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Class of 2027 Player Rankings Update (June 2024)

June 13, 2024
Dylan Grenz
Associate Scout

As the Washington high school baseball season has reached its conclusion, we also reach the conclusion of our high school player rankings spring updates. This spring, Prep Baseball Staff saw hundreds of players, and saw several standout performers throughout. Today, in our final week of the three-week player rankings updates, we reveal our 2027 player rankings.

As always, Prep Baseball's evaluation process is a fluid and ongoing process with multiple viewings in order to get the best feel for players abilities. It is important to note that as players continue their development, some show marked improvement at a much more rapid pace. That doesn’t indicate that other players have necessarily gotten worse or went backwards. As the year unfolds, players make improvements and new prospects constantly arise, naturally expanding Prep Baseball's ranking lists. In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in Washington and nationally, have had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and create the most informed and comprehensive rankings list possible.

Featuring a total of 25 prospects, the class of 2027 list showcases several standout high school performers, other mainstays in top prospect lists, and an increasingly deep pool of two-way talent. Below is our top 10 list and other notes on some of the top players from the 2027 class.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RANKINGS

  

Familiar Face at #1

After earning the top spot in the most recent December update, INF Max Hemenway (Puyallup/Tennessee commit) retains his top spot after a strong freshman campaign. The versitile athlete saw run at multiple infield spots this season, and was a consistent feature in a deep Puyallup lineup. The bat is what continues to stand out here, as Hemenway showcases an advanced approach, consistently producing hard contact from the LH side with elite batspeed. The freshman also showed ability to get to his power in-game, particularly to the pull side, as 7 of his 22 hits were for extra bases during the HS season. Defensively, Hemenway makes all the routine plays with quick, twitchy actions and a plus arm. Plays with a noticable confidence in multiple looks this spring. The strong, athletic frame should project well both in years to come as a dominant HS force and later at the collegiate level.

From 3/22/24: ... "Elite hitting traits. Produced flush contact all day with an XBH & 2 loud outs. Balanced set up w/ athletic load & rhythm. Quickness in the hands. Moves the barrel easily. Swing path gives him tremendous plate coverage. Twitchy defender on the dirt with active feet & above average arm"

Top Risers

#2 2027 RHP/INF Eli Jones (Woodinville/Oregon State)
Medium framed right hander stood out on the mound and should continue to have a high ceiling moving forward. FB was up to 89, comfortably sat 86-88 with a 2S 83-84 and a SL 73-74 in most recent spring look. Deliberate wind with late intent gives added life to heater, which plays to all quadrants. Can hit to all fields from the RH side of the plate and plays steady infield defense with natural athleticism.

#7 2027 SS/C Pete Browand (Peninsula)
Browand impressed both in preseason events and HS season looks, earning a jump into the latest top 10 rankings. The freshman plays with an edge and was crucial on both sides of the ball for Peninsula. Played SS out of necessity but is a solid defender and framer with quickness behind the plate. Growing strength produces positive results at the dish, allowing for more slug in-game with a balanced swing and loose bat through the zone. A grinder that should only continue to improve moving forward.

#11 2027 SS Cooper McGowan (Battle Ground)
Slim, athletic framed infielder had a productive freshman season and was a big part of earning BG a trip to the state playoffs. Showed good bat-to-ball skills in multiple looks with flatter RH swing. Smooth all-around game with no glaring holes. Makes it look easy at SS, consistently getting into ideal fielding position with a quick transfer to throw. Projectable 6'1 frame, athlete to watch in years to come.

#18 2027 RHP Declan Crawford (Edmonds-Woodway)
Young arm has an easy operation showed potential in multiple looks this spring. FB was up to 85 in an appearance in the state semi's in Pasco, with a SL in the low 70's to partner. Repeatable delivery with consistent arm action. Very even keeled demeanor and impressive maturity for underclassman status. Can be an elite arm talent with continued added strength to frame and ability to fill up the zone.

#19 2027 RHP/SS Austin Halvorson (Jackson)
Medium framed righty had a great start to his high school career, posting a 1 flat ERA this season in 21 varsity innings. Starts delivery in closed stretch position. Stays in lower half through leg lift and release. Smooth operation with over-top release. FB topped out at 82 in a February workout with a CH/SL/CB combination in the arsenal as well. Spins the breaking balls particularly well. Classic LH swing with loft and smooth actions defensively.

#20 2027 RHP/1B Akoni Nazarino (Kentridge)
Stocky RH arm was a workhorse for Kentridge, totaling 46 innings of impressive work. Controlled delivery from wind with late intent. FB sat 83-85 in winter workout with a CH/SL/CB mix to partner. At the plate, shows minimal wasted movement in stance in load. Creates separation with hands and wide base through contact, should continue to grow into more power. Easy arm strength in the infield, gets into proper fielding position consistently. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Ridgefield Summer ID WA 06/20 Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex
Seattle Summer ID WA 06/25 Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Spokane Summer ID WA 06/26 Whitworth University - Spokane, WA
Seattle Summer ID - Session II WA 07/02 Island Crest Park - Mercer Island, WA
Portland Summer ID - Session II WA 07/02 Wilsonville High School
Future Games (Class of 2026/27) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Pacific Northwest State Games (Invite-Only) WA 07/30 Heritage High School