2026 MLB Draft – Top 250 Prospects

HT/WT: 6’2/202 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Chandler, AZ | Projected Age: 21.3

Once a more lithe, slender athlete as a prepster at Hamilton High in Arizona, Cholowsky has transformed his body into a more physical one without reducing the bounce and athleticism that scouts adored.

The strength gains are visible throughout his entire body, and it has allowed his tools to blossom while at UCLA. A Freshman All-American in 2024, Cholowsky took his game to another level as a sophomore, becoming the biggest catalyst on a young Bruins team that found itself in Omaha. It’s a complete offensive package.

Cholowsky’s swing is picturesque, boasting a compact stroke to the baseball with legitimate bat speed, barrel lag with consistent feel, and adjustability. He posted an 82% contact rate in 2026 (89% in-zone) with slight aggression in his approach, though there are very few holes in the swing.

With the added weight, Cholowsky’s power has come to life. His feel to lift to the pull side, paired with robust exit velocities up to 114 MPH, means he’s capable of above-average to plus power production at the next level. You’d be hard-pressed to find better offensive projection up the middle like this.

That’s not all, though. His defensive prowess has not wavered at the slightest at the “six.” He’s an agile athlete with bounce, great range, and impressive actions at the position. He makes the hard play look routine, boasting an exceptional internal clock with great arm strength across the diamond. It’s plus defense at the next level.

The overall package is loud, and he’s the most complete prospect we’ve seen at the amateur level in some time. He’s got the best case to be 1.1 in this class.

Video: https://x.com/OnTheClock_1/status/1940904350337179780

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2028259404018254231?s=20

On The Clock Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W27g99S5_RM

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia Tech | Hometown: Suwanee, GA | Projected Age: 21

Backstops with the athletic ability that Lackey possesses do not grow on trees. It’s an incredibly unique profile to dive into.

After spending time splitting catching duties with Matthew Ellis in 2024, Lackey broke out in a massive way for the Yellow Jackets this past spring. Lackey has long been renowned for his defensive prowess behind the dish, which is potentially plus at the next level.

Lackey is very explosive out of the crouch, displays a quick exchange from mitt to hand, and has a very strong arm with accuracy. His lateral mobility is exceptional, and so is his ability to block balls in the dirt. It’s a very advanced defensive package at a key position on the field. It’s akin to what Kyle Teel showcased in his draft-eligible year, but maybe a tick better.

Offensively, Lackey is no slouch, as his offensive tools are beginning to blossom. It’s hit-over-power at the present, though he’s put up some quality exit velocities. His swing can get steep, which has led to a heightened groundball rate, but his bat-to-ball skills are immaculate. Lackey has posted a contact rate of 82% in 2026, including an in-zone rate of 91%, and he rarely let a fastball by him.

He does chase a tad more than you’d like, but he makes up for it with his pull side impact. Lackey’s power is sneaky good, as his highest exit velocities eclipsed 112 MPH this season, and he’ll continue to grow into more power as he physically matures and fills out. The potential for an above-average to plus hitter with average or better power is in play here.

To add the cherry on top, Lackey has the speed to be an asset on the basepaths, as he stole eighteen bags in 2025.

There’s significant upside in Lackey’s profile, and he’s in line for a big junior campaign for a Georgia Tech squad with Omaha ambitions.

Video: https://youtu.be/tNZANuc9K34?si=lpzyew1lNBTXbtgc

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2014141618979238307?s=20

Interview: https://youtu.be/GKI-3s_s7ZM?si=NRjFJeHzC4MXlXEQ

HT/WT: 6’2/180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Fort Worth Christian (Argyle, TX) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.4

One of the most famous names in this class, Emerson already boasts a long list of accolades on his baseball card. He’s the first player in USA Baseball’s history to have played twice on both the 15U and 18U national teams, a testament to his talent and longevity at the top of his class.

It’s a safer profile compared to his peers, but he’s a lithe, projectable athlete with rhythm to both sides of his game. At the plate, it’s as balanced and relaxed as they come.

Emerson employs a wider base from the left side and stays compact through the baseball, lacing line drives to all fields. He has a knack for putting the barrel on the baseball, and he covers the zone well, especially on offerings closer to his knees. He doesn’t chase out of the zone often, either, making him an on-base threat.

There is impressive bat speed and leverage in his swing, but he has yet to sell out for power. He has flashed pull-side juice in the past, though for now, most of his extra bases will come by way of the gaps. As he matures physically, he will grow into more pop, and these doubles will turn into home runs.

His performances were a bit more streaky to start the summer, but Emerson ended the year on an extremely high note. It’s a higher floor offensively, but there’s a high ceiling to find here. It’s an advanced bat.

Defensively, Emerson doesn’t project to leave the “six.” He’s an agile defender with solid range, strong instincts, and an above-average arm across the diamond. He seldom rushes plays and controls his body well. In the case that Emerson happens to move to another position, he’d handle the hot corner with ease.

Now a Texas recruit, Emerson’s profile screams that of a top ten selection. It’s a mix of projection and polish that not many can rival in this class.

Interview: https://youtu.be/wtPC9_w-Ts4?si=-FLWELD1ztZDXQm_

HT/WT: 6’5/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UC Santa Barbara | Hometown: Pleasanton, CA | Projected Age: 21.2

Another year, another UCSB arm that jumps onto center stage.

Flora possesses some of the best projection, athleticism, and pure stuff in the entire country. Flora’s delivery has a lot of moving parts, as his limbs can fly around at times when he’s out of sync and moving too quickly, but his flexibility is astounding on the bump.

It’s an uptempo look with a seriously loose and whip arm action, flashing significant arm speed to a lower release height. It’s certainly unique, albeit slightly rough around the edges.

Flora has already been into the triple digits with his heater, primarily sitting in the 95-98 MPH range throughout his starts and holding his velocity well. The pitch possesses quality carry, a flat approach angle, and slight tail at the end of its life. He will miss bats on the top rail of the strike zone and the pitch could easily be double-plus in due time.

There’s two very good breaking balls in his arsenal, both of which have obscene shapes in terms of sweeping action. There’s a mid-80s sweeper with fifteen inches of horizontal movement on average, while the low-80s bender has more tilt, with sweeping life encroaching upon the twenty-inch barrier. It’s absurdly good, as both pitches have plus potential.

He has incorporated a new kick-change in 2026, and it dances to the plate with sharp fade and depth. His command of the pitch is the biggest wart, but it’s truly been a game-changer for him.

His biggest command wart is missing armside when he rushes his delivery, but other than that, he throws strikes at an excellent clip.

There’s a chance that Flora is the first pitcher off the board this July.

Video: https://youtu.be/ZIciBE3L_PQ?si=_LnbdM_13pRRbBmF

HT/WT: 5’9/182 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia Tech | Hometown: Perry, GA | Projected Age: 21.7

What Burress lacks in size, he makes up for with impact on both sides of the ball.

The top prep recruit to hit campus from a highly-touted 2023 crop, Burress has performed at a high level across two campaigns at Georgia Tech. It’s explosive bat speed from the right side of the plate with an affinity for hammering fastballs routinely. He posted a 92% contact rate on heaters alone during the 2025 campaign, and in 2026, it sits at 90%.

There’s a lot ongoing with his mechanics, namely a big leg kick and some drift in the load, but his quick hands and twitch allow him to be on time. He can find himself guessing at times, especially with secondary offerings, and pitchers have exploited that a bit more in 2026. However, there’s still upside in the hit tool, and he makes solid swing decisions with a hefty walk rate.

It’s a polished hit tool with feel to lift to the pull side with authority. While he’s smaller and less projectable, it may wind up being above-average or better pop.

Defensively, he’s handled the “eight” well to this point, flashing good range with a strong arm at the position. He may wind up in right field once he runs into a better defender, but it may be a while before he hits that point.

Even with his size and stature, he’s shown standout traits and tools to date. He looks like a top-15 pick from this chair right now.

Video: https://youtu.be/j7gXAMbhJx0?si=mID-yVt5gsT6ekHP

On The Clock Interview: https://youtu.be/ArHZ_ACA5vg?si=dbG5LfBpIpLtT1j-

HT/WT: 6’0/207 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Oak Grove (Bassfield, MS) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.0

A metric darling through and through, Booth has garnered a lot of attention this summer, and for good reason. A sturdily built athlete, Booth has a strong case as the most athletically gifted prospect in this class — his loud tools in a powderkeg frame scream impact bat at the next level.

Booth has two different swings, much like what Garrett Mitchell had at UCLA. In games, Booth tends to use a more choppy swing with a flatter swing plane, prioritizing contact over power, though it’s more fluid and pleasing during batting practice.

Despite the choppier nature, Booth can crush the baseball. It’s a noisy operation with an open stance and high hands, but he has exceptionally quick hands, loud bat speed, and excellent rotation. Booth can make later swing decisions than most of his peers, allowing him to get his B-swing off.

He will use the whole field, though his current power favors his pull side, as he’s already hit balls at 108 MPH with wood bats in that direction. Additionally, Booth rarely whiffs and draws plenty of walks. This summer, Booth didn’t have a whiff percentage over 25% on any offering and posted an 85% in-zone contact rate. Pretty impressive.

There will be swing adjustments in the future, so his swing isn’t finished, but this is a good mold of clay for a development team to work with.

He’s capable of playing all three outfield spots and could become an average or better glove in a corner spot thanks to great route running and double-plus speed. However, the body and lack of arm strength might limit him to left field.

Overall, Booth’s profile features many exciting tools, and as a bonus, he turns 18 just a week before the draft. He’ll be a model darling. If he goes unsigned, he’ll head to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt.

Interview: https://youtu.be/tfHdG0sg1CU?si=hxaKQJdg0bHBpg3K

HT/WT: 6’3/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Gulliver Preparatory (Miami, FL) | Commitment: Miami | Projected Age: 18.9

Fans of baseball should be well acquainted with the Lombard family name at this stage. George Sr. played multiple seasons in the big leagues from 1998 to 2006, and George Jr. was the first round selection of the New York Yankees in 2023.

Jacob is the next in line, and he may be the most gifted athlete of the bunch.

He’s an explosive athlete with tons of strength throughout his frame, and it absolutely shows on the field. Lombard employs a narrower stance from the right side, opening his hips vigorously and generating plenty of ground force and barrel lag.

He has adequate bat speed, great rotation, quick hands, and a direct nature to the baseball. Lombard does plenty of damage in the air, as his swing is tuned to lifting the ball regularly and sending it to either gap with authority. It’s plus raw juice in the stick, though it may be more above-average in terms of game power moving forward.

While he does stay within the zone and draws walks, the hit tool leaves a bit more to be desired. There is swing-and-miss to his game, most notably fastballs upstairs and breaking balls down. There’s work to be done in that department, but he’s on a trajectory that puts him among the best slugging amateurs in recent memory.

In the dirt, Lombard is a top-of-the-scale runner with exquisite lateral mobility at shortstop. It’s a ton of range and fluidity, plus he has the arm strength to hold down the “six” for the long haul. There’s some utility to his game, as well. He’s gotten run in the outfield and could hold station in center if he’s moved out there.

All in all, there’s significant upside with Lombard, bordering upon “superstar.” Cleaning up the volatility of the hit tool will be paramount in the spring, but his loud tools will make him a high-end pick regardless.

Lombard committed to the University of Miami in late October.

HT/WT: 6’1/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas A&M | Hometown: Potomac, MD | Projected Age: 21.10

After spending his first two years at the University of Maryland, Hacopian will be the prized prospect in a loaded Texas A&M lineup for his draft-eligible season. The Aggies will be hoping that he continues to mash the baseball like he did during his time in College Park.

There’s no mincing words here, Hacopian is about as complete a hitter as you’ll find in the amateur landscape.

There’s a big leg kick and a noisy load to his swing, but he finds a way to stay on time and adjusts his swing plane to the pitches thrown his way. It’s loud bat speed with elite bat-to-ball skills and an excellent approach.

Pitchers can’t sneak a fastball by Hacopian, as he posted a 95% contact rate against heaters across the entirety of the 2025 season. In 2026, it sits at 93%. Those are not typos. He can get tricked by change-ups, but his overall whiff rates are promising. He’s consistently on the barrel, he’ll find ways to muscle the ball with his B-Swings, and he flashes plus raw power to every part of the field.

There’s not much to nitpick at the plate. It’s full of upside.

While he’s been a reliable shortstop option for the Terrapins to date, he’s not the rangiest athlete in the dirt, and the physical nature of his body fits best at the hot corner. He seldom rushes himself in the dirt, possessing a great internal clock and average defensive chops. Second base is a plausible destination, as well.

This is a bat that could rush through the minor leagues in little time after he’s drafted, and he looks every bit of a future first-round pick.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2027565965844922428?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Texas Christian | Hometown: Brock, TX | Projected Age: 21

After enduring a sluggish start to his collegiate career, Strosnider became one of, if not the best, freshmen in the entire country, cruising to thirty-four extra-base hits with an OPS of 1.070 in fifty-six games.

Strosnider has added ~20 pounds of muscle to his frame since making it to Texas Christian, but he has not lost an ounce of athleticism on the field. He’s a dynamic athlete with noteworthy twitch and loud tools across his card.

It’s a loud left-handed swing with tons of bat speed, leverage, and barrel feel that leads to potential plus power in the future. He’s already surpassed the 110 MPH barrier with ease, reaching a maximum of 115 MPH this spring, and his athletic testing suggests more is in the tank. His best contact quality comes to the pull-side, though he’s shown the ability to pummel the baseball to the opposite field.

The hit tool itself is not too shabby, either. His approach needs tweaking, as it’s aggressive and he’ll chase pitches often, but he can obliterate offerings in the zone like few others can. If he can find ways to limit chases and stay within the zone more often, the sky is the limit offensively.

In the field, he’s got the athleticism and speed to handle center, but with Chase Brunson in the fray, he’ll be handling right field for the Horned Frogs. He makes great reads in the outfield and has solid closing speed, and someone should give him a shot in center as a professional. If he adds more muscle to his frame and loses athleticism, he’ll be a great fit in right field.

Strosnider’s exciting profile will generate a ton of attention this spring, and he may end up being the highest Texas Christian player drafted in the 2026 class.

HT/WT: 6’1/190 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Kentucky | Hometown: Frankfort, IL | Projected Age: 21

Arguably the brightest talent to reach campus from the 2024 draft, Bell opted not to sign with the Rays and made an immediate impact at Kentucky. For the first time in the Nick Mingione era, Bell hit the double-digit home run barrier in his rookie collegiate campaign, clobbering ten home runs and adding seventeen doubles to his baseball card.

A true switch-hitter, Bell is more power-over-hit presently, though there’s enough to project more polish coming for the hit tool. Bell seldom whiffs against heaters (16% swing-and-miss, 10% in-zone), flashes solid bat paths from both sides, and has shown a tendency to pummel the baseball to his pull-side. The swing has become more compact in 2026, and he’s getting the ball in the air at a more consistent rate. However, he has been undone by sliders at a higher clip than a year ago.

With that said, Bell generates really good bat speed and leverage for his size and has the makings of an extra-base machine at the next level. It’s robust power with exit velocities clearing 110 MPH at times. He displayed solid bat-to-ball skills for his first taste of college baseball and possesses good swing decisions.

Defensively, he’s a shoe-in to stick at the “six” long-term. He’s fluid, athletic, and nimble on his feet at the position, covering plenty of ground and displaying good bend in his actions. It’s adequate arm strength across the diamond, as well.

Bell is in line to make a significant jump in production during his draft-eligible season in 2026, where he’ll be one of the key pieces returning to Lexington.

Video: https://youtu.be/OOE0aXCCufY?si=PEAXXgN2aECVJ6vk

HT/WT: 6’1/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Discovery Bay, CA | Projected Age: 21.4

Helfrick’s emergence for the Razorbacks has long been in the making.

After his freshman campaign, he powered his way through the Cape, hammering eleven home runs and earning an All-Star appearance. That momentum carried over to the spring, posting an OPS of 1.036 and a career-high fifteen home runs. Turns out, his fall performance was even better, and he’s made a significant jump up draft boards.

Helfrick shortened the width of his swing base, becoming more upright with a moderate leg kick, which has helped him handle high velocity much better. On fastballs in the upper third of the zone alone, Helfrick crushed seven home runs. It’s a heavy barrel with massive hip/shoulder separation, featuring huge bat speed and loft through the zone. Helfrick’s ability to pull fly balls and plus power upside allows him to stand out among his peers.

The hit tool is serviceable, as the aforementioned prowess against heaters helps him, though he tends to swing over the top of breaking balls and cambios. That said, teams will be fine with the strikeouts considering his power, plus he walks a copious amount. It’s a very good offensive profile.

On the defensive side, Helfrick has seen improvements, as well. He gets out of the crouch well and features a strong, accurate arm to second base. Despite the physicality, Helfrick moves rather well and should continue to improve behind the plate.

There’s first-round upside in Helfrick’s profile, and he’ll be the second catcher off the board barring a sudden surge from another backstop.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2036505280129687577?s=20

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Virginia | Hometown: Monroe, NJ | Projected Age: 21.8

This quote encapsulated Gracia’s 2025 season: “It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”

After scuffling through the first month and a half of the campaign, Gracia flipped a switch and found his timing, becoming the hottest hitter in the ACC during the second half of the season. Now at Virginia, Gracia is looking to put the cherry on top of an exceptional collegiate career. It’s as gorgeous a left-handed swing as you can find.

It’s short, compact, and quick to the baseball with a long follow-through and one-handed finish. There’s easy bat speed with feel to lift the baseball repeatedly, and flashes big bat speed, though it’s slightly down from what it was a year ago.

While he is passive, which has given pitchers an early advantage, his bat-to-ball skills are sublime. Gracia seldom whiffs on offerings, running an 84% contact rate and an in-zone rate of 93%, plus his chase rates are very respectable. He’ll need to attack pitches early in counts more, though that’s the biggest blemish in his offensive toolset.

His power was slightly down in 2025, with more average exit velocities, but he has flashed power to all fields in 2026. It could be above-average power paired with an above-average or better hit tool. It’s a tantalizing offensive package.

Defensively, he’s relegated to a corner outfield spot with average speed and fringy arm strength, though he gets good reads off the bat and can be a serviceable defender.

Teams will be buying the offensive upside here, and it has a chance to be particularly special.

Video: https://youtu.be/QqdW6mW6kRg

On The Clock Interview: https://youtu.be/Jv-w9joA1Fc?si=GXtTRg7TNodc_xZW

HT/WT: 6’2/182 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Louisiana State | Hometown: West Covina, CA | Projected Age: 21.1

A long-heralded prep bat for years, Curiel elected to go to campus and made an immediate statement for the Tigers, becoming the table-setter for a National Championship squad.

Curiel has always prioritized contact over power with his game, but even with that approach, Curiel’s pure contact skills and approach are really, really good. It’s a tranquil and rhythmic operation from the left side of the plate, staying in control throughout his load and consistently getting the bat to the baseball.

Curiel rarely whiffs, draws walks at a high clip, and utilizes the gaps to generate his extra bases. There is some passivity, which has allowed opposing pitchers to get ahead and use their best stuff against Curiel, but it’s nothing overly egregious.

While he does have projection left to his frame, Curiel won’t be a slugger. He doesn’t have the bat speed and torque of his peers, which limits his overall ceiling. He’s shown over-the-fence production down each foul line, sending it the opposite way more often than not. That said, Curiel has added weight to his frame and hit the ball harder in the fall, which is a welcome sight. It has begun to translate as the year has gone on, with his maximum exit velocity sitting upwards of 110 MPH.

Defensively, Curiel has manned left field primarily for the Tigers, though Jay Johnson will put him in center field this spring. He has strong instincts and good route-running, though as he climbs the ladder, a better defender will move him to a corner. With his fringy arm strength, he would fit best in left field.

With the improvements he’s made with the stick, it’s hard to find a better pure hit tool in this class.

HT/WT: 6’4/190 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: Marjory Stoneman Douglas (Coral Springs, FL) | Commitment: Miami | Projected Age: 19

The next in a long line of Marjory Stoneman Douglas alumni, Rojas has become one of the top southpaws in the country, and it’s easy to see why.

At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Rojas is an extremely projectable athlete with long limbs, broad shoulders, and a lean frame that suggests he can add plenty of muscle in the coming years. As a bonus, Rojas is highly athletic and has a buttery smooth delivery on the mound.

It’s an up-tempo operation with a slingshot-like release, showcasing loud arm speed from a lower arm slot with a wider angle to the plate. His delivery is very deceptive and can make at-bats particularly tough for left-handed hitters.

His fastball can be a true power pitch at its best. It explodes out of his hand, and he’s demonstrated the ability to both elevate it and locate it on the top rail. He has already hit a peak of 98 MPH, regularly sitting in the 92-96 MPH range throughout his starts, and it’s easy to imagine him throwing even harder in the future.

The pitch produces significant zip and run through the zone with loud spin rates, commanding it well to both sides of the plate, but it’s especially lethal upstairs. Currently, it’s given hitters a lot of trouble.

His low-80s slider is a dangerous pitch, showing exceptional bite and tilt right out of the hand, with up to sixteen inches of sweeping action. He’s still working on commanding the offering, but at its best, he starts it behind left-handed hitters and lets it sweep across the zone.

His low-80s change-up also shows significant potential, releasing it halfway to home plate and fading heavily away from right-handed hitters.

It’s a powerful arsenal with developing command and considerable upside that scouts will appreciate in this cycle. It’s really advanced. If Rojas ends up on campus, he’ll be draft-eligible as a sophomore at Miami in 2028.

HT/WT: 6’2/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Alabama | Hometown: Miramar, FL | Projected Age: 21.8

A lean and green athlete at a keystone position, Lebron is one of the most tantalizing prospects in the entire class. It’s immense projection to a profile that has added plenty of impact over the past calendar year.

For starters, Lebron’s power uptick was a welcome sight in 2025. It’s loud bat and hand speed from the right side of the dish, and his exit velocities surpassed the 110 MPH barrier in 2025. After flashing primarily pull side juice in 2024, Lebron found himself thumping the baseball to both sides of the park with more ease.

That’s a stark uptick in power from his freshman campaign, and there’s still more growth to come.

His ability to pummel the high fastball is remarkable, as well. He will need to find a bit more of a happy medium, though. His hit tool has some warts, especially against secondary offerings low in the zone. His chase rates are rather bloated, as well. It may be nothing more than a fringe-average hit tool, though his power and defense keep the profile afloat.

Speaking of defense, his actions and instincts are really, really advanced, though he has been uncharacteristically off this spring. It’s a fluid defender at shortstop with significant bounce, lateral mobility, and impressive arm strength. It’s very impressive to watch on film, and he’ll generate plenty of value in the dirt.

If Lebron irons out the hit tool, there’s a good chance that he can challenge Roch Cholowsky for the first overall pick next July.

HT/WT: 6’3/185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, CA) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 17.2

The younger brother of current Tennessee backstop Trent, Jared reclassified in February to the 2026 ranks and immediately became one of the top players in the class. While we’ve had our fair share of two-way talents in recent years, Grindlinger has the best chance of any to play both at the next level.

We’ll start with what he brings on the mound, where he’s an excellent strike-thrower with solid pitchability. It’s a smooth operation with minimal effort, using subtle hip counter-rotation to glide down the mound and stay in control. He can generate quality extension down the bump and has loud arm speed, too.

The fastball has reached 96 MPH in short spurts, sitting in the low-90s routinely with modest shape, though most expect him to throw much harder. He throws the low-80s slider as much as the fastball, landing it for strikes with solid shape and snap, running it into the mid-80s at his hardest. There’s feel for a solid change-up with spin-killing abilities and solid shape, as well. It’s a polished package for a starting pitcher.

As a hitter, it’s just as polished. Grindlinger has exceptional zone awareness and rarely whiffs on pitches, whiffing just three times over the summer. It’s solid bat speed and torque that should continue to rise as he fills out his frame. He has the skills to be a high on-base hitter with solid power.

Grindlinger has a long stride and above-average speed, and his arm strength should play well in the right-field corner. He plays with a fluidity and maturity that is rare for players his age.

He’ll be a tough report for scouts given the two-way prowess, but if he has to pick one, both routes start in the top two rounds. He’ll be one of the youngest players in history if selected, with his draft-day age projected just shy of 17 years and 3 months. This would help teams understand his strengths and evaluate his future routes.

Grindlinger committed to the University of Tennessee on April 1st, though it’s hard to envision him in a collegiate uniform.

HT/WT: 6’9/255 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Bishop Feehan (Raynham, MA) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.5

After bursting onto the scene in 2024, Bumila suffered an elbow injury that kept him on the bench for most of 2025, but he’s back.

At six-foot-nine, 255 pounds, Bumila is built like a basketball center, and he’s a stellar athlete on the hardwood. However, many scouts are impressed with his body control, burgeoning stuff, and the deceptive angle he generates on the bump.

He sinks into his back leg well, driving down the mound with crossfire and width to his release, which sits under five feet off the ground. For a human being of his size, that’s a wildly impressive mark.

The fastball is a fun pitch metrically. Already up to 99 MPH, Bumila generates plenty of life through the zone, with quality carry on the top rail and tail mixed in. It’s a high-spin monster that gets on hitters very quickly. As he matures physically, many expect him to sit in the mid-to-upper-90s.

Bumila’s low-80s change-up is his best secondary, displaying excellent velocity separation and tumbling away from the barrels of righties, though he’s shown feel to throw it to lefties as well. There’s feel for a sweeping breaking ball in the upper-70s, though it lags behind the FB/CH combination.

Committed to the University of Texas, Bumila has a real chance to blossom into a Day 1 pick if he stays healthy this spring.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Mississippi State | Hometown: Canton, TX | Projected Age: 21.2

Once a Houston Cougar, Reese changed zip codes and found a new home in Starkville, where he put together an incredible sophomore season for the Bulldogs: twenty-one home runs, eighteen doubles, and an OPS of 1.140. Pretty darn good.

He’s a menacing figure in the box, a physical player with length to his limbs and easy juice from the left side. Reese generates loud bat speed with legitimate feel to lift the baseball regularly, hammering pitches to either side of the park with ease. It’s above-average thump with a sneaky good ability to minimize whiffs.

Reese can adjust his swing routinely and finds a way to take tight turns to the baseball, especially when he’s hammering them to right field. He demolishes fastballs, especially those in the zone, as he posted a 91% contact rate on those heaters alone. The whiffs have been a bit louder this spring, but the power has remained the same. He does chase out of the zone more than you’d like, but his pure contact skills are good enough to curtail those woes. In short, it’s an excellent bat.

In Houston, Reese spent the majority of his time in the outfield, though he moved to third base in Starkville. His defensive skills need some polish at the hot corner, as his footwork can get clunky and his lateral mobility can be tested at times, but he’s far from a non-serviceable defender there. If he moves off the position, he can find a home at first base.

A slugging profile through and through, he’s done enough to warrant a first-round grade at this stage in the cycle.

Video: https://youtu.be/1BKfg5o7LjM?si=f6wIcbnA4MedFuS4

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2027865592296775785?s=20

HT/WT: 6’6/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Coastal Carolina | Hometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ | Projected Age: 21.2

Under the tutelage of Matt Williams, Flukey became an integral piece to Coastal Carolina’s Omaha run, serving as one of their top arms. As a result, the transformation that he made before 2025 has put him into SP2 territory for the 2026 draft, even with significant time missed with a stress fracture in his ribs.

Flukey is throwing harder than ever before, as he’s moving down the mound with much more intent. It’s an athletic delivery with a longer arm action, displaying significant scap loading, that leads to a high three-quarters slot with loud arm speed.

The fastball has a steeper plane due to his high release, and he tends to locate it lower in the zone, which has neutralized its success to an extent. He’s been able to command the offering very well and expand the zone with solid chase rates, though he’ll need to squeeze more value out of the offering. For now, it’s a mid-90s rocket with significant carry and backspin, reaching 98-99 MPH at his peak.

