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VA/DC 2026 Rankings Update: Risers

December 5, 2023
Staff
PBR Virginia/DC

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With a week full of content on 2026's, here are five players that have made a sizeable jump in the rankings. These are players that have shown solid progression the past few months and their jump between the lines, has resulted in a jump in rankings. 

Rankings Risers:

*List is in alphabetical order*

Jayden Davis OF / RHP / Amherst County, VA / 2026

Maybe the best overall weekend of any player from the 200+ player Mid-Atlantic State Games. While Davis is still very intriguing as a two-way talent (and he did nothing to disprove that thought), the arm was the clubhouse leader in abilities for Davis. Total tools wise, Davis is a better runner than maybe you would think (6.84), big time arm in the corner outfield (92 mph), bat to ball with some power to the pull side, and plenty of upside on the mound. The velo, in early November, was 84-86 (T87), raw spin at 2,430 RPM with 20.7" IVB and 88% spin efficiency. It is a bigger breaking ball at 73-75 mph with slightly above average feel for the zone. It is a bigger 12/6 breaking ball that averaged -13.2" IVB and had the second highest spin score from the event. It is a fairly easy operation and easy arm speed that has some starter profile to him, but will need to add a solid third pitch as he continues to develop. For us, where it stands today, Davis is the most intriguing uncommitted two-way talent in the 2026 class.

 

 

Brady Elrod OF / RHP / Hanover, VA / 2026

We have talked about Elrod at length, but had to point out his climb in the ranks. While not a huge jump in total numbers, the Hanover outfielder makes a significant jump, creeping closer to the Top 10. 6.82 runner, lean and functional strength, advanced arm, instinctive, and solid bat to ball skills. While the offense is solid, he carries value in multiple facets, including his potential to stay in center. Above average runner with the physical ability and athleticism to hold up in center. The bat to ball skills and ability to impact the baseball are above average. While there is not a ton of in game power production, there is plenty of raw power in the swing, I think it is just a matter of time before he begins tapping into that. If he can add value to his stock, it is probably in two areas: 1) showing he can definitely stay in center 2) showing consistent ability to impact the baseball . He should have plenty of opportunities to do that this spring with Hanover. 

 

 

Dan Ockerman LHP / OF / MCLEAN HIGH, VA / 2026

Really liked the upside to this left hander. Short, deceptive arm swing from a low three-quarter arm slot. The fastball held in the low 80's and touched 84 on occasion, but played a bit quicker on hitters. The slider is fairly firm in the low-mid 70's and has shorter shape with above average feel for the zone. Ockerman also features a third pitch, a firm changeup at 78-79 mph. He kills spin, creates some significant arm side run, and has solid feel for the zone. Overall, I really like the way the fastball plays out of the hand. Pair that with the arm slot and action, as well as the feel for secondary, I think Ockerman could explode on the scene for a McLean team that could benefit from some quality arm depth for the staff.  

 

 

Josh Perez RHP / 1B / Spotyslvania, VA / 2026

The biggest velo and biggest power arm from the Mid-Atlantic State Games came via this Spotsylvania right hander. Upper 80's (T90) with electric arm speed from a low three-quarter arm slot. While it is a control over command arm, the stuff is good enough that he will beat hitters in the zone. Landed the fastball, in a tight Trackman zone, at nearly a 70% clip, and blowing the fastball by hitters. The secondary has some solid traits with above average raw spin (2,519 RPM), up to -18.2" HM, and a spin score of 35. This is a power arm with big time arm speed and the ability to beat hitters in the zone with his present stuff and will continue to make strides as the secondary develops, as well as overall pitchability. 

 

 

Ryan Vaxmonsky 1B / Paul VI, VA / 2026

Hitter. Hitter. Hitter. Another quality left handed hitter from NOVA comes via the bat of Ryan Vaxmonsky. Above average hand speed (23.9 mph), elite bat speed (82.5 mph), high end rotation (24.4 g average), and an inate ability to find the barrel. More than any of those things, he just produces. Uses the backside of the field, carry in both gaps with a little extra to pull, and above average plate coverage. Talking about where he can land in the future, for the level he can hit at, I think that first base is probably the only positional option for Vaxmonsky. While first base is not a heavily valued defensive position, the things that the PVI sophomore can do at the plate are certainly of high value.