Initial 2028 Overall Rankings Release
December 19, 2024
The 2028 class is officially in the spotlight, and while we’re still in the early stages of what will undoubtedly be a long and winding road to the top of the college and professional ranks, and this initial rollout of the 150-player list offers a compelling glimpse of what the future holds.
Balancing the raw upside with the realistic likelihood of those talents reaching their full potential is a daunting task. And when dealing with players still years away from serious college recruitment or professional interest, the projections get tricky. But that is the beauty and the challenge of evaluating young talent—especially in this age group. We know that these players, with their physical gifts, skills, and raw ability, are only just scratching the surface.
But don’t mistake this early list as the final say—it’s the starting point.
In the coming months and years, there will undoubtedly be more names emerging as players start to truly define themselves. New stars will rise, and others will make the leap from "interesting prospect" to "must-watch talent." Whether it is a raw arm, a power bat, or a glove that stands out defensively, this 2028 group has the potential to deliver some future stars.
This is all part of Prep Baseball’s commitment to providing the most up-to-date, credible, and comprehensive insight into the future of baseball. We are constantly refining our evaluations, keeping track of all the development, and staying dialed in to ensure the rankings evolve in real time as new information becomes available. The process does not just stop when the rankings are posted. It is ongoing, dynamic, and rooted in a relentless pursuit of uncovering the next wave of stars.
+ Click here to view the National Top-150
So, while this list may be modest in number right now, it is only the beginning. And while a lot can change between now and the final version of the 2028 rankings, you can count on Prep Baseball to be your most trusted source as the class develops. From the first pop of the bat to the last strikeout of the year, we’ll be here—tracking, evaluating, and telling the story of the future of baseball.
The road to greatness starts here, and we can’t wait to see who emerges as the next big thing.
With that, here’s a look at the first edition of the national top-25, including the No. 1 overall player: OF/RHP Dexter McCleon Jr. (Buford HS, GA), a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder with 6.62-speed, a 92 mph fastball, a powerful right-handed stroke and the makings of a five-tool prospect with real two-way impact.
Dexter McCleon Jr. (Prep Baseball 16U National Championships, 6/5/24)
You can find a link to the full top-150 overall beneath this glimpse at the first 25 prospects on that list.
NATIONAL TOP-25, CLASS OF 2028
Rank | Name | Pos. | School | State |
1 | Dexter McCleon Jr. | OF | Buford | GA |
2 | Yariel Diaz | LHP | TNXL Academy | FL |
3 | Ethan Stewart | OF | DH Conley | NC |
4 | Luke Esquivel | LHP | Grapevine | TX |
5 | Bryan Mesa | SS | Doral Academy | FL |
6 | Taegen Tate | RHP | Amarillo | TX |
7 | Keelan Zumwalt | 1B | Summit Christian | MO |
8 | Travis Fiedler | SS | Ridge Point | TX |
9 | Colin Anderson | 3B | Etowah | GA |
10 | Chase Cotton | 3B | Whitney | CA |
11 | Greyson Bell | LHP | Daniel Boone Area | PA |
12 | Carter Shouse | OF | Bishop Fenwick | OH |
13 | Striker Pence | 3B | Santiago | CA |
14 | Aiden Kearney | 3B | Hagerty | FL |
15 | Carver Cohn | OF | McHenry | IL |
16 | Austin Brown | OF | Wasatch | UT |
17 | Derek Vazquez | SS | Charlotte Christian | NC |
18 | Sammy Garcia | SS | Hamilton | AZ |
19 | Jeremiah Hall | RHP | Maple Mountain | UT |
20 | Noah Knudson | SS | Palo Verde | NV |
21 | Trendyn Motley | OF | Coxmill | NC |
22 | Madden Pike | RHP | Puyallup | WA |
23 | Francis Conners-Schmid | 1B | Hawthorne Valley | NY |
24 | Tanner Conley | LHP | Fontainebleau | LA |
25 | Lincoln Moore | SS | Kentlake | WA |
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