His best secondary is a mid-70s curveball with noteworthy depth, possessing over ten inches of depth on average. It’s a bit soft at times, though he’ll drop it in for strikes and bury it in the dirt for whiffs. It missed bats at a clip just shy of 50% in 2025, and he’s utilizing it much more in 2026.

He’ll round out his arsenal with a firmer mid-80s slider with some tilt and depth, plus there’s feel for a mid-80s cambio with some tumble, albeit inconsistent.

Given the projection, command, and overall arsenal, Flukey has put himself on top of the college pitching demographic and should blossom into more upside in 2026.

On The Clock Interview: https://youtu.be/raGZMFThR3M?si=kV5bi9OElaeG2oX7

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2022485628047306756?s=20

HT/WT: 6’5/200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Christ Church Episcopal (Greenville, SC) | Commitment: Virginia | Projected Age: 18.9

One of the more talked-about names during the late summer, Lowrance’s 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame exudes projection. He has exceptional length in his limbs, and while many prospects of his size struggle to control their bodies, Lowrance does a great job of repeating his mechanics and staying in sync.

Lowrance’s offensive upside is extremely promising. He keeps it simple at the plate, wasting little movement before showcasing impressive bat speed, hand speed, and barrel lag through the zone. He has a heavy barrel that stays in the zone for a long time, and he’s able to generate good leverage and extension thanks to his length.

Most of his production has come on the opposite side of the field, though Lowrance has demonstrated the ability to pull the baseball with authority. Most expect his power to be plus once fully mature, while the hit tool has some basic floor. Lowrance has handled velocity quite well so far, especially in the zone, and he makes smart swing decisions.

Defensively, Lowrance has played shortstop, and he has impressed scouts with his mobility and skills at the position this spring. Athleticism has improved, speed has increased, and the actions are befitting of a future at the position. He has improved significantly and has earned first-round grades as a result. He will be a hot commodity on draft day.

Lowrance’s commitment belongs to Chris Pollard and the University of Virginia.

HT/WT: 5’11/175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Etowah (Woodstock, GA) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 18.6

An ultra-athletic prospect, Condon has a throwback style on the field. He’s as fiery a competitor as you’ll see in the amateur ranks, playing with passion and intensity on both sides of the ball. Calling him a “gamer” would be selling him short.

He’s a table-setter with an old-school swing that’s quite unique. Condon starts his load early, essentially waiting for the pitcher to release the ball after an inward toe tap. Once released, his hips burst open, and he reacts quickly.

There’s a noticeable barrel tip and high hands in his load, which has impacted his ability to reach velocity upstairs, but his quick hands and barrel stand out. He’ll ambush fastballs early and yank them to the pull side, where most of his power plays, while using the whole field to his advantage.

His swing will need refinement as he moves into uncharted waters in the minors, but so far, he’s made it work. As a bonus, Condon possesses top-tier speed that will dominate infielders. His profile isn’t too different from guys like Slade Caldwell and Slater de Brun.

In the field, Condon has the potential to be a premium center fielder, thanks to his speed and significant range. While his route-running needs some polish, he’s willing to put his body on the line to make plays.

The tools are definitely there. If Condon isn’t chosen next summer, he’ll head north to Knoxville to play for Tony Vitello’s team at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

HT/WT: 5’11/197 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Texas Tech | Hometown: DeLand, FL | Projected Age: 21.2

Logan Hughes might be the best hitter in the country that not enough people know about.

After spending his freshman campaign at Stetson, Hughes wound up at Texas Tech, where he put up exceptional numbers for the Red Raiders.

Hughes’ exquisite barrel feel and 63% Hard Hit rate are amongst the best in the entire country, plus pitchers struggle to sneak pitches by him. You will not find a ton of holes in his swing, as he covers the zone exceptionally well (87% in-zone contact) and shows adjustability outside of the zone, too. He can get overly aggressive in terms of chasing, but his bat-to-ball skills help neutralize that wart.

The power is legit, as well. Hughes has excellent contact quality and has pushed his exit velocities beyond the 110 MPH echelon. Hughes’ power is above-average to plus at the next level, and it plays to both sides of the park, though he’s found most of his success pulling the baseball in the air to date.

It’s not out of the question that Hughes is a plus hit/plus power bat in the future. You won’t find many bats like this in the college landscape.

With that said, there is immense pressure on the bat to perform. He’s a physically maxed-out profile with limited defensive upside in the outfield. It’s a left field profile with fringe-average speed and arm strength. He has found time at first base, as well.

However, despite that, the bat is good enough to be taken within the top fifty picks this July.

HT/WT: 6’5/230 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Arizona State | Hometown: Tempe, AZ | Projected Age: 21.1

After earning MVP honors in the Alaskan League after a rough rookie campaign, Carlon returned to Arizona State and broke out in a huge way. He struck out 86 batters in just 54 innings on the mound, becoming a true stalwart in the bullpen for Willie Blomquist’s club.

His efforts earned him an invite to Collegiate National Team training camp over the summer, where he pitched very well despite not making the team. Now a starter, Carlon has excelled in his new role.

Possessing a release height that touches the sky, Carlon’s outlier traits and angles have played a huge role in his success. It has primarily helped out his bullet slider, which has a chance to be the best breaking ball from a southpaw in this class. Carlon relied on the slider more than the fastball last spring, where it posted an obscene 56% whiff rate and 42% chase rate across a huge sample. Those stats are nearly identical in 2026. He’ll land it for strikes consistently, especially when the fastball command goes awry.

Speaking of the fastball, he’s been up to 101 MPH and can hold mid-90s velocity well. He gets a ton of backspin and carry on the offering, flashing some late tail and incredibly steep angle.

Carlon has shown feel for a larger curveball in the low-80s and has implemented a kick-change, which has flashed well this spring when utilized.

His command has gotten better, as well, though he’s still primarily a two-pitch guy. Given his prowess as a starter, he has the chance to be the first collegiate southpaw off the board.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2027485263166067131?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia | Hometown: Sandy Springs, GA | Projected Age: 21.7

Jackson began his collegiate career at Wofford, where a standout season led to his transfer to Georgia. Though his 2025 campaign was uneven, he has emerged as one of the SEC’s top hitters in 2026 and became the conference’s first 20/20 player since Andrew Benintendi in 2015.

A physical presence in the batter’s box, Jackson offers true all-fields power, exceptional bat speed, and advanced barrel control. He consistently drives the ball to center and right field, with improved power stemming from greater leverage and lift in his swing.

Jackson’s hit tool has also taken a step forward, reflected in a reduced strikeout rate, now below 20%, and significantly improved whiff rates against both velocity and spin compared to last spring. He’s an aggressive baserunner, adding value with his instincts and speed on the basepaths. His impact bat is the centerpiece of his professional profile.

Defensively, Jackson has experience behind the plate, where he flashes athleticism and a strong arm. His receiving skills and lateral agility have both improved this spring. With above-average speed, there’s potential for Jackson to transition to a corner outfield role to maximize his offensive value and keep him fresh.

His well-rounded improvement has solidified his status as a top-three round draft talent.

HT/WT: 6’4/210 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: Southside Christian School (Greenville, SC) | Commitment: Wake Forest | Projected Age: 19.3

If anyone has the strongest track record in the prep pitching ranks, it’s Bolemon.

One of the most integral pieces to USA Baseball’s 18U gold medal, Bolemon is an extremely polished southpaw with excellent feel for pitching. Boasting a strong, athletic frame, he drives down the mound, utilizing the strength in his lower half well and staying direct to the plate.

The delivery is smooth and deceptive, as he hides the ball very well with a short, compact arm swing that leads to a high three-quarters arm slot. Batters struggle to see the ball out of his hand, plus it’ll get on them quickly.

Given Bolemon’s higher release, he generates a ton of backspin and carry on his fastball, flashing impressive spin rates over 2,500 RPMs. He’s been up to 97 MPH already, though he’ll park it in the 90-94 MPH range across his outings. He throws with downhill angle, which has led to a heightened groundball rate, and he’ll fill up the zone consistently with the offering.

However, it’s the pair of breaking balls that stand out the most in his arsenal. His upper-70s/low-80s curveball is the better of the two, flashing significant depth out of the fastball tunnel and diving hard to the dirt with impressive bite.

The slider is thrown with more tilt and creeps into the mid-80s, displaying similar bite to the curveball. He can land both offerings for strikes at will, and many opponents struggle to adjust to the pitches. They’re both above-average to plus pitches at the next level.

He’ll round out his arsenal with a tailing upper-80s change-up that he’ll drop his slot for and reserve for righties. It has solid potential at this stage.

He pitches with conviction, displays pitchability, and has the look of an arm that’ll possess above-average command. It’s how you draw them up. He’s on the older side of the class, which makes him a draft-eligible sophomore if he makes it to Wake Forest.

Reel: https://youtu.be/mHy73yvBgzE?si=pazsvqIK7YDjWehP

HT/WT: 6’1/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Mississippi | Hometown: Aliso Viejo, CA | Projected Age: 21.2

As a prepster at Santa Margarita Catholic, Townsend enamored scouts with a potent repertoire, but command woes hampered him. As a result, he made it to Oxford and got more time on the mound down the stretch, which culminated in a loud outing during the SEC Tournament in Hoover. Now eligible as a sophomore, Townsend has filled out his frame and undergone a couple of mechanical changes.

Utilizing drop-and-drive mechanics, Townsend sinks into his back leg more than he did as a prep, which has resulted in a slight drop in his release point. He possesses outrageous arm speed from an over-the-top slot, though there is effort at release that causes his command to get streaky.

Townsend’s fastball is a cut/ride monster, surpassing twenty inches of IVB with ease and possessing slight cutting action. He’s held 92-96 MPH deep into outings, topping out at 98 MPH.

His upper-80s cutter can be a monster, as there’s significant vertical separation, and it tends to act more like a gyro breaker. He’ll pair that with a hard mid-80s curveball with a ton of depth, though he’s still trying to reel in the command. He’s tinkering with an upper-80s splitter against left-handed hitters, though it’s a work in progress.

Considering the command has taken a huge step forward, Townsend projects as an upper-end arm in this class and could find himself in the first round.

HT/WT: 6’1/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Louisville | Hometown: Chicago, IL | Projected Age: 21.1

Once a highly-touted backstop at IMG Academy, Rose has transitioned into an outfielder at Louisville, where he’s been a consistent force for the Cardinals the past two seasons and a key piece to their Omaha run in 2025.

He’s a powderkeg of athleticism and twitch on the diamond, plus he’s a physical player with strength, especially in his lower half. The bat carries a lot of weight in the profile currently, but it’s a darn good one.

Rose is notoriously difficult to strike out, as he’s run a strikeout rate of just 10% throughout his collegiate career. Rose found the ability to lift the baseball more in 2025, which allowed his XBH total to jump to thirty-two and his overall HR output to jump to thirteen. He did this while not sacrificing a ton of contact and finding more walks.

There are a lot of moving parts to his swing, but Rose’s athleticism and bat speed allow him to make late swings and adjust his swing plane accordingly. He does run a high chase rate as a result, but the advanced bat-to-ball skills help make up for it. He’ll need to pull the baseball more, as most of his contact is up the middle, but his hit/power combination is great at this stage. He knows how to utilize his plus speed on the bases, too, stealing thirty-one bags in 2025.

Louisville did put Rose in the outfield to give him playing time, and he’s been able to hold down a corner outfield role since. He projects more as a left-fielder, and will need to mash in the future, but he’s more than capable of holding down the fort there.

It’s not out of the question to see a return behind the plate, which would boost his stock if he shows the ability to stay, but his tools/speed work better in the grass. He’ll be a really fun follow to watch in the ACC.

Video: https://youtu.be/BlH8B8Ueev0

Interview: https://youtu.be/T8TzEjoHBP0?si=PIDqszM79kcHitzE

HT/WT: 6’5/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Florida | Hometown: Palm Harbor, FL | Projected Age: 21.1

Once a highly-touted arm out of high school, Peterson has blossomed into a powerful arm at the University of Florida, where he projects to be the Friday guy once again in 2026.

Peterson’s delivery has had its warts, but he toned down the effort and wildness in 2025, reining in his limbs and finding a more compact nature to his operation. His size, athleticism, and arm speed stand out on film, as he pitches downhill with power and has whip to his arm from an over-the-top slot.

Peterson likes to work north-south with his arsenal, which is led by a big mid-90s fastball with excellent extension. It’s a cut/ride behemoth upstairs with upwards of twenty inches of carry at times, while flashing some running life down in the zone. He’s already been up to 100 MPH this spring.

His primary secondary is a mid-80s slider with teeth, showcasing the ability to manipulate the pitch shape. Sometimes he’ll throw it with more tilt, but more often than not, you’ll see Peterson keep it short to the plate with depth.

His mid-80s change-up tunnels off the heater well and dives to the dirt in a hurry. He’ll tinker with a bigger bender in the upper-70s that he used a lot in 2024, though Peterson has kept the pitch in his back pocket in 2025 and uses it to steal strikes.

He grew into more command last spring, though it hasn’t taken the step forward many anticipated this year. There’s considerable upside here with a deep arsenal and physicality, though he may end up as a reliever.

Film: https://youtu.be/4NO1KpMT5V8

HT/WT: 6’3/190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Virginia | Hometown: Thiells, NY | Projected Age: 21.2

The older brother of 2025 Mariners second-rounder Nicky, there’s a non-zero chance that Eric could be drafted earlier in 2026.

After spending some time in the transfer portal, he will return to Charlottesville in 2026, where he has been a centerpiece for the Cavaliers over the past two years. He’s a big-bodied left-handed hitter with significant bat speed and thump.

The current projection labels him as a power-over-hit guy, though Becker’s hit tool has evolved since getting to campus. Becker began to employ more of a gap-to-gap approach in 2025 with heavy emphasis to the opposite field. Becker’s in-zone rates are promising, but there has been an inability to adjust to pitches out of the zone, especially off-speed, due to stiffness in his lower half. He’ll need to loosen up moving forward, as well as pull the baseball in the air more consistently.

With that said, there’s leverage present in his swing that has generated solid power numbers thus far, and his barrel feel and hard hit rates are promising. There should be more power on the way, as well. Above-average power potential is likely, as well as boasting an average hit tool.

He’s a good athlete in the dirt and has manned shortstop to date, where his defensive chops have improved significantly. Boasting a solid arm and better range, Becker looks more and more like a true shortstop.

Overall, Becker is projected to be one of the more impactful bats in the ACC in 2026.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1908323419063767518

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2030074245036839115?s=20

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas Christian | Hometown: San Clemente, CA | Projected Age: 21

Brunson was taken with Toronto’s 18th-round selection in 2023, but Toronto’s inability to secure his services turned into TCU’s gain. After earning Big 12 All-Freshman honors in 2024, Brunson had a breakout sophomore campaign, slashing .317/.395/.554 with 27 XBHs.

He’s grown into more physicality while on campus and hasn’t seen a dip in his athleticism, flashing good twitch on both sides of the ball. Brunson has seen his power tick up over the past calendar year, delivering a heavy barrel through the zone with an affinity for utilizing the gaps often. Brunson has managed to generate more leverage and belt the baseball to left field more consistently, a welcome sight.

His pure contact skills outweigh the power, though.

Brunson rarely misses the fastball and smothers pitches inside the zone, posting a contact rate of 84% and an in-zone rate of 90%. He has found a more balanced walk-to-strikeout ratio, as well. Brunson can struggle with pitches on the inner third, as his swing can get long, and it’s hampered his ability to pull the baseball consistently to date. With that said, it’s a solid hit tool with budding power and speed that he can utilize on balls in the gaps.

Brunson transitioned from catcher to outfielder once on campus, and he’s been a mainstay in center for the Horned Frogs. He’s been a reliable defender to date with good range and actions, though his speed and arm strength may play better in right field.

He’s not quite as flashy/athletic as his teammate, Sawyer Strosnider, but Brunson has the tools to be a Top 50 pick at this point in the cycle.

On The Clock Interview: https://youtu.be/fvIp_-O-Tm8?si=fHS2_mWVks1EqUjU

HT/WT: 6’6/255 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: South Walton (Freeport, FL) | Commitment: Auburn | Projected Age: 18.2

At 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, Borthwick is not your typical prep prospect. Built like an NFL tight end, he’s got a physical and durable frame, towering over his peers on the diamond. Given his size, he has the looks of a potential power arm on the mound, and while many believe that’s his outcome, there’s upside in the stick.

We’ll start on the mound, where Borthwick’s unorthodox delivery and loud stuff take center stage. Borthwick lands closed and throws to the plate with crossfire and angle, kick-stepping his way down the bump. It’s certainly unique, and while the move does hamper his extension, the angles created allow his arsenal to play.

Another unique aspect of his operation is the low release he generates despite his gargantuan size, as he releases the ball from a low three-quarters slot with loud arm speed. The ball jumps on hitters quickly as a result, plus he still generates some downhill plane.

He’ll generate quality carry on the top rail with his fastball, though it’s played more as a groundball machine to date. His release adds plenty of run and sink to the pitch, boring in on the hands of righties. He’s hit 98 MPH at his peak, routinely sitting in the 92-96 MPH range and holding it for lengthy durations.

The mid-80s slider is a future plus offering. It’s a hellacious breaker with tight spin and late biting action, flashing more sweep than depth. He spins the ball hard, consistently above 2,700 RPMs, and he misses plenty of bats with it. There’s a cambio in his arsenal, though it lags behind the 1-2 punch.

There’s relief risk here, though he has the look of a powerful late-inning reliever if he can’t start. With the bat, Borthwick’s power and leverage stand out, plus he’s got some feel for hitting with good contact rates. He can get overly aggressive with chases, plus many believe he’ll wind up at first base in due time, but he’s shown the capability of playing third thanks to his athleticism.

He projects to be a model-friendly profile on draft day, as he’ll be one of the younger prospects in the class. If he goes undrafted, he’d spend three years at Auburn.

HT/WT: 6’6/235 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Trinity, FL | Projected Age: 21.4

Once high school teammates with Liam Peterson and Landen Maroudis, Dietz was one of the prized southpaws to make it to campus in 2023 after flipping from South Florida to Arkansas.

However, his collegiate career has not gone as planned. A stress fracture in his elbow in 2024, followed by a subsequent setback, has limited Dietz to just 1.2 innings on the mound in Fayetteville. However, his fall showing was incredibly loud, and many scouts believe he’s one of the best southpaws in the land.

Dietz possesses a huge frame that has filled out since he made it to campus, now coming in at six-foot-six and 235 pounds. There’s not a ton of effort to the operation, flashing loud arm speed from an over-the-top slot, though his command has scuffled while he works back to full capacity.

The fastball has a chance to be really, really good. Already up to 99 MPH this fall, Dietz generates a ton of backspin and carry on the offering, featuring slight cut through the zone that hitters struggle to catch up to when commanded on the top rail.

There’s an upper-80s cutter that bridges the gap to a hammer breaking ball in the low-80s, which features strong gyro characteristics and snap. He rounds out his arsenal with a unique high-spin cambio in the mid-80s.

It is paramount that Dietz carries his fall form into the spring, especially given the lack of track record on his card. That said, he has a real chance to surge up draft boards this spring, and a top fifty selection is not an outlandish scenario if everything clicks.

HT/WT: 6’5/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Notre Dame | Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD | Projected Age: 21.9

Hailing from South Dakota, Radel is built much like a Black Hills spruce tree. He’s tall, sturdy, and plenty strong.

With that analogy out of the way, Radel has been a steady force in Notre Dame’s rotation since arriving in South Bend, making twenty-three starts over two seasons. His performance and arsenal give him a real shot to be the highest-selected Notre Dame player since Jack Brannigan, a third-rounder in 2022. He may even surpass that.

The ease of motion, strike-throwing, and extension give Radel a real shot at staying in a rotation. He gets excellent extension down the mound, averaging just shy of seven feet, an absurd mark. He repeats his delivery effectively, too, which allows him to pepper the zone with strikes and tunnel his pitches well.

Coming from a higher arm slot, the fastball isn’t a bat-misser, but he generates an astounding number of chases, at a 29% clip in 2026. It’s an offering that gets a ton of carry and can add or subtract horizontal movement, playing best as a cut/ride monster on the top rail. Radel has seen his velocity jump into the mid-90s more consistently, and he’s been up to 98 MPH.

The breaking ball tends to morph between a slider and a curveball in the low-80s, though reports indicate that Radel has gained feel for a more powerful curveball this fall. The pitch tunnels well off the fastball and drops to the dirt with some tilt, but it plays best with plenty of depth out of his slot. He’ll bridge the gap to the offering with an upper-80s cutter that he’s gained confidence in, and he has gained feel for a hard change-up with fading life.

He has the tools to succeed, but everything needs to fall in place. He’s a prospect with his best days ahead of him, and at the top of Notre Dame’s rotation, he has a chance to challenge for ACC Pitcher of the Year.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2040471572868174070?s=20

HT/WT: 6’4/220 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Ganesha (Aliso Vieja, CA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 17.11

Originally part of the 2027 class, Schmidt made the jump into this year’s crop in June. This move has paid dividends so far, as Schmidt is considered the last of the top southpaws in this class. He checks many boxes for scouts, including size, handedness, arsenal strength, and command.

While there isn’t a lot of projection to his frame, it’s proportionate strength with durability and excellent body control on the mound. Schmidt is deceptive and hides the ball very well, plus he generates impressive extension numbers, which helps his arsenal appear more powerful.

He started the summer in the low-90s, but finished the season throwing in the 93-96 MPH range, topping out at 97 MPH at his peak. Due to his lower release point, Schmidt generates more run than carry, but with his command, he can spot the corners and overpower opposing hitters with his fastball. This is a strong asset to his profile.

His best secondary pitch is a mid-80s change-up that he sells very well with a similar arm speed to his fastball. So far, it’s been used mostly against righties, but it has significant fade and depth.

He also has a curveball and a slider, though they sometimes blend. The curveball is the better of the two, with sharper bite and tilt in the upper-70s, while the low-80s slider is a more gradual breaker with good shape.

Given his body control and strike-throwing ability to date, Schmidt has the potential to develop above-average to plus command with quality stuff. He won’t turn 18 until after the draft due to his reclassification, and if he doesn’t sign, he’ll play at LSU in Baton Rouge.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Texas A&M | Hometown: Highland Village, TX | Projected Age: 21.4

Sorrell had significant helium to his name during his senior year at Marcus High School in Texas, where his athleticism and tools shone. After showing out in a successful freshman campaign for the Aggies, Sorrell was hampered significantly by the injury bug as a sophomore, missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury and ending his year early with a hand injury.

However, Sorrell is a toolshed athlete with significant upside if he can stay on the field in 2026. It’s a potentially fun power/speed combination with solid defense in a corner outfield spot.

He’s filled out his frame with more muscle, and he loves to lift the baseball in the air. Sorrell has effortless juice from the left side, flashing significant bat speed and a heavy barrel through the zone. Sorrell’s best contact quality comes to the pull-side, and he posts one of the best AirPull% in the country, though he’s shown the ability to drive pitches to the opposite field. It’s potentially plus power at the next level.

With that said, the evolution of the hit tool is something to watch. He can hammer pitches left inside the zone, though there’s some length to his swing, and he struggles to adjust to pitches out of the zone. He loves to swing, and he’ll get particularly jumpy against spin, plus he’s struggled to keep up with velocity. Shortening the swing, showing adjustments, and limiting chases will be paramount.

After spending two years in a corner outfield spot, Sorrell should get chances in center this spring. He’s a valuable defender with agility, range, and the ability to make highlight reel plays. As he fills out his frame more, he may lose some speed and be relegated to right field, where he has solid arm strength.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2028298310990311593?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Palmdale, CA | Projected Age: 21.3

During a two-year stint at San Diego, Reddemann was an immediate contributor in the rotation, making 22 starts for the Toreros with plenty of success. This included two appearances on the All-WCC First Team list, as well as the WCC Freshman of the Year in 2024. Now at UCLA, Reddemann slotted into their weekend rotation and found another tier to his game.

Reddemann possesses an uptempo delivery with deception, repeating his mechanics well and displaying little effort down the bump. As a result, he can command the baseball very well, peppering the strike zone repeatedly. Free passes are very rare from him.

His fastball shapes tend to vary, primarily sitting in the “dead-zone” profile, but he’s shown the ability to elevate with cut/ride shape. That said, he will need to separate fastball shapes in the minor leagues. He’s added significant velocity, as well. He sits in the 94-97 MPH range, but will reach back for 99 MPH. Commanding the heater is his best attribute, and he sets up his secondaries well as a result.

His best secondary is a low-80s change-up that mimics the fastball shape before diving to the dirt with serious tumble. He kills spin particularly well and maintains arm speed, too. He added an upper-80s cutter that has been diabolically good, and he rounds out his profile with a harder low-80s curveball used to steal strikes.

He has a higher floor with his command prowess and secondaries, fitting in as a serviceable back-end option in someone’s rotation.

Video/Article: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2045235605244690548?s=20

HT/WT: 6’3/189 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Tennessee | Hometown: Gettysburg, PA | Projected Age: 21.1

One of the better pitching talents to reach campus after the 2024 draft, Kuhns found some success as Tennessee’s Sunday guy, but it’s what he did on the Cape that has scouts and analysts looking towards a breakout in 2026. In three starts with Brewster, Kuhns allowed just two runs, striking out twenty and walking just one. It was an excellent showing.

Kuhns has a slender, athletic frame with plenty of projection yet to come, plus he has outstanding arm speed with some deception mixed in. Kuhns sinks into his lower half well with his drop-and-drive mechanics, allowing him to generate power from the ground up.

It’s easy velocity, too. Kuhns has already reached back for 98 MPH, though he’ll find himself holding 92-95 MPH throughout starts. He commands the heater well, especially on the top rail, where he’ll generate most of his whiffs thanks to the riding life and backspin on the offering. This is easily Kuhns’ best pitch.

He has a strong breaking ball that he spins excellently in the upper-70s/low-80s that he can manipulate, morphing between a shorter curveball and a larger sweeper. The curveball itself flashes more 11/5 shape at its best, with spin rates creeping up on the 3,000 RPM barrier.

Kuhns added an upper-80s cutter to act as a bridge offering halfway through the spring, plus there’s feel for a tumbling mid-80s splitter, as well.

His secondary command was a bit lackluster last spring, but that changed drastically during the summer and has been consistent this spring. Given all the traits and metrics, Kuhns has risen up boards quickly.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2027549661767278764?s=20

HT/WT: 6’3/180 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: Terry Fox Secondary (Port Coquitlam, BC) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.2

British Columbia has pumped out quality talent over the past few years, including the likes of Tyler O’Neill, Cade Smith, and Nick Pivetta. Heck, the legendary Larry Walker was born in Maple Ridge. As the top Canadian arm in this class, Duncan is looking to join that distinguished list.

An ultra-projectable southpaw with outstanding athleticism, Duncan possesses excellent body control with rhythmic fluidity as he moves down the mound. While the arm action is long, he’s on time and gets plenty of scap retraction, which leads to uber-quick arm speed at release.

After being 90-92 MPH throughout a majority of the summer, Duncan saw an uptick in velocity during the fall, pitching more in the 92-95 MPH range. Many expect this to become the norm in due time.

He generates quality ride upstairs, solid extension, and a flatter VAA that helps the fastball play up and miss bats. As he adds more consistent velocity and strength, the expectation is that Duncan will have a potentially plus heater.

His best secondary is a low-80s slider with teeth and tilt, playing at its best when down in the zone. He’ll get lefties fishing out in front while displaying the ability to tie up righties and land it on their back foot. He has good feel for a mid-80s change-up with solid fading action that plays off the heater, as well.

