Huntington Beach Pitcher Reclassifies for 2026 MLB Draft

16-year-old left-hander Jared Grindlinger moves up a year to make himself eligible for this year's draft.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jared Grindlinger, a 16-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Huntington Beach Oilers, has reclassified from the class of 2027 to the class of 2026 in order to make himself eligible for the 2026 MLB amateur draft. Grindlinger, who throws 93-95 mph, is considered one of the top high school baseball prospects and has already received increased attention from pro scouts since the news broke.

Why it matters

Reclassifying a year early is an uncommon move that allows Grindlinger to enter the draft a full year sooner than originally planned. This gives him a chance to potentially get drafted and sign a professional contract right out of high school, rather than waiting another year. It also means increased scrutiny and pressure for the young pitcher as he navigates the draft process.

The details

Grindlinger, who is currently uncommitted to a college program, began the process of reclassifying in the fall by taking online classes. His decision to graduate this spring rather than next will add another top pitching talent for pro scouts to evaluate ahead of the 2026 draft. Huntington Beach coach Benji Medure confirmed the reclassification and said he was already receiving numerous calls after the news became public.

  • Grindlinger began the reclassification process in the fall of 2025.
  • Grindlinger made his season debut on February 18, 2026, striking out four and giving up five hits and three runs in three innings.

The players

Jared Grindlinger

A 16-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Huntington Beach Oilers who is considered one of the top high school baseball prospects in the class of 2026.

Benji Medure

The head coach of the Huntington Beach Oilers baseball team.

Trent Grindlinger

Jared Grindlinger's brother, who is a freshman at the University of Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“He understands the pressure about what's about to happen.”

— Benji Medure, Huntington Beach Oilers Head Coach (latimes.com)

What’s next

Pro scouts will be closely monitoring Grindlinger's performance this spring as he aims to improve his draft stock ahead of the 2026 MLB amateur draft.

The takeaway

Grindlinger's decision to reclassify a year early demonstrates his confidence in his abilities and desire to enter the professional ranks as soon as possible. However, the increased scrutiny that comes with this move will test his mental toughness as he navigates the high-pressure draft process.