Bat-on-ball infielder with real extra-base pop
Kaia Cortes looked like a legitimate middle-of-the-order piece for Notre Dame in 2026 before a season-ending injury, batting .288 with 15 hits and seven extra-base hits in 21 starts at first base. She pairs left-handed power with a proven ability to get on base and take damage—she was hit by 13 pitches in 2025, among the ACC’s best marks—and she has already shown clutch flashes with home runs, doubles, and big-game production against ranked opponents. The injury matters, but when healthy she brings toughness, contact, and sneaky pop that can fit a lineup needing run production.[1][2][7]