There’s a big up arrow beside Duncan’s name on rankings after an excellent fall display, and he has Top 100 upside. Duncan is committed to Vanderbilt, though he underwent elbow surgery late in the spring season.

Video: https://youtu.be/4dOEc-7-ik8?si=rhLN7PMhPapmpQIR

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas | Hometown: Yardley, PA | Projected Age: 21.5

A two-year starter at Seton Hall, Robbins established himself as one of the best mid-major bats in this class. Now, after taking home the batting title honors on the Cape, Robbins will look to make an immediate impact at Texas, where he’s expected to be a key cog in their machine from the get-go.

It’s a swing that will remind evaluators of a mix of Zach Neto and Matt McLain. It’s not as loud a leg kick as what Neto had, but the same technique to generate leverage/coil is there. Robbins will sink deeply into his back leg and coil his core well, which allows his hips to open quickly and his hands to fly through the zone.

Robbins has more power than his slender frame would suggest, with exit velocities north of 111 MPH this spring, and he has shown an emphasis on utilizing the gaps consistently. He has mashed the baseball consistently this spring, boasting an elite hard-hit rate of 58% and an average exit velocity just short of 90 MPH.

He’s a patient hitter who will rack up walks and feast on heaters (11% FB whiff in 2025), though his lower half can get stiff at times, and he’ll struggle with secondaries, especially those low-and-away. With that said, he’s shown the ability to adjust to pitches out of the zone,

He’s an above-average runner presently and has shown a willingness to steal bases, plus that speed translates to right field. He’s a good route-runner with range and an average arm, which could leave him in left field as a professional, but he has the tools to be in right field until he comes across a better defender.

Robbins has been an impactful bat for a Texas team thriving under Jim Schlossnagle.

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: St. Ignatius College Prep (San Mateo, CA) | Commitment: Stanford | Projected Age: 18.5

One of the more decorated two-way players in the country, Horn’s bat has really taken off over the past calendar year, and many believe he’ll keep the bat in his hand at the next level. He’s well-built with proportionate strength and displays excellent athleticism on both sides of the ball.

At the plate, Horn’s impact is beginning to take shape. Featuring a narrow and crouched stance, Horn stays compact and direct to the baseball, peppering the middle of the field and the gaps with intent. There’s solid bat speed and feel to lift the baseball, especially when he’s attacking the opposite field gap.

He’s learning to pull the baseball, and that should come in due time. He’s displayed the ability to attack the pull side in batting practice, and many believe it’ll transition in-game soon. He’ll get passive and allow pitchers to get to their best weapons early, though he has shown that he likes to stay in the zone and rarely chase.

Defensively, he has the arm strength and mobility to stay on the left side, though his body may move him to third base. It’s soft hands with good footwork, too.

Some scouts do prefer Horn on the mound, where he’s been up to 94 MPH with life and throws a diabolically good change-up.

His Stanford commitment will draw some caution from teams, but the talent may be too good to ignore. He would be eligible in 2029 as a junior if he makes it to campus.

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Liberty | Hometown: Gretna, VA | Projected Age: 21.3

One of the best mid-major arms in this class, Blair is a unique profile with big deception, low-launch traits, and big projection that scouts and models will enjoy.

Boasting a release height that hovers around four-and-a-half feet off the turf, Blair certainly has the look of a reliever, given the herky-jerky movements and slight effort, but he stays compact and repeats his delivery well. He throws strikes at a healthy clip, though the command can get streaky from one start to the next.

It’s an east-west arsenal that garners a lot of chases and weak groundballs, which makes up for the lack of swing-and-miss. Blair’s sinker gets heavy sink and running life out of the hand, boring in like a bowling ball to the hand of right-handed bats, plus he’s shown an ability to elevate and miss bats on the top rail. At his best, he’s been able to generate nearly two feet of run on the pitch. Blair typically sits in the low-90s, though he’s run the heater up to 98 MPH in shorter bursts.

Blair implemented a hard cutter that bridges the gap to his low-80s slider, featuring some angle and firmness away from right-handed bats. The slider is a bigger bender with immense sweeping life, and he’s shown the ability to land it for strikes when his fastball command lacks. There’s a nascent change-up to round out the arsenal, as well.

Blair’s profile likely fits best in a bullpen as a professional, though he’s earned the ability to start in the rotation after he gets drafted. He’ll need to hold his stuff better as the season progresses, but there’s definitive Day 1 upside for the funky righty.

HT/WT: 5’11/200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Georgia Tech | Hometown: Santa Clara, CA | Projected Age: 21.5

Over the past two seasons, Advincula has been one of the best pure hitters in the entire country. Now, he’s made the journey to Atlanta, where he’s joining a loaded infield at Georgia Tech and projects to be a table-setting option atop their lineup.

An athletic player who has seen strength gains since getting to college, Advincula is fairly maxed out in terms of projection. With that said, his tools will translate to the next level. Across two seasons at California, Advincula posted an astounding 90% contact rate, including a ridiculous 94% in-zone rate. It’s truly elite bat-to-ball skills. That hit tool prowess has translated at Georgia Tech, with an 88% contact rate and an in-zone rate of 92%.

He utilizes the whole field to his advantage, and he’ll use his plus speed to leg out infield singles and turn singles into doubles. If there’s one thing to complain about, it’s his aggression at the plate. Advincula loves to swing the bat, which has led to a bloated chase rate north of 30%, though the bat-to-ball skills give him a runway when compared to some of his peers.

He does possess budding bat speed with good barrel control and has shown power in his game, extending his arms at offerings in the bottom third and driving them to the gaps and pull-side, but his game is not centered around power. His swing is more slappy than anything else, but he’ll run into a few home runs, and there could be more in the tank if he changes his swing.

Defensively, he projects to have a good glove at second base. He has a good first step in the dirt with good range and some bounce to his game, gobbling up grounders hit his way.

At this stage in the cycle, it’s hard to believe Advincula falls out of the first two rounds, especially given past precedent for similar profiles.

HT/WT: 6’1/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Magnolia Heights (Senatobia, MS) | Commitment: Mississippi | Projected Age: 19.0

One of the best bats in the Deep South, Prosek hit at every stop on the summer circuit. While he’s not the most athletic player on the field, his polished offensive game has enamored many scouts.

Prosek’s swing is geared for legitimate impact at the next level. It’s a simple and relaxed swing that he repeats well, featuring a moderate leg kick/drift with little wasted motion. He can separate his hips and shoulders well, plus his hands are extremely strong at impact.

Prosek’s bat path features plenty of loft, impacting the baseball to both sides of the park, but his ability to pull the ball in the air consistently stands out.

He’s more than just a masher, though. While he’s aggressive and expands the zone often, Prosek’s bat-to-ball skills are solid. He’s tough to beat inside the zone, plus there’s adjustability to his swing.

The bat will be the primary selling point moving forward; he’s a below-average runner with a thick lower half, which affects his mobility in the dirt. Many expect him to transition to third base, where he has an average arm, though a first base role can’t be ruled out.

If Prosek attends Mississippi, he would be sophomore-eligible in 2028.

HT/WT: 6’1/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) | Commitment: Duke | Projected Age: 18.10

Clark was one of the top risers during the entire summer circuit. Coming from the talented St. John Bosco team, Clark stood out at multiple events, including a notable Area Codes appearance and winning a gold medal at the 18U World Cup.

He’s a toolsy, bat-first infielder with solid athleticism for his size, featuring quick hips and good strength throughout. He’s more of a contact hitter than a power threat at this point, with some slap-hitting tendencies, but many believe he’ll develop solid power.

Clark takes efficient, compact swings with a heavy barrel through the zone, showing quick hands, good bat speed, and excellent lower-half movement in his swing. His contact skills are advanced, and he approaches at the plate with polish.

Currently, Clark often uses the gaps and accelerates into second gear, running plus times and being ready to take an extra base or two. He has the ability to challenge pitchers and fielders alike. Additional strength and a slight swing tweak should help him turn some doubles and triples into home runs.

In the field, Clark has natural instincts to handle the shortstop position for the foreseeable future. He displays some bounce in his game, with solid range, soft hands, and a keen internal clock. His arm strength is also adequate, though his footwork does create inconsistencies in accuracy. If shortstop doesn’t work out, he would get a chance to play in center.

Clark was originally committed to Princeton, which could have complicated his draft status, though in January, Clark flipped to Duke.

Reel: https://youtu.be/PJOGtEBtRTg?si=i5mEcF1BP6bgreqP

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: De La Salle (Danville, CA) | Commitment: Stanford | Projected Age: 18.9

The top Northern California bat in this class, Spangler is a lean, projectable infield prospect with some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the entire country. It’s polished, it’s easy, and he looks the part.

Spangler starts with an upright, narrow stance from the left side, drifting slightly down the box with little wasted movement. He has a lengthy track record of putting the bat on the baseball, seldom whiffing against the opposition.

He spent more time letting the ball travel and lacing the ball to the opposite field this summer, but Spangler can take tight turns to the baseball to the pull side and generate loft.

It’s quick hands with solid bat speed and barrel lag/whip through the zone, and given the projection left to his frame, scouts believe it’s just a matter of time before the power turns on. Many believe he’ll develop average or above-average power in due time.

The biggest thing for Spangler to work on is improving the bloated groundball rate and pummeling the baseball in the air, especially to his pull side. Assuming that happens, he’ll have one of the more potent offensive profiles in this class.

A shortstop by trade, many believe that Spangler will outgrow the position and shift over to the hot corner, where he projects to be a solid defender. He displays quality body control, tempo, and soft hands in the dirt, showcasing adequate arm strength across the diamond.

One thing to watch regarding Spangler’s profile is his commitment to Stanford, which has proven to be a significant obstacle for signing prep players in recent years. He certainly has the tools and projection to entice scouts, though he did miss the spring with an injury. If he winds up at Stanford, he would be eligible as a junior in 2029.

HT/WT: 6’5/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Mississippi | Hometown: Greenville, SC | Projected Age: 21.10

No pitcher in this cycle has boosted their draft stock more than Taylor Rabe. That’s not a hyperbole, it’s a fact.

The burly right-hander missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, but impressed in a small sample size out of the bullpen in 2025. He began 2026 in the same role, but his velocity jumped, and his performances earned him starts in April. He ended the season as one of the most reliable starters in the country, becoming a huge piece to the Rebels’ College World Series run.

While there are physical traits to like, Rabe has considerable projection to his six-foot-five, 200-pound frame. While Rabe throws with a generic three-quarters arm slot, he hides the ball extremely well behind his torso, allowing him to be deceptive as he drives down the mound.

It’s impressive arm speed, and the upper-90s fastball gets on hitters quickly, though he relies upon pure velocity and command to miss bats. He has flashed the ability to get cut/ride shape, though the fastball shape tends to be on the generic side. That said, fastball shapes tend to matter less when the arm touches triple digits as Rabe does.

His best secondary is a hard cutter in the upper-80s that plays off his downhill angle, causing hitters to swing over the top. The same happens to his mid-80s breaking ball that has depth and two-plane break. He kills spin well on his upper-80s change-up, as well.

It’s a full menu of pitches with command and deception, though there are some kinks to work out, which include tinkering with his fastball to be more effective and increasing his spin capacity on his breakers. He should get every opportunity to start at the next level.

HT/WT: 6’2/190 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Southern California | Hometown: Los Angeles, CA | Projected Age: 20.11

Last summer, southpaw Caden Hunter was selected in the sixth round by the Orioles out of USC, the highest an arm had been taken from the program since Kyle Hurt in 2020. While he’s not too dissimilar to Hunter, Edwards has a chance to go much higher this summer, and he’s put together a masterful showing this spring. He leads the country in strikeouts by a wide margin with 122.

Edwards uses a deceptive drop-and-drive delivery with crossfire, fluidity, and an over-the-top slot. This deception allows his entire arsenal to play up from the velocity he currently throws, and his pitch shapes and projection also lean in his favor.

The fastball has reached 95 MPH, routinely sitting in the 90-93 MPH range, and he generates a ton of ride, backspin, and slight cut through the zone. Jumping out of his hand, the pitch has hitters struggling to pick it up, which led to a 28% whiff rate in 2025.

His best secondary is a firm low-80s change-up that doesn’t have a ton of vertical separation off the heater but tunnels well off it and fades away from the barrels of right-handed hitters. He can manipulate a slurvy breaking ball in the upper-70s/low-80s, which plays best when it stays short to the plate and below the zone. Each whiff rate for the secondary offerings sits at over 60%.

Command and sequencing are both solid, and he won’t turn 21 until after the draft. He’s very model-friendly, and his junior campaign has solidified his status as a top fifty prospect in this class.

Video: https://x.com/JaredCP1/status/2037926743164539113?s=20

Article: https://www.justbaseball.com/college-baseball/usc-mason-edwards-best-lhp-in-college-baseball-soon/

Article: https://www.justbaseball.com/college-baseball/2026-deep-dive-mason-edwards/

HT/WT: 6’4/218 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia | Hometown: Visalia, CA | Projected Age: 21

Admittedly, Volchko is one of the more unique pitching profiles we’ve come across in recent years. It’s a full-on power arsenal; you won’t find many pitches in his logs under 85 MPH. However, Volchko has profiled more as a groundball machine than a strikeout specialist to date.

Now at Georgia, Volchko has performed as the primary Friday guy for Wes Johnson’s club.

Volchko is a long-framed athlete with plenty of projection to his body, but he is very athletic. There’s a ton of moving parts to Volchko’s delivery, one that features uptempo movements and looseness, though his body has been tough to sync up to date. However, Wes Johnson has gotten Volchko farther down the mound, and his release point has gotten lower. He’s done this without sacrificing much in terms of his power.

Volchko’s fastball is a unique pitch; it’s a hard-thrown cutter in the mid-90s that has reached 99 MPH in the past, and it generates a high number of grounders, especially from left-handed hitters. When his fastball command lacks, he’ll pitch primarily off a low-90s slider with firm shape and slight tilt.

However, his mid-80s curveball may be his best pitch. It’s a true hammer with significant depth and impressive spin rates, though he’s yet to unleash it at a high rate (~6% usage in 2025, 13% in 2026). To round out the arsenal, he throws a hard low-90s change-up that is seldom used.

Volchko’s pitch movements tend to blend, which does hamper his overall effectiveness. Volchko’s success at Georgia has kept his profile afloat, though he may still wind up in a relief role with his effort and command woes.

To help his case, Volchko will barely be 21 years old on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’7/205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Kingsburg (Kingsburg, CA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.6

No pitcher ascended draft boards more than Hirschkorn did this summer.

An extremely projectable right-hander from Northern California, Hirschkorn dominated opponents at every stop. This included his historic Area Codes performance, where he struck out all nine batters he faced. His combination of projection, raw stuff, and body control checks many boxes for scouts, as many believe he has significant upside as a starting pitcher moving forward.

Hirschkorn’s delivery is as smooth as it gets, and it’s also incredibly deceptive. His body control is excellent for someone his size, as he remains controlled and methodical on the mound. He hides the ball extremely well, with hitters rarely seeing it out of his hand due to his shorter arm swing.

Given the quick, whippy nature of his arm and his projection, scouts believe his velocity could reach the upper 90s soon. He has already hit 96 MPH at his peak, typically sitting between 91-95 MPH with a downhill plane. His fastball has good carry and tailing action through the zone, and Hirschkorn can command the ball to both halves of the plate.

His low-80s breaking ball is his best pitch, enhanced by his deceptive delivery and ability to tunnel pitches. It can sometimes get slurvy and show some tilt, but it works best when thrown short with depth and bite. To right-handed hitters, it’s a devastating pitch and shows above-average to plus potential. He also throws a solid mid-80s changeup with big fading life.

Hirschkorn’s command is notable, as he consistently finds the strike zone. His best days are ahead of him, having established himself as one of the top arms in this class. Hirschkorn committed to Jay Johnson’s crew in late October, setting the stage for a potential three-year collegiate career in Baton Rouge.

Reel: https://youtu.be/JqSeZNEYF2M?si=6F85L7X9W0w_k931

HT/WT: 6’0/202 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Auburn | Hometown: Pensacola, FL | Projected Age: 21

Auburn’s group of freshmen was among the best in the country in 2025, but it was Rembert who stood out the most.

Rembert finished the season with a slash line of .344/.467/.555, fourteen doubles, ten home runs, and a nearly identical K:BB ratio in the SEC. It’s a compact frame with proportionate strength, plus he’s become a smoother athlete since stepping onto campus.

It’s a healthy offensive package. There’s some twitch at the plate with quick hands and solid bat speed, sending the ball back up the middle and to the pull-side consistently. Rembert does a solid job of handling velocity, and he can ambush heaters for power.

However, he does swing over breaking balls and can struggle to generate quality contact on secondaries. He shows patience at the plate, seldom chasing and racking up a hefty amount of walks. He coils his core well and flashes average to above-average power, especially to the pull-side. If he can clean up some of the troubles with secondaries, it’s a potential 55-hit/50-power profile.

Defensively, his arm strength does limit him to the right side of the dirt, but he’ll be a reliable defender at second base. He has soft hands, solid footwork, and a gliding nature to his motions that will keep him in that position long-term, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Auburn try him out at shortstop next spring.

He projects to be one of the first draft-eligible sophomores off the board next July.

HT/WT: 5’10/165 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: The Stony Brook (Queens, NY) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 19.3

If you check the definition of “pest” in a dictionary, it’s just a photo of Aiden Ruiz.

A switch-hitting infielder with an excellent glove in the dirt, Ruiz is an electric presence on the diamond. Scouts love to watch him; opponents dislike playing against him.

With wiry strength and loud twitch, Ruiz has dynamic bat-to-ball skills and enjoys slap-hitting the ball around the field. So far, most impact has come from the left side, but both swings show clean bat paths aimed at putting the ball in play and challenging fielders. His ultra-quick hands and explosive hips let him make later swing decisions than most peers.

He may not have a ton of power, so most of his extra bases will come from gaps or using his speed on the bases. He’s an extremely aggressive runner, willing to steal bases repeatedly.

In the field, he’s a high-energy defender with plenty of bounce. His glove at shortstop is advanced, showing quick transfers, great instincts and IQ, and rangy movements. It’s hard to find a play Ruiz can’t make at the position. His arm strength is above average, too.

Everything in Ruiz’s skill set indicates a Day 1 profile. He will be on the older side of the class at 19.3 years old, making him a draft-eligible sophomore in 2028 at Vanderbilt.

HT/WT: 6’3/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas | Hometown: Castle Pines, CO | Projected Age: 21.3

Tinney’s journey through collegiate baseball has been a unique one to date. Originally from Colorado, Tinney ventured to Notre Dame to start his career, but a torn ACL in 2024 kept him sidelined.

He had some struggles to start 2025, but he became one of the hottest bats in the country during the second half. After falling short of the postseason, Tinney is now at Texas, where he’ll replace Rylan Galvan for the Longhorns.

Tinney’s power is among the best in the country, grading out as potentially double-plus at the next level. There’s a lot of pure strength in his frame, but Tinney generates solid bat speed and leverage in his swing. He hits the stitches off the baseball routinely, plus his ability to pull the baseball in the air is a huge plus. He’s a guy who will mash mistakes.

The hit tool will lag behind the power, admittedly. He’s a patient hitter with the ability to draw a copious amount of walks, and he handles velocity decently, but he struggles to adjust to off-speed pitches and runs high whiff rates on them. Even if Tinney is a .220 hitter, odds are that Tinney is capable of hammering 30+ home runs. That’s still valuable.

Behind the plate, Tinney has an incredibly strong arm and throws out runners consistently. He can be slow out of the crouch, which is a problem that plagues larger backstops, though the arm strength helps ease those woes. Hunter Goodman is an easy comparison to make here, and it’s certainly a plausible outcome.

HT/WT: 6’4/180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Anderson (Austin, TX) | Commitment: Texas A&M | Projected Age: 17.11

One of the youngest players in the entire class, Comeau’s uber-projectable frame will catch your eye upon first glance. His frame is incredibly lean and lanky, oozing projection that few can rival in this class.

Despite the wiry look, Comeau’s tools stand out, and many believe his best days are ahead of him. Comeau can control his long levers well, repeating a short, compact swing with stout lower-half usage and great extension at impact. While there is a noteworthy barrel wrap, his hands are swift, whipping the barrel around his body and generating significant bat speed in the process.

While most of his impact was in the opposite field throughout the summer, he began to pull the ball with more authority in Jupiter, which included a long pull-side home run. Many believe he will grow into above-average power. The bat-to-ball skills aren’t too shabby, either. He has a keen eye and understands the zone well, rarely chasing pitches out of the zone. The bat has a chance to be really good.

Defensively, he’s a bit position-less at this time. He’s been given reps at shortstop, though many believe he’ll shift over to third base as he grows into his body. If third base isn’t a viable option in the future, he’ll transition into a corner outfield role with good arm strength.

Comeau will not turn 18 until a few weeks after the draft, which will help his case among model-heavy teams. He is committed to Texas A&M.

HT/WT: 6’3/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: JSerra Catholic (Riverside, CA) | Commitment: Oregon State | Projected Age: 18.6

One of the most physical players in this class, Bowen stands out among his peers on the diamond upon first glance. He’s built like an NFL tight end. It’s broad shoulders, it’s impressive strength throughout his frame, and it’s loud tools across the board.

An imposing figure to opposing pitchers, Bowen has shown an improved approach this summer, which has allowed him to rise steadily on draft boards. There’s some noise to his swing, most notably an inward leg kick, but Bowen stays compact throughout and unleashes violence on the baseball.

He displays significant hip/shoulder separation once his foot plants into the dirt, which allows the barrel to fly through the strike zone. It’s impressive bat speed with barrel control and feel to lift the baseball, especially to the pull side.

While he can get tested against spin, Bowen has posted healthier contact rates and seldom chases out of the strike zone, displaying a more selective approach than in previous summers.

It’s a well-balanced offensive profile that should continue to improve with further development.

In the grass, Bowen has the speed and instincts to begin his professional career in center. Despite his size, he’s a quality athlete with excellent speed, allowing him to cover ground easily. As he ages, there’s a good chance that he’ll move to right field, where his superb arm strength fits in perfectly. He’s already been gunned at 96 MPH in showcase settings, and the accuracy is there.

It’s a power-oriented profile that will attract tons of scouting heat next spring. Bowen is committed to Mitch Canham’s crew at Oregon State and would be eligible as a junior if he makes it to campus.

Interview: https://youtu.be/PqWgMGYHxnQ?si=jS-4Gud8Exn6WbbB

HT/WT: 6’1/198 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: Florida State | Hometown: Tampa, FL | Projected Age: 21.9

Once pitching for Ole Miss, Mendes returned to his home state of Florida and earned a starting role for the Seminoles behind Joey Volini and Jamie Arnold. He experienced ups and downs, but he was a consistent Sunday starter for Link Jarrett’s team.

Mendes has excellent athleticism on the mound, moving smoothly with a deeper arm stroke that results in a three-quarters slot.

His fastball has some life, reaching up to 96 MPH with a cut/ride shape upstairs, while showing tailing action down in the zone. He regularly sits 91-94 MPH throughout his outings, though his pitch doesn’t miss many bats. It primarily sets up his secondary offerings, which are advanced.

His best pitch is an upper-70s changeup with excellent velocity separation, tumbling action, and tunnel point off his heater. It’s his most effective out pitch, generating whiffs over 50% of the time in 2025, and potentially plus.

His mid-80s slider flashes tilt, though it mostly stays short to the plate with good bite. Currently, it’s an average offering, acting like a deathball. He also has a softer mid-70s curveball with depth and bite, though it can be inconsistent with its shape.

Mendes has unlocked premier pitchability and established himself as a true starter with an uptick in his secondary command. Mendes has had a very strong 2026 campaign, and there’s a chance he wins the ACC Pitcher of the Year.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2032618166463914274?s=20

HT/WT: 6’0/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Aptos, CA | Projected Age: 21.9

Gaeckle burst onto the scene at the 2022 PG National showcase with a loud one-two punch, but elected to enroll at Arkansas after being picked in the twentieth round by the Cincinnati Reds in 2023.

He was an excellent reliever in 2024 and 2025, but endured some hardships in a starting capacity early in 2025. With that said, Gaeckle’s pure stuff is amongst the best in the country. Gaeckle powers his way down the mound with explosivity, utilizing his lower half very well with his drop-and-drive mechanics and flashing loud arm speed.

The fastball has already tickled triple-digits, getting up to 99 MPH at his peak and routinely sitting in the mid-90s, though he’ll lose some velocity across lengthier outings. The pitch explodes out of his hand, and he’ll create flat approach angles on offerings on the top rail or above it, but he’ll find himself leaving too much over the plate.

At its best, it’s a cut/ride monster with huge spin rates that guys struggle to touch. If he can consistently find more value in 2026, the heater will find another gear.

His best offering is an upper-80s slider with two-plane tilt and nasty bite, commanding it away from righties with some depth and sweep. It’s his best chase pitch, and guys flail at it routinely. His low-80s curveball can jump out of his hand slightly, but there’s significant depth at its best, displaying true hammer qualities.

His upper-80s power change has found life in college, featuring a big tumble and fade, although it has been reserved for left-handed hitters to date.

Given his size, physicality, and past medicals, Gaeckle does have some obstacles ahead of him. However, the upside is too loud to ignore, and gaining more starting experience and success will be key in 2026. If it doesn’t work out as a starter, he’ll be a dynamic late-inning reliever, but he’s an arm that you let start until he proves he can’t.

Video: https://youtu.be/bPqUycalKeI

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2035342469764681946?s=20

HT/WT: 6’4/207 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Blessed Trinity Catholic (Alpharetta, GA) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.2

Joseph, the son of 11-year veteran Jose Contreras, emerged strongly with a standout summer campaign, showcasing one of the most dynamic arsenals in the amateur scene. His profile attracted the attention of Team Brazil as he pitched against a talented Team USA lineup in the WBC.

With a wiry frame and great projection, Contreras has significant arm talent, although there is some relief risk associated with his profile.

A short strider, which is common for someone who throws from an over-the-top release, he throws downhill with good arm speed. While his delivery isn’t effortful, his head whack and some violence at release have affected his command.

His fastball has reached up to 98 MPH, and he has demonstrated the ability to maintain mid-90s velocity over longer outings. He generates good backspin and carry from the high slot, though he will occasionally show more tail and run down in the zone.

Contreras throws two distinct change-ups: a traditional circle change and a splitter. The circle change sits in the mid-80s with fade, serving as a bridge offering to the bigger splitter. The splitter, in the upper 70s, shows excellent velocity separation and big depth out of the hand, diving to the dirt with bite. It has the potential to be an above-average to plus pitch.

He also features a mid-80s “death ball” slider that remains short to the plate with snapping action, pairing well with his fastball.

If his strike-throwing improves, he has starting upside, but currently, he projects as a leverage reliever with a unique profile. He’s on the younger side of the class and has recently committed to Vanderbilt.

HT/WT: 6’0/195 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Central Florida | Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL | Projected Age: 20.11

Andrew Williamson’s swing has been tweaked a bit since getting to campus, but he’s found the recipe for explosiveness with his current iteration.

Williamson’s hands were quieter in 2024, but he added more noise in his load, which allowed him to get more whip with his hands and more bat speed. This move will enable him to tap into some more power, though it comes at the cost of a long swing/bat path and a noteworthy barrel tip.

He does a good job of staying balanced through his operation and getting the baseball in the air at a consistent rate, though. Williamson handles velocity well in the middle and lower thirds of the zone, though the length does hamper him on the upper third. He can also swing over spin at a considerable clip, too.

With that said, he doesn’t chase at a high clip, plus he’s capable of average power production at the next level and can pull the baseball with ease. We’ll see how the swing evolves and tightens up, but it’s an interesting offensive profile, all things considered.

