Baseball's #1 High School Prospects
A Blog By Dean And Casey Byte
Editors Note: This blog was a joint effort by myself and the chatbot I built. The bot was unable to actually make a list of the top high school prospects from the last 15 years. So, I went and made that list and then had Casey write this blog. I would say it does a solid job at breaking down each player.
The Evolution of High School Baseball’s Top Prospects (2010-2025)
Introduction
Scouting high school baseball talent is one of the most challenging tasks in sports. These players are judged on potential, skill, and maturity while facing intense competition for rankings. Over the last 15 years, a select few have risen above their peers to claim the title of the top high school baseball prospect in their graduating class. This blog breaks down these elite players, showcasing their high school dominance, their journeys into professional baseball, and how they’ve shaped the game.
2010: Jameson Taillon
Position: RHP
High School: The Woodlands HS (TX)
Achievements: The Pirates selected Taillon with the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. He was lauded for his electric fastball and maturity on the mound.
Career Notes: After overcoming Tommy John surgery and cancer, Taillon has carved out a respectable MLB career, transitioning into a solid mid-rotation starter for teams like the Yankees and Cubs.
2011: Bryce Harper
Position: C/OF
High School: Las Vegas HS (NV)
Achievements: Harper skipped his senior year of high school, attending junior college to fast-track his draft eligibility. The Nationals selected him 1st overall in 2010, and he made his MLB debut at just 19.
Career Notes: Harper became the face of MLB’s youth movement. A seven-time All-Star and two-time MVP, he is one of the most iconic players of his generation.
2012: Carlos Correa
Position: SS
High School: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
Achievements: The Astros made Correa the first Puerto Rican player to go 1st overall in the MLB Draft. Scouts loved his combination of power, speed, and defensive ability.
Career Notes: Correa’s MLB resume includes a Rookie of the Year Award, multiple Gold Glove nominations, and a key role in the Astros' 2017 World Series victory.
2013: Clint Frazier
Position: OF
High School: Loganville HS (GA)
Achievements: Known for his elite bat speed, Frazier was selected 5th overall by Cleveland in the 2013 MLB Draft.
Career Notes: Despite his natural talent, Frazier has faced injuries and inconsistency in his MLB career, playing for the Yankees and Cubs in recent years.
2014: Brady Aiken
Position: LHP
High School: Cathedral Catholic HS (CA)
Achievements: The Astros selected Aiken 1st overall, citing his elite command and advanced pitching mechanics.
Career Notes: Aiken’s story is a cautionary tale—he never signed with Houston due to medical concerns and ultimately struggled with injuries, never reaching MLB.
2015: Brendan Rodgers
Position: SS
High School: Lake Mary HS (FL)
Achievements: Rodgers was the 3rd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, chosen by the Rockies for his smooth swing and defensive versatility.
Career Notes: After a slow start, Rodgers has developed into a reliable infielder for Colorado, highlighted by his 2022 Gold Glove Award.
2016: Jason Groome
Position: LHP
High School: Barnegat HS (NJ)
Achievements: Groome’s combination of size, velocity, and polish made him the 12th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Red Sox.
Career Notes: Injuries have hindered Groome’s rise, but he remains a promising prospect in the Padres' organization.
2017: Hunter Greene
Position: RHP/SS
High School: Notre Dame HS (CA)
Achievements: Greene was the 2nd overall pick in 2017, known for his triple-digit fastball and two-way potential as a pitcher and shortstop.
Career Notes: After fully committing to pitching, Greene has become the ace of the Reds’ rotation, dazzling with his high-velocity arsenal.
2018: Matthew Liberatore
Position: LHP
High School: Mountain Ridge HS (AZ)
Achievements: Liberatore, praised for his poise and pitchability, was the 16th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Rays.
Career Notes: Traded to the Cardinals, Liberatore has shown flashes of brilliance but is still working to establish himself as an MLB starter.
2019: Bobby Witt Jr.
Position: SS
High School: Colleyville Heritage HS (TX)
Achievements: Witt Jr. was the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and the consensus top high school player, thanks to his five-tool potential.
Career Notes: Witt debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of MLB’s brightest young stars, combining speed and power.
2020: Zac Veen
Position: OF
High School: Spruce Creek HS (FL)
Achievements: Veen’s advanced approach and raw power made him the 9th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft.
Career Notes: Veen remains one of the Rockies’ top prospects as he works his way through the minors.
2021: Brady House
Position: SS
High School: Winder-Barrow HS (GA)
Achievements: House, selected 11th overall, was known for his immense raw power and arm strength.
Career Notes: Transitioning to third base, House has shown promise in the Nationals' system.
2022: Elijah Green
Position: OF
High School: IMG Academy (FL)
Achievements: Green’s elite speed and power earned him the 5th overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Nationals.
Career Notes: Still in the minors, Green is regarded as a future impact player.
2023: Walker Jenkins
Position: OF
High School: South Brunswick HS (NC)
Achievements: Jenkins was the 5th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, known for his polished hitting and strong arm.
Career Notes: Jenkins is just beginning his professional journey, but his tools make him one to watch.
2024: PJ Morlando
Position: OF
High School: Summerville HS (SC)
Achievements: A left-handed hitter with elite bat speed, Morlando is expected to be a top draft pick in 2024.
2025: Ethan Holliday
Position: SS
High School: Stillwater HS (OK)
Achievements: The younger brother of MLB star Jackson Holliday, Ethan combines a smooth swing with standout defensive skills.