Initial 2025 Overall Rankings Release (2024)

+ CLICK FOR TOP 250Each year, a new crop of players is ushered into the high school ranks, stepping into the big hallways for the first time as wide-eyed freshmen. The talent and skill level rises with each new class, and many of these rookie high schoolers are not only ready to compete at the varsity level, but also poised to excel from day one. Still others, young and determined, eye the four years ahead of them as a chance to make incremental advancements in hopes of one day contributing at the varsity level...and beyond.

No matter what level or stage in development that each player might be at, PBR is committed to being there for every step of the way. From those first hits in the spring to the summer circuit and fall championships, and to see the hard work put in during the off-season, PBR’s boots-on-the-ground scouting staff will be there. And it is because of that staff of more than 100 scouts, and a full summer and fall slate spent evaluating, that the initial 2025 Overall Rankings can now be unveiled.

A modest list of 250 players from across the country, this first rendering of the ‘25 group is meant to acknowledge the great talents and upsides of the players in this freshman class. Obviously, many new names will enter as the list expands over time. There are four years before graduation (and the 2025 MLB Draft), and PBR is eager to be along for the ride, providing the most credible and up-to-date information on this class, and all things amateur baseball.

Below, an introduction to a group that has already made an impact on the national circuit including a glimpse at the top 25:

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Konnor Griffin (MS)

Leading the way as the top player in the class, OF/RHP Konnor Griffin (Jackson Prep, MS) is equal parts present production as he is future projection. A pristine 6-foot-3, 180-pounder with electric athleticism on a frame that will hold much more strength in the future, Griffin is dynamic in all phases of the game. The right-handed hitter has a fluid stroke with quick hands and impressive balance, and demonstrates the ability to drive the ball to all fields. A potential premium defender with gazelle-like strides in center field, he also showcases impressive arm strength on the mound with fastballs running routinely into the upper 80s with more on the way. Perhaps the most exciting part, and a big reason for being slotted in the top spot, Griffin exhibits aptitude to make adjustments which, combined with his eye-opening athleticism, should only help provide for the ability to reach even greater heights in coming years.

Noah Franco (CA/FL)

California, always a hotbed for talent, checks in with a state best 31 players in the top 250, including 20 in the top 100. This comes even with California natives, OF Dean Moss (IMG Academy, FL), a Vanderbilt recruit, and LHP/OF Noah Franco (IMG Academy, FL), a Mississippi State recruit, representing the state of Florida at Nos. 7 and 12 respectively. Regardless, the Golden State reloads, with power-armed two-way slugger RHP/3B Vaughn Neckar (Vista Murrieta HS, CA), an LSU recruit, leading the way. A host of projectable players with some polish at an early age is seen throughout the list in California with talent featured all over the state. From SS Tommy Entrekin (#139, Granite Hills HS, CA) in San Diego to SS Gavin Fien (#20, Great Oak HS, CA) in Temecula to 3B/RHP Ethan Porter (Huntington Beach, CA) in Orange County, and all the way up north to RHP Chase Bentley (Granite Bay HS, CA), northeast of Sacramento, college coaches are going to be spending plenty of time out west looking for talent.

Florida’s immense talent is always of intrigue, and it is no different in 2025. Back-to-back at Nos. 2 and 3, RHP/SS Carter Smith (Bishop Verot HS, FL) and SS Jacob Kendall (Bartram Trail HS, FL), a Florida recruit, each present the type of upside that could ultimately bolster them into the top overall spot. Smith, a dynamic two-way player with premium arm strength, doubles as a quarterback in the fall, and his athleticism is obviously advanced. Kendall’s wiry-athletic frame should see significant strength added in future years, which should help boost the present eye-opening production he displays on both sides of the ball whether hitting from the left side or defending at shortstop.

Sam Cozart (NC)

Checking in at No. 4 overall, RHP Sam Cozart (Wesleyan Christian Academy, NC), a Mississippi State recruit, has shown the ability to dominate older competition thanks to a full arsenal of power stuff that includes a low-90s fastball. The imposing 6-foot-4, 210-pounder is more than just the “stuff” as he also exhibits advanced pitchability, and already looks the part of a starter at the next level.

Luis Ayden Almeyda (NJ)

New Jersey SS Luis Ayden Almeyda (PCTI, NJ) already looks the part at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds with big power potential from the right side to go along with advanced glove-to-hand abilities on the infield along with a strong (88 mph) arm across. His ability to turn the barrel along with advanced athleticism stand out at a young age. Almeyda rounds out the top five.

Jax Bishop (GA)

RHP Jax Bishop (Calhoun HS, GA), a Tennessee recruit, and C/UT Luke Billings (Prosper HS, TX) head strong classes for Georgia and Texas respectively. Bishop’s present ability to work both sides of the plate with intent on a fastball that has been up to 89 mph along with aptitude for a sharper slider lends well to future advancements made as he continues to mature. Billings made a LOUD impact at the PBR Future Games in August where his present strength and bat speed provided firm contact to all fields. Both states are well represented throughout the list, and historically, it is a good bet that more players will enter after the spring.

Sean Gamble (IA/FL)

The depth of talent, and astounding physical ability, is seen throughout the entire list. RHP Brett Crossland (Mountain Pointe HS, AZ) ran his fastball up to 93.7 mph in a bullpen setting at a PBR Arizona event. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander also showed quality feel for both a breaking ball and changeup, and there is good reason to believe that his velocity will continue to climb. Along with arms like Crossland, sweet left-handed strokes from players like No. 11 Sean Gamble (IMG Academy, FL), No. 13 OF Xavier Neyens (Mount Vernon HS, WA), an Oregon State recruit, and IF Ethan Holliday (Stillwater HS, OK), an Oklahoma State recruit, among others, stand out in an early glimpse of the class as a whole.

But this class has hardly revealed itself, and with the fall season over, we look forward to seeing all the progressions made in the off season, and especially for the impact in the high school season next spring…


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