In the outfield, Williamson is capable of playing all three positions, likely landing in a corner outfield spot as a professional. He has advanced instincts, above-average speed, and great route-running that allows him to be a strong defender wherever he’s put. He is capable of playing center in a pinch, too.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Williamson is a top-100 pick, though finding more of a balance at the dish will certainly help his case.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: NC State | Hometown: Winter Garden, FL | Projected Age: 21.1

After going unselected as a prep in 2024, Head made a loud statement once he set foot in Raleigh. Not only did he possess one of the best hit tools in the ACC as a freshman, but his glove in center field was among the best in the country.

Now draft-eligible as a sophomore, many anticipate more impact this spring, which would further enhance an already dynamic profile.

At six-foot-three, 205 pounds, Head’s frame is wiry and projectable, and most believe he’ll add more power as he fills out. He’ll need to find the barrel more consistently, but he has already shown the ability to sneak a few over the fence to his pull side. Reaching fringe-average or better power would help a great deal.

That said, it’s his keen eye and exquisite bat-to-ball skills that stand out, giving him a solid foundation to build upon offensively. Head walked nearly twice as many times as he struck out in 2025, and he rarely whiffs on anything within the zone, posting an in-zone contact rate of 91%. His ability to lace fastballs is another feather in his cap, with a 9% whiff rate on fastballs overall, including a 4% in-zone whiff rate on velocity.

However, it’s the glove that’s the loudest asset. Head glides in the outfield, covering plenty of ground with solid route-running and speed, and he’ll give up the body to make highlight-reel plays. It’s a cannon arm, as well. The feel for a premium position like this is hard to find, and it will give him leeway come draft day.

HT/WT: 6’3/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Tampa Jesuit (St. Petersburg, FL) | Commitment: Florida State | Projected Age: 18.11

Kaden, the son of former major-league starter Doug Waechter, is a promising starting pitcher prospect with excellent athleticism and a powerful three-pitch arsenal.

With broad shoulders and plenty of projection, Waechter is a highly athletic arm with superb body control and refined actions on the mound. He moves smoothly, generates solid extension, and has considerable arm speed from a lower release point. This makes him an ideal candidate for starting.

His three-pitch mix is built around power, beginning with a heater that challenges hitters. His pitches stand out with metrics such as spin rates over 2,500 RPM and high carry marks, consistently sitting between 91-95 MPH and reaching 96-97 MPH. His fastball can be explosive, occasionally flashing late tail and adding cut when pitching away, while also working inside to right-handed batters. He attacks hitters aggressively.

His primary secondary pitch is a mid/upper-80s slider with sharp movement and two-plane break that hitters find difficult to handle. It comes from the same arm slot as the fastball, and he can shape it into a cutter at times. He commands it very well, including throwing inside and letting it break into lefties’ back foot.

He also has a firm change-up with tumble, thrown in the same velocity range as his slider, and has shown willingness to use it against both lefties and righties.

Given his command, delivery, and repertoire, Waechter has the potential to develop into a middle rotation starter in the future. He is currently committed to attending Florida State University, where he will be eligible again as an older junior in 2029.

HT/WT: 6’3/198 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Cincinnati | Hometown: Venetia, PA | Projected Age: 21.4

Natili spent his first year in college baseball at Rutgers, where he put together a solid freshman campaign for the Scarlet Knights. However, he hopped into the portal and ventured to Cincinnati, where he broke out and played a big role for the Bearcats in 2025, leading them back to a tournament appearance.

He’s a tall, physical athlete behind the plate with a power-oriented game on the field. Natili stands slightly crouched from the right side of the dish, utilizing an open front leg and a subtle leg kick to trigger the operation.

His ability to generate a tight coil in his core and separate the hips and shoulders is impressive. It’s loud bat speed with quick hands, punishing the baseball consistently with a heavy barrel and above-average power. This does come with a good amount of swing-and-miss, however. His swing can get long, and he’ll struggle to adjust to velocity and spin alike, but he stays within the zone at a respectable clip and doesn’t chase a ton.

He’ll need to work on the overall contact skills moving forward, especially once he reaches the upper levels of the minor leagues with more advanced stuff.

Behind the plate, Natili has a plus arm, and he likes to show it off regularly, though he’ll need some more polish in other facets of his game. His lateral mobility isn’t the greatest, which affects his ability to block wild pitches, though he can get out of the crouch well. His receiving is a work in progress, as well. With that said, his arm strength should keep him behind the dish, especially if the actions improve.

HT/WT: 6’3/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Virginia Tech | Hometown: Manassas, VA | Projected Age: 21.6

Virginia Tech has been known for producing quality bats over the past few seasons, but pitching hasn’t been as strong. Ian Seymour and Drue Hackenberg are two of the more noteworthy names to go high in the past five years, and there’s a solid chance that Brett Renfrow joins them in 2026.

A bulky athlete with a fluid delivery on the bump, Renfrow has seen his stuff improve significantly over the past calendar year. He’s also crafted his pitch usage to introduce his secondaries to hitters more. Between 2024 and 2025, Renfrow decreased his fastball usage by 15%, which led to an increase in slider and change-up usage. It led to an increase in both whiffs and chases.

His fastball does possess good value, though it was hit around often last spring. It has performed better in 2026, though. At his best, Renfrow will touch 98 MPH and sit closer to 94-96 MPH deep into starts, throwing two different shapes. He’ll utilize a cut/ride shape up in the zone to generate whiffs, while there’s some tailing action down. He’ll get in trouble with leaving the heater over the plate late in outings, which is something he’ll need to clean up in 2026.

His mid-80s slider is commanded rather well, and he’ll leave it down in the zone consistently, which makes it tough for guys to square up. It’s a two-plane offering at its best, though he’ll add/subtract depth and sweep. His upper-80s change-up took a significant step forward in 2025, gaining trust in the offering and displaying good tumbling action.

He can lose his command across lengthier outings, especially once he runs into issues repeating a slightly stabby arm action behind the back. However, his size, arsenal, and great athleticism are indicators of a future starting pitcher. He has the mold of a classic workhorse starter who fits in perfectly at the backend of a rotation.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1911121240477282347?s=20

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Franklin Regional (Murrysville, PA) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.6

Williams is one of the more athletically gifted athletes in this class, and while he missed much of the summer due to injury, it’s hard to ignore the upside in his profile. He’s a powderkeg of twitch that, while lacking the polish of his peers, has some of the loudest tools available for a prep bat.

Williams utilizes an even stance from the right side of the dish, standing with a wide base and triggering the operation with a leg raise. He has explosive hands and hips, allowing the barrel to fly through the strike zone with electric speed. He projects to be a slugger at the next level, as he opts to lift the baseball with dangerous intent, especially to the pull side.

However, the hit tool will need a coat of polish. The swing can get a bit crude, and he’ll find himself stepping into the bucket, making him susceptible to spin on the outer half. He’ll be tested as he climbs the ladder, but the impact could be loud.

Given the injury, Williams did not play in the field upon his return, but he has shown exceptional speed and arm strength at multiple positions in the past. He has the bounce and lateral range to handle shortstop, though he could transition to the outfield and play in center field, assuming he stays fully healthy.

His spring will prove vital for his evaluation. Williams flipped his commitment from Virginia to Vanderbilt, and he’d be eligible again in 2029.

HT/WT: 6’2/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: James Island Charter (Charleston, SC) | Commitment: Mississippi | Projected Age: 17.11

Marchand wasn’t invited to many major events this summer, but he still made his mark on the scouting community. He was a standout at every stop on the summer calendar, and while there’s a chance he could be two-way, many see him as a future shortstop with developing offensive tools.

Although Marchand’s swing is a bit unconventional and the profile has some flaws, his metrics stand out. His contact skills are exceptional. Marchand makes excellent contact and handles pitches on the outer half well, with his adjustability out of the zone catching everyone’s eye—posting a 29% whiff rate on those pitches. He tends to let pitches travel through the zone and often hits the ball the other way. While he chases pitches at a very high rate, exceeding 35%, his contact ability helps compensate for that red flag.

Marchand creates extension and stretch between his hands and front foot, enabling quick hands, good rotation, and bat speed. He sometimes struggles with drifting over his front hip or foot, and he will likely need some swing adjustments to generate more leverage and power. Overall, he has a promising offensive profile.

With solid arm strength and mobility, many believe he can stick at shortstop. He remains calm and consistent in his actions, showing good footwork, range, and a strong internal clock. He has the tools to stay on the left side of the infield.

As a Mississippi recruit, he also pitches, reaching 92 MPH with a developing breaking ball, but his hitting skills have been too impressive to ignore. He could elevate his profile into the first 100 picks come July.

HT/WT: 6’4/215 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: North Carolina | Hometown: Alexandria, VA | Projected Age: 21.11

North Carolina has a recent history of producing quality centerfield prospects, starting with Vance Honeycutt and followed by Kane Kepley. Owen Hull appears next in line, enjoying a standout 2026 season for the Tar Heels. The George Mason transfer has been the lineup’s best player, slashing .373/.489/.571 with 28 extra-base hits.

Hull offers an enticing power/speed profile and plenty of physicality, but he’s emphasized his hit tool throughout college. He’s more of a slasher than a pure power hitter, spraying line drives to all fields and covering the zone exceptionally well. Hull’s pure hit tool has few flaws, as he minimizes whiffs and strikeouts while drawing more walks.

Scouts would like to see him refine his mechanics for better connection and power, especially given his multiple 110+ MPH exit velocities this season. Most of his power plays to the opposite field because of the rotational nature of his swing. If he unlocks more pop and begins to pull the baseball more, his offensive output could soar.

Defensively, Hull made the move from right to center field this spring and impressed, showing above-average speed, strong route-running and range, and an arm that profiles well in center.

His rapid rise has been notable, and he should be selected relatively early in his second year of draft eligibility.

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Oregon State | Hometown: Mount Angel, OR | Projected Age: 21.2

Starting at Linn-Benton CC, Kleinschmit crossed the Willamette River and enrolled at Oregon State, becoming a key piece to their rotation and helping the Beavers return to Omaha in 2025.

He has the makings of a legitimate backend starter with improving command and great pitch shapes, even if he doesn’t throw particularly hard yet. It’s a strong frame with proportionate strength to his body, though he’s rather projectable with length to his limbs, and it’s an easy delivery down the mound with whippy arm speed.

Kleinschmit routinely sits in the low-90s, reaching back for 94-95 MPH in shorter bursts, but the pitch plays up thanks to the riding life it possesses. He averages close to twenty inches of carry on his fastball with over ten inches of run mixed in. It’s a pitch that has played well on the top rail, and any added velocity will help its value.

His upper-70s/low-80s sweeper has the chance to be a diabolical offering with more power. Kleinschmit averages over seventeen inches of sweeping life on the offering, adding/subtracting depth at times to play with shape. He can keep it down in the zone consistently and get hitters to swing over the top. His change-up was not utilized a ton last season, and he struggled to zone it at times, but there’s considerable vertical separation compared to the fastball, plus there’s significant tumbling action late in its life.

Adding a bit more polish to the profile should work magic for Kleinschmit, who looks to be something of a Michael McGreevy-type of arm. He’ll have plenty of suitors this summer, even with some struggles in 2026.

HT/WT: 6’2/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas A&M | Hometown: Orange, CA | Projected Age: 21.6

The 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year, Grahovac played a significant role in the Aggies’ CWS Finals run and had high expectations for his sophomore season. Unfortunately, Grahovac suffered an early-season shoulder injury that sidelined him for the year. Once recovered, he is expected to be fully healthy for Opening Day 2026 and will return with similar expectations to 2025.

An ultra-physical right-handed hitter, Grahovac is a power-over-hit profile with tremendous bat speed. He stands in an even stance with a crouched posture, using a swaying motion with his lower half to initiate his swing. His hips explode open, allowing his hands and bat to move through the zone and drive the ball to all fields.

He tends to let velocity travel through the zone and shoot the ball the other way, while pulling breaking balls and off-speed pitches. Grahovac possesses legitimate above-average to plus power.

However, his hitting tool and approach need some refinement. In 2024, he displayed a notable amount of swing-and-miss, especially in the zone, and often chased pitches out of the zone. This likely stems from his lower half getting stuck in neutral, limiting his adjustability once his swing operation is triggered—a flaw that needs correction. Despite this, he has a potentially loud offensive profile.

He has played first base, third base, and corner outfield, though most believe he’ll be relegated to a first base only role moving forward.

The bat will carry most of the weight, and he’s performed excellently for the Aggies this spring.

HT/WT: 6’1/205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA | Projected Age: 21.11

A big part of UCLA’s young core, Levu has been a consistent force for the Bruins across his two years on campus. He’s hit at every stop in college, which includes trips to Omaha, the Northwoods, and USA Collegiate Trials.

He’s a bulky prospect with good size and strength, though it’s his below-average speed and arm strength that limit him to first base. With that said, the bat is a solid one.

Levu stays compact in his operation, maintaining an even stance and a high handset, utilizing the entire field to his advantage. It’s an adjustable swing with excellent bat-to-ball skills and tight turns to the baseball, especially on the inner half, though he does hit the ball on the ground more than you’d like. He can be beaten by upper-end velocity, as well. Levu’s approach is very aggressive, swinging nearly 50% of the time and having a chase rate near 30%, but it hasn’t hampered him much.

His power is squarely average overall, though his contact quality is best to his pull-side. He’ll let the ball travel and lace it to the opposite field, but it plays best to right field when he can turn and burn on pitches. He’ll need to lift the ball more and show more patience, but it’s hard to find a more consistent bat on the West Coast.

While he is landlocked at first base, Levu does show good lateral movement and can move around the bag well. He’ll be a serviceable defender at the position.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2027505683105779746?s=20

HT/WT: 6’5/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: North Carolina | Hometown: North Port, NY | Projected Age: 20.2

Once a member of the 2024 draft class, DeCaro reclassified into the 2023 class, but ultimately found himself in Chapel Hill. Since getting to campus, he’s been a consistent force in their rotation, making 34 starts for the Tar Heels to the tune of a 3.80 ERA.

DeCaro has physicality to his frame at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, though there’s some projection remaining, and he’s a solid mover down the mound. There’s a lot to like with his arsenal, though there are some rough edges to iron out. It’s an arsenal that is deep, but it does lack power.

He has hit 97 MPH with the heater, although he’ll typically pitch it around 91-94 MPH in most outings, with significant running life out of his hand. He has added more carry thanks to a slightly higher release. It’s a two-seam shape that does possess a flat approach angle on the top rail, but his extension is subpar, and he’ll pull the heater at times. He may wind up needing to separate the heater into two distinct shapes to help his effectiveness at the next level.

He spins the ball extremely well with his breakers, consistently getting to 3,000 RPMs, though they both lack sufficient power. His low-80s slider is more of a pure sweeper, but the mid-70s curveball flashes more potential with good bite and two-plane tilt. His best secondary is his low-80s change-up that features significant tumble, throwing it with conviction and tunneling well off the heater.

His command can waver at times, mainly because of a bucket step in his delivery that caused him to fall out of line. He’ll need to clean that up, as well as add more power to his arsenal to fulfill his potential. If there’s anything that helps his cause, he projects to be 20.2 years old on draft day, which is nearly unheard of.

It’s a high-floor profile presently, but there’s untapped upside here.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2025018193400471658?s=20

HT/WT: 6’3/189 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Hudson (Hudson, WI) | Commitment: Auburn | Projected Age: 18.4

Jace Mataczynski, like many cold-weather prospects, exploded onto the scene in a hurry and has remained in the crosshairs of the scouting community ever since. The Auburn commit from Wisconsin displays premium athleticism and twitch in a 6’3″, 185-pound frame, evident in both his offensive and defensive profiles.

At the plate, it’s a right-handed swing that could still stand to add a touch more refinement. He starts in a wide base with a higher handset, close to his ear. From there, it’s a drift back into his load before a small jabbing step into his swing. Mataczynski’s wide base helps him get into his legs well, and there’s plenty of present bat speed. We envision some of the mechanical rawness working itself out via his impressive athleticism.

Defensively, he has a good chance to stick at short. He’s a fluid mover with smooth actions and a decisive first step. His hands are soft, and there’s a rapid arm there, too (he’s been clocked up to 98 mph in the infield). This is the type of talent and twitch that can end up looking like a draft steal.

If Mataczynski’s offensive game continues to trend in the right direction, he’ll check most of the boxes you’re looking for in a projection-reliant shortstop profile.

Credit: JD Cameron

HT/WT: 6’1/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: St. Martin (Mississauga, ON) | Commitment: Kentucky | Projected Age: 18.0

The top Canadian bat in the class, Omidi began to surge up draft boards after strong showings at Area Codes and WWBA.

He’s a well-built left-handed hitter with noise to his swing, but his offensive profile is well-rounded and will be valuable on draft day. Omidi features a large leg kick to trigger his swing, but he stays direct to the baseball with a consistent bat path and quick hands.

It’s a polished hit tool with solid contact rates, displaying the ability to lace the baseball to every part of the park. He can get behind on upper-end velocity, though that’s the lone blemish on his profile.

His ability to pull the baseball to the gap has been a welcome sight. He generates quality leverage with his leg kick, allowing him to get into his lower half and drive the baseball. As he develops, most expect the power to continue trending up, and he’s capable of average or better power production at the next level.

The bat is the calling card of his profile, as he is a bit positionless at the moment. He’s had playing time at a myriad of positions, including shortstop, second base, and left field. Given the stockier nature of his frame and fringy arm strength, Omidi fits best at second base if he stays in the dirt. If he moves to the outfield, most expect him to be put in left field, where the bat projects well enough to provide enough value.

Omidi will turn 18 years old just before the draft and would attend the University of Kentucky if undrafted.

HT/WT: 6’3/235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: North Carolina | Hometown: Moorestown, NJ | Projected Age: 21

A draft-eligible sophomore from New Jersey, Lynch became one of Scott Forbes’ most trusted arms out of the bullpen in Chapel Hill. As the season drew to a close, Lynch began to see time as a starter, and he passed each test with flying colors.

After a successful summer trip to Japan, Lynch is now in a position to start for the Tar Heels in 2025, and there’s enough upside to suggest a full-fledged starter as a professional.

Lynch is more of a “data darling” at this stage, but he’s how you draw them up. A big-bodied right-hander with good athleticism, Lynch moves free and easy down the bump with a very low release height that hovers around the five-foot mark.

As a result, his fastball gets a ton of running action out of the hand, though he’s played with two shapes to date. One is a heavy two-seam/sinker that bores in on the hands of righties, while he’ll flash a more vertical four-seam with a flat VAA to the plate. He’s reached back for 98 MPH at his peak, mainly sitting in the 92-96 MPH bucket, holding velocity well and peppering the zone with strikes.

His best pitch is a mid-80s sweeper that flashes above-average with significant sweeping action and lift. At times, he’s generated over five inches of lift and upwards of fifteen inches of sweep. It’s a gnarly offering.

He has deployed a few change-ups, though most have been non-competitive. He’ll generate a ton of groundballs and have a higher floor than most of his peers, but his size, arsenal, and command are enticing for teams.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2025669902795682200?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Florida Gulf Coast | Hometown: Tampa, FL | Projected Age: 20.11

One of the best two-way players in the country, Dempsey was a bit of a hidden gem before impressing at Collegiate National Team trials last summer. He’s the clear-cut favorite for the John Olerud Award this spring, and while the tools on the offensive side are enticing, many view his future on the bump.

Dempsey has filled out his frame a bit, which has led to an uptick in fastball velocity and power. After sitting at 89.4 MPH last spring, he’s now averaging just a tick below 92 MPH, and he’s been up to 95 MPH. He can generate quality carry on the top rail that blends with considerable tail, a byproduct of his lower-arm slot and release. He’s a VAA-merchant who has excelled at blowing it past barrels upstairs, missing bats at a 36% clip in the upper-third of the zone.

To pair with the fastball quality, Dempsey can spin the living hell out of the baseball. Spin rates on his low-80s slider and upper-70s curveball come in above 3,000 RPMs on a routine basis, and both feature outstanding bite and two-plane break. The curveball is the better of the two pitches, flashing plus, though the slider is not far behind.

He seldom throws a change-up, but when he does, it’s effective.

Dempsey doesn’t have a large stride, and there’s a bit of violence at release, but he has commanded the baseball well to this point. He will get opportunities to start until he proves he can’t.

HT/WT: 6’0/176 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Oklahoma | Hometown: Boerne, TX | Projected Age: 21.9

Johnson is an exceptionally speedy infielder for the Oklahoma Sooners, having begun his collegiate career at Wichita State before transferring to Norman. He has consistently produced at the plate wherever he’s played, including an impressive stint with Cotuit on the Cape last summer.

Johnson is a lithe, projectable athlete who leverages his speed, contact skills, and defensive prowess to create value. There is sneaky pop in his bat, especially to the pull side, but most of his extra-base hits are driven by his gap-to-gap approach and elite speed. He frequently attacks the backside gap and gets out of the box quickly, posting run times around 4.00 seconds from home to first.

Johnson covers the strike zone well and stays within it against fastballs, though he can get jumpy and swing over secondary offerings. His profile leans heavily on hitting over power, and refining his swing to be more compact would further improve his barrel control.

Defensively, Johnson has played across the diamond but has settled in at third base, where he demonstrates solid body control, good range, and adequate arm strength. He possesses the tools to transition to center field, where his speed and arm strength would be significant assets.

Given his tools and Cape success, Johnson projects as a third-to-fifth-round draft selection.

HT/WT: 6’5/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Citizens Christian Academy (Douglas, GA) | Commitment: Clemson | Projected Age: 18.10

One of the biggest risers this summer, Bryant’s athleticism, projection, and deception really stand out at first glance.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds, Bryant has notable physical projection and moves very fluidly down the bump. His mechanics are clean, with some drop-and-drive, and he flashes big arm speed from a three-quarters arm slot. Given his projection and arm speed, many believe his current 91-94 MPH velocity will increase into the mid-90s once he adds muscle to his frame.

He has already flashed mid-90s velocity, reaching up to 96 MPH at his peak. Thanks to Bryant’s deceptive arm swing, he can hide the ball well, making it difficult for hitters to pick it up out of his hand. His pitches have significant zip and life through the zone, and although his command can occasionally waver, he demonstrates feel for locating to both sides of the plate.

His low-80s slider is a devastating pitch, showing sweeping action and sharp movement. His command of the slider is impressive — Bryant can throw it for strikes on both a front-door and back-door basis at will. There’s a 57% whiff rate on the offering, too. It projects as a plus breaker.

He also features a mid-80s change-up with solid fading life, well-located to his arm side.

All signs point to him being a potential starting pitcher, and many believe he can develop into a good one. The Clemson commit is on the older side of the class, but if he ends up on campus, he only misses the sophomore-eligible deadline by less than a month.

HT/WT: 6’2/215 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Texas Tech | Hometown: Pearland, TX | Projected Age: 21.7

Ferraro played a key role in leading Blinn JC to a championship before making the jump to Division I at Texas Tech. Since his arrival in Lubbock, he’s posted an impressive stat line and advanced underlying metrics, propelling him up draft boards this spring as one of the class’s premier sluggers.

A hulking presence from the left side, Ferraro consistently punishes baseballs, showing loud bat speed and exit velocities approaching 115 MPH. While his home run totals haven’t exploded due to a line-drive-oriented approach, Ferraro routinely finds the barrel and laces hard line drives to all fields.

He excels at making quality swing decisions and is particularly effective against velocity, boasting a 91% contact rate on fastballs in 2026. Though he can get stiff against secondary pitches, his whiff rates remain very manageable, and he draws plenty of walks. The offensive profile is well-rounded, and he’s a couple of tweaks away from unlocking more production.

Ferraro’s defensive fit remains unsettled, but he has the tools for a corner outfield spot, likely right field. His strong arm and solid speed provide a solid foundation, though he’ll need more reps to sharpen his instincts in the outfield.

Overall, Ferraro’s offensive upside is significant, and he is firmly in Day 1 draft territory.

HT/WT: 6’2/190 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Oxford (Oxford, AL) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 17.2

After reclassifying to the 2026 ranks in late July, Maniscalco has a chance to make history. As it stands, Maniscalco is projected to be 17.2 on draft day, making him one of the youngest draft-eligible players and potentially the youngest first-rounder in history. For reference, Ken Griffey Jr. holds the record as the youngest first-rounder ever at 17.6 years old.

With that out of the way, Maniscalco’s toolset has many scouts assigning a “high follow” tag in their reports, as he could develop into one of the most complete packages in this class once fully matured. His glove gives Maniscalco a high floor.

It’s as polished as it gets in the amateur scene, with scouts awarding double-plus grades for his defense, and some even rating it as elite.

Maniscalco remains calm, cool, and collected on the field, covering lots of ground at the “six” position with a smooth, buttery operation. He’ll handle everything hit his way. Add in soft hands, an excellent internal clock, and above-average arm strength across the diamond, and you have a recipe for success.

Offensively, Maniscalco has solid swings from both sides of the plate, though he needs a bit more polish. He’s a hit-over-power bat with most of his impact coming through the gaps and up the middle, though he’s shown the ability to lift the ball to the pull side.

He tends to keep his swing plane linear and gets on plane quickly, generating solid torque. His approach is mature for his age, though he can be somewhat passive. He sometimes struggles with the timing of his foot strike, which has affected his swing so far. However, that should improve with further development.

He has a good chance to develop into a doubles-heavy hitter who can line drives around the park. Not long after his reclassification, Maniscalco committed to Brian O’Connor’s crew in Starkville.

HT/WT: 5’11/197 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Indiana State | Hometown: Carnduff, SK | Projected Age: 21

Originally from Saskatchewan, Beck’s journey to date has been an adventurous one. He started his collegiate career at the University of Mary, a Division II school in North Dakota, before ending up in Terre Haute, where he has become one of the best mid-major bats in the country.

He is a scout favorite thanks to his electric playstyle and dynamic athleticism. While he’s built on the smaller side, Beck has a sturdy frame.

He coils his body extremely well, displaying twitchy hips and separation to generate solid bat speed through the zone. He’s produced exit velocities up to 111 MPH and consistently gets the barrel to the ball, crushing the baseball to both sides of the field. The power to the opposite-field gap is particularly noteworthy.

The hit tool is promising as well. While he does chase at an aggressive clip, his bat-to-ball skills are pristine, especially against velocity and spin. Change-ups can give him fits, but he’s posted an 88% contact rate against fastballs, and that figure holds for any offering inside the zone. It’s a well-rounded offensive profile.

He’s an above-average runner with a quick first step out of the box, and that speed translates to center field. He’s an aggressive route-runner and will cover solid ground to gobble up baseballs, though as he climbs the ladder, he’ll likely be moved to a corner outfield spot.

It’s easy to dream on the playstyle and tools available here, and if Beck can recreate his 2025 campaign, he should go rather high in July.

HT/WT: 6’2/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: McCallie School (Ooltewah, TN) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 19.0

Wilson projects to be one of the more polarizing prospects in this class. Here’s why: He’s an absolute toolshed with outstanding athleticism, but his game has rawness that requires polish. With that said, there are unique traits that grab your attention, and he found success in front of a large scouting contingency in Jupiter.

Wilson’s swing is distinctive; he flares his back elbow up during his load, which enables a steeper entry into the zone, and his barrel flies through it. It’s a flatter bat path in-game, electing to lace the ball to all fields and utilize the gaps to show off his double-plus speed on the bases.

He’s flashed a smoother swing in batting practice, and there’s some impact that has made its way to game settings, especially up the middle of the field. It’s likely average power when all is said and done.

He’ll need to iron out the bat-to-ball skills, however. The swing can get inconsistent, as he’ll open early and lose leverage, resulting in timing issues. He does struggle to catch up to velocity in the zone, especially on the upper third, as well. His pure contact skills will need to improve if he’s to become a true table-setting option at the next level.

As a defender, Wilson has the speed and range to handle a center field role, though his arm strength may move him into a left field role if he comes across a better defender.

