Editor’s Note: This is the 12th installment of the Sunday Spotlight series in which we highlight the top performers from the 2026 season. Previously, we highlighted Matt Kurz, Joe Carey, Dylan Weinstein, CJ Alfano, Taylor Nitsch, Danny Gilroy, Joey Karpowicz, Ryan Tullo, Shane Meehan, Anthony DiNello and Aidan Casey. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.
For five seasons, there was one constant for Carey baseball and that was the presence of Jayden Gigante atop the lineup. The St. John’s-commit set the program’s career record for hits as a junior and followed that up by winning the Diamond Award – given to the top position player in Nassau County.
Gigante put up monster numbers for the Seahawks; batting .515 with 9 doubles, five triples and four HRs. It was his third career All-County season, putting a stamp on one of the best careers in school history.
He will be a name to keep an eye on this weekend during the 2026 MLB Draft as a potential day 3 pick. If professional baseball is not in the cards for his immediate future, he will head off to Queens for the Johnnies, who are coming off a trip to the NCAA Super Regionals.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
Definitely my parents. Without the endless support from both of them, there is no way I would be in the position I am today. Not only do they cheer me along the way but all the time, money and hard work sacrificed to give me this lifestyle does not go unnoticed. I cannot thank them enough for the life they have provided for me.
Do you work with any private instructors?
No, I have never been to any private instructors before.
Looking back on your high school career, did you accomplish everything you would’ve liked to?
I wish I could say I accomplished everything I wanted to, but my team and I were never able to win a Nassau Championship. Ever since my first varsity game, it was always a goal of mine to win a championship wearing the Carey uniform. We were able to make it close but fell short in the semifinals two years in a row. Looking back, I’m happy with all my personal accomplishments throughout my high school career but I would’ve loved to celebrate a championship win at Farmingdale State with my best friends.
Who are some players you try to emulate your game after?
I model my game after players like Sal Frelick, Corbin Carroll and Jett Williams. All three players are considered undersized, but play with a real 5-tool ability, which is the blueprint of my playing style.
What was the most thrilling moment of your baseball career so far?
The most thrilling moment of my career was when I hit a game-winning grand slam in the last inning when we were trailing 6-4. This game earned my team and I a free trip to the Ripken Experience down in South Carolina.
What has the last few weeks been like, going around the country to pre-draft workouts?
The last few weeks have been totally surreal. I would have never through I would be in this position at this point in my life. I earned myself an invitation to the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles pre-draft workouts where I was joined by some of the top prospects in the country. I performed to the best of my ability at both events in front of their scouting staffs. These workouts really boosted my draft stock for this upcoming draft. I’m thankful for these opportunities and I’m excited to see what comes next.
What did you work on this offseason?
This offseason I worked out at C-Fin Fitness and I saw growth and development through every aspect of my game. The two biggest factors that stood out this year were improvement in power and speed. Through the complex speed and agility work mixed in with advanced weight lifting programs that Chris Finley creates, I was able to drop my 60-yard dash to a 6.33 and hit a few home runs 420+ feet.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown will always be my favorite and most memorable trip, but my trip down to Jupiter last September was awesome. I was invited to join the SBA Bolts National team. I played with and against some of the best players in the country. I earned All-Tournament team and opened the eyes of a few professional scouts, that eventually led me to be a 2026 draft prospect.
What do you want to major in at St. John’s?
Business
St. John’s had an amazing year, does that motivate further to begin your collegiate career there?
Yes 100%. St. John’s had an incredible year and it got me even more pumped up to be apart of the program this upcoming fall. I’m confident with the incoming recruiting classes and returners that we can replicate this past season or make it even better. I’m excited for what’s to come and to be apart of it all.
Favorite musical artist?
It’s hard to choose between these three; Maroon 5, Justin Bieber and Drake.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Mio Posto
Favorite vacation spot?
Bahamas
Dream Car?
Lamborghini Urus