As we get set to begin the 2023 Florida high school baseball season, there are multiple storylines across the state that you should be following this spring. Of that group, here are five of the biggest, including potential repeat state champions, coaching changes, and more.
Can Stoneman Douglas Three-peat in Class 7A?
Out of the multiple talented teams in South Florida, few have impressed more in the last two seasons than Stoneman Douglas, winners of back-to-back Class 7A state titles. The Eagles, who return a talented roster led by one of the state’s top two-way players, Christian Rodriguez, should be among the favorites in 7A again in the 2023 season, and they potentially could become the first Florida high school baseball team to three-peat since Canterbury, which won three straight from 2016-18 in Class 3A.
Will North Broward Prep Three-peat?
Also on the topic of three-peats, there’s another South Florida team to watch for in that conversation: North Broward Prep. After claiming the Class 4A state title in 2021, the Eagles won in a new classification, 3A, a year ago, and they’ll be chasing the 3A title again this season.
Who Is the State’s Top Team?
Of a group that certainly includes the aforementioned Stoneman Douglas, who is the top Florida high school baseball team as we enter the 2023 season? Alongside the Eagles, numerous other teams belong in the conversation, including IMG Academy, Calvary Christian-Clearwater, Jesuit, and Doral Academy. Time ultimately will tell who the top 2023 team in Florida high school baseball truly is.
Will Anyone Rise into the First Round?
When it comes to the 2023 MLB Draft, Florida high school baseball has at least two names likely to be selected in the first round: Mitchell’s Aidan Miller and Reborn Christian’s Charlee Soto. Other potential first-rounders are Strawberry Crest’s Arjun Nimmala and Calvary Christian-Clearwater’s Liam Peterson. Will those players strengthen their draft status this season, and will anyone else emerge this spring to potentially join that group?
Howard Era Begins at Mosley
As with every new season, a number of coaches are entering their first season at their respective schools. One of the biggest offseason coaching changes came at Mosley, where Bobby Howard has taken over. An experienced and accomplished head coach, Howard has more than 1,000 wins and 12 state titles at multiple Georgia schools, most notably perennial power Columbus High. Howard takes over a Dolphins program that won the 5A state title two years ago.