If he can iron out his toolset this spring, he has the chance to be one of the first prep outfielders off the board. The Vanderbilt commit will be a draft-eligible sophomore if he elects to travel to Nashville.

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Corona (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) | Commitment: Texas A&M | Projected Age: 17.9

Just a year after his older brother, Brady, was taken 32nd overall by Milwaukee, scouts are flocking to Corona High to see another Ebel.

Trey is one of the best bat-to-ball artists in the country, posting a 90% contact rate on the summer circuit in 2025. He keeps his swing minimal, with the biggest movements coming from his hands as he gets into the launch position. Despite this, Ebel’s swing is super compact and stays on plane through the zone. He possesses excellent timing and feel for the barrel, electing to spread the ball around the diamond.

He has grown into some bat speed over the past calendar year, and there’s more impact on the horizon. Most of his power will play to the pull side, though he figures to use the gaps to produce extra-base hits.

He’s selective, bordering on passive. He seeks the fastball and has posted excellent results against them, and while he draws walks, he can let pitchers get to their weapons quickly. Other than that, it’s a polished offensive profile that’s continuing to grow.

Ebel is a high-IQ defender with steady actions and outstanding instincts up the middle. The tools in the dirt won’t jump out at you, but the polish and feel for the position will catch your attention quickly. It’s soft hands, a great internal clock, and average arm strength with accuracy.

Committed to Texas A&M, Ebel will not turn 18 until well after the draft, which adds another feather to his cap alongside the bloodlines and polish.

HT/WT: 6’0/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Kansas | Hometown: Maurice, LA | Projected Age: 21.1

Dan Fitzgerald has found success recruiting on the JUCO trail in recent years, and LeBlanc is his latest gem. After two standout seasons at LSU-Eunice, where he slashed .367/.474/.611 with 62 extra-base hits, LeBlanc joined Kansas and quickly established himself as the everyday shortstop, now putting himself squarely in Day 1 draft territory.

Since arriving in Lawrence, LeBlanc has added about fifteen pounds of muscle, giving him a well-built, proportionate frame. He makes sound swing decisions and consistently inflicts damage, excelling at lifting the ball to all fields. The barrel consistency stands out, with multiple 110+ MPH exit velocities on his ledger.

LeBlanc’s power comes with excellent bat-to-ball skills, as he stays compact and direct to the ball with impressive adjustability both inside and outside the zone. While he projects as a hit-over-power bat at the next level, the offensive profile is well-rounded and impactful.

Defensively, LeBlanc is a solid shortstop with fluid actions, good instincts, and a strong arm across the diamond. He looks comfortable and projects to stick at the position as he moves up the ranks.

With his blend of offensive polish and defensive reliability, LeBlanc’s profile should be highly sought after early in the draft, and it’s easy to envision his name being called in the latter half of Day 1.

HT/WT: 6’3/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Keller (Keller, TX) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 18.11

One of the top two-way athletes in this class, Koeninger is a sturdy, extremely athletic player with impressive tools on either side of the ball. Scouts are currently divided on which route he’ll ultimately choose, though both routes include considerable upside when fully developed.

We’ll start with the bat, where he’s got above-average to plus power projection with feel to hit. It’s a short, direct path to the baseball at its best, featuring a unique backfoot swing to the outside of his body. Koeninger takes tight turns to the baseball and delivers a heavy barrel through the zone.

When he’s balanced throughout his operation, Koeninger can pummel the baseball, especially to his pull side. He can find himself getting himself too far out in front of his hips, which makes him susceptible to swing-and-miss. Ironing that out will be a key component in his development.

In the dirt, he’s a fluid lateral mover with plus or better arm strength across the diamond, meaning he’ll stay on the left side of the infield. As he fills out his already physical frame, Koeninger should shift over to third base, where he’ll be a viable defender at the next level.

If he chooses to pitch, he’s got starting pitcher upside with one of the best breaking balls in the class. His low-80s curveball can be an absolute hammer, featuring quality depth and snap out of the fastball tunnel. Koeninger can spin it very well, land it for strikes, and generate ugly swings from the opposition.

His fastball itself has power, reaching up to 97-98 MPH in brief stints, although he typically sits 91-95 MPH across longer outings. It’s steep to the plate from a high three-quarters release, displaying decent carry with tailing action late in the zone. He’ll flash some cut/ride qualities at times, too. There’s a firmer slider and nascent change-up in the arsenal, as well.

He’s a fluid mover down the bump with quality extension numbers, though he can find himself showing the ball to batters behind his back. It’s a short, but inconsistent, arm swing behind his back.

It’s a good mold of clay to work with on both sides of the ball, and there’s a non-zero chance that he continues doing both at the next level. Committed to Tennessee, Koeninger would be one of the older juniors in the 2029 class if he ends up in Knoxville.

HT/WT: 6’0/185 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Nazareth Academy (Burr Ridge, IL) | Commitment: Florida State | Projected Age: 18.7

When future Hall of Famer Jim Thome was drafted in 1989, he was not the hulking slugger that everyone remembers. He was more slender and lean, struggling to stand out amongst the crowd physically.

His son, Landon, is built similarly, though he’s not as tall. With that said, it’s a really polished game, and most believe he’ll grow into more impact moving forward. Thome’s swing is not dissimilar to his father’s, keeping it simple with solid lower-half usage and an easy operation.

He’s able to generate great torque and coil with a counter-rotation in his hips, which leads to solid bat speed through the zone. There’s whip to the barrel, and he’s shown sneaky power to his pull side. It’s quality barrel control, as well. Most believe he can reach above-average power production.

Thome doesn’t chase out of the zone regularly, meaning he’ll rack up a good amount of walks, though his swing can get long, and he’ll have some issues with whiffs in the zone. Thome’s swing will need to shorten up as he climbs the ladder, though many believe he’ll grow into more consistency.

At this stage, Thome is a future second baseman with body control and soft hands, but his fringe-average arm strength puts him on the right side of the bag. If he gets more physical, there’s a non-zero chance of a move to the hot corner.

Given the polish, bloodlines, and offensive projection, Thome has Top 100 potential in this class. After being committed to Tennessee prior to Tony Vitello’s departure, Thome flipped his commitment to Florida State in December.

Reel: https://youtu.be/hEcw1OB6Z_Q?si=viUuts3tRdTY6YqM

HT/WT: 6’2/198 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: St. Augustine Preparatory (Berlin, NJ) | Commitment: Penn State | Projected Age: 18.6

The younger brother of current Cardinals farmhand Ryan, Alex has seen his draft stock blossom over the past calendar year. It culminated in a historic performance at this year’s Super 60 event, where Weingartner broke the 60-meter dash record and hit triple digits on throws from the outfield. The stock has continued to rise after that performance.

The tools have really taken a step forward over the past calendar year, and his future is almost certainly with the stick in his hands. Weingartner is an incredibly twitchy athlete with a ton of present strength in a lean frame.

He delivers a heavy barrel through the zone with some loft to his bat path, which stays compact and direct to the baseball. He likes to use every part of the field to his advantage, and he’s produced quality exit velocities that point to average power at the next level. Weingartner has mature swing decisions, rarely expanding the zone. His aggressive nature on the basepaths and double-plus speed add another wrinkle to the equation.

As a defender, that speed translates to center field, where he has exceptional range and an arm that is incredibly strong. That arm strength shows up on the mound, as he’s hit 95 MPH in recent outings, but most scouts believe he’ll have to ditch the mound and focus on the bat full time.

With how loud the tools are, it’s hard to envision Weingartner making it to State College.

Reel: https://youtu.be/vsSZbmhheYM?si=7CG0DsPtza1Ywc6X

HT/WT: 6’2/175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: North Carolina | Hometown: Janesville, WI | Projected Age: 21.9

A glove-first shortstop with projection and feel to hit, Schaffner was a key cog to North Dakota State’s offense the past two seasons. During his collegiate career, Schaffner has posted a .353/.435/.446 slash line, complimenting that with a sturdy glove and the ability to be a base-stealing threat.

Once the transfer portal opened, he took his talents from Fargo to Chapel Hill, where he’ll replace Kane Kepley as the leadoff option for Scott Forbes.

The glove has been the biggest tool in his bag, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a fluid mover in the dirt, boasting solid body control, rangy actions, and soft mitts. While the arm is merely average, it is accurate, and he’ll rarely miss the first baseman. It’s standout athleticism and instincts, as well. It is rare when he doesn’t gobble up a ball hit in his direction.

Offensively, Schaffner is a contact-oriented bat that will fight to keep at-bats going. Schaffner’s stance last spring was more crouched, though he has become more upright this fall in an effort to keep his hands inside.

It’s a compact stroke to the baseball with a slasher mentality, opting to place the ball anywhere on the field. In his career, Schaffner has posted a contact rate of 86% and an in-zone contact rate of 93%, both of which are very high marks in college.

His bat speed isn’t impressive, though, given the projection, Schaffner has a chance to grow into below-average pop. This would help his profile climb up draft boards, though his floor is high considering his glove and contact prowess.

HT/WT: 6’2/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Christian Brothers Academy (Memphis, TN) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.1

Brick was one of the top prospects in the 2027 ranks, but a late reclassification into the 2026 class revitalizes a demographic that’s on the weaker side. He immediately ranks as the best backstop in this class, and scouts believe he is the best prep catching prospect since Blake Mitchell in 2023.

The reasoning is straightforward: Brick’s combination of offensive firepower and excellent defense behind the plate gives him immense upside.

Brick is a guaranteed lock to stay behind the plate long-term. He’s a strong athlete behind the dish, showing explosiveness out of the crouch and solid lateral mobility. His catch-and-throw skills are among the best of any catcher nationwide. His arm is powerful and accurate, with excellent pop times in games and the ability to throw out runners from his knees with ease. It’s very impressive.

His offensive game is also quite solid. Given his physicality, it’s no surprise that Brick has displayed monster power during batting practice. He has posted high exit velocities with big bat speed, and many believe he will develop above-average or better game power.

However, Brick has yet to show this power in game situations. He’s focused on his bat-to-ball skills and lets the ball travel, consistently hitting the opposite field gap. His approach at the plate is polished, with low whiff rates and rarely chasing pitches. Scouts want to see him unlock more pull-side power to elevate his game to another level, which should happen in time.

The idea of a 50-hit/55-power backstop is very enticing. Add his leadership skills and achievements, and you’ve got a top prospect.

His reclassification means he will no longer be sophomore-eligible in college, as he’ll be just 18.1 on draft day. He recently committed to Mississippi State.

Interview: https://youtu.be/BA56qExSqxw?si=UJOehicOfz73mgy0

Reel: https://youtu.be/1xwHtO_Yz8E?si=4zO6A9Ug5BH4GrGW

HT/WT: 6’2/224 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Oklahoma State | Hometown: Atoka, OK | Projected Age: 21.9

A late riser during the 2023 draft cycle, Ritchie was drafted in the 19th-round by the Baltimore Orioles, though his lack of time on the summer circuit made it tough on his evaluation. However, now at Oklahoma State, Ritchie has proven his viability as a prospect.

After missing the start of 2025 with an injury, Ritchie saved his loudest performance for last, as he hammered five home runs during the Athens Regional. This has carried into 2026, where he’s been a prolific home run hitter.

A physical left-handed hitter, Ritchie can really drive a baseball. He has loud bat speed with loft, showing an affinity for pulling the baseball in the air that’s rarely matched by his peers. Leaving a fastball on the inner third of the zone is a mistake to Ritchie, as he takes tight turns to the baseball and likes to live on the barrel, as well.

He’s performed better against southpaws, though velocity from righties has given him some fits to date, especially up and away. However, teams will take the tradeoff considering the above-average or better power.

Despite his physicality, Ritchie is more nimble and athletic than you’d expect. He runs well and has gotten run in center, though he fits better in a corner spot. He has the arm strength to hold his own in right field. A former shortstop, Ritchie has the size and instincts to move to third base, as well.

His performance this spring has elevated his profile into Day 1 status.

HT/WT: 6’0/178 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Fond Du Lac (Fond Du Lac, WI) | Commitment: Oklahoma | Projected Age: 18.10

One of the more polished bats in the Midwest, Brenner’s versatility, contact prowess, and approach stand out amongst the crowd. He’s athletic, strong, and provides polish on both sides of the ball.

We’ll start at the plate, where Brenner keeps it simple with his operation. He starts with an even stance in the back of the box, staying compact throughout his swing and rotating very well. His bat path is relatively clean and built for stung line drives up the middle of the diamond, though he’ll utilize the whole field and covers the zone very, very well. He ran miniscule whiff rates last summer, posting a 91% contact rate overall and an in-zone contact rate of 97%.

The ability to manipulate the barrel and adjust accordingly is impressive. Brenner has not sold out for power to date, but he’s shown off the strength to the gaps and has let his above-average speed do the talking. That said, there’s enough projection to push the idea that he could get to fringe-average or better pop with added muscle.

To date, Brenner has been trotted out in numerous roles defensively, making him a bit of a Swiss Army Knife. He’s got the mobility and arm strength to handle reps behind the dish, though Brenner’s tools may fit better at shortstop. There’s a non-zero chance that he could be placed in an outfield role, as well. His versatility will give him value in some capacity, no matter where he ends up defensively.

The Wisconsin native flipped his college commitment to Oklahoma in November after a standout performance in Jupiter.

HT/WT: 5’11/207 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Auburn | Hometown: Panama City, PMA | Projected Age: 21.8

Panama has produced a solid list of major league talent, especially in recent years. The country is home to two Hall of Famers, Rod Carew and Mariano Rivera, and at the time of publishing, six active Panamanian players are in the big leagues. Guevara hopes to become the next addition to that list.

After a modest freshman campaign, Guevara broke out as a sophomore, slashing .331/.388/.556 with five home runs and eleven doubles. As a junior, he elevated his game even further, already setting career highs in total hits (60) and extra-base hits (20).

With a thick, strong build, Guevara features relaxed hands and an open front leg before unleashing violent bat speed and a heavy barrel. He consistently hammers the ball with power to all fields and shows particular comfort driving the ball the opposite way.

His hit tool is solid and has improved every season. Though aggressive at the plate, Guevara has substantially reduced his chase rate since his freshman year, and his contact skills continue to trend up. He stands out for his ability to connect on velocity, sporting a 90% in-zone contact rate and an 85% overall contact rate.

Defensively, Guevara has played third base, showing good mobility and a strong arm across the diamond. He projects to stick at the hot corner, but could also shift to second base if needed. His strong 2026 performance has turned heads, and Guevara has a good chance to be selected in the latter half of the top five rounds, if not higher.

HT/WT: 5’11/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia Tech | Hometown: Marietta, GA | Projected Age: 21.7

Kerce has been one of the biggest risers in this year’s collegiate class, despite spending much of the season in the bottom third of Georgia Tech’s lineup.

After finishing 2025 with an .886 OPS, he’s surged nearly 200 points to just under 1.100 in 2026, including a 150-point jump in slugging percentage. His 25 doubles lead all Power 4 conferences and put him just two shy of Jay Payton’s single-season record (27) set in 1994.

At the plate, Kerce utilizes the whole field, boasting excellent contact rates and a knack for lacing line drives to the gaps. He’s remarkably consistent in the zone (92% contact rate), adjusts well to different pitch types, fends off strikeouts, and draws a healthy number of walks.

While home run power isn’t a major part of his game, his slugging spike reflects improved gap power and a max exit velocity around 110 MPH. He hits the ball on the ground a bit more than ideal, which limits home run output, but his above-average hit tool and fringe-average power, maybe average power if he elevates more, are real assets.

Defensively, Kerce brings versatility but has handled the shortstop role well in 2026, showing solid arm strength and consistent actions. He may eventually shift to second base to take strain off his tools as he climbs the professional ladder.

Kerce’s offensive consistency and approach have made him a legitimate prospect, potentially placing him inside the top 100 picks.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2045959285717213470?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Marist (Decatur, GA) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.11

There aren’t many players in this class who can generate the kind of power Shelar has. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Shelar has plenty of strength all over his body and can hit a baseball with force.

From a narrow, slightly open stance, he uses a toe tap mechanic before effectively engaging his lower half down the line, rotating aggressively and opening his hips quickly. His swing resembles that of Drew Burress to scouts.

Although his swing can get steep, it produces a lofted bat path with massive bat speed, even though he’s still learning to consistently backspin the ball. He has already reached exit velocities over 108 MPH with wood bats. His approach is pull-heavy with a knack for lifting the baseball regularly.

While his power stands out, Shelar employs an advanced approach and minimizes whiffs. He’s a tough out, capable of controlling pitches in the zone and showing flexibility in his swing. He rarely chases pitches out of the zone, drawing plenty of walks. His refined hitting approach pairs well with his projected power. Overall, his offensive package has the potential to be very good.

Defensively, Shelar has the speed and route-running ability to handle center field initially, but his physicality and likely speed decline will move him to right field. His arm fits perfectly there, having been measured in the mid-90s with accuracy and carry during showcase events.

Shelar will turn 19 less than a month after the draft, though he won’t be eligible again until his junior year of college. He is one of the top recruits in Brian O’Connor’s first class at Mississippi State.

HT/WT: 6’2/230 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: St. Joseph’s (Pleasant Prarire, WI) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.8

Built like a bodybuilder, Santarelli looks like he pulls tractor-trailers for a living. He possesses massive strength throughout his body, including a stout lower half, a prominent chest, and very broad shoulders. It’s difficult to miss him when he’s on the diamond.

After reading that description, it should come as no shock that Santarelli has some of the best pure power in this class. It’s true light-tower power, and his batting practice sessions are must-see events.

He’s a violent rotator with thunderous bat speed, running exit velocities past the 110 MPH echelon with ease. His bat path is direct to the baseball and features some loft, allowing him to impact the baseball to all fields with serious intent. Scouts have placed double-plus grades on the power as a result.

While there is some swing-and-miss to his game, many expect him to be an on-base threat with a keen eye and a low chase rate. It’s huge offensive upside, especially if the contact begins to trend up.

Despite his size, Santarelli is a solid athlete and isn’t landlocked at first base. He runs well and has showcased solid arm strength, giving him a chance in a corner outfield spot, though the route-running can get adventurous. If he winds up at first base, he moves around the bag rather well and can provide defensive value.

The hulking slugger flipped from Louisville to Louisiana State on signing day, joining a highly touted group of incoming players for Jay Johnson’s team.

Reel: https://youtu.be/-sIZaa-8bVs?si=VJBM0lMMv18VHuBt

HT/WT: 6’5/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Grandview (Centennial, CO) | Commitment: Wake Forest | Projected Age: 18.1

Colorado has a good group of prep arms in this year’s class, but Wachsmann has put himself at the top of that group. After hitting 97 MPH as a junior, he has found another tick in his fastball velocity, now touching 100 MPH to start his senior campaign with Grandview.

Wachsmann has added quite a bit of strength to his frame over the past year, and there’s still room to add more thanks to broad shoulders. He has the look of a future workhorse starter. It’s a lightning quick right arm that works out of a traditional three-quarters arm slot and the rest of the operation is rather easy and clean.

The aforementioned velocity jump is noteworthy, and it’s a quality fastball with big spin rates and life through the zone. He’ll generate plenty of tail given his release characteristics. It’s a true power offering.

The secondaries do lag behind slightly to the heater, but the capacity for spin is there. He debuted an upper-80s cutter this spring and has a big breaking ball in the low-80s that both have spin in the 2,800-2,900 RPM range. There’s feel for a low-80s change-up with tunneling abilities and fade, as well.

He’s a metric-friendly arm that will be favored heavily by model-driven teams. Wachsmann is committed to Wake Forest.

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oklahoma | Hometown: Mascoutah, IL | Projected Age: 21.11

Brock brings an atypical set of tools for a college catcher, profiling more like an outfielder with his rare combination of power and speed. This unique skill set has drawn the attention of scouts since his JUCO days at Southwestern Illinois, even prompting the Brewers to select him in the 14th round of last year’s draft. Now at Oklahoma, Brock has built on that promise, especially showcasing his power.

Brock does most of his damage when his arms are fully extended, frequently pulling the ball with authority but also demonstrating an ability to drive it to the backside gap. His power currently grades as above-average to plus, with potential for more as he develops.

He’s also a legitimate threat on the bases, having already swiped 22 bags this year and posting plus to double-plus run times.

The main question mark is Brock’s bat-to-ball skills. He can be overwhelmed by velocity and struggles to keep his swing short, which has led to a bloated strikeout rate. That said, he takes a healthy amount of walks.

Defensively, while he possesses solid arm strength behind the plate, his tools are better suited for a corner outfield spot, where his speed and arm would play well. He’s already logged time in right field this season, adding to his versatility.

Brock’s offensive impact and defensive flexibility make him an intriguing draft target, even with some profile warts.

HT/WT: 6’0/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Vermont Academy (Chester, VT) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 17.11

Vermont is an atypical state when it comes to baseball talent. Only two players from the state have been drafted since 2010: Rayne Supple (38th round in 2015, unsigned by the Cubs) and Owen Kellington (4th round in 2021, signed by the Pirates). There’s a legitimate chance McCarthy gets drafted higher than Kellington did in 2021.

McCarthy is lauded for his athleticism, clean operation, and dynamic arsenal. He repeats his mechanics very well, with absurd arm speed from his three-quarters arm slot. McCarthy generates excellent hip/shoulder separation at foot plant, keeps his arm on time, and features significant scapular retraction. It’s as good as it gets when it comes to pitching mechanics, especially from someone this young.

The fastball jumps out of his hand, getting on hitters quickly and hammering the strike zone. To date, McCarthy has already run his heater up to 97 MPH, generating significant tailing life. He’ll generate carry when he commands it in the upper third of the zone.

His best secondary is a parachute-esque cambio in the upper-70s that features significant velocity separation and tumbling action. The pitch hammers the brake pedal viciously on its way to the plate, falling off the table in the process. He has the confidence and conviction to throw it to batters of either handedness, giving him an advanced feel for the offering already.

There’s a breaking ball with traits to like in the same velocity band as the change-up, too. He’ll generate good vertical depth out of the hand and features a slight tilt.

Overall, McCarthy has everything you would want to see in a young starting pitching prospect. He won’t turn 18 until after the draft and is committed to Tennessee.

HT/WT: 6’3/170 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Florida | Hometown: Athens, GA | Projected Age: 21.5

A star freshman at Stetson in 2024, Jones opted to change zip codes for the 2025 season, moving to Gainesville and joining the SEC.

However, things did not go as planned. Jones played just four games for the Gators in 2025, held back by a nagging hamstring injury before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. While we want to see what he can accomplish in the SEC first, the tools are too hard to ignore.

Jones’ wiry frame boasts a ton of physical projection and stout athleticism. At Stetson, Jones displayed exquisite contact skills and flew around the bases with game-changing speed. The swing does have some length to it, but despite this, Jones has a career contact rate of 86%, an in-zone contact rate of 92%, and an out-of-zone contact rate of 73%. All of those marks are really, really good.

There’s aggression in his swing decisions, but with his bat-to-ball skills, it hasn’t negatively affected him. There’s solid bat speed in his swing, and given the projection, he can generate quality power numbers one day. For now, he primarily utilizes his plus speed to be aggressive on the basepaths, routinely stretching singles into doubles.

His aggressive style translates to the field, where he’s unafraid to give up his body to make highlight-reel plays in center. He has a ton of range at the position and runs great routes to the ball. As long as he doesn’t outgrow his athleticism, he’ll be a force at the “eight” over the long haul.

HT/WT: 6’0/170 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Houston | Hometown: Houston, TX | Projected Age: 20.9

Starting his college career as a JUCO player at San Jacinto, Broussard gained significant weight and saw his game improve. For his sophomore year, Broussard transferred to the University of Houston, where he established himself as a key part of the Cougars’ lineup and gained recognition as a draft prospect.

Broussard is more than just a typical table-setter. While he has a swing suited for slashing the baseball at times, Broussard also has some sneaky power with good bat speed. His top exit velocities have reached upwards of 109 MPH, and he has shown the ability to hit over the fence down the lines, though he more often drives line drives into the gaps.

His plate coverage is outstanding as well. Broussard rarely whiffs on fastballs and can adjust his swing easily. He posted a 90% in-zone contact rate in 2025, which improved to 94% on the Cape. In addition to his hitting ability, Broussard is a double-plus runner and knows how to be a threat on the basepaths.

That speed makes him an excellent center fielder, with a quick first step and exceptional route-running skills, which could develop into a plus defender.

To add to his accolades, Broussard will only be 20 years and 9 months old on draft day. With his toolset, projection, and traits favorable for the draft, Broussard could be a Day 1 selection.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Flower Mound (Flower Mound, TX) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.1

Harris is built like the prototype: He’s got strength throughout his body, paired with long limbs, a high waist, and broad shoulders. He has plenty of projection as a result, and many believe Harris is an arm that could reach 100 MPH with further development.

An excellent athlete, Harris repeats his delivery well, featuring a rocker-step trigger and a super-high leg kick before striding down the mound. It’s a deeper arm stroke, though it’s fluid and loose, flashing whippy arm speed from an over-the-top release.

As a result, he pitches with a steep angle to the plate, though he lands closed and uses some crossfire. He’s sat in the low-90s to date, though he has flashed higher velocity in shorter spurts, reaching 95-96 MPH when necessary. He backspins the baseball well and has late-life tailing action, and while it won’t be a bat-misser, he’ll generate plenty of groundballs for the defense behind him.

Given his projection, athleticism, and arm speed, Harris is capable of sitting in the mid-90s in the future.

He has two sharp breaking balls, with the mid-80s slider projecting as the better offering. It plays off the angles created by his release and displays significant bite and tilt, and Harris routinely approaches the 3,000 RPM barrier. The mid-70s curveball is softer but has more depth and is used to steal strikes. There’s also a change-up that lags behind his other pitches.

He locates his fastball well to both sides of the plate, and most believe he’ll have respectable command at the next level. There’s a solid floor here as a groundball pitcher, though the upside is enormous.

One of the youngest arms in the class, he’ll be highly sought after by teams that emphasize their models. Harris is committed to the University of Texas.

HT/WT: 6’1/191 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: North Carolina | Hometown: Apex, NC | Projected Age: 21.11

One of the most consistent bats in the Carolinas since he made it to Chapel Hill, Gallaher isn’t going to blow you away with any single tool. However, there’s serious talent here; his 2025 season was a result of efforts to fix the warts in his profile, and he thrived, slashing .325/.409/.603 with seventeen tanks.

Better yet, he’s become a postseason legend for the Tar Heels, and in a program that has a long history of success, his resume in late May and June may be the best of anyone.

Gallaher moved away from a pull-heavy approach and began doing more damage in the gaps this past spring, though the ability to blast the baseball over the left field fence is still there. He has innate barrel feel and has found the ability to lift the ball more frequently. The power did back up on the Cape with wood bats, which will be something to monitor, but he’s posted average exit velocities with metal to date.

Gallaher became a bit more upright and compact as a sophomore, and that showed in his ability to handle spin better. His whiff rate against sliders dropped from 39% to 27% in 2025. A bat with average grades for the hit and power is the likely outcome.

As a defender, Gallaher has manned the hot corner primarily, and while the arm strength is big enough to handle the position, his instincts, internal clock, and mobility fit better at second base. He played there in the fall, and the expectation is that he will stay there throughout the 2026 season.

HT/WT: 6’4/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Lyons Township (Willow Springs, IL) | Commitment: Cincinnati | Projected Age: 18.3

Slightom is a textbook example of a late-rising Midwesterner in the draft cycle and now projects as one of the more intriguing high school arms in the class. He offers a compelling blend of projection, athleticism, and a fast-improving arsenal.

