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1) Stillwater

The defending state champion Ponies have cemented themselves as a dynasty over the last few years, having now won two state titles since 2018. Although they graduated a good chunk of their roster, plenty of familiar faces will be returning to the diamond in 2023, and they should have a chance to earn the coveted title of back to back state champs.

2) Farmington

After cruising their way to the state title as the favorite, the Tigers ran into a brick wall in Stillwater and fell 8-1 in the title game. Although they have graduated a slew of seniors from that tournament team, Farmington feels confident in the leadership of their seniors and the skill of their underclassmen. Luke Walton, the Tiger’s senior captain and second baseman, will look to bring his team back to the state championship at Target Field for a third consecutive year.

3) Chanhassen

A surprise team in the tournament last year, the Lightning were electric to say the least. Their first round game was a 14-0 thrashing of Andover, and although they eventually fell 5-3 against Stillwater, the fact that they kept it so close is a testament to this team’s abilities. Chanhassen could be in for a big season.

4) Sartell-St. Stephens

If you need a team with chemistry, look no further than Sartell-St. Stephens. Despite the recent snow burying its field, the team came together and shoveled it off in hopes that they can still play their home opener. The Sabers are a state-tournament team that is returning one of the best pitchers in the state in Tyler Hemmesch.

5) Maple Grove

Returning a core of starters that have been together since their sophomore year, Maple Grove’s seniors will be its key to victory if it wants to make a run in the state tournament this year. Tanner Albeck, the blazing fast Minnesota-Duluth commit, led the state in stolen bases last year.

6) Mounds View

A consistently good team year in and year out, Mounds View has had trouble stringing together a deep playoff run over the last few years, but the talent is surely there. Drew Rogers, a Georgia Tech commit, combines a big bat with excellent defense behind the dish. Pitching to him will be Tyler Guerin, a 6-foot-7 Iowa commit who can absolutely deal on the mound. These two are just a few of the many Mustangs who can help pilot their team back to state.

7) East Ridge

They didn’t make the tournament last year, but considering they won it all in 2019, it’s safe to say the Raptors are due to return if they play to their standards. Bringing back one of the most stacked pitching rotations in the state that includes three Division 1 commits, East Ridge’s hitting will be the biggest X-factor as to whether or not they make it to the tourney.

8) Cretin Derham-Hall

This program may be primarily known as the home of a young Joe Mauer, but the 2023 Raider squad has plenty of big time prospects of their own. One of the most notable is Paul Jones, a lefty University of Maryland commit who can pitch, hit and field with the best of them.

9) Andover

Although the Huskies made it to state last year, they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Chanhassen, and they are now back to square one as the season gets ready to start. Fortunately, they have plenty of athletes to build around. They are returning three starting pitchers who are set to play at the next level, and they will spend their last year together dealing on the hill.

10) St. Louis Park

A first round exit in state last year, St. Louis Park still proved it could hang with anyone put in front of them, and despite losing roughly half of its lineup to graduation, it retained a group of experienced pitchers. Knowing this, it should still be a team to watch heading into the spring.

11) Park of Cottage Grove

The Constellation champions of last year’s state tournament, the Wolfpack used their bats to bash their way through the home stretch, scoring 15 runs in their final two games. They will have plenty of momentum heading into this season, which will open up against Irondale on April 10.

12) Chaska

The 20-4 powerhouse that was Chaska had its dominant season upended in sections, where it lost 7-4 against Prior Lake. Don’t expect the Hawks to take this loss lying down, as their revenge campaign begins at home on April 12 against Rogers.

13) St. Michael-Albertville

The Knights have a revolving door of talent, and while they lost a few key seniors to college ball, they will still bring back some studs. Matthew Maulik, an infielder with a big bat, and he should come into his own as one of the state’s perennial power hitters this spring.

14) Champlin Park

Champlin Park has surely caught the attention of opposing coaches across the state, as four of its returning starters are listed as players to watch. Andrew Rakow, one of the four in question, is a Creighton commit whose fastball tops out at nearly 90 miles per hour.

15) Rosemount

The 19-8 Irish were having a good year and potentially a state tournament run, but they fell short after getting shut out against Park of Cottage Grove in the section final. One of their players to watch in 2023 will be Mathias Strunk. The right handed pitcher and corner infielder will provide versatility to the Irish, and he should be a big part of their game plan going forward.

16) Prior Lake

Although the Lakers had a mediocre record at best last year, their step forward could be a monumental one if they play their cards right. They have an influx of talented upperclassmen pitchers who are entering the prime of their prep careers, and this could result in a lot more wins in 2023.

17) Benilde-St. Margaret's

The defending Class 3A state champion Red Knights secured their title off a thrilling walk off win over Mankato West, but that was last year. This year, the Red Knights will build around what’s left of their championship team in hopes of replicating last year’s success.

18) Mankato West

Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss in the Class 3A state championship game last year, Mankato West is still here, and it can still play good baseball. Despite graduating plenty of seniors, it has its share of talented returners shown by the nine representatives they have on the Minnesota Baseball Coaches’ list of players to watch.

19) Woodbury

Although Woodbury lost a trio of all-state level talent, the Royals' future still looks bright for the program, as they continue to be a pipeline for colleges. They appear to be a well balanced team heading into their opener, where they will play Hastings.

20) Hopkins

The Royals lost a big piece of their program from last year’s squad. Mr. Baseball recipient Maddox Mihalakis is now playing for the University of Arizona. Time will tell who fills his shoes, but as of now, Hopkins is concerned with their fast approaching home opener.

21) Eden Prairie

Fresh off of a 16-6 season where the Eagles ultimately faltered in sections against Waconia, they are back with a tournament run at the forefront of their minds. They are bringing back plenty of guys from last year’s squad, and this chemistry will play a big part in any postseason play going forward.

22) Fairmont

The defending Class 2A state champion, the Cardinals' performance in the tournament was far too dominant to not grant them an initial ranking. They outscored their opponents 22-5, an unprecedented feat when facing the best of the best in your class. Their 2023 campaign will be a fun one to keep an eye on.

23) Blaine

The Bengals were within grasp of a state tournament berth last year, but they were shut out by Andover, who went in their place. Coming so close to state after such a successful season has to sting, and they will open up their 2023 campaign at home against Osseo in what could be their first step on the road to the state tournament.

24) Moorhead

Although the Spuds have plenty of talent on their roster, one story sticks out above the rest. Freshman Tyden Bergeson received varsity time last spring as an eighth grader, and posted a .475 average in Legion ball over the past summer. It’ll be exciting to watch him develop along with the team.

25) Waconia

After a down year that saw the Wildcats post a dismal 9-14 record, they are back in 2023 with a few studs that could lift this program back into the statewide spotlight. Reed Klatt, a pitcher and catcher for Waconia, has a cannon for an arm and a barrel for a bat, and his performance behind the dish as well as on the bump will be a big factor for the spring season.