LAFAYETTE — Time to dust off the glove, bring your raincoat and pray for good weather in what will be talent-laden 2026 baseball season for players across the Lafayette area.
Harrison carries a team with a loaded pitching staff after capturing its fourth IHSAA class 4A sectional in five years, Central Catholic won its fourth consecutive sectional title last season while Clinton Prairie won its first regional after capturing an IHSAA sectional title for the first time in 32 years last season.
From the arms throwing beyond 90 miles per hour to sure handed gloves and powerful hitters, here’s a look at the top 68 baseball players to watch in 2026.
1. Jake Winger
School: McCutcheon
Position: Third baseman and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .404 batting average, four home runs, four triples, six doubles, 20 RBI, .495 13 walks.
Scouting report: Winger possesses all the athletic attributes and baseball acumen to have his name called in the MLB Draft someday soon. Beyond his impressive upside at 6-foot-5 and arm velocity across the diamond is his pitch selection and power to both sides of the field. With Winger’s presence at the plate, as a glove at third and pitcher on a per need basis, McCutcheon stands as the biggest threat to Harrison’s hopes of repeating for another sectional title.
2. Sammy Swank
School: McCutcheon
Position: Pitcher and first baseman
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 1.65 ERA in five appearances with 33 strikeouts and five walks. Batted .293 with five doubles and nine RBI.
Scouting report: Swank was bothered by a thumb injury to his right hand that caused him to miss portions last season. Swank at full health dots his fastball at 95 MPH to the inner and outdoor corners with a slider, curveball and changeup mix. Swank’s high velocity and improved command makes him a target for future MLB teams with a scholarship to Kentucky. While Swank’s arm has driven McCutcheon to sectional titles in the past, his true definer in 2026 could be with the strength of his bat for McCutcheon to win its sectional and make a deep playoff run.
3. Jack Gonzalez
School: Harrison
Position: Utility
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .414 with three triples, four doubles and 17 RBIs.
Scouting report: Returning leader of the Raiders lineup that will look to bring in more runs after its pitching played a factor in silencing bats last season. Works counts, a difficult out and can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. Gonzalez is signed to play football at Navy.
4. Lannon Nicoloff
School: Harrison
Position: Shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .235 batting average, two home runs, two doubles, five RBIs.
Scouting report: Slated to become one of the major stars of the Lafayette area, Nicoloff’s season has been dampened by a torn UCL. Time will tell if he’ll be able to play or not. If healthy, Nicoloff presented Harrison with a strong bat at the top of the order and a steady love that would’ve made an already strong middle infielder even better. Nicoloff carries plenty of upside still and could still have a long career. Nicoloff is signed to George Mason.
5. Nolan Hodnett
School: Harrison
Position: Infielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .338 batting average, one triple, two doubles and 17 RBIs.
Scouting report: Can play multiple positions in the outfield and Hodnett’s bat arrived as well to aid the Raiders run to the 2025 IHSAA sectional championship. Sure handed glove and speed on the bases. The game slows down for Hodnett. Expect more power numbers as well.
6. Jeremy Lowrey
School: Harrison
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 12 strikeouts and 6.63 ERA.
Scouting report: Limited due to elbow injuries in 2025, Lowrey is now at full health for the high school baseball season with a 90 MPH-plus fastball. His command has sharply improved and impressed college scouts enough to earn Division I looks. Lowrey is signed to Stetson.
7. Mikey Stapleton
School: Central Catholic
Position: Shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .395 with six doubles, one triple, 35 RBIs, 27 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.
Scouting report: Experienced defensive leader for the Knights with a sure handed bat. Central Catholic’s lineup and infield will once again be loaded with a complete lineup and Stapleton at its core.
8. Carson Wagner
School: Twin Lakes
Position: Shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .356 with four home runs, five triples, nine doubles, 35 RBIs, 38 runs scored, 22 stolen bases.
Scouting report: Tremendous power from Wagner who is 5-foot-9 but has Jose Altuve-like strength. Strong upper torso, generates torque and has the ability to play professional baseball one day. Fast, aggressive base runner and a smooth glove as well. Wagner is signed to Wabash College.