Over the past year, Slightom has made significant velocity gains, having been in the upper-80s to low-90s last summer. He touched 95 MPH at the WWBA in Jupiter and has since bumped his fastball up to 98 MPH this spring, sitting consistently in the low-to-mid-90s during starts. His fastball comes out of a low slot with deception, jumping on hitters and playing particularly well at the top of the zone thanks to late life. Scouts expect even more velocity as he continues to fill out his lean frame.

Slightom’s low-80s breaking ball can get slurvy, but at its best, it’s a sharp sweeper with significant lateral bite. He also mixes in a mid-80s cutter and has experimented with a changeup, though his feel for the latter is still developing.

As he’s grown, his command has improved, especially with his breaking ball. With immense upside and model-friendly traits, Slightom is the type of prep arm that should draw interest from data-driven organizations. The Cincinnati commit looks like a strong Day 1 target as draft day approaches.

HT/WT: 6’5/217 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Jackson Preparatory (Meridian, MS) | Commitment: Florida | Projected Age: 17.11

Once high school teammates with Konnor Griffin at Jackson Preparatory, scouts have had plenty of eyes on Roberts for a while. Now in his senior season, Roberts will continue to have a similar scouting contingency in attendance for him, as he’s got some of the highest upside of any prep in this class.

He’s stood out as a prominent two-way for a couple of years, though Roberts strictly hit this past summer. It’s an imposing figure in the right-handed box with an extra-large frame, which features long limbs and significant body projection. He oozes athleticism, as well.

Unlike most of his lanky peers, Roberts does a good job of controlling his body and staying short to the baseball. He handles fastballs remarkably well and does a good job of putting the bat on the baseball, though he hit the ball on the ground much more than scouts would like this summer.

However, when Roberts can lift the baseball, it’s loud. He generates excellent leverage/torque by sinking into his back hip well and displaying twitchy hips, allowing his bat to fly through the zone. He’s showcased significant power to his pull side this summer and should grow into much more. It’s robust offensive upside.

Defensively, Roberts has moved to the outfield, where his long strides and speed allow him to cover plenty of ground. It’s double-plus arm strength that fits perfectly in right field. That arm has translated to the mound in the past, where he’s bumped 96 MPH and possesses a budding breaking ball and change-up. However, it’ll be a tough endeavor to take the stick out of his hands.

Roberts is extremely young for the class, as he won’t turn 18 until after the draft, which bodes well for model-friendly teams. Roberts is currently committed to the University of Florida.

HT/WT: 6’2/210 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Hoover (Hoover, AL) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.3

Possessing one of the most potent bats in the Deep South, Adams has put himself squarely on draft boards with a loud start to his senior spring.

Once a two-way prospect, the physical left-handed hitter currently leads Alabama in home runs and it’s easy to see why. It’s a polished swing with plenty of leverage and hitterish traits that teams will covet on draft day.

It’s legitimate impact to every part of the field, as Adams is unafraid to mash the baseball to the backside gap and pull the ball with authority. It’s easy power, and it’s beginning to stand out, too. He has the look of a slugger, but he’s more than just that.

Adams feasted on heaters last summer, posting a 90% contact rate on velocity and whiffing just once on a fastball in the zone. He takes a direct path to the baseball and adjusts well, plus he has mature swing decisions. It’s a really good bat that will drive the profile.

Adams has primarily played at first base in the past, though he’s got sneaky athleticism and moves well enough for his size. There’s enough to suggest he can handle a corner outfield role, especially with his speed and arm strength trending up. If not, he’ll move back to first base.

With a track record of consistent performances and a breakout spring, it’s looking unlikely that Adams will make it to Louisiana State.

HT/WT: 5’11/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Kansas State | Hometown: Fort Worth, TX | Projected Age: 21.3

For the third consecutive season, the Kansas State Wildcats have an infielder with loud tools. After transferring in from the University of Texas, Kennedy struggled with swing-and-miss issues, but he entered 2026 with added muscle, improved contact, and a better approach.

This has led to a massive breakout campaign, as Kennedy is on the cusp of a 20/20 season, which would be the first in the Big 12 since Peyton Graham in 2022.

Kennedy is a power-over-hit bat with impressive hand and bat speed, as well as twitchy hips that explode open. His ability to pull the baseball in the air aids his power production despite his smaller stature, plus Kennedy has become more selective. This has allowed him to punish mistakes over the heart of the plate more often.

The overall contact skills have become more average, and Kennedy slashed his chase rate substantially, aiding his on-base ability and letting his speed play on the bases.

Defensively, Kennedy has played around the infield throughout his career, starting at second and third base before 2026. He made the move to shortstop this spring, where he’s got bouncy actions and a strong enough arm to handle the position. There’s a non-zero chance that he could move to his prior spots, plus a team may prefer his tools in an outfield spot.

The improvements on offense should give Kennedy suitors on the back half of the first day.

Article: https://www.justbaseball.com/college-baseball/2026-mlb-draft-deep-dive-dee-kennedy/

HT/WT: 6’3/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Dana Hills (San Clemente, CA) | Commitment: San Diego | Projected Age: 18.8

Giese is one of the more notable helium names in this year’s draft class, and he brings big league pedigree. His father, Dan, pitched in the majors and later served as the Yankees’ Director of Professional Scouting.

Giese is a blueprint prep projection arm: an elite mover with a loose delivery, and a lean frame primed for additional strength gains. He features a long arm swing but displays excellent scapular retraction, allowing the arm to spiral freely into a high three-quarters slot.

This spring, Giese’s fastball has climbed into the low-90s, consistently holding velocity through outings and peaking at 95 MPH, and there’s more velocity likely to come as he fills out. It’s a high-spin heater with lively action through the zone, and he commands it well to both sides of the plate.

Giese offers two breaking balls that currently grade out as average, showing good feel for spin even though they’re on the softer side for now. His best pitch is his stout low-80s changeup, which features arm speed identical to the fastball but hits the brakes aggressively and tumbles under barrels. Giese’s advanced pitchability further enhances his profile.

Committed to his father’s alma mater, San Diego, Giese is expected to be a hot commodity in the latter half of Day 1. With physical growth and refinement ahead, his best baseball is almost certainly still in front of him.

HT/WT: 6’3/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Sam Houston State | Hometown: Shiner, TX | Projected Age: 22.3

Peterson was draft-eligible as a sophomore last summer but went undrafted and chose to return to Sam Houston State for 2026. As a junior, he has taken a significant leap, improving both his velocity and strike-throwing. At the time of publishing, Peterson had slashed his ERA to 2.45 over 69.2 innings with an 88:19 K:BB ratio.

An impressive athlete, Peterson sinks well into his back leg and drives powerfully down the mound. He features a whippy arm action from a five-foot release height, and his extension approaches seven feet at times, creating a challenging angle on his fastball when he elevates. Peterson’s velocity has ticked up from last year, now averaging just under 93 MPH and touching 95-96 MPH.

The fastball has a dead-zone profile with similar vertical and horizontal movement, but his ability to create a super flat angle, especially up in the zone, enhances its effectiveness. The heater is high-spin, with spin rates over 2,500 RPM.

His breaking balls are even more impressive, regularly reaching 3,000 RPM and peaking at 3,200 RPM. The low-80s curveball is a sharp breaker with depth, lateral movement, and bite, tunneling well off his fastball and thrown for strikes consistently.

Peterson also throws a firmer mid-80s cutter as his third pitch, though he has yet to develop a reliable changeup. Adding that offering will be important if he wants to remain a starter, along with maintaining his command gains and developing two distinct fastball shapes (four-seam and sinker). Still, the ingredients are tantalizing, and Peterson should be a priority senior signee this July.

HT/WT: 5’11/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Hanover Central (St. John, IN) | Commitment: Oklahoma State | Projected Age: 19.5

Bowen may be one of the older prep players in the class, but his talent and tools are generating excitement and driving him up draft boards. An athletic infielder with a polished approach at the plate, Bowen has made noticeable improvements over the off-season.

He’s adjusted his setup, raising his hands slightly while maintaining looseness and streamlining his movement, allowing for a more efficient launch. Bowen consistently lives on the barrel, staying short and direct to the baseball with a simple, quick swing.

He uses his quick hands to drive balls into the gaps for extra bases and shows occasional pull-side power. He doesn’t sell out for power, focusing instead on backspin and disciplined plate appearances, as he rarely chases and consistently draws walks.

Defensively, Bowen has the skills to remain at shortstop, featuring bouncy actions, range, smooth hands, and solid arm strength. He’s also an above-average to plus runner.

While model-driven teams may discount him for age (19 years, 5 months on draft day), his all-around game and polish make him a strong prospect. Bowen is committed to Oklahoma State.

HT/WT: 6’2/205 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Louisiana State | Hometown: Sulphur, LA | Projected Age: 21.6

As a rising senior, Brown made the 18U USA National Team as a southpaw, displaying a solid three-pitch mix with projection. However, after arriving in Baton Rouge, Brown’s bat was too good to leave out of the lineup, and he’ll leave campus as a corner outfielder.

Brown’s ability to smother fastballs is really, really good. Across a 661-pitch sample size across two seasons at LSU, Brown has a 90% contact rate against heaters, including a ridiculous 94% clip within the zone. There has been a bit more whiffs in 2026, though it has allowed him to generate much more power. Throwing heaters inside to Brown is an ill-advised effort from pitchers, as he whiffed on just one heater on the inner third in 2025.

That said, Brown can be susceptible to spin, especially from southpaws, and he can get in trouble when his arms are fully extended. He does chase at a frequent clip, which does hamper his overall output.

He does possess above-average raw power, which stood out in a big way this spring. He had sixteen long balls before his injury, double his career-high from a year ago.

Brown’s defensive home will be in right field, where he’s a solid runner with good route-running abilities and plus arm strength. If the bat doesn’t work out, he can transition back to the mound, where he has been up to 93 MPH in the past with low-launch traits. However, the contact prowess against the fastball is too hard to ignore, and he’ll provide value with the stick. Sadly, Brown was diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in April and will miss the rest of the season.

HT/WT: 6’0/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas | Hometown: Wimberley, TX | Projected Age: 23.0

A reliever during his stint at UTSA, Riojas transferred to Austin in hopes of finding a spot in the rotation. His name gained popularity throughout 2025, although a slump late in the season ultimately led to his return to Texas in 2026, where he has found another level to his game.

Riojas possesses a deep arsenal and throws a healthy amount of strikes with all of his pitches. He operates with clean mechanics and a high three-quarters arm slot, pitching exclusively from the third base side of the rubber and throwing across his body at times.

Riojas has found another gear in velocity, consistently reaching the mid-90s and occasionally touching 98 MPH at his peak. The pitch gets good life, and he does a tremendous job of commanding the pitch on the top rail, which has given him quite a bit of success (33% whiff, 34% chase) in 2026. It’s a pitch he’ll bully batters with.

His best secondary is a mid-80s splitter that features adequate velocity separation and dives away from left-handed hitters, playing well off the fastball tunnel. He pairs the splitter with a firm upper-80s cutter that plays off the angle he creates, and he’ll round out his arsenal with a sweepier slider and a short low-80s curveball.

The strike-throwing and uptick in stuff give him serious viability at the next level, though he’ll be 23 years old on draft day. This limits his true ceiling in this class, though he should be taken on Day 1 as a priority senior sign.

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Glenbrook North (Northbrook, IL) | Commitment: Wake Forest | Projected Age: 18.9

A glove-first infielder who exudes confidence in his game, Bass has long captivated scouts with his personality and skill. He’s a true gamer in every sense of the word. As he prepares for his senior campaign, he has positioned himself well, as his power has increased over the past year.

Bass has gone through several adjustments to his swing, mainly changing his leg lifts and hand setups, though his latest version features an upright stance with a hanging front foot. Once his foot hits the ground, he does a great job of generating leverage and engaging his lower half, allowing him to tap into solid power to the gaps.

His swing is optimized for putting the ball in the air, showcasing a whippy barrel through the zone. There is some swing-and-miss to watch moving forward, especially against heaters in the zone. It’s a power-over-hit profile currently, but the hit tool has improved over the past year.

His defensive skills give him a solid floor. He has quick, bouncy actions in the dirt with excellent footwork, impressive range, and a strong arm across the diamond. He’ll stick up the middle, specifically at shortstop, though his speed could give him a shot in center field. The value of the glove is enticing.

If the hit tool continues to develop, he’ll have many suitors on Day 1. Bass is committed to attending Wake Forest.

HT/WT: 6’6/225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Orange Lutheran (Red Bluff, CA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.7

After spending most of his high school career at Red Bluff High in Northern California, Sides is heading south to enroll at Orange Lutheran, where he’ll join a powerhouse team for his senior year. He’s already gained attention in scouting circles due to his high-level pitchability, projection, and deep pitch mix, showcasing one of the best floors among prospects.

Sides moves easily down the mound, flashing a whippy arm with plenty of scap retraction, angle, and quality extension. He likes to experiment with arm slots with each pitch, keeping hitters guessing what’s coming next.

His arsenal features a low-90s fastball, though many believe that with his projection and arm speed, he’ll throw even harder in time. Currently, he’s reached a max of 95 MPH and features late life, especially on the top rail. He paints the strike zone easily, placing pitches well to both sides of the plate and letting his heater set up his secondary pitches.

His best secondary is a low-to-mid-80s slider with two-plane tilt, although he’ll manipulate its shape to add more depth and tighter spin, sometimes turning it into a cutter. He also uses a bigger curveball in the upper-70s with an 11-5 shape to steal strikes, and he’s gaining confidence in a mid-80s change-up he’ll cut slightly.

With his projection, pitchability, and athleticism, Sides has a higher floor and could earn a signing bonus similar to Aaron Watson from last year’s draft. If he chooses to attend college, he’ll be eligible again in 2029 while at Louisiana State.

HT/WT: 6’0/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles, CA) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.3

One of the more famous names from the SoCal scene, Tronstein is a true swing-tinkerer who has evolved throughout the years.

After a subpar summer against premier competition, Tronstein overhauled his setup, becoming more upright and loose. This has allowed his athleticism to shine in his swing, and he’s unlocked another echelon to his game this spring. Tronstein possesses solid twitch and extremely quick hands at the plate, as well as stout hip/shoulder separation from the right side.

He’s gotten into more pull side power this spring, though Tronstein’s swing is more tuned to line drives around the diamond and stays compact to the ball. He tends to be aggressive and expands the zone often, something scouts would like to see calm down at the next level. That said, Tronstein’s impact has improved, and his draft stock is growing as a result.

Defensively, he has the tools to play at multiple cornerstone positions. During the summer, Tronstein was trotted out in center, where he has displayed solid routes and a strong, accurate arm. It’s above-average speed and covers plenty of ground, too. That arm strength translates to shortstop, where the twitch is evident in his jumps and motion. There’s a non-zero chance that Tronstein can start his career there, though his toolset is better equipped for the grass.

Tronstein flipped his commitment from Stanford to Vanderbilt in the winter, and he’ll likely be a tough sign away from Nashville.

HT/WT: 6’6/225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Plant City (Plant City, FL) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.0

One of the youngest players in the class, Carbaugh has made considerable progress in strength and his arsenal over the past calendar year. What was an upper-80s arm jumped into the low-90s consistently over the summer, and now he’s found another echelon of velocity, touching 96 MPH to start his senior campaign at Plant City High.

A silky smooth mover down the bump, Carbaugh operates on the horizontal axis of the strike zone thanks to his sidearm slot, which features considerable arm speed and whippy action at release.

Carbaugh gets significant running action out of the hand, routinely generating over fifteen inches of zip through the zone and occasionally getting to twenty inches. It’s an offering that will bore into the hands of righties and create firewood regularly. Given his low release and solid extension, he creates a flat VAA to the plate and will generate some vertical carry to miss bats on the top rail.

Carbaugh has added power to a low-80s sweeper that he spins very well, consistently posting spin rates above 2,800 RPMs. He can get under the baseball and flash some “hump” out of the hand, but Carbaugh gets plenty of sweeping action and bite across the plate. He has incorporated a hard cutter to bridge the gap between his fastball and sweeper, too.

His mid-80s change-up has extreme diving action and routinely generates as much run as the heater, tunneling well and killing spin very well. It’s a true above-average or better offering as he gains more reps with it.

All in all, Carbaugh fits the “metric darling” demographic to a tee. His best days are ahead of him, whether that be in Starkville or in a professional organization.

HT/WT: 6’4/257 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Florida State | Hometown: Tallahassee, FL | Projected Age: 21

There is not a single bat more powerful than Bailey in college baseball.

An incredibly physical presence in the left-handed batter’s box, Bailey emerged as one of the premier sluggers down the stretch, posting an OPS over 1.300 and hitting nine home runs from the beginning of May onward. This included seven home runs alone during postseason play. As he begins to settle in for his draft-eligible campaign as a sophomore, his top-of-the-scale power will have scouts coming in droves to see him.

Bailey separates his hips and shoulders violently, allowing the barrel to fly through the zone with dangerous intent and loft. As a result, it’s loud all-fields power with exit velocities that consistently tickle the 115 MPH barrier, and he’s gotten up to 118 MPH in game settings already. It is incredible juice.

While the hit tool does leave a few question marks, he did adjust and became better as the season progressed, especially against fastballs. The whiffs will always be there, and the 59% contact rate in 2025 isn’t pretty, though it did improve modestly this spring before a significant injury derailed his campaign.

Defensively, the burly nature of his frame relegates him to first base, where he does provide some defensive value with mobility around the pillow.

However, the bat will need to perform. It is paramount that the hit tool continues to improve.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2032586735708754394?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Florida State | Hometown: Dunedin, FL | Projected Age: 21.9

Funky lefties, you just can’t quit on them. That’s a saying that describes Beard perfectly. It’s funky, it’s weird, and it has gotten significant results in college, especially in 2025. Beard struck out 118 batters in 86 innings for the Owls before traveling up to Tallahassee to join Florida State for his draft-eligible season.

Beard employs a very deceptive operation on the bump, contorting his body to generate the towering release height. His release hovers just south of seven feet, which is impressive considering his 6-foot-2 stature on the bump.

Given how high his release is, he generates a ton of carry on his fastball, averaging north of twenty inches. He doesn’t throw hard, maintaining 88-92 MPH with the ability to reach 94 MPH, but batters chase it above the zone routinely. It’s unique, albeit Beard’s short stride and steep angle can hamper the value.

His mid-70s change-up is truly diabolical, an easy plus offering with significant velocity separation. Beard is confident in floating it into the zone consistently, and hitters struggle to pick it up. His low-80s slider takes advantage of the vertical plane, too. It’s more of a bullet slider, but the angle allows it to play up. The same happens with his mid-70s curveball, which has bigger depth.

He can lose his release at times, causing inconsistent command, though he’s kept the walks to a minimum at Florida State.

It’s truly one of the most unique profiles in the country, and it’s a high-probability starting profile, too.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2032959447681638691?s=20

HT/WT: 6’1/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Parkview (Stone Mountain, GA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.1

Enrolled at one of the premier programs in the state of Georgia, Washington is an incredible athlete whose game has taken a step forward over the past couple of years.

He had a massive power uptick as a junior in 2025, as he hit fifteen home runs during the spring campaign after hitting zero during his first two seasons at Parkview. This power comes as a result of massive hand speed and serious twitch, which enables the barrel to fly through the zone.

Most of Washington’s impact tends to go to the opposite field, where he’ll pepper the gap and let the plus speed do the work on the basepaths. That said, he’s posted quality exit velocities to date, and as his game evolves, he’s expected to become a gap-to-gap hitter with consistent barrel feel.

In terms of the pure hit tool, Washington is uber-aggressive and expands the zone consistently, which does exacerbate holes in his swing on the outer half of the plate. However, he’s kept strikeouts to a minimum thus far. There will be continued tweaks to his swing, though he stays synced throughout and repeats his mechanics well. Improved swing decisions and shortening the length of his swing will alleviate some offensive concerns.

In the outfield, he lets the speed eat at the “eight” and gets excellent jumps off the bat, making tough plays look easy. It’s a strong arm, as well. As long as he doesn’t outgrow his athleticism, he’s a surefire pick to stay in center.

The Louisiana State commit turns 18 just before the draft, making him a friendly prospect for model-driven teams.

HT/WT: 6’8/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Prestonwood Christian Academy (Carrollton, TX) | Commitment: Oklahoma | Projected Age: 19.1

Simply put, Sims is in rarefied air within the amateur scene.

At six-foot-eight, 210 pounds, his enormous projection comes from his lanky, slender frame, but despite the slim build, he’s already touching triple digits. In fact, it’s incredibly easy for him at this stage of development. It looks like he’s playing catch when he’s on the mound.

That said, some refinement is needed to unlock his full upside.

Pitching from the stretch only, Sims’ delivery is loose and features exceptional arm speed from an over-the-top release. He generates extension well over seven feet. This summer, Sims hit 100 MPH at PG National, and he’ll sit 94-98 MPH throughout his outings.

Thanks to his higher release, he produces plenty of backspin and a downhill plane, flashing late tailing life. Sims will miss bats in the zone, and while he can spray the ball a little, he has thrown enough strikes so far. This is a potentially double-plus or better offering.

He will rely on the heater regularly – he threw it nearly 80% of the time this summer – though his secondaries show promise. His mid-80s slider plays well off his release angle, snapping to the dirt with depth and bite. It flashes plus upside, though he’s working on gaining more feel with it. There’s also a power changeup in the mid-80s.

Currently, he’s somewhat of a one-trick pony, much like what Miguel Sime Jr. was at this stage a year ago. That said, Sime signed for a $2 million bonus. He’s still a work in progress, with relief risk involved, but the upside is tantalizing.

Sims transferred to Prestonwood Christian Academy in Texas for his senior season. He is committed to the University of Oklahoma.

HT/WT: 6’6/240 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Missouri State | Hometown: Jackson, MO | Projected Age: 21.3

With a body and toolset that will remind people of Spencer Jones and Jace LaViolette, Bogenpohl is a mid-major behemoth with immense offensive upside, albeit without a ton of polish present.

At 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, Bogenpohl is a very athletic specimen and moves with nimbleness on the field. As expected for his size, power is the calling card in his profile. It’s mammoth juice from the left side, with exit velocities surpassing 115 MPH at times, and it plays to every part of the field. It’s easy double-plus power at the end of the day, though he hasn’t produced the kind of over-the-fence production you’d want to see with that kind of juice.

However, Bogenpohl’s swing is a work in progress. His hands can get outside of his body and cause his swing to get long, plus he has struggled to find a consistent bat path to date. He’s struggled with pulling the baseball in the air and has pounded the ball into the dirt more often than not, though he did tweak his swing mid-season and found some improvements in that department.

His strikeout rate has improved slightly in 2026, though there are concerns about the whiffs regardless. His approach is excellent, though. Bogenpohl draws an enormous amount of walks and rarely chases out of the zone. The overall contact skills need polishing up, but if they do, the comparisons to guys like Jones or LaViolette won’t look as outlandish.

The nimbleness mentioned above is on display in the outfield, where he’s manned center often, though many believe he’ll move to a corner outfield spot in due time. It’s above-average speed right now with good routes and a strong arm.

If Bogenpohl can improve his contact and find ways to punish the baseball more consistently in the air, he’ll be a no-doubt Top 100 pick. The ceiling is too hard to ignore, but it’s a steeper path given his track record and conference strength.

HT/WT: 6’5/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Greenwich Country Day (Greenwich, CT) | Commitment: Stanford | Projected Age: 18.3

Hill is one of the hardest throwers in the prep class, possessing the size, projection, and arsenal to profile as a starter. He’s reached mid-90s velocity for multiple summers, though an injury last year kept him out of major showcases like Area Codes and East Coast Pro. Now fully healthy, Hill has taken his velocity to another level, touching 98–99 MPH in front of large scouting crowds.

The velocity comes easily, as he shows loud arm speed from a three-quarters slot with strong extension down the mound. His fastball features good zip and life, generating more sink and run than carry, and he’s begun to sit in the mid-90s with improved command as he’s added strength. It’s one of the best fastballs in this year’s class.

Hill also mixes in a solid changeup with good velocity separation and fade in the low-80s, and his feel to spin a breaking ball has improved, though both secondaries lag behind his fastball and will require further refinement.

Hill is among the younger prospects in the class, but his commitment to Stanford could complicate signability. Matt Scott faced a similar decision in 2022, though Hill may be a more advanced prospect at this stage. Regardless, Hill is expected to draw interest on Day 1.

HT/WT: 6’4/235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Miami | Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL | Projected Age: 21.1

A well-known name during his prep days, Cuvet was drafted in the 17th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates but opted to stay home and attend Miami. Two years later, Cuvet is one of the premier power hitters in the college world and was the main catalyst in Miami’s near return to Omaha for the first time since 2016.

After putting together a torrid second half in the spring, Cuvet has positioned himself well with 70-grade power at his disposal, though there’s still some work to polish under the hood.

Cuvet has thunderous bat speed with loft and huge hip/shoulder separation in his swing. This helps him achieve exit velocities well over the 110 MPH barrier, and he’s reached as high as 115 MPH. It’s legitimate all-fields power, and he’s already tapped into it with 42 career home runs on his baseball card.

That said, his hit tool does leave some questions. That said, his hit tool does leave some questions, though the chase rate dropped significantly in 2026. It’s a stiffer swing with struggles to adjust to spin, though he doesn’t run a bloated strikeout rate and knows how to shorten up. We’ll see how the hit tool evolves, but the magnitude of his power helps alleviate some warts.

Despite his physicality, Cuvet moves well for his size and carries big arm strength at the hot corner, though he can get heavy-footed and lacks the range of his peers. A move to first base is in the cards, which puts more pressure on the bat to perform.

However, the current track record and impact will help his case come draft day. He projects as a middle-of-the-order bat if the hit tool can continue to develop.

HT/WT: 6’0/193 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Tennessee | Hometown: Massillon, OH | Projected Age: 21.0

Before arriving in Knoxville, Garrett Wright’s trophy shelf was running out of space. In his two years at Bowling Green, Wright was a decorated athlete, earning back-to-back First-Team All-MAC selections and the 2025 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Unfortunately, Wright suffered a hamate injury that required surgery, and his Tennessee debut was delayed, but upon his return, he’s been one of the best bats in their lineup. Wright is a hyper-aggressive swinger with a compact swing and an approach with heavy pull side emphasis.

He’s not an overly powerful bat, and some of that likely comes from the hamate injury, but Wright likes to tuck the ball along either foul line for doubles and flashes decent pull side power. Scouts will want to see him become more selective, as his chase rate is close to 40%, but his bat-to-ball skills have been solid despite this, and he isn’t afraid to get hit by pitches.

Wright is a primary catcher, but has been trotted out in the outfield as he worked his way back this spring. He has a strong arm behind the dish and good catch-and-throw abilities, plus he’s a solid athlete. If a team prefers him in the outfield, he fits well in a corner spot with good speed and routes. There are many routes teams could go with Wright.

After a strong finish to the year, Wright should attract suitors on Day 2 come July, maybe earlier.

HT/WT: 6’3/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: St. John Bosco (San Pedro, CA) | Commitment: Long Beach State | Projected Age: 18.3

We’ve discussed extensively the talent at St. John Bosco High in California, and while most of that has focused on their bats, there’s one arm that stands out on their roster. Although he missed last spring due to internal brace surgery, Garcia returned over the summer and has found another gear in 2026.

A solid athlete with some physicality already evident, Garcia moves smoothly down the mound and uses an over-the-top release with current arm speed. Thanks to his higher release point, Garcia pitches downhill and maintains good control of the baseball, generating significant backspin and carry on his fastball.

At Area Codes in August, Garcia was 88-93 MPH, and he’s now touching 95-96 MPH, intimidating batters with his velocity. It could develop into an above-average to plus heater with a knack for missing bats.

Garcia also throws one of the better curveballs in California—a big breaker in the mid-to-upper-70s with high spin and depth, although it sometimes pops out of his hand. His change-up in the mid-80s might end up being his better secondary pitch, featuring tumbling action, considerable depth, and reduced spin.

