Indiana University Athletics
2026 Baseball Preseason Watch List Central
1/3/2026 9:00:00 PM | Baseball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Before the 2026 baseball season begins, publications and outlets like D1 Baseball, Perfect Game, Baseball America will release preseason honors, awards and accolades. Below is a list of all preseason honors and awards earned by Hoosiers during the build up to the new campaign on the diamond.
The Hoosiers will be led by a talented sophomore core that includes reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Jake Hanley. IU is set to open the new season against nationally-ranked ACC foe North Carolina in Chapel Hill on February 13th.
This list will be updated throughout the preseason.
Perfect Game Preseason All-American Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (3rd Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was one of three Big Ten players tabbed as a Preseason All-American by Perfect Game in 2026. After winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last year, Hanley returns as one of the most experienced and productive players in the conference. He hit 14 home runs last year with 52 RBIs while finishing third on the team with 73 hits.
Hanley will be tasked with anchoring the middle of the lineup alongside a deep collection of sophomore bats. His classmates shortstop Cooper Malamazian, catcher Hogan Denny and third baseman Will Moore make up a talented cohort of returning talent for head coach Jeff Mercer in 2026.
Full Release
Perfect Game Class Rankings
Select Players
Perfect Game released its top players by class as the 2026 season comes around. Freshman right-handed pitcher Xavier Carrera was listed as the No. 41 overall freshman before his debut season. The hard-throwing youngster was a blue-chip recruit out of Indiana and has the potential to be a big piece of IU's bullpen this season. He was the fifth-highest player in the Big Ten listed among the nation's best freshmen.
Returning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jake Hanley was listed as the No. 16 sophomore by Perfect Game on a list of 100 players. He leads a deep collection of sophomores that are expected to produce for the Hoosiers this season. Catcher Hogan Denny was 65th on the Perfect Game release for the upcoming season.
Senior Jackson Bergman was one of the best arms in the MAC over the last two seasons. He brings a plethora of experience to Bloomington and is an expected part of IU's weekend rotation. He was the No. 67 senior by Perfect Game ahead of the new season.
Perfect Game Preseason All-Big Ten Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (1st Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was tabbed as a Preseason All-Conference selection by Perfect Game to begin the year. After a stellar first year where he took home Freshman All-American honors, Hanley is expected to anchor the middle of IU's lineup for head coach Jeff Mercer.
On top of being an all-conference selection, Hanley was named the top 2027 MLB draft prospect in the Big Ten. He started all 56 games last season at first base for the Hoosiers and slugged 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. He was one of two Big Ten first basemen to be a Gold Glove national finalist last year.
Full Release
The Hoosiers will be led by a talented sophomore core that includes reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Jake Hanley. IU is set to open the new season against nationally-ranked ACC foe North Carolina in Chapel Hill on February 13th.
This list will be updated throughout the preseason.
Perfect Game Preseason All-American Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (3rd Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was one of three Big Ten players tabbed as a Preseason All-American by Perfect Game in 2026. After winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last year, Hanley returns as one of the most experienced and productive players in the conference. He hit 14 home runs last year with 52 RBIs while finishing third on the team with 73 hits.
Hanley will be tasked with anchoring the middle of the lineup alongside a deep collection of sophomore bats. His classmates shortstop Cooper Malamazian, catcher Hogan Denny and third baseman Will Moore make up a talented cohort of returning talent for head coach Jeff Mercer in 2026.
Full Release
Perfect Game Class Rankings
Select Players
Perfect Game released its top players by class as the 2026 season comes around. Freshman right-handed pitcher Xavier Carrera was listed as the No. 41 overall freshman before his debut season. The hard-throwing youngster was a blue-chip recruit out of Indiana and has the potential to be a big piece of IU's bullpen this season. He was the fifth-highest player in the Big Ten listed among the nation's best freshmen.
Returning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jake Hanley was listed as the No. 16 sophomore by Perfect Game on a list of 100 players. He leads a deep collection of sophomores that are expected to produce for the Hoosiers this season. Catcher Hogan Denny was 65th on the Perfect Game release for the upcoming season.
Senior Jackson Bergman was one of the best arms in the MAC over the last two seasons. He brings a plethora of experience to Bloomington and is an expected part of IU's weekend rotation. He was the No. 67 senior by Perfect Game ahead of the new season.
Perfect Game Preseason All-Big Ten Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (1st Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was tabbed as a Preseason All-Conference selection by Perfect Game to begin the year. After a stellar first year where he took home Freshman All-American honors, Hanley is expected to anchor the middle of IU's lineup for head coach Jeff Mercer.
On top of being an all-conference selection, Hanley was named the top 2027 MLB draft prospect in the Big Ten. He started all 56 games last season at first base for the Hoosiers and slugged 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. He was one of two Big Ten first basemen to be a Gold Glove national finalist last year.
Full Release
Players Mentioned
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