9. Jonathan Riley
School: McCutcheon
Position: Infielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .400 with five home runs, three triples, eight doubles and 28 RBIs.
Scouting report: Riley was the power bat in McCutcheon’s lineup in 2025. College level strength and worked counts for the Mavericks. More to come from Riley and the Mavericks part of a heavy handed and experienced lineup.
10. Lyrik Neal
School: Harrison
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 2.59 ERA, 10 appearances, 7-1 record, 48 strikeouts and 17 walks.
Scouting report: Neal kept hitters off balance with his ability to locate and switch between his fastball and offspeed pitches consistently. Neal has added more velocity in the offseason and looks to establish himself as one of the state’s top pitchers in a staff loaded with talent and experience in 2026.
11. Chase Gothrup
School: Harrison
Position: Pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: 1.17 ERA, 43 strikeouts, 11 walks.
Scouting report: Gothrup went seven games and over a month without allowing earned runs in 2025. Gothrup’s command of the strike zone and the ability to induce soft contact played a massive role in the Raiders’ success. Expect more from this Raiders’ ace rotation in 2026.
12. Kendrick Pena
School: Harrison
Position: Third baseman
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .274 batting average, 19 RBIs, one triple, two doubles.
Scouting report: Pena is one of those players that competes at a higher level when the pressure is on. Led the Raiders with 19 RBIs and brings an energy to the clubhouse that allows his team to play loose. Kendrick had a strong offseason. Watch for an uptick his offensive numbers. Pena is signed to Indiana Wesleyan.
13. Mekyel Almond
School: McCutcheon
Position: Catcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .312 with one home run, three triples, seven doubles, 13 RBIs.
Scouting report: Quietly put up efficient offensive numbers after earning the starting nod at catcher as a junior. Left-handed bat with speed out of the box and provides the quickness and footwork to handle the breaking pitches of Swank and Winger.
14. Ben Pickering
School: Lafayette Jeff
Position: Catcher and Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .375 with two home runs, .474 on base percentage, committed only one error.
Scouting report: The top returning bat for Lafayette Jeff who has one of the best arms from home to second base in the Lafayette area. Pickering should also see better production as a starter and top end reliever with better command of his fastball that has topped over 90 MPH.
15. Kye Jacobs
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Pitcher and shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .551, scored 37 runs with 43 hits, 28 RBIs, 13 doubles, three triples and three home runs with an .620 on base percentage and 26 stolen bases. Finished second on his team with 48 strikeouts and a 3.05 ERA in 41.1 innings.
Scouting report: Jacobs will find a home somewhere for college because all his different skills on the field and on the mound. Tremendous command of the strike zone and takes quality at bats. Strong command of the strike zone and a player that does what his team needs to win. Led the Gophers to a 22-8 record. Jacobs is committed to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute.
16. Matthew Berry
School: Frankfort
Position: Catcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: One home run, four doubles and 19 RBIs.
Scouting report: Battled injuries last season but still found ways to be productive at the plate. One of the top defensive catchers in the area and will look to make his final year with the Hot Dogs memorable after going 13-14 last season. Berry is committed to Franklin College.
17. Zac Wainscott
School: Rossville
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 3.09 ERA, 54 strikeouts, 12 walks. Batted .372 with one home run, one double and 11 RBIs.
Scouting report: Part of a 1-2 combination at the pitching mound with fellow classman Eli Barnes. Strong command and was an efficient hitter for the Hornets that finished 21-8 last season.
18. Andy Ambriz-Cruz
School: North Montgomery
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .483 with three triples, four doubles and 18 RBIs. Pitched to an 1.45 ERA and 16 strikeouts and record four saves.
