5 Pitching Ranking Risers in the 2026 Class: 

As the 2026 rankings update concludes, the spotlight shifts to the pitchers who made significant strides in their development. These five arms have impressed with their performances, physical growth, and potential for further dominance on the mound.

 
1. LHP Ryan Auten (Wake Forest Commit – Immaculata)

Build: 6’6” with extension in the 7.2-7.5 ft range, making for a tough look for hitters.
Performance Highlights: Features electric stuff with a fastball that plays up due to his size and extension.
Recently transferred to Immaculata, giving their pitching staff a major boost.
Why He’s Rising: Auten’s combination of size, projection, and stuff makes him one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the class.

‘26 LHP Ryan Auten (Immaculata)@RyanAuten22

6’6” 205

FB: 89-90
CB: 74-76
SL: 76-78
CH: 81-82

Dominate showing from the southpaw. Landed his arsenal for strikes. K (5). Uncommitted 👍. #PBTPG || @ShooterHunt || @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/9vJNjPxIsY

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) October 20, 2024

 
2. RHP Tyler Bunnell (Pitt Commit – Robbinsville)

Performance Highlights: Rapid improvement from a mid-80s arm in the spring to a power pitcher with a low-90s fastball.
Overhauled mechanics have transformed him into a dominant presence on the mound.
Why He’s Rising: Bunnell’s ability to pair velocity gains with improved control and pitchability makes him a rising star in the rankings.

‘26 RHP Tyler Bunnell (Robbinsville) @TylerBunnell22

6’4” 200 long lengthy build

WP against Metuchen went ~
5.2 IP | 9 K | 1 BB

FB 83-85 life
CB 71-74 12/6

Deff. has a lot in the tank. Filled the zone up tonight showing a lot of command. Deceptive look. @ShooterHunt… pic.twitter.com/xCOb3SwFKk

— Dan Valerio (@DanValerio3) April 20, 2024

 
3. RHP Lizandro Perez (Seton Hall Commit – Rutgers Prep)

Performance Highlights: Mid-to-high 80s fastball with a plus breaking ball, showcasing advanced feel for spin.
Strong commitment to Seton Hall, signaling high expectations for his continued development.
Why He’s Rising: As Perez continues to grow physically, his velocity and overall effectiveness on the mound are expected to climb.

‘26 RHP Li Perez (Rutgers Prep)

6’3” 188

FB: 87-88 (2400-2500)
SL: 72-73 (2500-2700)
CB: 68-69 (2600-2700) 94% FF

Uncommitted N2K ‼️Innate feel for spin. Throws it in any count. Collected whiffs in zone. Overall athletic mover. #PBTPG || @l_perez214 || @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/wnhu2tFtZT

— Prep Baseball New Jersey (@PrepBaseballNJ) October 20, 2024

 
4. RHP Noah Hynes (Uncommitted – Ranney)

Performance Highlights: Consistently sharp outings as Ranney’s ace, with a polished three-pitch mix.

Fastball: 86-88 mph
Changeup: 77-78 mph
Curveball: 74-78 mph
Loose, easy arm action with impressive feel to pitch.
Why He’s Rising: Hynes’ steady performance make him a reliable arm and a name to watch as he searches for his collegiate fit.

‘26 RHP Noah Hynes (Ranney)

6’0” 180

FB: 85-86
SL: 73-75
CH: 77-78

Smooth. Low effort. Attacked guys. Late carry on the FB. #PBTPG || @NoahHynes1 pic.twitter.com/t3U5LRCOvB

— Prep Baseball New Jersey (@PrepBaseballNJ) October 20, 2024

 
5. RHP Adam Goldberg (Uncommitted – Livingston)

Performance Highlights: Showcased at the Fall Top Prospect Games with standout arm action and projection.
Velo is currently on the lighter side, but his long, loose levers and natural feel for pitching suggest significant upside.
Why He’s Rising: Goldberg’s physical tools and mechanics provide a solid foundation for future velocity gains and dominance on the mound.

‘26 RHP Adam Goldberg (Livingston)

6’1” 165

FB: 81-82.8
SL: 73-74 (2806rpm, -20HM)

Long, loose and whippy arm path. True slider with high spin and swing and miss stuff. Really impressive outing from the strike thrower.#PBTPG || @adrego02 pic.twitter.com/ZtLYfhRoOe

— Prep Baseball New Jersey (@PrepBaseballNJ) October 21, 2024

 
Conclusion:
These five pitchers have demonstrated remarkable growth and potential, earning them significant climbs in the latest rankings. From polished mechanics to velocity gains and projection, each player brings something unique to the table, positioning them as some of the most exciting arms in the 2026 class.

 

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