The 2026 college baseball season has been a showcase of talent, with freshmen stepping up and making their mark. These young players are not just future stars but are already impacting the game with their skills and potential. Here's a look at 15 freshmen who have stood out this season, each bringing something unique to the diamond.
Cam Appenzeller, LHP, Tennessee
Cam Appenzeller, a top high school prospect, has quickly made an impact at Tennessee. With a 4.12 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 43.2 innings, he's a force on the mound. His 6-foot-5 frame and low, slingy slot give him a unique delivery, sitting 90-92 mph and touching 94. The low-80s slider and low-90s true sinker showcase his advanced control and starter's potential.
Ethan Ball, 2B, Virginia Tech
Ethan Ball, a lefthanded hitter, has been a bat-first impact player for Virginia Tech. His .294/.383/.600 slash line with 12 home runs and 14 doubles in 45 games is impressive. Ball's strength and feel for lifting contact to the pull side make him a threat, but he needs to refine his approach against breaking pitches.
Jack Bauer, LHP, Mississippi State
Jack Bauer, a top 45 prospect, has worked out of the bullpen for Mississippi State. His 4.50 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 16 innings show premium stuff. Sitting 96-98 mph and touching 102, he pairs it with a sweeping slider and a fading changeup. While control remains an issue, his velocity, movement, and arm talent point to a bright future.
Ethin Bingaman, 1B, Auburn
Ethin Bingaman, a former two-way player, has transitioned to a bat-first profile at first base for Auburn. His .324/.426/.556 slash line with nine home runs and a 25-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio is impressive. Bingaman's swing handles velocity and spin, and his athleticism allows him to handle corner outfield spots or third base.
Brady Christman, OF, Georgia Southern
Brady Christman, a 6-foot, 210-pound corner outfielder, has had a standout season. His .397/.503/.776 slash line with 11 home runs and 38 strikeouts is reminiscent of Hunter Pence. Christman's plate presence, bat speed, and selective approach make him a threat, but he needs to be more consistent.
Sam Cozart, RHP, Texas
Sam Cozart, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound reliever, has been a key piece for Texas. His 1.70 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 42.1 innings showcase his five-pitch mix. The mid-90s fastball with carry and a mid-80s cutter give him a strong arsenal, and he projects as a starter with a starter's frame and arsenal.
Caden Glauber, RHP, North Carolina
Caden Glauber, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound reliever, has emerged as a key freshman for North Carolina. His 2.09 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 51.2 innings show his good movement and whippy delivery. Glauber sits 94-95 mph and touches 98, pairing it with a mid-80s sweeper and an effective changeup.
Landon Hood, RHP, Gonzaga
Landon Hood, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander, has been a critical bullpen piece for Gonzaga. His 2.75 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 39.1 innings showcase his present performance and projection. Hood's fastball sits 92-94 mph and touches 96, and he pairs it with a high-70s/low-80s changeup and a slurvy curveball.
Rett Johnson, OF, NC State
Rett Johnson, an undersized lefthanded outfielder, has stood out with his plate skills. His .420/.528/.503 slash line and 14 stolen bases show his ability to control a tight strike zone and make contact. Johnson's hit-over-power profile and plus running speed make him a high-end table-setting bat.
Angel Laya, OF, Oregon
Angel Laya, a wide-shouldered lefthanded hitter, has performed beyond his years. His above-average contact rates and exit velocities driven by strong arms and bat speed are impressive. Laya can be passive at times, but he projects as a productive power-over-hit corner outfielder.
Joe Nottingham, RHP, Georgia
Joe Nottingham, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound righthander, has shown potential for Georgia. His fastball sits 95-97 mph and touches 99, and he flashes a full secondary mix. Nottingham's body, delivery, and fastball traits give him significant long-term upside.
Anthony Pack, OF, Texas
Anthony Pack, a compact lefthanded-hitting outfielder, has been a standout for Texas. His .348/.468/.534 slash line with 17 stolen bases is impressive. Pack's strong feel for the barrel and above-average exit velocities make him a threat, and he's a strong candidate to move to center field.
Jacob Parker, OF, Mississippi State
Jacob Parker, a steady bat in the Mississippi State lineup, has shown a quick lefthanded swing with pullside power. His above-average exit velocities and solid zone contact rate make him a threat. Parker's playing time in right field and his ability to handle center field make him a versatile player.
Nico Partida, 3B, Texas A&M
Nico Partida, a steady offensive presence for Texas A&M, has hit .317/.415/.585 with 12 home runs. His controlled and selective approach, combined with his bat-to-ball skill and discipline, points to a well-rounded offensive profile.
Teddy Tokheim, OF/DH, Stanford
Teddy Tokheim, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthanded hitter, has had a standout season. His .353/.423/.699 slash line with 13 home runs and 29 strikeouts showcases his advanced feel for the barrel and plus strength and bat speed.
