The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.

This week’s topic: As we start to gather information on the upcoming spring high school seasons that aren't so far away now, in addition to unveiling our updated Class of 2026 rankings in each state this week, share a sophomore you feel will play a pivotal role to his high school program for the 2024 season.

+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.

🔥The ‘Hotlist’ (12/6):

North Carolina

+ Jaxon Matthews, OF, Hough HS, Clemson commit:
“Matthews burst onto the scene with a huge freshman season, leading a Hough offense that had questions as to where runs could come from. Hough battled some injuries on the mound throughout 2023 but look for the Huskies to once again be in position to compete for a run into May, led this year by their offense and the Matthews. Since, he has added strength and quickness to a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame. The swing produces a ton of barrels and with the added strength, look for damage to be done at a much higher rate with each swing of the bat in 2024. Matthews has proved to be very versatile with his athleticism, playing first base and the outfield, both at a high level. The ability to play in both spots will only add to the depth of the Huskies lineup.”

– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic/North Carolina Scouting Director