The class of 2026 Underclass Combine is in the books, and it was exceptional.
In these events, the actual game of baseball is played with constant evaluation and instruction passed on each day. The guys get better every day, it’s just that simple, and the progress is fun to watch.
Day 3 was the conclusion of this year’s event, and it was, per usual, clean and hard-fought with roster spots to the Underclass Elite at Fenway Park on the line. I could write for a month on the day 3 standouts, but I’ll go until I get tired.
Pitchers
Jenker Romero, RHP (2026) — Georgia Premier
Reminds me of Ervin Santana and it was an easy comp. Loose and fast arm with ease of operation. Feel for a breaking ball that he can throw in and out of the zone now, although sometimes it’s on purpose and sometimes not. Very heavy ball with run and an uncomfortable at bat. He’s up to 93 mph, and there’s plenty more to come.
Nathan Chiasson, RHP (2026) — O’Connor High School (Ont.)
This guy’s got a little Shaun Marcum in him. The arm works and he sits 85 now with the ability to protect his fastball through secondary and deception. He’s a work-in-progress like all players his age, but he competes and throws a ton of strikes which, coupled with an aggressive strength program, will add 7-8 MPH to his fastball within a year.
Two-Way
Jeremiah Bibby, RHP/OF (2026) — East Nashville High School (Tenn.)
This kid walked up to me yesterday and asked if he could pitch. I agreed, not knowing what we’d get. What we saw was 85-87 with two breaking balls he can make at least 55’s in the future. He threw strikes and made adjustments easily, and his athleticism and aptitude are why. He’s got a legitimate future on the mound, and it’ll be fun to see which way it ends up.
Julian Oliver, IF/OF/RHP (2026) — Novato High School (Calif.)
He’s better for me as a position player and if there’s a pro future it’s as a bat. But for a school looking to maximize roster spots Oliver has value as an arm too.
The fastball sits 85-6 with some late run in the hitting zone, and he has feel to use it to both sides of the plate. The secondary can get away from him at times, but he has the ability to throw it for strikes and execute at the bottom of the zone.
At the plate, he’s just continued to improve and barrel everything. He’s got extra-base strength with pull-side home run power now, and he can use the other side of the field well, staying on a line keeping balls fair, and staying above it with the barrel. Defensively he can go get it even as he projects to play a corner.
Baseball player.
Hitters
Luke Martin, IF/OF (2026) — Marin Catholic High School
Speed player with gap power that can flat-out go get it defensively. Student of the game and an aggressive base runner who looks to impact the game however he can. Any line drive he hits has a chance to be extra bases, and that’s unique.
He makes the routine play defensively, but what separates him is he makes the great play look easy. It’s a 60 defender that helps everywhere and overachieves while doing it.
John Lindsey III, 1B/C (2026) — Meridian High School
Thick-bodied kid with bat speed and present strength. He has all-fields power and it’ll be plus in the future. More impressive than that is the feel to hit and get on base. When he’s on he’s above the ball and in the middle of the field with strength.
He’ll need to work on his agility and athleticism, but there’s no denying the offensive ceiling.
David Dagnino, IF (2026) — Trinity High School (Texas)
Knows his role and plays it well. Short to the ball with consistent hard contact to all fields. Line drive guy who controls the strike zone. Hustle player that competes and doesn’t take plays off. Makes the routine play and can handle shortstop. Type of guy who makes your team better and becomes a leader to those around him. Reminds of Mark Loretta.
Treydric Barnes, OF (2026) — Taylorsville High School (Miss.)
Projection body with plus power, run tool and feel to hit. Makes adjustments easily in the box with bat speed and hand strength. Glider type runner and eats up ground well. Can go get it in center and had enough arm to stop the running game. Has the hitting gene, and it’s a high offensive ceiling.
Jordan Walczykowski, CF (2026) — Jesuit High School (Calif.)
The kid barreled the ball all week. Let’s keep it simple. He’s got loose wrists and hits line drives everywhere, with speed to take the extra base. Type of guy that looks to make things happen, and doesn’t keep you in suspense waiting to see what he can do. He’s a fun player with plenty of action, and his only crime is being too aggressive at times. I’ll take that.
- BOOTH: Scouting the Underclass Premier - September 19, 2025
- BOOTH: Scouting the Fresh 50 - September 19, 2025
- BOOTH: 6 Standouts at USA Baseball 40-Man Trials - August 24, 2025
