TEXAS - As we wind down the 2023 campaign, it is time to look one more time at our 2024 rankings now that the season is over.  The top of the  2024 class is full of up the middle position players, projectable lefties, and hard throwing righties.  Today, along with a full update, where we expand the rankings to 300 players, we take a close look at the top 10 in Texas.

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TOP 10

1.  Cade Arrambide - C - Tomball HS - LSU

The LSU recruit had a loud 2024 that saw him climb to the top of our state rankings and hold the spot for the majority of the year. Where he made his loudest statement was at this year’s Area Code Games where he showed off his big time power against some of the best arms in the country.  Arrambide also possesses one of the strongest arms in the country for the ‘24 class. He is getting ready for his senior campaign where his Tomball team should be in the mix for one of the top teams in Texas this year.

2. Cooper Williams - LHP - Alvin HS - Texas A&M

Williams had an outstanding 2023 campaign that saw him be dominant from the beginning to end.  The Texas A&M signee saw a spike in the velocity this year along with tighter mechanics that led to him being our top pitcher in the state. Williams fastball now sits comfortably in the low 90’s and shows a wipeout slider to go with it. He finished his summer with the opportunity to pitch for Team USA, where he got a few starts.  Williams looks to follow recent World Series Champion, Nate Eovaldi, as the next great arm from Alvin. 

3. Theo Gillen - INF - Austin Westlake HS - Texas

We have long been a fan of the Hit/Athleticism combo that Gillen brings to the table.  There aren’t many swings that look better than Gillen’s. The Texas signee battled some nagging injuries this year, but is fully healthy and poised for a monster season.  Gillen has really added some strength this year, and I expect the power numbers to take a big jump next spring.  He offers some positional versatility up the middle of the field.  Gillen will look to lead Austin Westlake to another big year.

4. Braylon Payne - OF - Elkins HS - Houston

The University of Houston signee has been one of the fastest risers in the country in 2023, both literally and figuratively. The speedster from FB Elkins is a true 80 runner and has some of the fastest times out there.  But his game isn’t limited to his speed, as he showed a heavy barrel this spring and summer against top competition with consistent loud exit velo numbers. Payne was impressive at PDP as well, and he should be one of the most watched players in Texas this Spring. 

5. Casan Evans - RHP - St. Pius X HS - LSU

Evans has been one of the top producers in Texas over the last few years and has arguably the quickest arm in Texas.  The LSU signee has a fastball that will sit in the 92-95 range and touch higher in short stints.  He also shows a wipeout slider, and I really liked his split change when I saw him this spring. While Evans’ future is on the mound, he can also handle the bat well and shows good bat speed with a lil thump at the plate.  Evans is one of the best competitors in the state.

6. Wyatt Sanford - SS - Frisco Independence HS - Texas A&M

Watching Sanford take ground balls never gets old.  The future Aggie can make any play you ask of him from the shortstop position. He has an elite 1st step and more than enough arm for any throw that is needed.  What is really exciting is Sanford really impacted the baseball with his bat this fall. I saw him with multiple upper 90’s/100+ exit velocities for the Rangers Scout Team this fall.  If Sanford carries the offensive production into the Spring, Sanford will keep ascending up this list.

7. Sawyer Strosnider - OF - Brock HS - TCU

Stro is the biggest riser at the top of these rankings.  When it comes to tool sets, Strosnider takes a backseat to no one.  The future Horned Frog has true 5 tool ability, and he started showing flashes of it all coming together this summer and fall. At State Games, he put on a show.  He was at the very top of pretty much every category and also produced in game.  What really stands out is that he started driving the ball with authority to left center and has really let his game take off. Strosnider has a chance to really blow up this spring. 

8. Brayden Bergman - RHP - Plano East HS - Baylor

Bergman was about as impressive as it got this fall in my viewings of him. The Baylor signee was electric each time on the mound.  His fastball sat 94-96 and bumped a few 97’s. His command continues to make big jumps as well, as he was a really good strike thrower this fall.  He flashed a good slider and change as well, both played against quality juco competition.  Bergman is a plus athlete on the mound and moves really well. Nobody has a chance to jump up this list more than Bergman, as he starts to stretch it out in the spring and we get a chance to see him go deep into games. 

9. Dasan Hill - LHP - Grapevine HS - Dallas Baptist

Long a personal favorite, it was alway a matter of when, not if for Hill on if the velo would come. Well this year it started to pop, and Hill sat in the low 90’s for most of this year with a plus breaking ball. The DBU signee is now standing 6’5 with a frame that is easy to dream on. He also sprinkled in a good change this fall that was impressive.  Hill represented Texas this fall at our Inaugural PBR All-American game, and he was really impressive and got some bad swings against some of the best hitters in the country. It was an impressive year for the Grapevine Lefty.

10. Jason Flores - RHP - Naaman Forest HS - Texas

The recent University of Texas signee is another one that saw his stock sky rocket in 2023. Flores is a 2 way standout, but his highest upside is on the mound. Where he has a repeatable delivery that allows him to sit in the mid 90’s with his fastball. He also showed a hard breaking ball to go with it.  Flores has a strong, sturdy frame that should allow him to eat up innings and be durable at the next level.  There will be a lot of eyes on Flores this spring, as he looks to lead Naaman Forest to a deep run.

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