It’s possible Garcia could be tried as a starter at the next level, though many believe his stuff would be more effective in a relief role, where his fastball could be a dominant weapon. Despite his injury history, Garcia’s age works in his favor for teams focused on developing players.

He is committed to Long Beach State.

HT/WT: 6’3/210 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Mill Valley (Shawnee, KS) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.11

Built like a Midwestern thoroughbred, Peterson has talent as a two-way prospect, but his future will likely be at the plate.

A left-handed hitter with physical traits, Peterson combines strong bat-to-ball skills with notable power potential. While his swing has featured many moving parts in previous years, Peterson managed to simplify it this summer. His leg kick is smaller, his hands are quieter during his load, and the barrel tip is less pronounced than a year ago.

He has started to let the ball travel and send it the opposite way more frequently, using a direct path to the ball and regularly stinging fastballs.

However, it’s his power that has stood out in batting practice; he has displayed impressive distance, routinely parking baseballs into the right field seats at big league stadiums. Though he has focused more on contact so far, he is expected to develop potentially plus power at the next level. He has plenty of offensive polish.

Defensively, Peterson shows solid athleticism at third base with good footwork and a strong arm across the diamond. Many believe he will be able to stay at third long-term, though he also has some utility and can fit in a corner outfield spot.

He can also pitch, with a fastball that has good life, sitting in the low-90s, and a solid low-80s slider with good bite and spin.

Once a Nebraska commit, Peterson will now attend the University of Texas and will be a draft-eligible sophomore if he makes it to campus.

HT/WT: 6’2/191 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: NC State | Hometown: Huntersville, NC | Projected Age: 21.6

Dudan made an immediate impact for the Wolfpack, quickly establishing himself as a key relief arm during their run to Omaha in 2024. After a challenging season as a reliever in 2025, he transitioned into a starting role this past off-season, performing well before a season-ending elbow injury against Notre Dame in early April.

Despite the setback, Dudan remains an intriguing draft prospect with plenty of upside.

On the mound, Dudan works from a low three-quarters arm slot, showing some release variation between his fastball and slider. His command and strike-throwing improved significantly as a starter, cutting his walk rate in half to just 5.9%.

Dudan features two distinct fastball shapes: a heavy sinker that induces ground balls, and a four-seamer he can elevate with good life through the zone. His fastball touched 99 mph this spring and sat consistently in the mid-90s.

Dudan spins a sharp, upper-80s slider that misses bats at a 49% clip, playing at its best below the zone. It’s a true plus pitch with nasty bite. He has experimented with a new changeup that shows heavy fade, although he has struggled to command it reliably.

While his profile fits best as a leverage reliever at the next level, he is expected to get opportunities to start once drafted. His athleticism, improved command, and power arsenal make him a name to watch despite the injury.

HT/WT: 6’1/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: American Heritage (North Palm Beach, FL) | Commitment: Florida | Projected Age: 18.10

After impressing early during the summer circuit, Snow has found another gear in his game this spring.

He stands out for his body control and athleticism on the mound, and as he physically matures, this suggests he’ll develop excellent command soon. Snow has raised his arm slot over the past couple of years, now pitching from a high three-quarters slot with quick arm speed through release.

He works with two fastballs: a traditional four-seam with carry and cut upstairs, and a sinker with tailing life at the knees. Snow sits in the low-90s with both pitches, reaching back for 96-97 MPH when he needs it.

His breaking ball has significant upside, though it can vary in shape at times. At its best, it’s a true hammer in the low-80s with deep movement, loud spin rates, and sharp bite. He’s improved his ability to throw it for strikes, and hitters have struggled to hit it so far. He experiments with a mid-80s cambio with sink and tail, though it’s a work in progress and needs more refinement.

From this perspective, Snow has a future as a starting pitcher, given his traits and repeatability on the mound, though he’ll need to improve his pitchability at the next level. That said, he’s one of the higher floor arms in this class with untapped upside.

He is committed to the University of Florida.

HT/WT: 6’2/187 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Upper Canada College (Toronto, ON) | Commitment: Yale | Projected Age: 18.5

One of a few Canadians to crack this list, Lascelles has seen his impact grow over the past calendar year. He’s been well-known as a bat-to-ball artist, but an uptick in strength and athleticism has seen his stock climb in recent months.

Lascelles tends to keep his swing compact and simple. He operates with a minimal leg kick trigger and an inward rotation of his front hip before opening up and impacting the baseball.

He’s a pest for opposing pitchers, smothering anything left in the zone and adjusting to offerings just outside of it. He’ll slap the baseball to all fields and utilize his plus speed to grab extra bases, plus he’ll provide value with an aggressive nature once aboard. It’s a true table-setter profile.

While Lascelles’ power won’t be the focal point of his profile, he’s gotten into more juice this year. He’s found some more bat speed and juice that plays best to the pull side gap, though Lascelles won’t be a slugger at the next level. Growing into more impact will elevate his profile further, though.

Lascelles has the fluidity and athleticism to handle shortstop, flashing solid footwork and rangy actions to both sides. With that said, scouts want to see the arm strength improve to solidify his spot at the position. If it doesn’t improve, most believe he’ll shift to second base.

A commitment to Yale may complicate things for Lascelles come draft day, but he’s made enough of a case to have a team invest in his tools. If he can further boost his stock this spring, he has a chance to be taken within the top 100 picks.

HT/WT: 6’5/215 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nolensville, TN) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.9

Holloway burst onto the scene during the 2024 summer campaign, where his high-level projection and angles provided a unique look for scouts. Now at Christ Presbyterian Academy with R.A. Dickey as his pitching coach, Holloway has seen his stuff take another jump forward.

Boasting quality projection and athleticism, Holloway’s operation is relatively effortless with his strike-throwing improving this spring. It starts with a high front-side and an arm swing that’s gotten more fluid and smoother since last summer. While he does utilize a three-quarters arm slot, Holloway has a steep angle that make it tough on hitters, plus there’s some width to his release.

He topped out at 97 MPH last summer, though he’s operated within the mid-90s consistently and has reached 98 MPH. There’s solid carry through the zone, plus he’ll generate more tail lower in the zone. Both heaters miss bats within the zone regularly.

His best secondary is a mid-80s change-up with significant fading action, and he rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s slider, though both need a bit more refinement to match the power of the heater.

He’s expected to be a tough sign out of a Vanderbilt commitment, but finding southpaws with these kind of traits are tough.

HT/WT: 6’5/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Alabama | Hometown: Doniphan, NE | Projected Age: 22.5

Fay was draft-eligible last season for Alabama, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen, but scouts wanted to see more consistency. In 2026, Fay answered the call, seizing the Friday night starter role and excelling.

He’s boosted his strikeout rate to 28% while maintaining a minuscule walk rate, and threw the program’s ninth no-hitter on March 20th.

Fay pitches with minimal effort, using crossfire mechanics and a low three-quarters release to add deception. He’s an old-school arm who attacks hitters with a deep arsenal, throwing two distinct fastballs, a four-seamer and a two-seamer, both with prominent tail through the zone. This spring, he’s found added value in his fastball, generating more chases and whiffs than in 2025. While he’s touched 97 MPH, he typically works in the low-90s with excellent strike zone command.

His primary secondary is a sweeping low-80s slider with strong bite, which he lands for strikes consistently. Fay has also increased his changeup usage; it sits in the low-80s with tailing action that gives lefties trouble. He rounds out his mix with a newly implemented cutter.

Fay isn’t overpowering, but his deep arsenal and ability to pound the zone give him a solid floor as a back-end starter.

HT/WT: 6’5/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Tennessee | Hometown: Charlottesville, VA | Projected Age: 21.11

A draft-eligible sophomore at Virginia, Ford went undrafted and headed to Tennessee, where he’ll aim to be a key part of the Volunteers’ lineup in 2026.

Ford’s build is similar to that of an automobile mechanic. He’s very physical, with plenty of strength throughout his frame, and he’s a solid athlete despite his size.

Although his swing is a bit stiff, Ford rotates well and has a heavy barrel through the zone. He generates a lot of leverage with his mechanics, sinking deeply into his back leg, though he sometimes steps into the front leg, which can break his kinetic chain and reduce his leverage and power. However, he has looked much more fluid and relaxed at the dish this spring.

Ford handles velocity well, especially pitches over 95 MPH, although he tends to expand the zone a lot. He’s not in a hurry to take his walks, but his swing adjusts when he reaches outside the zone. While his bat-to-ball skills improved in 2025, he didn’t tap into his power as often, leading to a big drop in extra-base hits and home runs. He’ll need to find a better balance in Knoxville in 2026, but his offensive upside remains clear based on past performance.

Defensively, Ford spent much of his freshman year at first base, but he handled right field well for the Cavaliers in 2025. Ford has good athleticism and covers ground effectively, showing solid route-running and a strong arm. He’s not a liability out there. He should remain in right field for Tony Vitello’s camp in 2026, though he might still get some reps at first base.

HT/WT: 6’0/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oregon | Hometown: Portland, OR | Projected Age: 21.9

Cooney has been overshadowed during his tenure at Oregon. A contact-oriented second baseman for the Ducks, Cooney lacks the flashy pop that’s en vogue now, but his performances and glove have given him a solid floor as a draft prospect.

In 2026, Cooney has been one of the best bats on the West Coast, and his uptick in production has garnered much more attention. Cooney’s sophomore breakout was a stepping stone to what his 2026 campaign has become, as he boasts a slash line of .381/.462/.631 and a career-high twenty-five extra-base hits.

He’s grown into a bit more bat speed and impact this spring, plus he’s driving the baseball more in the air. This has allowed him to creep closer to below-average power projection, which certainly helps his profile.

However, the hit tool is the true selling point offensively. He’s one of the best fastball hitters in the country, as he’s on pace to have his second-straight season of 95% contact on velocity. He likes to be aggressive early in counts and laces the baseball to both sides of the field, and while he doesn’t expand the zone often, he’s in no rush to take walks. That said, it’s hard to ignore the overall contact rate, which sits at 88%.

The polish with the glove is what gives Cooney his high floor, as he’s a twitchy defender with poise and control. He makes quick exchanges, flips his hips well, and has enough arm strength to be tried out at shortstop as a professional. If it weren’t for Maddox Molony to his right, he’d already be there. He’s got double-plus speed, as well.

There’s certainly value in his profile, and the added offensive impact gives him helium. It’s likely that he’ll hear his name called closer to the start of Day 2.

HT/WT: 6’7/225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Nebraska | Hometown: Thornton, CO | Projected Age: 21.9

Standing as tall as the Rocky Mountains, Jasa has put impressive stuff on display across two seasons at Nebraska, though the ability to harness it has been lacking. While his ability to fully harness his arsenal has lagged behind, this is somewhat expected given his size and length.

To his credit, Jasa has made notable strides in strike-throwing and overall command as a starter for the Cornhuskers this spring. However, his fastball command remains inconsistent, prompting him to rely more on his breaking pitches than his heater.

Jasa features a loose, whippy arm from a high three-quarters slot. His mid-to-upper-80s slider plays well off the steep angle he creates, offering firm action with good bite and moderate sweep. He locates it well below the zone with a shorter break. His upper-70s curveball is his best secondary, consistently landing it for strikes with massive depth (-16 IVB) and sharp break.

While his fastball is less distinctive, his velocity, which sits in the mid-90s, touching 98 MPH, allows it to play despite a downhill angle. He’ll also mix in a sporadic mid-80s changeup that is effective away from lefties.

Jasa likely projects as a leverage reliever at the next level, though an organization confident in developing his command might give him a starting opportunity. His raw stuff and physical traits make him an intriguing pitching prospect.

HT/WT: 6’5/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Seattle Academy (Seattle, WA) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.5

Herst is exactly how you draw up a pitching prospect. It’s a long, lanky frame with broad shoulders, a high waist, and plenty of projection. While he doesn’t throw hard yet, many believe Herst’s best days are ahead of him, and he’ll be a guy who could live in the mid-90s in time.

It’s an athletic operation with easy, fluid motion and exceptional extension numbers, getting over the seven-foot barrier routinely. This allows his fastball to play up from its velocity, plus Herst has a flat approach angle to aid the pitch, too.

He sits 88-92 MPH most of the time, reaching back for 93 MPH at his peak, finding value on the top rail of the strike zone despite pedestrian shape. It’s a fastball that will garner plenty of chases, as well. There’s above-average potential here.

His best secondary is a low-80s change-up that he sells very well, matching arm speed with the heater and displaying quality fade to left-handed hitters. His mid-70s breaking ball can get slurvy, but it plays best with two-plane tilt and solid snap. He can turn it into a big sweeper, generating close to twenty inches of lateral movement.

It’s a really good mold of clay, plus Herst hammers the strike zone and rarely relinquishes free passes. It’s a starter package through and through. Herst would be eligible as a junior in 2029 under Tim Corbin’s tutelage in Nashville.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Crown Point (Crown Point, IN) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 18.3

Possessing a power-oriented game and plenty of physicality, Dunlap has the potential to become a dominant player in the future. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, he has more strength to develop, and he is already an impressive athlete for someone his size.

Dunlap generates incredible bat speed from the right side, with significant hip and shoulder separation and exceptional hand speed that drives his power. His swing can get long, and the swing plane tends to be on the flatter side, but everything comes off the barrel hot.

He can spray line drives all over the field, frequently hitting the gaps. There’s some swing-and-miss in his game, which is common for players with his toolset, but his swing and approach will tighten up with further development. He shows the potential to be a middle-of-the-order impact hitter.

Defensively, he’s displayed strong arm strength behind the plate, though there are some rough edges to iron out. Thanks to his athleticism, speed, and build, he’ll get opportunities in the outfield — especially in center. If he outgrows the athleticism needed for center, he could fit perfectly in right field.

While there’s some volatility, Dunlap’s physical tools are too impressive to overlook. Dunlap is committed to the University of Tennessee.

HT/WT: 6’8/209 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Orange Lutheran (Bellflower, CA) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 19.0

One of the premier arms in SoCal, Morse is a super-lanky yet well-proportioned arm that oozes athleticism and projection while possessing loud stuff. He’s made his mark on big stages, including striking out 16 batters in route to OLu’s 4th NHSI title in March.

For his size, Morse controls his body well, stretching down the mound with fluidity. It’s a deep arm swing, with his arm essentially climbing a mountain to a high three-quarters arm slot, steep and with a downhill plane to the plate.

Morse has shown the ability to overpower batters with his fastball, which has been clocked at 97 MPH. He tends to get behind the baseball, generating excellent carry and slight late-cutting action that hitters can’t catch up to when it’s commanded upstairs. He can locate it to both sides of the plate, too.

Morse’s best secondary offering is a powerful mid-80s change-up that projects above-average or better. He sells it very well with similar arm speed to the heater, and it fades heavily away from the barrels of left-handed bats. He has found success throwing it right-on-right, too. Morse has two breaking balls, though they are soft in the mid-70s and lack sufficient bite/action compared to his peers. That will be a primary development point for any team that drafts him.

A Tennessee commit, Morse provides serious intrigue with his velocity, steep angle, and power prowess on the hill. He would be a draft-eligible sophomore if he makes it to Knoxville.

HT/WT: 5’9/200 | Bat/Throw: R/L | School: East Carolina | Hometown: Kernersville, NC | Projected Age: 21.5

The younger brother of Marlins infielder Connor Norby, Ethan is an extremely unique arm with loud spin numbers and intriguing traits on the bump. He is undersized, and it will be a knock against him at 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, but there’s a lengthy track record here.

Norby is a legitimate bulldog; he pitches with moxie and confidence. That said, he has seen his command wane a bit in 2026. The ball comes out of a really low slot with deception and width to it, though his arm slot does drop for the breaking balls compared to the heater.

He doesn’t throw hard, averaging just over 90 MPH on the heater and getting up to 94 MPH at his peak. He throws two fastballs, with the most effective one being the four-seam with considerable carry from his slot. It’s extremely flat to the plate with explosiveness out of the hand, spun very hard (2500+ RPMs), and misses bats on the upper third. He’ll mix in a sinker with significant horizontal movement to it, getting up to 20 inches of run at times.

His low-80s sweeper is his best offering, and it’s one of the best breaking balls in the country. It has exceptional bite with significant sweeping action, getting upwards of 20 inches of horizontal action at its best. The standout trait is the impressive spin rates he possesses, as he consistently spins the baseball over 3,000 RPMs. It’s an easy plus offering.

He added a mid-80s cutter that acts like a bridge pitch, though it has similar spin numbers to the sweeper and has upside. Norby does have the feel to delete spin on his mid-80s cambio, but he hasn’t deployed it often to date.

Norby has a very good floor as a prospect, and he has the chance to be a backend starter at the next level. If he can add more velocity, he’ll have a better outlook, but even as it is, Norby will have a future as a professional.

HT/WT: 6’1/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: The Colony (The Colony, TX) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 19.3

A highly projectable and uber-athletic arm, Rangel has seen his stuff grow into one of the more electric repertoires in the amateur scene.

He’s a fantastic mover on the bump, operating with plenty of fluidity and doing a nice job of staying in sync throughout his operation. While Rangel does have a longer arm action, there’s significant arm speed at release with a whippy nature present.

He has had some inconsistencies with his release point, which has affected his command at times, but he’ll release the baseball from a low three-quarters arm slot, sometimes dropping it slightly to throw his off-speed pitches.

His fastball is very potent already, jumping into the mid-90s consistently this summer and getting as high as 98 MPH. Given the lower release height, Rangel generates plenty of sink and tail on his heater, though he’s shown the ability to elevate and get behind the baseball for more carry and backspin.

He’ll utilize the sinker to bore in on the hands of righties before blowing them away upstairs. He spins it very well, as he lives within the 2,400-2,500 RPM echelon. Given the projection and arm speed, more is on the way, too.

His low-80s slider is a plus offering with huge spin rates, biting action, and tilt. He’ll toy with the shape and add/subtract depth, but he’ll generate plenty of sweeping life and spin rates surpassing the 3,000 RPM barrier with ease. There is a power change-up in the upper-80s with tumble, though he’s yet to throw it much.

Scouts are split on whether he stays a starter or ends up in the bullpen, but the upside is massive with Rangel. He’ll be a draft-eligible sophomore at Texas if he chooses to go to school.

HT/WT: 6’1/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Missouri | Hometown: Kansas City, MO | Projected Age: 21.11

After two seasons at Wichita State, Durnin’s breakout campaign in the Appalachian League put his name squarely on draft boards. The league’s Player of the Year, he slashed .407/.519/.662 with 23 extra-base hits and more walks than strikeouts. Durnin would carry that success over to Missouri, where he was a reliable player on both sides of the ball.

The glove is as steady as they come with Durnin. He’s a rangy defender with a solid internal clock, rarely rushing himself through plays and moving fluidly. He has soft hands and a strong arm across the diamond, plus he’s got strong instincts at the shortstop position. He’s expected to stick there for a while, where he’s got a chance to be an above-average defender.

The bat is beginning to catch up to the glove, too. Durnin has a rhythmic right-handed swing with a sound approach at the plate, and he’s found his stride at the right time. In the month of May alone, Durnin hit five home runs and posted an OPS north of 1.450. He’ll never be a powerful bat, but he has shown the ability to pull the baseball in the air to his pull side. He has strong swing decisions, as well.

Durnin will need to maintain these offensive gains at the next level, but what he’s shown in recent months has been promising, and he’s trending towards a top-five round selection.

HT/WT: 5’10/200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Omaha, NE | Projected Age: 21.8

As a senior at Millard South High in Nebraska, Kozeal had helium attached to his name, but he landed at Vanderbilt. He played only one season for the Commodores before entering the portal, landing in Fayetteville, and becoming a key piece of the Razorbacks’ offense.

A physical athlete with a filled-out frame, Kozeal doesn’t possess much projection, but he’s already shown the ability to unleash dangerous intent on the baseball.

Kozeal’s stance is upright and even, displaying significant torque and big separation between his hips and shoulders. This allows him to generate loud bat speed and impact the baseball to both sides of the field, though the power plays best to his pull side. He can backspin the baseball well and has produced exit velocities upward of 112 MPH to that side of the field.

There is some swing-and-miss in his profile, and he tends to expand the zone at an aggressive clip, though he’s shown improvement against secondary offerings. Toning down the aggression and generating more walks will be necessary in 2026.

He’s a fluid defender at second base with good footwork and arm, pointing to a potentially average defender at the position. Most of his value will come from the stick, and so far, he’s shown enough offensive upside to warrant a top-five-round selection.

HT/WT: 6’5/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Roland, OK | Projected Age: 21.1

Wiggins was one of the hardest throwers in his high school class, but inconsistent command made him a challenging draft prospect. He ultimately landed at Arkansas, following in the footsteps of his older brother Jaxon, where he showcased an electric one-two punch out of the bullpen before undergoing Tommy John surgery midway through the season.

Reports indicate Wiggins will return to pitch before the draft, but not with Arkansas.

Prior to injury, Wiggins regularly sat in the upper-90s and touched triple digits, including a career-best bolt of 102 MPH. His delivery is loose and powerful, generating excellent extension and whip through release. The fastball features high spin rates and significant ride with a touch of cut.

Wiggins pairs it with a hard, upper-80s two-plane slider that posted a 74% whiff rate before his 2025 injury. The slider combines sharp bite and some depth with sweeping action up to ten inches. Wiggins will occasionally flash a low-80s curveball and a splitter, though both are used sparingly.

He profiles as a pure reliever due to inconsistent command, but his electric stuff, anchored by a high-octane fastball and wipeout slider, gives him a chance to impact a major league bullpen quickly.

HT/WT: 6’6/235 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: West Virginia | Hometown: Portville, NY | Projected Age: 22.1

Yehl spent his first two seasons as a reliever for West Virginia before injury struck, forcing him to miss 2025 with Tommy John surgery. Upon returning, he earned a spot in the starting rotation and delivered a stellar campaign, ultimately winning Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors.

Yehl boasts long limbs and a crossfire delivery, but he’s smoothed out his mechanics and now moves more efficiently down the mound, which has led to improved command. The angle and deception created by his crossfire action help his arsenal play up.

Yehl’s fastball command has improved since his return, and his low-90s heater often acts more like a sinker, with plenty of arm-side run and downward movement.

His feel to spin is a standout trait, and both of his breaking balls are dynamic weapons. He relies most on a mid-80s slider with strong two-plane action and bite, landing it for strikes when his fastball command slips. His low-80s curveball offers more depth but similar horizontal movement.

Scouts would like to see Yehl develop a changeup to help reduce some of the relief risk in his profile. Still, his 2026 performance has given him a legitimate shot to start in pro ball, and most expect him to come off the board between the fourth and sixth rounds.

HT/WT: 6’4/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Tampa Jesuit (Tampa, FL) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.6

Jesuit High School in Tampa has a strong baseball pipeline. Notable alumni like Lou Piniella, Lance McCullers Jr., and, most recently, Jamie Arnold have passed through its halls. Andersen is eager to become the next rising star to join that list.

He already shows the potential of a future power pitcher in this class. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, Andersen is a well-built yet projectable pitcher with a smooth delivery on the mound.

He controls his body well, moving smoothly with good tempo and flashing notable arm speed from a high three-quarters arm slot. There are some flaws in his delivery, including head whack at release and shorter extension, but he has a solid foundation.

Andersen has reached the upper 90s at his peak, consistently throwing 91-95 MPH in longer outings. His fastball explodes out of his hand, showing good carry on the top of the strike zone, where he has generated most of his swings and misses. He can sometimes be hittable in the zone, and his command can be inconsistent, but his fastball has big upside.

His best secondary pitch is a low-to-mid-80s change-up that offers solid separation from his fastball. He maintains arm speed on the change-up, which dives away from left-handed hitters with good fading movement. It projects as an above-average or better pitch long-term.

He also has two breaking balls, with his mid-80s slider standing out as the better one. It has a firm, bullet-shaped slant that is effective at generating swings and misses from right-handed batters. His low-80s curveball can be a bit loopier but possesses sharp bite and depth, especially when buried in the dirt.

He will need some refinement, but Andersen’s mix of stuff and projection suggests significant upside once fully polished. He is projected to be 18.6 on draft day and is committed to Mississippi State.

HT/WT: 6’2/170 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Texas A&M | Age: 22.9

Sdao broke out for the Aggies in his sophomore campaign, where he posted a 2.96 ERA with a 55:8 K:BB ratio and got starts down the stretch. However, Sdao suffered an elbow injury in a Super Regional outing against Oregon, and he had Tommy John surgery in September of that year.

After opting to turn down significant draft interest to return to College Station, Sdao will return to the fold this spring. A wiry athlete with tons of projection still left, Sdao’s arm speed really stands out at first glance, maintaining it with all three of his pitches and working quickly down the bump with some deception.

The fastball has solid carry up in the zone with some slight cut, working primarily in the low-90s, though Sdao has reared back for 97 MPH on occasion. The low-80s sweepy slider is the best secondary and got whiffs at a 44% clip in 2024. There’s some lift paired with ten inches of sweep in the pitch shape, and he’s shown an ability to backfoot the pitch to righties. He turns over a quality mid-80s cambio with tumbling action away from right-handed bats, as well.

Sdao has a track record of peppering the strike zone and is unafraid of attacking hitters inside. He’s a bona fide starter long-term. He is going to be on the older side in this class, as he turns 23 in late September, but he should be one of the more sought-after senior arms in this class.

HT/WT: 6’4/235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Discovery Bay, CA | Projected Age: 21.1

Randall has emerged as a dominant force out of the UCLA bullpen, wielding one of the best fastballs in college baseball.

Arriving on campus as a lanky, athletic arm with ample physical projection, he’s since added about thirty pounds of muscle, fueling a remarkable velocity jump. As a true freshman, Randall averaged 90.3 MPH, then leapt to 94.9 MPH as a sophomore, representing a massive single-year improvement. In 2026, he’s taken another step forward, now averaging 96.5 MPH and topping out at 101 MPH multiple times.

Randall’s fastball is more than just velocity. He’s an incredibly flexible mover, generating over seven feet of extension from a low release point just above five feet off the ground. This creates a flat, deceptive approach angle, especially when he elevates. His fastball also boasts elite spin rates, averaging over 2,500 RPM, and he’s thrown it 86% of the time this season with a 41% whiff rate, a truly dominant pitch.

So far, Randall is mostly a one-pitch specialist. He occasionally toys with an upper-80s changeup that features tumble and will mix in a cutter and slider, but the usage of those secondaries has been limited. Strike-throwing remains erratic, but when Randall is in the zone, he dominates.

Refining his command and developing a reliable secondary pitch will be crucial for his next step, but the fastball foundation is elite. Randall projects as one of the first relievers off the board in July.

HT/WT: 6’2/208 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Whittier, CA | Projected Age: 21.9

After taking his lumps as a freshman, Martin evolved into one of the better bats on the West Coast in 2025. He improved his pitch selection, bat-to-ball skills, and chase rate, leading to a successful sophomore campaign and becoming a key cog in their Omaha run.

Since his prep days at Servite High School, Martin has gotten more physical and become more of a power threat to every part of the field. The power plays best to his pull side, where he has seen his exit velocities over 105 MPH routinely, peaking at 111 MPH. It’s explosive hand speed and big bat speed.

Martin is more on the selective side, which can lead to arms getting to their best weapons early, but he’s one of the best hitters in the country against the fastball. He posted an OPS north of 1.100 on the season and whiffed just 11% of the time in 2025. On fastballs 93 MPH and higher, Martin whiffed just four times and posted an OPS just south of 1.300.

He will need to continue improving his contact quality against spin, as he’ll hover over his front hip and swing over the top.

To pair with the upside of the bat, Martin is a quality defender at the hot corner. He doesn’t skip a beat, staying calm and collected at the position. He’s agile with a quick first step, solid range, plus he’s got a great arm across the diamond. There’s a non-zero chance that Martin can move to his left and take over shortstop as a professional.