Scouting report: Speed out of the box, an arm that can get out of jams and a bat that makes hard contact and puts the ball in play. Ambriz-Cruz displayed each of those skills to become one of the area’s top infielders
19. Cooper Dold
School: Twin Lakes
Position: Outfielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .430 with two triples, five doubles, 14 RBIs and 44 stolen bases
Scouting report: Dold had a breakout year during the fall as his team’s starting quarterback to earn Big Schools All-Area honors and now returns to the diamond where he was elusive on the bases and put together quality at-bats for Twin Lakes in 2025.
20. Noah Lovelady
School: Harrison
Position: First baseman
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .250 batting average, two home runs, two triples, seven doubles and 20 RBIs. Threw 42 innings, 2.81 ERA, 58 strikeouts and 13 walks.
Scouting report: Impressed with his bat with runners in scoring position and displayed power for the Raiders as a sophomore. A year of varsity experience with a team filled with returners could make Harrison a contender for state in 2026.
21. Mason Brummett
School: Twin Lakes
Position: Outfielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .345 with one home run, one triple and four doubles with 39 RBIs.
Scouting report: Left handed bat for Twin Lakes that came up clutch throughout 2025. Can cover vast expanses of the outfield and carries a quality first step when tracking fly balls. Brummett steals bases and has been a factor in Twin Lakes success the past two seasons.
22. Kyven Hill
School: Covington
Position: Shortstop and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .446 batting average, two home runs, one triple, 15 RBIs, 29 runs, .511 OBP, .630 slugging percentage, 24 stolen bases. Threw 43 innings for 63 strikeouts.
Scouting report: A dynamic athlete in both football and baseball. Smooth glove, can drive the ball to left and right field, a complete package of a player that will be a difference maker in the Trojans’ chase for a sectional title.
23. Brett Huffman
School: Delphi
Position: Outfielder and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .432 with 35 hits, eight doubles, seven home runs and 35 RBIs with 32 stolen bases and 47 runs scored. 3.06 ERA, had 43 strikeouts and recorded four saves
Scouting report: Huffman returns for his senior year after an impressive 2025 where he displayed skill and poise on the mound and at the plate. Huffman is committed to Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa.
24. Alex Schummer
School: Central Catholic
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .303 batting average, 19 RBIs, 30 runs, five doubles, 3-1 record on the mound, 0.51 ERA in 13.2 IP as a relief pitcher.
Scouting report: Schummer is the next in line to don the Central Catholic blue and white following in the footsteps of older brother Ryan who is now playing at Youngstown State. A complete player who can drive in runs and will be relied upon to solidify the pitching rotation.
25. Mason Pechin
School: Lafayette Jeff
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .330 with three triples, two doubles and 21 RBIs.
Scouting report: Pechin displayed quality bat control and creating hard contact to left and right field. Now he’ll look to display improved command in the Bronchos rotation.
26. Ben Werth
School: West Lafayette
Position: Outfielder and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .375 batting average, one home run, one triple, five doubles and 17 RBIs. Finished with an 3.59 ERA.
Scouting report: Werth brings experience to a team that finished 11-14 last season. He does it all as an efficient pitcher and left-handed bat at the top of the order.
27. Eli Barnes
School: Rossville
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Pitched 51.1 innings, 1.01 ERA, 74 strikeouts.
Scouting report: Barnes possesses an elite curve ball and changes pace and speed well. Energetic, relentless and brings his own unique flair for the Hornets.
28. Kaden Keys
School: Harrison
Position: Outfielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .190 with 11 RBIs.
Scouting report: Keys had a strong summer with the Indiana Mustangs during summer ball and will look to provide base running and displayed his improved hitting. Keys is signed to the University of Indianapolis.
29. Nate Hilsabeck
School: Lafayette Jeff
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 1.57 ERA, 6-2 record, 65 strikeouts, 25 walks.
Scouting report: Hilsabeck has a three quarters delivery and throws with high velocity. Hilsabeck’s improved command allowed Lafayette Jeff to narrow the competitive gap with Harrison and McCutcheon in 2025. Mixing his changeup more effectively will be once again a priority after the Bronchos posted an 18-12 record last season.
30. Colton Watts
School: Harrison
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 4.47 ERA in 14.1 innings with 18 strikeouts and 14 walks.
