Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

VA/DC 2026 Rankings Update: Top 50

September 4, 2024
Staff
Prep Baseball Virginia/DC

 

Follow @PBRVirginiaDC 
Facebook + Instagram

Today we release a full, in-depth, and expanded update to the 2026 class. This update gives a small expansion from 150 to 175. Below we highlight a few players that our staff had an opportunity to gather evaluations on this summer.

While Bryant James (Gonzaga) remains the #1 player in the VA/DC 2026 class, there has been a lot of movement in the Top 10. We have six new players moving into the Top 15, as well as three new ones moving into the Top 10.

+ The first player we want to highlight is Aaron Dierks (West Springfield). Dierks makes a climb over twenty spots into the Top 5 after two strong showings this summer in front of our staff. Not only has the velo continued to creep up, but the pitchability continues to make gains as well. The right hander was up to 90 at the VA/DC Summer State Games, showed three pitches, and dominated opposing hitters. Fast forward a month later to Future Games, Dierks was up to 92 mph, displayed feel for his SL/CH secondary arsenal, and once again had a very strong outing. Both secondary pitches are quality offerings for a high school arm. For Dierks, the floor continues to rise and there is still ceiling left for this 6-foot-3 right hander.

+ Another player moving into the Top 10, from his previous spot at #20 is Carter Perdue. The Paul VI right hander was the frontline arm for the Panthers all spring and continued to assert his dominance this summer. Pitchability, deception, and competitor. Perdue is a bulldog on the mound and does not back down in any count. The velo ticked up throughout the spring and summer, showing the ability to pitch in the 87-90 range with the fastball. Has shown two secondary pitches, but it is definitely a more fastball-slider heavy mix. Hitters just never seem to be able to get settled in at the plate against Perdue. His relentless approach to attacking the strike zone, paired with a quality slider, makes him a tough matchup for hitters from either side.

+ Moving up a few spots into the Top 15 is Jalen German. The Trinity Episcopal right hander was the first Team Virginia/DC member to commit out of Future Games, announcing his commitment to Coastal Carolina. Strong and physical frame, quick arm, and a power sinker. The biggest step that German has taken, outside of his control improving, is the improved shape and feel for the low 80's slider. This spring he showed solid arm speed on the pitch and some future potential, but lacked consistent shape and feel. Control, competing in the zone with the fastball, and showing an improved breaking ball are three reasons that German has seen a small move up in the rankings. 

VIRGINIA/DC Class of 2026 Top 10

*Positions listed are primary positions listed on their profile.*

1 Bryant James Gonzaga SS Duke
2 Lawson McLeod Trinity Episcopal RHP
3 Aaron Dierks West Springfield RHP
4 Daniel Nienaber Glen Allen RHP Virginia
5 Mandela Browman Miller School OF
6 Brady Elrod Hanover OF Virginia Tech
7 Jason Kruczek Alexandria City RHP
8 Josh Perez Spotsylvania RHP
9 Casey Cuddyer Great Bridge SS
10 Carter Perdue Paul VI RHP



Updated Top 50