Top 2028 Prospects To Watch In Minnesota

Minnesota has long been a hotbed for softball talent, consistently producing athletes who excel on both regional and national stages. The class of 2028 is no exception to that.   Notably, several Minnesota teams have been recognized among the top 25 in the Midwest. This recognition underscores the state's strong softball programs.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top softball players from Minnesota in the high school graduating class of 2028.    [player_tooltip player_id='104181' first='Gracie' last='Asplund'] is a standout 2028 softball prospect from Forest Lake, Minnesota, making a name for herself as a talented catcher with a powerful bat. Playing for the Minnesota Force, she competes in elite tournaments against top-tier competition, consistently proving she belongs among the best. At the plate, Gracie is a high-average hitter who recently launched her first home run in January, showing her growing power. Behind the dish, she excels at calling pitches, framing, and being a vocal leader for her team. Her defensive skills and leadership have earned her a spot on her high school varsity team since 7th grade—a testament to her talent and work ethic. [player_tooltip player_id='104181' first='Gracie' last='Asplund'] is a player to watch as she continues to develop into a top-tier prospect.     Kendal Saffert is a dominant right-handed pitcher from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and a rising 2028 prospect. Known for her combination of speed and power, she has already proven herself on the national stage. A standout athlete, Kendal was a top performer in the 20-yard dash and broad jump at the Showtime Sports Metro Minnesota Showcase, showcasing her strength and explosiveness. Her summer ball performance was nothing short of exceptional, as she helped to lead her Minnesota Force team to the 2024 14U Fastpitch World Championship title. She was a force at the plate, batting .455 with 10 hits, 3 walks, and just 1 strikeout. In the circle, she was equally as dominant, pitching 24.0 innings with 19 strikeouts and only 4 walks. With her impressive athleticism, command in the circle, and ability to deliver in big moments, Kendal Saffert is a player to watch for years to come.     Marin Aman is an elite 2028 catching prospect from Minnesota, known for her explosive bat speed and raw power at the plate. A top performer at the Showtime Sports Metro Minnesota Showcase, she impressed in multiple key measurables, including the 20-yard dash, pulldown velocity, bat speed, and exit velocity—highlighting her exceptional athleticism and offensive potential. Her summer ball performance with Moose 14U National was outstanding, solidifying her reputation as one of the top hitters in her class. Additionally, her selection to participate in the USA HPP Selection Event speaks to her high-level talent and national recognition. With her powerful bat, strong defensive skills behind the plate, and ability to perform against elite competition, Marin Aman is a rising star in the 2028 class and a name to watch in the coming years.     Mackenzie Darsow is a powerhouse 2028 right-handed pitching prospect from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, known for her impressive pitching abilities and hitting skills. A remarkable player at the Showtime Sports Metro Minnesota Showcase, she shined in pitching velocity and exit velocity, showcasing her strength and all-around athleticism. Her talent has earned her recognition from Breakdown USA as an Elite 35 Underclassman and a Minnesota Top Young Player, highlighting her as one of the top up-and-coming prospects in the state. Always striving for improvement, Mackenzie dedicates countless hours to refining her craft in the batting cages and through private instruction. Competing at the highest level with Mojo 09 Fox, Mackenzie faces top-tier competition across the country, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the 2028 class. With her relentless work ethic, powerful bat, and strong presence in the circle, she will be an excellent addition to any team.     Lauren Schellhammer is an elite right-handed pitcher from Minnesota, known for her exceptional velocity, spin, and all-around dominance in the circle. A top performer at the Showtime Sports Metro Minnesota Showcase, she excelled in pitching velocity, bat speed, and exit velocity, showcasing her dual-threat ability. Her impressive accolades include being a two-time USA All-American and a NAFA Softball National Champion, further solidifying her status as a top-tier prospect. Her preseason dome ball stats were outstanding, with 29.2 innings pitched, 70 strikeouts, a 1.180 WHIP, and a .168 BAA, demonstrating her ability to dominate hitters with both her velocity and movement. With her elite-level pitching, powerful bat, and championship pedigree, Lauren Schellhammer is definitely a name to watch in the 2028 class.     Maddie Mulcahy is a dynamic outfielder from Minnesota, known for her elite speed, versatility, and ability to ignite an offense as a leadoff hitter. A fantastic slapper with outstanding plate discipline, she consistently finds ways to get on base, using her quickness to put pressure on defenses. More than just a slap hitter, Maddie has the ability to drive the ball from gap to gap for extra-base hits, making her a tough out for any opponent. On the basepaths, she is aggressive and smart, always looking to take an extra base and create scoring opportunities for her team. With her combination of speed, discipline, and an ability to make things happen at the top of the lineup, Maddie Mulcahy is a game-changer with a bright future at a high level of the sport.

Minnesota has long been a hotbed for softball talent, consistently producing athletes who excel on both regional and national stages. The class of 2028 is no exception to that.