Scouting report: Watts is throwing in the low 90s and will have more responsibility as a starter in 2026. Watts has displayed improved command on a rotation loaded with high velocity arms.
31. Reed Grimes
School: McCutcheon
Position: Pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 2.15 ERA, 39 strikeouts and 20 walks.
Scouting report: The right hander Grimes proved to be a solid starter for McCutcheon as Swank battled thumb problems in 2025. With a fully healthy Swank and a confident Grimes in the rotation, the Mavericks have quality depth in its rotation that will be utilized during sectionals. Grimes is committed to Grace College.
32. Alex King
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Outfielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .364 with two home runs, two triples, seven doubles, 22 RBIs. Pitched 41.2 innings, 49 strikeouts and 33 walks.
Scouting report: Long frame who found his power during an elite offensive year for the Gophers. Showed his ability to track flyballs in the outfield and throw out runners while contributing as one of his team’s aces.
33. Keaton Miller
School: Twin Lakes
Position: Third baseman
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .383 with with six doubles, 14 RBIs, 19 runs scored and seven stolen bases. Threw 34 innings, 2.42 ERA, 38 strikeouts and 12 walks.
Scouting report: A smooth glove in the hot corner and the quintessential leadoff man. Miller understands the strike zone, works out and pressures defenses.
34. Cayden Robinson
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Pitcher and utility.
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Pitched 42 innings, 42 strikeouts, 17 walks and 1.67 ERA in 13 appearances and batted .344 with 16 RBIs.
Scouting report: The ace of Clinton Prairie’s staff, Robinson looks for repeat success after a productive year at the plate.
35. Peyton Grimmett
School: Seeger
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .357 with one home run, one triple, seven doubles and 37 RBIs.
Scouting report: Grimmett was a key 2-way player for Seeger in football and will look to display his skills on the diamond after leading his team in RBIs last season.
36. Tyler Burns
School: Tri-County
Position: Shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .477, scored 33 runs, 25 RBIs and stole 17 bases.
Scouting report: Scrappy contact hitter with a knack for getting on base and applying pressure to defenses. Tri-County has been one of the more consistent with four consecutive winning seasons including 17-7 and first place finish in the Midwestern Conference.
37. Nolan Winkler
School: Benton Central
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .333 with one home run, seven doubles and 13 RBIs.
Scouting report: Winkler was a standout during a rebuilding year for Benton Central that won IHSAA regional and sectional titles in 2024 before stumbling to a 6-21 record in 2025. Solid bat and proved to be a leader during the struggles. The Bison hope to have a reemergence in 2026.
38. Wyatt Harshbarger
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .435, held an on-base percentage of .588 and scored 27 runs with 27 hits, 40 RBIs, eight doubles, one triple and seven stolen bases.
Scouting report: Harshbarger solidified the Gophers infield with his stellar defensive play and his abilities as a hitter for the Gophers’ offense that averaged 8.7 runs per game last season.
39. Dean McGaughey
School: Southmont
Position: Catcher and shortstop
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .405, three home runs, three triples, five doubles, 15 RBIs, 23 stolen bases.
Scouting report: A 5-tool player whose offense stood out during a relatively rough season for the Mounties who finished 6-17 last season.
40. Jackson Price
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Catcher, pitcher and utility
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .351 with two home runs, two triples, seven doubles and 22 RBIs.
Scouting report: Displayed major power numbers for the Gophers and will likely play more catcher as Clinton Prairie attempts to make another deep playoff run.
41. Macyn Hughes
School: Seeger
Position: Pitcher and shortstop
Class: Junior
2025 stats: 1.20 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 22 walks and batted .325 with four triples, two doubles and 17 RBIs.
Scouting report: Hughes attacked hitters with his fastball and displayed an ability to hit line drives for the Patriots that finished 16-11.
42. Brennan VanKirk
School: Central Catholic
Position: Outfielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .339 BA, 18 RBIs, 20 runs
Scouting report: Emerged as a solid bat for Central Catholic that started mostly underclassmen last season. Covers ground, doesn’t make mistakes in the field and plays within himself.
