Arizona High School Baseball: Elite Talent & Title Hunts Define 2026 Season

Arizona continues to stake its claim as a baseball hotbed, with passionate fans drawn every spring to the Cactus League, the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, regional showcase tournaments, and a thriving prep baseball landscape. Beyond the bright lights of professional and collegiate ball, Arizona’s high school diamond talent is among the nation’s most competitive, producing scouts’ top prospects and deep playoff runs year after year.

Casteel Vs Hamilton Semi-Final Game, Casteel Wins 9-7 at HoHoKam Stadium (Photo by Thomas Guzman)

In the 6A division of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), Casteel High School enters the season as one of the state’s most formidable clubs. After finishing strong in 2025 and earning a high state ranking (No. 4 in MaxPreps statewide rankings) with a 25-6 record, the Colts return a loaded roster and title aspirations.

Casteel’s lineup features multiple Division I commitments and notable talents:

• Ryan Harwood — committed to Texas A&M

• Ryne Barker — committed to Texas Tech

• Baylor Denny — committed to Oklahoma

• Blake Gonzales — committed to BYU

• Jace Diaz — committed to Army

• Plus impact underclassmen such as Evan Hedlund, Evan Thompson, Taylor Dodd, and others.

his blend of collegiate talent and prep impact players makes Casteel not only a favorite for the 6A state title but also a squad to watch nationally according to Perfect Game’s archived team rankings, where Casteel has cracked the national Top 50 for past cycles.

Last season, Casteel fell short in the 6A championship game, losing to Corona del Sol 10-0 at Tempe Diablo Stadium, a rare uncharacteristic defeat for the Colts.  With that experience in the rearview mirror, Casteel’s mission is clear: avenge that loss and bring home the state crown.

The defending 6A state champions, Corona del Sol, return with their own collection of elite talent. Standouts such as:

• Colton Floyd (Texas A&M commitment)

• Ben Jacobus (TCU commit)

• Kellan Tom (Arizona State)

• Connor Rae (Arkansas)

• Gabriel Becho-Garcia

…give Corona both depth and star power. For years, Corona and Casteel have formed the core of 6A’s elite, trading heavy wins and heightening rivalries that define the top tier of Arizona baseball.

The Aztecs’ strong postseason pedigree and defending title status ensure they’ll remain in the mix all season.

Corona Del Sol 2025 State Champions, Corona Del Sol vs Casteel (Photo by Jonathan Olden)

Shifting tides in the Queen Creek baseball program, traditionally a competitive contender,

come as standout multi-sport athlete Tait Reynolds (a Clemson football commit) graduated early to enroll at Clemson in December. While his primary impact was on the gridiron, his athletic presence leaves a leadership gap that the baseball team must fill collectively this season.

A team garnering preseason buzz is Perry High School baseball, fueled by transfer additions that reshape expectations. Notable transfers include:

• Cooper LeRoy (from Mesquite)

• Briggs Rooney (from Casteel)

• McGuire Ryan (from Casteel)

• Adrian Sisco (from Desert Mountain)

With nearly nine player additions this offseason, Perry checks in at No. 8 in our preseason 6A rankings and could grow into a top-five threat as the season progresses.

Over in the 5A ranks, last year’s champions Centennial High School and runner-up Canyon View head the pack once again. The Coyotes are positioned at No. 7 in our preseason 5A rankings and Canyon View at No. 1. Centennial lost Alabama commit Bobby Villa III as he transferred to Liberty High School and Canyon View lost last season’s Gatorade Player of the Year (Landon Hood) as he graduated.

The rest of the 5A Top 12 is competitive from top to bottom, with programs like Canyon Del Oro and Catalina Foothills often near the top, and Notre Dame Prep emerging as a sleeper contender poised to shake up the standings.

Salpointe Catholic vs Mesquite, Round 3, 9-1 Salpointe Wins at Tempe Diablo Stadium (Photo by Thomas Guzman)

In the 4A division, Salpointe Catholic High School enters as the preseason No. 1 with aspirations of back-to-back state titles. The Lancers dominated in 2025 with a 16-1 record, their lone blemish coming against Nogales, and now look to maintain their elite form all season long.

Their chief challenger is the Flagstaff program, ranked No. 3 in our 4A preseason hierarchy, setting up another thrilling title chase in the division.

Arizona’s high school baseball season is stacked with talent, compelling narratives, and a deep field of contenders across multiple classifications. From seasoned state favorites like Casteel and Corona del Sol to rising powers like Perry and perennial challengers in 5A and 4A, the diamond in the Grand Canyon State promises drama and excellence from the first pitch to the final out.