Grayson Willoughby, a senior at the University of Kentucky commit, has been recognized as the 2026 Mr. Baseball by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association, a distinction that underscores his dominance on the diamond this season.
A Season of Standout Performances
The accolade follows a campaign in which Willoughby posted a miniscule 0.83 earned run average, struck out 80 batters and showcased a fastball that has been clocked at up to 98 miles per hour, while also contributing as an infielder.
Analysts project the 6‑foot‑2 right‑hander as a high‑round prospect in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft, noting that his blend of pitching precision and hitting versatility makes him one of the most compelling talents to watch.
The honor also highlighted two other Lexington standouts, Gary Gibson and Sam Pearson, who earned First Team honors after leading their respective squads with batting averages above .420 and delivering double‑digit runs.
Gibson, a 6‑0 senior who paced the 11th Region champion Spartans with a .426 average, seven home runs and 43 runs scored, and Pearson, a 6‑1 junior who topped the Eagles with a .420 average and 40 runs, exemplify the depth of talent emerging from the local baseball scene.
The recognition by the coaches association not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects the growing competitiveness of high school baseball in Kentucky, a state that continues to produce players ready for the professional ranks.