Beau Peterson earns 2026 Kansas Player of the Year
Beau Peterson, a standout infielder from Mill Valley, was crowned the 2026 Prep Baseball Kansas Player of the Year, capping a season that saw his team finish 24‑5 and secure back‑to‑back state tournament berths.
He posted a .535 batting average, amassing 46 hits that included 24 extra‑base knocks, while driving in 37 runs and stealing 28 bases. Remarkably, he struck out only five times in over 120 plate appearances, underscoring his disciplined approach at the plate.
Peterson’s performance has positioned him as one of the nation’s most coveted draft prospects. The infielder has already committed to the University of Texas, where he will continue his development under a program known for producing major‑league talent.
The award places Peterson among a lineage of Kansas standouts; Eli Lovich of Blue Valley West captured the honor in 2024, followed by Michael Winter of Shawnee Mission East in 2025. Their successes reflect a competitive landscape that continually elevates the state’s baseball pedigree.
A two‑time Prep Baseball All‑American, Peterson’s blend of contact hitting, speed, and defensive reliability has drawn attention from scouts across the country, making his upcoming professional transition one of the most anticipated storylines in upcoming drafts.