he becomes a prototypical power pitcher who can dominate hitters. One of the most notable aspects of Bumila's pitching is his crossfire delivery, which creates deception and makes it difficult for batters to pick up the ball. He has the ability to establish both sides of the plate with a three-pitch mix, including the makings of a plus changeup, allowing him to keep hitters off balance. His size, pure stuff, and loose arm present plenty of unteachable attributes, and should his control and command harness over the next year-plus, his ceiling is as high if not higher than any in the class.

No. 55 RHP Keller Bradley (Pennsbury HS / Vanderbilt) – 

Bradley, a Vanderbilt commit, is one of the most intriguing pitching prospects in the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-6, 195-pounds, his combination of size, smooth mechanics, and raw talent gives him a very high ceiling. What really stands out about Bradley is his fastball, which sits in the low 90s but has room to grow as his body matures. The extension he generates on this pitch allows his heater to play up, making it even more effective against hitters. During a recent look at the Jr. Subway Series, Bradley’s performance left a lasting impression. His fastball had late life, and his secondary pitches, including a sharp, sweeping curveball, picked up in zone swing and miss. One of the key elements of Bradley’s success on the mound is his ability to make all of his pitches play well off one another. 

No. 90 RHP Ty Van Valkenburg (Saugerties Senior HS / Miami) 

Ty Van Valkenburg is an exciting right-handed pitcher committed to Miami, standing 6'4" with a solid 205-pound frame. What sets him apart is his impressive athleticism and mobility for his size. He moves exceptionally well on the mound, allowing him to generate strong angles on his pitches. His fastball, which features natural arm-side run in the 88-92 range, induces weak contact by jamming hitters and keeping them off balance. Van Valkenburg’s long levers and sturdy lower half give him a solid foundation, enhancing both his velocity and endurance. His ability to maintain his mechanics and repeat his delivery contributes to his consistency on the mound. After seeing him multiple times this summer and fall, it's clear he’s on an upward trajectory. With a recent uptick in velocity, there’s a strong chance we’ll hear a lot more buzz about him as the spring season approaches. 

No. 93 RHP Bryce Hill (Greenwich Country Day / Stanford) – 

Bryce Hill, a Stanford commit, is a powerhouse on the mound, combining brute strength with an imposing 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame. He possesses a lot of arm strength, with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 94 mph. His heater has notable carry and ride, especially when working up in the zone, making it a challenging pitch for hitters to square up. Hill’s best secondary pitch is his changeup, which he throws in the 80-82 mph range. It features fading action, making it a reliable weapon against both left- and right-handed hitters. His slider, sitting at 79-83 mph, offers gradual break and provides an additional layer to his pitch mix, keeping hitters off balance. With his current physicality and potential for further velocity gains, Hill is a prospect to watch closely.

No. 95 3B/SS Guy Lynam (Gloucester Catholic / Auburn) – 

Guy Lynam, an Auburn commit, is a versatile infielder with the tools and mentality to thrive at the next level. His arm strength is more than sufficient to keep him on the left side of the infield, whether at third base or shortstop. Lynam’s defensive skill set is complemented by his steady presence on the field—he plays the game with control and an innate feel for the flow of play. At the plate, Lynam brings a powerful, yet controlled, swing that generates consistent hard contact. He has a knack for driving the ball to all fields and shows emerging power, particularly to the pull side. What truly sets Lynam apart is his composure. No moment is too big for him, and he consistently rises to the occasion, displaying poise and confidence under pressure.

No. 97 RHP David Hinojosa (Poly Prep / Vanderbilt) – 

David Hinojosa, a Vanderbilt commit, is a lean, athletic right-hander with an advanced feel for pitching. He already commands a high 80’s-low-90s fastball that plays up thanks to his smooth mechanics and late life. Hinojosa’s ability to consistently hit his spots adds to his effectiveness. Having seen him in action at the Leiderman Cup and the Jr. Subway Series, it’s clear that Hinojosa can handle pressure when all eyes are on him. His breaking ball stands out as one of the best in the Northeast—a pitch with sharp, down action and impressive command. It has the makings of a true weapon, capable of generating swing-and-miss against top competition. With continued physical development, Hinojosa has the potential to add even more velocity and refine his already impressive arsenal. His poise and pitchability make him a pitcher to watch closely as he progresses through the 2025 spring season and beyond.