Prep Baseball Report

Texas Class of 2028 Player Rankings: Initial Release


Brandon Gowins
Texas Scouting Director

As we wind down an eventful 2024 season, it is time we graduate the 2024 class from rankings and introduce the 2028 class. We are just getting to know this freshman class, but one thing continues to stay the same in Texas, we are producing shortstops and power arms at the top of each class. One thing you will notice in this initial ranking, is that only one player is currently committed to a school, as we start to see the results of the new recruiting rules.  Without further ado, here is our initial 2028 top 25.


FOR FULL RANKINGS CLICK HERE

TOP 10

1. Luke Esquivel LHP / 1B / Grapevine, TX / 2028

The LSU commit takes the top spot in our initial 2028 Texas rankings. The talented 2 way talent can really impact the game from both sides of the ball right now, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. Good blend of pitch ability and stuff to go with a lot of projection left in the frame. He has a low effort mid 80’s fastball he commands well and a promising change to go with it.  Esquivel also shows big time power from the left side. He has loose wrists and really gets the barrel through the zone.  He will be a fun one to watch over the next 4 years.

 

 

2. Taegen Tate RHP / OF / AMARILLO H S, TX / 2028

It’s not every year that we get a top 10 player from the panhandle, but the 2 sport star from Amarillo comes in as our top RHP in the state. Tate is an easy mover down the mound and shows great body control for his age. His mechanics are clean and efficient and he has shown to be a strike thrower as well. His fastball can already get into the low 90’s, but he doesn’t sell out for it. He has aptitude for spin already, and showed feel at JFG’s to be able land the breaker for a strike. Tate is also a quarterback at Amarillo High. 

 

 

3. Travis Fiedler SS / 3B / Ridge Point, TX / 2028

Texas has become quite the hotbed for middle infielders over the last 5 years, and Fiedler looks to be the next in line. The LHH shortstop from Houston has been to the Jr. Future Games the last two years, and I’ve left thinking there both years this is a top 5 player in the state. He can really pick it and I think he sticks at short long term. He has juice from the left side at the plate, and its only going to get better as he gets bigger and stronger. Fiedler is another promising quarterback as well. Tough to make strong opinions on freshmen, but I feel very confident Fiedler is going to be a talent maximizer throughout his career.

 

 

4. Valentin Ceballos RHP / 3B / New Braunfels High School, TX / 2028

Valentin Ceballos is a highly promising right-handed pitcher from New Braunfels High School, currently ranked #4 in the initial 2028 rankings. Known for his projectable frame, Ceballos has already demonstrated the ability to reach the low 90s with his fastball, showcasing significant potential for future velocity growth. As a young talent with room to develop, he is expected to continue increasing his pitching velocity as he matures. His combination of size, skill, and raw potential makes him a player to watch in the coming years.

 

 

5. Anthony Frausto III 1B / LHP / Davenport , TX / 2028

Frausto is a versatile LHP/1st baseman from Davenport, known for his impressive skills on both sides of the ball. A two-time Jr. Future Gamer, Frausto has already pitched in several high-leverage situations, showcasing his ability to handle big innings. He consistently reaches the mid-80s with his fastball, which features movement and avoids being straight, making him a tough matchup for hitters. His delivery is smooth and his arm action clean, suggesting even more potential as he matures. As Frausto continues to refine his control, he has the potential to become one of the top left-handed pitchers around. Additionally, he is a strong defender at first base, providing excellent range and stability around the bag.

 

 

6. Tristin Gaines SS / OF / Waller, TX / 2028

Keeping the theme with quarterbacks, Gaines had probably the most success on the gridiron this fall. Fresh off 1st Team All District Honors off QB, Gaines is getting ready for baseball. The talented shortstop was a Jr. Future Gamer in 2023, and he isn’t even close to the same kid as he was then. Standing, 6’1, 175 Gaines is ultra projectable and is an easy mover on the diamond.  He is going to have above average tools across the board as he continues to progress. Gaines has the ability to make the difficult look routine.

 

 

7. Camden Dean OF / CARROLL SENIOR H S, TX / 2028

Southlake has had a couple down years for Southlake standards, but I am super bullish on the Dragons this year, and one reason is they have a young influx of talent coming with players like Dean.  The talented 2 way player can get into the mid 80’s from the left side, but I think he is really going to hit and stick in center. I like the swing from the left side and he shows the ability to spray the ball with some impact. 

 

 

8. Tanner Ball RHP / OF / Houston Christian, TX / 2028

When it comes to projection, I think it is safe to say Ball is the most projectable player on the list. He is 6’ 4’’ of all knees and elbows, but even so he commands his body fairly well and can still generate fastball velos into the 90’s.  As he gains body control and strength, Ball’s ceiling may be the highest on the list.  He showed feel for a change and flashed spin. Ball has a chance to be a consistent riser over his HS career.

 

 

9. Daxton Price OF / LHP / Mount Pleasant, TX / 2028

Regardless of class, Price grabbed the attention of anyone in attendance, and more importantly did so expectantly. Unassuming and still maturing at 5-foot-10, 149-pounds, Price’s presence in the box was much larger as worked gap-to-gap with barrel after barrel in batting practice and again throughout game play. A fluid mover with the makings of a heavy barrel, his quick hands were on full display along with a short-to-long approach and fearlessness at the plate. Only amplifying his upside and competitiveness, Price hopped on the mound where he ran the fastball up to 84 mph with advanced feel for spin that included north of 2800 rpm on a big breaking curveball that took 1/7 shape. Ultimately, this performance from Price marked his announcement as a player that college coaches are going to be eager to follow in coming years. - Shooter Hunt

 

 

10. Lucas Strawn RHP / OF / Summer Creek, TX / 2028

Strawn has a lot of similarities to his Hunter Pence teammate, Ball, as they are both projectable righties with frames to excite you. Strawn was impressive this fall the two times we saw him, and he is another one that is going to make some big strides with strength gains. He has been up to 90 and I think his fastball is going to have some real sizzle as he matures. Another big Houston arm to round out our top 10.

 

 

It was tough for me to come out with an initial top 10, and Heredia just missed it coming in at 11. He had an outstanding underclass state games and is poised for a big year, so here is a bonus write up on our #11 prospect, Matthew Heredia:

11. Matthew Heredia SS / RHP / Liberty Christian, TX / 2028

At just 5-foot-9, 157-pounds, Heredia still managed to make a major impact on the event with his play on the field. A true two-way candidate who moved well on the mound with a fastball up to 85 mph, Heredia’s expectation for success was noticeable on both sides of the ball. Crisp on the dirt with clean glove-to-hand ability, the freshman’s ability at the plate stood out even more as he collected multiple hits in game play. Starting semi-wider before building momentum with a knee-knock leg kick that separates the hands back before creating a rubberband-effect to pull the hands through with ignited bat speed. There was some sneaky impact to the swings that he took in game, and as the frame continues to develop that should only increase. - Shooter Hunt

 

 

FOR FULL RANKINGS CLICK HERE


NOTABLE PLAYERS WHO JUST MISSED THE INITIAL RANKINGS

+ RHP/OF  Brandon Pace - First Baptist Christian Academy

+ C/RHP Aaron Castillo - CC Veterans Memorial

+ MIF Amari Maxwell - Weiss

+ SS/RHP Matthew Patterson - Georgetown Eastview

+ RHP/OF Evan Ogwezi - Mansfield Lake Ridge


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