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Grady Emerson Named 2025–26 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year

The award positions Emerson as the top high-school prospect for the July 2026 MLB Draft, framing a likely choice between signing professionally or attending the University of Texas.

Overview

  • Emerson was named the 2025–26 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year, an honor announced Wednesday after a dominant senior season at Fort Worth Christian.
  • He batted over .500, drove in more than 40 runs, helped Fort Worth Christian reach the TAPPS state title game and the team finished with a 32-7-1 record.
  • Emerson transferred to Fort Worth Christian to work with former Texas Ranger Rusty Greer and he has multiple stints with U.S. national youth teams, including a Team USA gold medal.
  • MLB Pipeline senior writer Jim Callis described Emerson as the best high-school prospect for the 2026 draft and a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick; Emerson remains committed to the University of Texas while he weighs July draft options.
  • Off the field, Emerson keeps an A average, volunteers locally and received a congratulatory call from MLB All-Star Eric Hosmer, and his Gatorade award joins a list of past winners who went on to MLB careers.