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The upcoming generation of talent in high school baseball is prepared to advance this spring.
While scouts throughout the sport are focused on the top prospects in the 2024 group, there is already a significant amount of anticipation for the 2025 and 2026 classes.
In addition to our Preseason High School All-American teams, Baseball America is thrilled to announce our Preseason Underclass All-American teams, which consist of the top players in the 2025 class and beyond. The players recognized here are chosen based on a combination of their potential to reach the major leagues and their current abilities, taking into account their performance on the field. This is not simply a list of the highest-ranked prospects, but it is expected that many of these players will be selected early in the draft and go on to become stars at the college level. The teams primarily feature players from the 2025 class, with a select group of players from the 2026 class as well.
Two players from the 2025 class—shortstop Ethan Holliday and outfielder Dean Moss—are first-team Underclass All-Americans who have also earned spots on BA’s All-American teams, which primarily consist of 2024 players. Holliday made the first team, while Moss was placed on the third team.
LSU leads the way with six Preseason Underclass All-American recruits who have committed to play for the Tigers. Vanderbilt has four commits on the teams, while TCU, Mississippi, and Oregon State each have three commits.
Players marked with an asterisk (*) are part of the 2026 class.
First Team
Second Team
Third Team
Trent Grindlinger, C, Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS
Grindlinger possesses a substantial 6-foot-3 frame for a catcher and is likely to remain behind the plate. His strong arm enables him to control the running game, and offensively, he consistently makes contact with the ability to drive the ball with force.
Ethan Holliday, INF, Stillwater (Okla.) HS
Being the son of seven-time all-star Matt Holliday and the brother of the No. 1 prospect in baseball (Orioles shortstop Jackson Holliday) has contributed to Ethan’s fame, but his talent is what makes him the top prospect in the 2025 class. He has a refined left-handed swing, an exceptional eye for the strike zone, a mature offensive approach that allows him to use the entire field, and the potential to develop 30-plus home run power.
Coy James, INF, Davie County HS, Mocksville, N.C.
James was consistently outstanding throughout 2023, starting with an impressive spring season, followed by a remarkable summer, and culminating in his participation as a 16-year-old on Team USA at the U-18 World Cup, where he played alongside mostly 2024 teammates. He is a player with a high baseball IQ and is one of the best hitters in the country.
Brady Ebel, INF, Corona (Calif.) HS
Ebel is one of the youngest players in the 2025 class, but his game demonstrates a level of polish that goes beyond his years, particularly at the plate. Standing at 6-foot-3, he possesses a smooth left-handed swing that is quick, compact, and adaptable. Coupled with his discerning eye for the strike zone and significant power potential, Ebel poses a dangerous offensive threat.
Kayson Cunningham, INF, Johnson HS, San Antonio, Tex.
Arguably the most accomplished hitter in the country for the 2025 class, Cunningham rarely swings and misses. Whether facing high-velocity pitches or well-executed offspeed offerings, Cunningham consistently makes solid contact throughout the strike zone. He uses a short, efficient swing from the left side to consistently reach base at a high rate.
Dean Moss, OF, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
As an underclassman at the renowned IMG Academy last spring, Moss consistently stood out as one of the top players on the field. During the summer, he competed against 2024 players with the Canes National 17U team, one of the country’s premier travel teams, and once again showcased his dominance. Moss possesses a combination of discipline at the plate, bat speed, a knack for making contact, and power, making him a potential high draft pick in 2025.
Sean Gamble, OF, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla.
With experience playing both in the infield and outfield, Gamble displays impressive athleticism and possesses the tools for power and speed. After a remarkable high school season last year, Gamble will undoubtedly attract plenty of scouts this spring at IMG Academy. He possesses tremendous bat speed from the left side, enabling him to inflict damage to all fields.
Brock Sell, OF, Tokay HS, Lodi, Calif.
Sell has been ranked among the top 50 prospects in the 2025 class for the past year, but he took his game to another level last fall at the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla. He possesses the speed and athleticism to excel in center field, and his ability to hit from the left side, combined with his developing power, makes him a significant threat to reach base consistently at the top of a lineup.
Xavier Neyens, UT, Mount Vernon (Wash.) HS
Neyens is one of the most formidable power hitters in the country. Standing at 6-foot-4, he is a left-handed masher with a patient approach at the plate and the potential to possess plus-plus raw power. Additionally, his strong arm makes him a valuable asset on the left side of the infield at third base, as well as on the mound.
Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona (Calif.) HS
Hernandez was the top-ranked pitcher in the 2025 class a year ago, and he has only solidified his status since then. A highly athletic pitcher capable of consistently throwing strikes at speeds of up to 96 mph, Hernandez possesses an elite changeup for his age and a hard, tightly spinning curveball. He accumulates strikeouts, dominates hitters, and checks all the boxes that scouts look for in a pitcher of his age.
Marcos Paz, RHP, Hebron HS, Carrollton, Tex.
Few pitchers in the country can generate as many swings and misses as Paz. He possesses an exceptional three-pitch repertoire, starting with a fastball that can reach speeds of up to 95 mph. Additionally, he possesses a slider that induces a significant number of swings and misses, as well as a changeup that effectively fools hitters.
Josh Hammond, RHP, Westchester Country Day HS, High Point, N.C.
Scouts are drawn to athletic pitchers with powerful stuff who can throw strikes and generate a significant number of strikeouts. There are not many pitchers in the 2025 class who can accumulate swing-and-miss numbers like Hammond. His fastball has reached speeds of up to 95 mph, his slider shows flashes of being an above-average pitch, and he has demonstrated a feel for a changeup, placing him among the elite group of pitchers in the 2025 draft.
Justice De Jong, RHP, Poly Prep Country Day HS, Brooklyn, N.Y.
When the 2025 draft arrives, De Jong will still be 17 years old, possessing a combination of stuff and pitching ability that places him among the top arms in his class. As a two-way player who also possesses impressive power from the right side, De Jong consistently throws strikes with a fastball that has reached speeds of up to 93 mph and a curveball that features tight rotation, allowing him to retire hitters effectively.
Tyler Baird, RHP, William Amos Hough HS, Cornelius, N.C.
Standing at 6-foot-4 with room for further physical development, Baird has already reached speeds of up to 94 mph. He generates a significant number of swings and misses with his changeup, and his slider has shown improvement, making him a high-potential starting pitcher.