43. Luke Harshbarger
School: Clinton Prairie
Position: Pitcher and outfielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .333 with two triples, three doubles and 30 RBIs.
Scouting report: Played a key role in an offense that found ways to score. Harshbarger drives the ball to right field and makes quality reads on fly balls. Plenty of returning depth for Clinton Prairie.
44. Cale Peters
School: Carroll
Position: Pitcher and shortstop
Class: Junior
2025 stats: DNP due to injury
Scouting report: An elite athlete with solid hands and steals bases. Carroll hopes to push itself into being a contender in the 1A sectional after injuries to star players last season.
45. Gus Sandberg
School: Central Catholic
Position: Pitcher and shortstop
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .273
Scouting report: Sandberg was relegated to hitting and playing in the infield after arm injuries reduced his innings. Sandberg at full health gives the Knights an experienced arm who can command the zone and mixing his fastball and changeup.
46. Korbyn Keen
School: West Lafayette
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: 2.94 ERA, 46 strikeouts in 52 innings
Scouting report: Look for Keen to play a larger role offensively after a productive freshman season at varsity. High energy and now with a year of understanding varsity speed, look for Keen to have greater production for the Red Devils.
47. Andrew Woolen
School: Rossville
Position: Utility
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: Batted .383 with three doubles and 16 RBIs.
Scouting report: Led Rossville in hitting last season and will attempt to navigate the Hornets further in a competitive Hoosier Heartland Conference.
48. Blake Inman
School: Attica
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .414 and pitched 40 innings
Scouting report: Inman is one of nine Attica returners looking to see improvement after finishing 4-20-1 last season.
49. Luke Voors
School: Tri-County
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .358, 19 runs and eight RBI.
Scouting report: A quality infielder and bat for the Cavaliers who figured out how to get on base and scratch together runs. The Midwestern Conference will be competitive and it’ll be Voors who will attempt to give Tri-County the needed jolt.
50. Vince Telenko
School: Central Catholic
Position: Pitcher and Outfielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 7-0 record, 1.96 ERA in 39.1 innings.
Scouting report: Telenko proved to be a reliable right handed pitcher with his fastball command in and off the plate. Now he’ll look to prove himself as a reliable batter as well.
51. Jarrett Smith
School: Seeger
Position: Catcher and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .324 with two triples, one double and 12 RBIs.
Scouting report: Consistent bat and a player that proved skilled in bringing runners home. Only 5-foot-8 but knows how to cleanly block pitches in the dirt.
52. Creux Rieman
School: Covington
Position: Pitcher and Utility
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .395 batting average, one triple, eight doubles, 13 RBIs, 27 runs scored, .430 OBP and 23 stolen bases. 43 innings pitched, 50 strikeouts, 1.96 ERA.
Scouting report: A left-handed arm that will make Covington versatile and a sectional contender in 1A.
53. Tate Goyer
School: Twin Lakes
Position: First baseman
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .346 with six doubles and 22 RBIs.
Scouting report: Goyer can scoop out throws in the dirt and played a crucial role in making Twin Lakes’ lineup challenging to get through cleanly 1 through 9.
54. Joe Doty
School: West Lafayette
Position: Infielder and Pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: .319 batting average, 5 doubles, 16 RBIs.
Scouting report: Brings experience to an infield that started two freshmen last season. New coaching staff, new direction and the Red Devils could surprise teams in the Hoosier Conference.
55. Jonah Gerkey
School: Central Catholic
Position: Pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: 4-0 record, 3.32 ERA in 33.2 innings
Scouting report: Quality right-handed pitcher that induces soft contact and fundamentally sound as a fielder for the Knights. Gerkey follows in the footsteps of older brother Noah who was an All-Area Small Schools player. Smooth and consistent.
56. Calvin Snyder
School: West Lafayette
Position: Catcher and infielder
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: .315 batting average, three doubles, one home run and 14 RBIs.
