LSU signee, Hoover star Will Adams named ASWA’s 2026 Mr. Baseball

Adam Moseley has seen plenty of talent pass through the Hoover High School baseball program, but after Sunday night, senior Will Adams has solidified his status as one of the best to ever don the uniform.

The LSU signee was officially crowned the state’s Mr. Baseball at the Alabama Sports Writers Association convention hosted at Jacksonville State. The honor marks a historic milestone, as Adams becomes the first Hoover player to ever capture the prestigious award.

Reflecting on the achievement, Moseley noted that Adams stands in elite company. "I’ve coached a lot of good players, been lucky to be around a lot of good players and this is the first Mr. Baseball I’ve been around," Moseley said. "The list of guys who have won is impressive, and Will is very much deserving to be on that list. All of these guys were fantastic players who changed the way the other teams had to play against their team because they were so worried about one player. Will certainly fits into that category."

RELATED: Meet the 2026 All-State baseball team

Adams' standout season is backed by undeniable production. Recently recognized as the Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year, the versatile slugger finished the season hitting .489 with 13 homers, 52 RBIs, and 37 runs. On the mound, the left-hander provided a dominant presence, going 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 55 strikeouts across 36 innings.

"I am over the moon," Adams said. "I’m not going to lie. This is pretty surreal. It hasn’t clicked yet. It’s a big honor."

In addition to the Mr. Baseball title, Adams was named the Class 7A Player of the Year and leads the ASWA Super All-State team—a collection of the top 10 players in Alabama regardless of classification.

A Legacy of Excellence

Adams is the 27th recipient of the Mr. Baseball award, which dates back to 1999 when Oxford’s Matthew Maniscalco became the inaugural winner. While he is thrilled with the individual recognition, Adams admits the season was bittersweet.

"My personal goal this year was a state championship," he said. "In terms of that goal, we obviously did not achieve it and that’s disappointing. I do recognize I had a solid year individually. I don’t want to say I would trade everything for a state title with my team, but I probably would."

Adams, who committed early to baseball after being a three-sport athlete in his youth, quickly made his focus pay off. Following a childhood dream that included early offers from Alabama and Auburn, he eventually found his future home at LSU. "I love coach (Jay) Johnson and the rest of the coaches and just the way they carry themselves," Adams said. "I love the way they run their program. They send a lot of players to the big leagues but also do a great job of winning on the college level. I also love the city of Baton Rouge."

The Draft Horizon

While his commitment to Baton Rouge is set, professional baseball is calling. Adams is expected to be an early-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft and is currently ranked as high as the No. 55 overall prospect by Keith Law of The Athletic. He has been busy working out for various franchises, including the Braves, Marlins, Cubs, Phillies, Astros, Rays, and Tigers.

"We are just kind of waiting to see what happens," Adams said. "I feel like I’ve put myself in a good position, but it’s still pretty early in the draft process. I’m trying to stay level-headed through it all."

ASWA Super All-State

• Will Adams, Hoover
• Asher Doepel, Hartselle
• Jace Riggan, Hewitt-Trussville
• Hunter Elmore, American Christian
• Evan Malone, Northridge
• Garrett Reid, Deshler
• Kamrin Jenkins, Bob Jones
• Gavin Lang, Collinsville
• Brodie Johnson, Westbrook Christian
• Jonah Inman, Cullman