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MD/DE Class of 2026: 5-9 Spotlights

November 16, 2022
Jamie Naill Jr
Maryland Scouting Director

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On Tuesday, November 15th, PBR Maryland released our initial MD/DE Class of 2026 Rankings. Below, PBR Maryland Scouting Director Jamie Naill dives deeper into the rankings and highlights the players ranked 5-9.  

*The class will expand more and more as we get a chance to see more players in the class, whether it be at events, tournaments, or high school games.*

 

 

Rounding out the Top 5, Austin McNair (McDonogh) possesses one of the more athletic builds in the class. Standing at a lean 5-foot-11, 140 pound frame, the quick twitch outfielder is a 2022 PBR Junior Future Games alum, and impressed immensely at our MD Underclass Fall Select in late October. At the plate, the hands show rhythm in the back load and get through contact quickly (26.2 Max Hand Speed/78.5 Max Bat Speed), showcasing the ability to create loft to the pull side. The approach is to the middle with strong line drive tendencies to both gaps and alleys (89.3 Max Exit Velocity). Defensively, the actions are smooth with controlled footwork and solid momentum towards the throws. Plus speed for his age (6.99 60-Yard), look for McNair to be a powerhouse at McDonogh as the body continues to transform. 

 

At No. 6, Ethan Frank (Calvert Hall) is another player who impressed at the MD Underclass Fall Select. The 5-foot-9, 160 pound outfielder displayed plenty of athleticism in all facets with smooth, controlled actions at the dish. Utilizing an uphill swing path, the strength is to the pull side with consistent loft created (84 Max Exit Velocity). Showcasing solid awareness for the barrel, Frank has the makeup to be a real power threat as strength continues to be added to the frame. Defensively, the actions are fluid, creating solid momentum on throws to the plate with arm strength that will continue to rise in the coming years (76 Max OF Velocity). Speed is also present (7.04 60-Yard) and look for Frank to be a sub 7 runner by 2023. 

 

Delaware makes it's second appearance in our rankings with two-way lefty Jeremy Drago Jr (Dover) coming in at No. 7. A player who opened a ton of eyes at the DCP Battlegrounds this past weekend, Drago made an impression on both sides of the ball. At the dish, the stance is more upright with quiet actions and really nice separation in the hands. Keeps his head behind the ball, staying back and showcasing a keen ability to lace line drives to all fields. On the bump, the pace is quick with shorter arm action out of a high three-quarter release. Pounding the zone with an impressive repeatable delivery for the age, Drago works with deception and intent consistently. The fastball worked in the low 80's, getting up to 83 later in his outing with an effective breaking ball that was thrown in any count. 

 

At No. 8, we see another 2022 PBR Junior Future Games Alum. Toby Rosenband looks to be the next juggernaut athlete to come through Gilman High School, joining ranks with Pierce Bennett (2019/Wake Forest), Casey Bishop (2021/Towson), Maxwell Costes (2018/Maryland/Baltimore Orioles), Peter Heubeck (2021/Los Angeles Dodgers), Matt Leikus (2021/James Madison) and a slew of others including soon to be fellow teammates in Dom Moats (2024/Maryland) and Peyton Miller (2025/Clemson). 
Possessing a projectable 5-foot-10, 145 pound frame, the athletic outfielder has a ton of room to add strength and fill out with tools that jump out on a consistent basis. The swing is fluid and strong, creating extension through contact with a high ceiling for power numbers in the near future (85.9 Max Exit Velocity). Defensively, the arm strength is present (81 Max OF Velocity) with quick, active feet. Once this frame fills out, look for Rosenband to really make a jump and turn into one of the more high octane athletes in the 2026 class. 

 

Rounding out the Top 9, Brandon Nadeau (Stephen Decatur) made a huge impression at the DCP Battlegrounds this past weekend. At the dish, the hands work quick, working uphill with strength present to the pull side. Attacks with intent, showcasing quick twitch actions and backspin created to the pull side gap. What stood out the most was the defensive actions on display. Clocking 1.96-2.02 pop times during the workout, Nadeau showcases advanced actions with quick footwork and throws on a line to the bag. As strength is added to the frame, look for Nadeau to be a staple behind the dish for a storied program in Stephen Decatur.

 

 

MD/DE Class of 2026 5-9

5 Austin McNair MD McDonogh OF
6 Ethan Frank MD Calvert Hall OF
7 Jeremy Drago Jr DE Dover LHP/1B
8 Toby Rosenband MD Gilman OF
9 Brandon Nadeau MD Stephen Decatur C


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