Scouting report: Snyder is coming off a successful basketball season and now he’ll look to impact the diamond after an impressive offensive year with plenty of strike zone to protect at 6-foot-5.
57. Titus Kilty
School: Carroll
Position: Pitcher and infielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: DNP due to injury
Scouting report: Committed to Bethel University and should give Carroll offensive layers it was lacking last season due to his injuries.
58. Luke Arvin
School: Tri-County
Position: Outfielder
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: Batted .319 with 21 RBIs and 19 runs scored.
Scouting report: Played confidently in the outfield and batted well to become a 3-4 hitter. More production expected out of Arvin.
59. LJ Whitford
School: Central Catholic
Position: Shortstop and second baseman
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: Batted .321 with two doubles, 18 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
Scouting report: Whitford started at shortstop for the Red Devils and now will get a new opportunity with Central Catholic that has not only churned out college level players. Defensively is where the Knights hope to see the most growth and Whitford will have plenty of mentors to learn the game from likes of Mikey Stapleton.
60. Travis Tinsman
School: Carroll
Position: Third baseman
Class: Senior
2025 stats: .306 batting average, 16 RBIs, five doubles and two home runs.
Scouting report: Powerful right-handed bat at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. Tinsman moves well having played offensive line in football and possesses quality hands in the hot corner.
61. Konner Ellsbury
School: Crawfordsville
Position: Outfielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .255 with an .488 on base percentage and 20 walks.
Scouting report: It wasn’t always pretty for Ellsbury but his ability to battle and work the count allowed the Athenians to remain competitive in 2025.
62. Alex Lopez
School: Frankfort
Position: Pitcher and utility
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .316 with six doubles, one triple and one home run. Pitched 50.2 innings, 1.11 ERA, 46 strikeouts and 30 walks.
Scouting report: The back bone of the Hot Dogs’ staff and a player that rotated between first, second, third base and shortstop. Lopez on the mound gives Frankfort a leader and a proven 2-way player who could compete in college.
63. Keaton Luttrell
School: South Newton
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: .305 batting average, two home runs, six doubles, 14 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.
Scouting report: Luttrell shined on a program that finished 1-20. Displayed impressive bat speed for a freshman playing varsity and was aggressive on the base paths.
64. Bryce Gibson
School: North Newton
Position: Pitcher and shortstop
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: Batted .393 with six doubles and 11 RBIs.
Scouting report: Gibson takes his athleticism from the football field where he played safety and quarterback to the diamond where he was a consistent and reliable bat for the Spartans.
65. Lucas Waggoner
School: Frankfort
Position: Pitcher and Outfielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .273 with three doubles, 17 RBIs and threw 43 innings and 1.95 ERA.
Scouting report: Pitched quality innings and will look to cement Frankfort as one of the top rotations in the Lafayette area.
66. Dillon Heaton
School: Clinton Central
Position: Pitcher and Outfielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Threw 50.2 innings, 89 strikeouts and 24 walks.
Scouting report: Ate up innings and threw his fastball efficiently for Clinton Central. Heaton will look to regain his form as a hitter after his average dipped by 88 points.
67. Christian Carlson
School: Faith Christian
Position: Infielder and pitcher
Class: Junior
2025 stats: Batted .333 with five doubles and eight RBIs.
Scouting report: Carlson has been Faith Christian’s top overall player since entering his freshman year. Hits line drives, stabilizes the infield and completes the Eagles’ program.
68. Brady Boone
School: Clinton Central
Position: Outfielder
Class: Senior
2025 stats: Batted .291 with one home run, one triple and two doubles.
Scouting report: Patrolled the outfield and hit well. Boone looks to increase his production after five seniors graduated for the Buildogs
69. Austin Franklin
School: Lafayette Jeff
Position: Pitcher and catcher
Class: Sophomore
2025 stats: N/A
Scouting report: Franklin projects well long term for the Bronchos as a catcher and pitcher after a brief stint at varsity. Franklin’s father Greg is the Lafayette Jeff head coach.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette area top 69 baseball players to watch in 2026
Reporting by Ethan Hanson, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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