His selectivity and glove certainly give him a floor, and if the bat takes another step, it’s a surefire Day 1 profile.

HT/WT: 5’11/197 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Aledo (Aledo, TX) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.7

Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Nawrocki has a strong case as having the best pure stuff in this year’s prep class.

He’s an excellent athlete with exceptional feel to spin among any eligible arm, with ECU’s Ethan Norby the only one that comes close. It’s unique, explosive, and shows massive upside from the southpaw.

Nawrocki’s delivery does involve some effort, which has affected his command so far, but it makes for an uncomfortable at-bat for opponents. He creates plenty of awkward angles at the plate thanks to significant crossfire, width, and deception, enhancing his stuff’s effectiveness. It’s elite hip/shoulder separation, as well.

His fastball explodes out of his hand, quickly jumping on hitters with significant movement. His low release height helps generate plenty of tailing action, although he’s also shown the ability to elevate with noticeable carry on the top rail. Spin rates easily surpass 2,500 RPM, with some over 2,700 RPM recorded. He has hit 96 MPH at times, though he mostly sits 91-94 MPH.

His mid-80s slider is even more impressive, boasting massive sweeping action and sharp teeth, starting behind the backs of left-handed hitters and darting back into the zone. Spin rates are routinely above 3,000 RPM, reaching as high as 3,300 RPM, making it a true plus pitch, with some even grading it as double-plus.

Additionally, he features a powerful upper-80s changeup with fade to complement his arsenal.

There’s significant upside if Nawrocki develops greater control, but if not, he could still be a late-inning reliever with nasty stuff. Nawrocki can swing the stick, as well. It’s great bat speed and coil from the left side, and he hammered baseballs during batting practice at the Combine. He may get looks as a bat. Uncommitted throughout the summer, Nawrocki committed to Louisiana State in October.

HT/WT: 6’2/197 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia | Hometown: Kennesaw, GA | Projected Age: 22.0

Phelps has been on scouts’ radar for several years. Highly touted as a prep prospect, he went undrafted in 2023 and burst onto the scene as a freshman at Georgia the following spring. After an invite to the USA Collegiate National Team that summer, Phelps took his lumps as a sophomore, as swing-and-miss became a prevalent feature during his first draft-eligible season.

Now a junior, Phelps has rediscovered his 2024 form, becoming a key piece in Georgia’s lineup and slashing .372/.487/.674 with 18 home runs.

Phelps’s bat is his calling card, and it’s an exciting one. He takes violent, unapologetic swings with quick hands, big bat speed, and the ability to lift and launch the baseball. He shows legitimate barrel awareness, improved swing decisions, and above-average exit velocities. Leaving a fastball in the zone to Phelps is a mistake, as he’s found his rhythm against velocity, boosting his contact rate against heat from 75% to 87% this year, with an in-zone rate of 92%. That improvement has been crucial to his resurgence.

While the bat has kept him in the lineup, Phelps has struggled to secure a consistent defensive home. He’s played multiple corner spots but spent most of this spring at third base, with mixed results. His arm strength and accuracy are inconsistent, and he tends to rush plays. His present actions are more befitting of a second baseman, though a first base role is not out of the question.

Defensive improvement will be key to boosting his draft stock, but his bat is simply too good to overlook.

HT/WT: 6’5/231 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oklahoma | Hometown: Sherbrook, QC | Projected Age: 21.2

Built like a lumberjack, LaChance has surged up draft boards following a red-hot second half that helped propel Oklahoma to the College World Series. The McLennan transfer didn’t hit his first home run until April 9th, but has since mashed eighteen, leading the team.

His power plays to all fields, with consistently loud exit velocities, though he’s struggled at times to get the ball in the air due to his swing mechanics. His setup is noisy, as his hands start away from his chest and he wraps the barrel around his head as he drives down the box, creating inconsistent launch angles at impact.

Groundballs have been a major issue with his swing. However, he found more consistent loft in the second half, fueling his power surge. LaChance is aggressive at the plate and brings some swing-and-miss, but the above-average power helps offset those concerns. Scouts will watch to see if he can continue tapping into his power as he advances through the minor leagues.

Defensively, LaChance has the physical tools to stay behind the plate, despite his size. He’s grown more comfortable as a catcher, showing impressive arm strength with pop times around 1.9 seconds. Mobility is a concern, and a move to right field could be in the cards as he ages, though most evaluators believe he’ll stick at catcher.

There are still rough edges to smooth out, but LaChance projects as a strong early Day 2 draft candidate.

HT/WT: 6’2/175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Casteel (Gilbert, AZ) | Commitment: Texas Tech | Projected Age: 19.7

Boasting a lean, wiry frame that can withstand adding twenty to thirty pounds of muscle, Barker is one of the most projectable players in the prep ranks.

Part of a robust Casteel lineup that contains quite a few pests, Barker may be the fastest of the bunch. He’s a double-plus runner at the present, and with added mass on the way, he’ll settle in as a plus runner when all is said and done. He’s aggressive with his decisions and will be a force to be reckoned with on the bases.

At the plate, Barker stays tight and compact with his swing, though given the lighter frame, the swing can get disconnected at times. However, as he grows into his body, that concern should be alleviated. Barker can lace line drives to all fields, as well as terrorizing defenders with slappier hacks to get on base. Most expect a power increase in the near future, which will further boost his profile.

Defensively, Barker moves rather well in the dirt and has played a myriad of positions, though his tools fit best in center field. The athleticism and speed will most certainly play at the position, where he’ll be capable of gobbling up would-be doubles in the gap for outs.

The Texas Tech recruit is on the older side of the class at 19 years and 7 months old, but that hasn’t deterred teams from selecting similarly aged athletes. Dante Nori and Matthew Boughton are two recent examples of such.

He would be eligible again as a sophomore in 2028 if he elects to travel to Lubbock.

HT/WT: 6’4/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Mooresville (Mooresville, IN) | Commitment: Alabama | Projected Age: 19.6

Despite missing a majority of the summer circuit with an injury, DeVaughan has come out firing in the spring.

He’s an athletic, projectable pitcher with an effortless delivery, one that makes him look like he’s playing catch on the mound. There’s electric arm speed from an over-the-top release, which creates some downhill angle to the plate.

DeVaughan loves to elevate the fastball and garner whiffs aplenty there, missing twelve bats during an appearance in Jupiter last October. This spring, he’s been into the mid-90s consistently, touching 97 MPH with more in the tank. He operates with two distinct fastball shapes, a four-seam and a two-seam, plus he can command to both halves of the plate with them. It’s a fun fastball profile that should continue to develop well.

He pairs the fastball with a sharp upper-70s curveball that has nasty bite, and DeVaughan can consistently land the pitch for strikes. There is a new low-90s cutter that’s firm and bridges the gap between the fastball and curveball, plus he has feel for a change-up.

One thing that will dampen his draft stock is his age, as he will be one of the oldest players in the class at 19 years and 6 months old. That said, his burgeoning stuff and athletic traits aid his case for being drafted. He would be a draft-eligible sophomore at Alabama if he makes it to campus.

HT/WT: 6’5/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Rutgers | Hometown: Franklin, NJ | Projected Age: 20.11

The last name should be a familiar one for baseball fans, and Bonds is the next in line from a storied baseball family.

Built with long levers and considerable strength, he’s an uber-powerful right-handed hitter, though that strength hasn’t translated to eye-popping home run totals in college. Since arriving on campus in 2024, Bonds has hit just sixteen home runs, a figure many thought would be much higher given his pedigree and tools.

The explanation lies in his approach and swing mechanics. Bonds swings over 50% of the time and expands the zone at a 40% clip, raising concerns among scouts about his plate discipline. These tendencies contribute to inconsistent contact quality, and some stiffness in his swing hampers his mechanics.

However, the raw power is undeniable. Bonds regularly eclipses 110 MPH in exit velocity, with a peak of 120.7 MPH on a double against Illinois. His power is elite, showing up especially when he gets his arms extended on pitches on the outer half and down in the zone. Should a team help him improve his launch angle and rein in his aggression, his power output should explode.

Defensively, Bonds has solid route-running skills and plus speed in center field. As he fills out, he may lose some speed and ultimately shift to right field, where his average arm and polished outfield instincts should play.

With his bloodlines and immense power potential, Bonds will be a highly intriguing prospect in this draft cycle.

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Archbishop Moeller (Hamilton, OH) | Commitment: Kentucky | Projected Age: 18.4

A star-studded two-sport prospect, Ponatoski has multiple career paths to decide between.

He’s a four-star quarterback recruit with numerous school records at Archbishop Moeller and also a talented two-way baseball player with a polished hit tool and loud arm strength on the diamond. This creates some uncertainty about his draft status next July, but he’ll likely have many suitors.

Ponatoski’s swing is relaxed and methodical, wasting little energy while drifting down the left-handed batter’s box. He has a notable barrel tip during his load, but he also has quick hands and loud bat speed, with his barrel staying in the zone for a long time. He has an advanced approach with solid bat-to-ball skills.

He can generate good leverage and pull the baseball with authority, though he has prioritized the hit tool so far. He should develop into average or better power.

Defensively, he has the tools and instincts to stay on the left side of the infield. His arm strength is loud across the diamond, having been clocked as high as 101 MPH in showcase settings, and he’s nimble on his feet with good range. Already showing a sturdier build than his peers, he will likely move to the hot corner eventually, although he could start his pro career at shortstop.

Alternatively, he can be tried out on the mound. He’s reached 96 MPH with his fastball, which has solid spin rates, and he also throws a sharp low-80s downer curveball as his primary secondary pitch. His delivery is smooth, with good arm speed from a high three-quarters arm slot, but scouts would like to see additional pitches added to his arsenal.

Currently committed to Kentucky for both football and baseball, Ponatoski will face tough decisions over the next year. He will be 18.4 years old next July, making him one of the younger players in his class.

HT/WT: 6’2/180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Nebraska | Hometown: Halstead, KS | Projected Age: 21.2

Horn has logged big innings for Nebraska as both a starter and reliever, including a standout performance in the 2025 Big Ten title game, where he held UCLA scoreless over eight innings. He began 2026 in the rotation before shifting to the bullpen in mid-April, and bounced between roles down the stretch.

A mobile, athletic mover, Horn pitches with some violence at release, working from an over-the-top slot with whippy arm action. His fastball has solid carry, but its shape can degrade later in outings as he fatigues. Still, he maintains velocity well, routinely sitting 92–95 MPH and touching 98 MPH at his peak.

Horn’s arsenal is deep. Behind the fastball, he features an upper-80s cutter, a mid-80s sweeper with big lateral action, and a curveball with slightly more depth but similar horizontal movement. His mid-80s changeup is his best secondary, showing strong spin-killing qualities with fade and tumble, which is especially effective to lefties, though he’s shown feel against righties as well.

Horn has upside as a starter, particularly at the back end of a rotation, but he’ll need to refine his secondaries to consistently unlock more power from his arsenal.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Iowa Colony (Rosharon, TX) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.9

Brown began as a two-way player with switch-hitting abilities but has drawn significant scouting attention thanks to his recent growth on the mound. Over the past year, his velocity has climbed into the upper-90s, pairing projection and physicality with an impressive arsenal.

Brown is a short strider with some violence in his delivery, yet he moves down the mound with strong athleticism, featuring a slingy low three-quarters arm slot that provides considerable whip and arm speed. His lower slot produces significant tailing action, making his sinker a true groundball machine at the next level. Brown has touched 99 MPH in shorter bursts and sits in the low-to-mid-90s over longer outings.

His mid-80s changeup tunnels beautifully off the fastball, diving late with depth and tumble for consistent whiffs. It’s a legitimate plus pitch. He’s also added an upper-80s cutter, bridging the gap to his low-80s slider with sweeping action.

With a complete four-pitch mix, Brown has trended toward a starting profile as his stuff has ticked up. There’s still a chance he winds up in relief, given some strike-throwing inconsistencies and a lack of extension, but his ability to tunnel pitches is a good foundation. A Mississippi State commit, Brown will be 18 years and 9 months old on draft day and offers intriguing upside.

HT/WT: 6’2/220 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Wake Forest | Hometown: Sartell, MN | Projected Age: 21.1

After a robust rookie campaign at Butler, Lewis entered the portal and took his talents to Winston-Salem, where he made a statement in his first ACC season. That success translated to the Cape, where he earned an All-Star appearance with Bourne. Now, his bat projects as one of the best in the ACC, though it’s paramount that he repeat his 2025 success.

Lewis made adjustments to his approach and plate discipline after arriving at Wake Forest, including hitting the ball more to the opposite field and tempering his aggression. Lewis’ walk rate more than doubled, and his chase rate fell from 30% to 26%. He’ll suffocate fastballs in the zone with authority, as well.

Lewis has quality thump in his barrel, eclipsing the 110 MPH barrier numerous times, and he’ll deliver power to both gaps. He does struggle with secondary offerings below the zone, as his front hip tends to get stuck in neutral, which is something to address in 2026. Scouts want to see this fixed, as well as more consistent pull-side power.

Most of the value in his profile comes from the stick, as most believe he’ll move to first base in due time. There’s stiffness in his hands and feet, and his arm strength is fringe-average across the diamond.

Moving to first base will put a ton of pressure on the bat to perform. However, given the impact he’s already made to date, Lewis should hear his name called within the first five rounds in July.

HT/WT: 6’0/203 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Oklahoma | Hometown: Fort Cobb, OK | Projected Age: 21.8

The baseball world should be well-acquainted with the Willits name by now. His younger brother, Eli, was the first overall pick in last year’s draft, and his father, Reggie, played six years in the big leagues. Jaxon is next in line.

He enjoyed a breakout campaign at Oklahoma this past spring, and that success carried over to the Cape. A switch-hitter, Willits features an upright stance from both sides, though his hands are set lower from the left side.

He’s more polished from that side of the plate, posting solid contact rates on fastballs and sliders and displaying very good swing decisions. There’s more loft from that side of the plate, as well. He has found success from the right side, though he’s more aggressive and whiffs slightly more.

While Willits has good feel to lift the baseball, the exit velocities leave a bit more to be desired. It’s below-average pop with limited projection given the physical nature of his frame, though fringe-average power is in the cards as a professional.

He’s not the rangiest shortstop in the collegiate landscape, but he has the arm strength and actions to handle the position to start his career. He’ll likely move off the position as he comes across a better defender, though he’ll have use as a utility type.

Considering the bloodlines and success in the SEC, Willits will have Day 1 upside in this class. A selection within the top two rounds would not be a shock, either.

HT/WT: 6’2/192 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia | Hometown: Parkland, FL | Projected Age: 21.1

A draft-eligible sophomore, Lujo was fantastic as a freshman at Dayton, hitting .361 with 27 extra-base hits and 17 steals. That campaign was parlayed into a one-way ticket to Athens, where Lujo was a force atop the Bulldogs’ lineup in 2026.

He’s an aggressive hitter at the plate, chasing over 30% of the time, but Lujo boasts brilliant bat-to-ball skills inside and outside of the zone. It’s a calm, balanced swing from the right side with a direct path to the baseball, and there are few holes to exploit if you’re an opposing pitcher. He’s extremely tough to strike out, and he will battle to stay in the box. That said, his walk rate is lackluster, and scouts want to see him become more selective to improve his on-base skills.

He does generate impact through his ability to elevate and pull the baseball, with all of his home runs coming down the left field line, though he should settle into fringe-average to average power production at the next level.

Lujo played third base at Dayton, though he moved to centerfield at Georgia, where his speed and athleticism will play. He gets good jumps off the bat and runs solid routes with better feel for the position than anticipated for a player with little experience out there. He may shift to a corner outfield spot as he progresses through the minor leagues.

Lujo will be valued highly for his contact and athleticism, but there are big-league ties as well. His grandfather spent eleven seasons in the big leagues and won a World Series title in 1979.

HT/WT: 6’8/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: South Walton (Santa Rosa Beach, FL) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.7

Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds, Lord towers over opponents while on the mound. He’s built rail-thin and has extreme length to his body, giving him immense projection that few can match. However, while most kids his size tend to struggle with repeating their mechanics, Lord does a solid job of controlling his limbs and staying compact.

Lord employs drop-and-drive mechanics, moving well down the mound with good extension at release and a clean arm swing with impressive hip/shoulder separation. His arm speed is also notable. He can vary his arm angle and release point somewhat, though that should tighten as he adds more weight to his frame.

He has the look of an arm that can sit in the mid-to-upper-90s in time. Currently, he’s already flashed big velocity, reaching up to 97-98 MPH in shorter bursts. He typically sits 91-95 MPH over longer outings, and despite a steep angle to the plate, he misses bats in the zone and has quality carry and life. He toys with his fastball shape and mixes in a running two-seam that can tie up right-handed hitters’ hands.

So far, he’s flashed two types of breaking balls, though they can blend into slurves at times. At its best, his curveball is a hard upper-70s pitch with bite and an 11-5 shape, though he varies the sweep. It will become more consistent as he develops.

He’s also played with a change-up in the mid-80s that shows good upside, with depth and tumble to lefties, although he hasn’t used it much.

There is significant upside in Lord’s profile, given his projection and arsenal, which provides a development team with a solid foundation to build upon. Lord flipped from Florida to Mississippi State in mid-November, joining an absurd recruiting class in Starkville.

HT/WT: 5’10/185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Florida State | Hometown: Clarkston, MI | Projected Age: 21.9

Dowd has logged plenty of miles on his collegiate journey. Originally from Clarkston, Michigan, he spent his first two seasons in Southern California, breaking out as a sophomore with a .324/.446/.524 slash line and ten home runs.

Now at Florida State, Dowd has taken his game to another level, establishing himself as a legitimate Day 1 draft option.

At the plate, Dowd showcases a polished approach and a refined hit tool. He uses the entire field and excels against fastballs, having whiffed just four times on velocity all spring. His compact, quick swing allows him to drive the ball in the air to both sides, and while his power is fringe-average, it plays well to the opposite-field gap when he attacks it. His barrel awareness also stands out.

Dowd can be vulnerable to breaking balls below the zone; his path sometimes goes over the top of the break, but he adjusts well and consistently keeps his whiff rate low. He’s a true sparkplug at the top of the lineup.

Dowd offers impact speed, sharp reads, and efficient route-running, making him a strong candidate to stick in center field. He’s also demonstrated versatility by splitting time between center and right this spring, with arm strength that fits both positions.

Altogether, Dowd’s well-rounded profile should make him a desirable selection in the third or fourth round.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2033305396736094630?s=20

HT/WT: 6’2/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Gloucester Catholic (Turnersville, NJ) | Commitment: Mississippi State | Projected Age: 18.3

A physical cold weather bat, Danza has been one of the more popular bats from the Northeast in the class. Now, after an impressive showing at the NHSI tournament, Danza looks to be on track to be signed away from his Mississippi State commitment.

Danza’s frame presents a ton of strength throughout, though he moves quite well despite the physicality. He’s an athletic player with solid mobility and surprising run times for a kid of his size.

His swing has some moving parts to it, though he does an excellent job of getting his hands locked into a launching position and coils his core very well. It’s robust hip/shoulder separation, and the bat speed is top notch. It’s a heavy barrel with above-average to plus power projection, though the pure hit tool does lag behind a bit.

Timing issues have been the biggest concern given the operation, and the swing will need to be toned down at the next level. However, it’s hard to ignore the impact he can generate.

He’s been trotted out at shortstop, where he moves well with great range, though the tools are more befitting of third base. There’s a non-zero chance that his arm strength plays in a corner outfield spot, as well. The tools are incredibly enticing, and his age makes him a model-friendly target.

Danza will be just 18 years and 3 months old on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’4/202 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Oklahoma State | Hometown: Tuttle, OK | Projected Age: 20.10

Starting his collegiate career at Cowley College in Kansas, Conover took his talents to Stillwater and has turned into one of the more powerful bats in the Midwest. However, we have yet to see it much in-game, given his approach, and scouts would like to see him tap into it more.

Conover’s power is incredibly easy, and there’s still projection left to his frame to suggest more is on the way. It’s impressive left-handed bat speed with excellent feel for the barrel and exit velocities that clear the 110 MPH echelon, though he only hit six home runs this past spring.

Conover opts to utilize both gaps with his approach rather than open up and let the power eat. He does operate well within the zone, especially against heaters, though his contact skills against secondary offerings are on the fringier side, and he lacks suitable adjustability at present.

That said, the swing is rather simple, and more tinkering with his mechanics could unlock more. If he changes the approach and opts for a more pull-happy approach, Conover’s power output should outweigh the strikeouts that come with it.

Defensively, Conover has spent some time in center field, where his instincts and route-running have given him good chances. However, as he fills out his frame and becomes more physical, most expect Conover to trot to a corner outfield spot, with left field being the likely destination with a fringy arm.

He’d have to mash the baseball to fit there, but with his sort of power, he should be just fine.

HT/WT: 6’0/175 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Pickens County (Jasper, GA) | Commitment: Auburn | Projected Age: 18.9

Rice is not the biggest presence on the bump, standing at six-foot-even, 175-pounds, but his athletic traits and spin capacity have given scouts something to savor this spring.

It’s a lean, wiry frame with the ability to repeat his mechanics due to his stout athleticism, and Rice has significant arm speed from a traditional three-quarters slot with some downhill plane to the plate. He spent a majority of last summer in the 87-91 MPH range, though in 2026, he’s sat in the low-90s and reached back for 95 MPH at his peak. The pitch tends to have a mix of ride and run through the zone.

His feel to spin is exceptional, as showcased by his pair of breaking balls. Both pitches eclipse 3,000 RPM routinely and tend to sit in the 2,700-2,900 RPM range. The upper-80s cutter is firm with late movement, while the low-to-mid-80s slider has lateral tilt and nasty bite. He’ll toss in a fading mid-80s change-up with feel and spin-killing abilities to lefties, as well.

It’s a complete pitch mix with a proven track record and traits that scouts will covet, even if his size is an issue. Rice is committed to Auburn.

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: First Presbyterian Day (Macon, GA) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.4

Despite having a tougher summer than some of his peers, Johnson’s track record, physical traits, and model-friendly attributes have kept his profile afloat heading into the spring. He possesses broad shoulders with a strong chest and a sturdy lower half, but he’s a solid athlete despite the robust strength to his frame.

It shows in his swing, which has some uniqueness to it. Johnson doesn’t employ a leg kick or toe tap, instead opting for a bigger weight shift action with his entire body. It’s a simplified load from previous iterations, and the barrel enters the zone from a steep angle.

He aims to drive and lift the baseball to the gaps, especially to his pull side option. Johnson does possess quality bat speed, and his impact should continue to grow as he further develops his game. Many expect him to slug in the future.

Furthermore, Johnson posted solid contact rates throughout the summer, especially against velocity. He handled upper-echelon velocity with ease, whiffing just four times on offerings over 90 MPH. Some stiffness in his hands needs to be ironed out, but the contact rates and flyball prowess will garner attention.

Defensively, Johnson has solid actions in the dirt, displaying good lateral mobility and quickness. The arm strength is suitable for the left side of the infield, and as he physically matures, he may move to the hot corner.

Scouts would like to see a bounce-back in performance this spring against strong competition, but his model-friendly traits will provide value on draft day regardless. He’ll be just 18.4 on draft day, as well. He would attend Vanderbilt if he goes unsigned.

HT/WT: 6’0/187 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Jesuit College Prep (Dallas, TX) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.10

After missing most of his junior season and the following summer due to a torn ACL, Jorgensen returned to the mound this fall and made an impression in scouting circles.

Operating with a compact delivery and a quick, whippy arm, Jorgensen pitches with smoothness and minimal effort. Despite being slightly undersized at six feet tall and 187 pounds, he generates loud extension numbers from an over-the-top arm slot, sometimes nearing seven feet.

Thanks to his high release point, Jorgensen produces plenty of hop and backspin on the baseball, with spin rates approaching 2,500 RPM on average. He has maintained a velocity in the 92-96 MPH range since his return, with scouts clocking him as high as 97 MPH. It’s a fastball with high value, especially if his command improves.

Jorgensen can spin a mid-70s curveball at an exceptional level, with spin rates nearing 3,000 RPM. He lands it for strikes and has good depth, and has also developed a low-80s slider with lateral tilt. He completes his pitch mix with a fading low-80s change-up, which he throws from a lower slot.

Jorgensen has traits that suit him for starting, though currently he projects better in a late-inning role where his fastball could reach “plus” caliber. The Dallas native would attend the University of Texas if he chooses to honor his commitment.

HT/WT: 5’10/175 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Queen Creek (Queen Creek, AZ) | Commitment: Arizona State | Projected Age: 19.3

An aptly named prospect from Arizona, Berry certainly has the twitch and “jets” to make an impact on the diamond. He’s a legitimate table-setter who puts immense pressure on the defense with his speed and contact prowess.

A switch-hitter, Berry spent much of the summer standing in from the left side, where he has better feel for lifting the baseball to his pull side. His right-handed swing is more linear, built for stinging line drives and hitterish traits. Both swings feature solid bat speed and a direct path to the baseball.

He handles heaters well from both sides, but he can get caught out by change-ups given his aggressive nature at the dish. He should utilize the gaps consistently to generate extra bases with his speed, though he’ll sneak a few out to his pull side.

On the bases, he’s an uber-aggressive runner who knows how to use his speed. He craves chaos, and anyone on the diamond will view him as a pest.

Defensively, Berry has some versatility, having played second base, shortstop, and center. He’s a steady defender at all three positions, and his speed would suit him best at center. He has fringe-average arm strength that might be better suited in the infield.

Berry has professional bloodlines as well, as his older brother, Jacob, was a top ten pick by Miami in 2022. He flipped from Oregon to Arizona State in late 2025 and projects to be a draft-eligible sophomore if he goes to school.

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Mamaroneck (Mamaroneck, NY) | Commitment: Binghamton | Projected Age: 18.4

A cold-weather bat, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Plunkett jumped into prospect status after a loud showing at WWBA Worlds in Jupiter. He recorded eight hits during the event, with half of them going for extra bases, and drew five walks. That performance has carried over to the spring, and Plunkett is in line to get paid this July.

A native of Mamaroneck, he’s not built like the town’s Skinny House, but rather, he’s a well-built prospect with broad shoulders and solid athleticism. Plunkett possesses a heavy barrel and quick hands through the zone, and he generates quality leverage in his swing. He makes tight turns and separates his hips and shoulders well, plus he can backspin the baseball well. It’s easy to envision substantial power in his profile.

There is some swing-and-miss to his game, and teams will need to tweak the steeper nature of his swing/bat path to unlock more impact. That said, Plunkett’s approach has polish, and he doesn’t expand the zone often.

As a defender, Plunkett moves well for his size and has the chops to be an average glove on the left side of the dirt. He has good actions, soft hands, and a solid internal clock, plus there’s enough arm strength to stay on that side of the diamond. As he continues to grow, he may end up moving to third base, though he’ll start his career at shortstop.

Plunkett is committed to Binghamton, which has a knack for finding solid talent in the Northeast. He will be 18 years and 4 months old on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’4/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas Christian | Hometown: Blue Springs, MO | Projected Age: 21.3

After starting his collegiate career at Wichita State, LaPour entered the transfer portal and took his talents south to Fort Worth, where he spearheaded TCU’s rotation as a sophomore. While he came up just short of winning the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, he looks like the favorite in 2026.

That said, there are mixed reviews on how LaPour projects as a professional, and that will be talked about leading up to July.

Built like a wrestler, LaPour has a super-strong, durable build, featuring extremely broad shoulders and a sturdy lower half. There’s a ton of arm speed from his three-quarters arm slot, and while the arm swing is more on the “stabby” side, LaPour’s command hasn’t been negatively affected by it. He commands the baseball well and loves to attack hitters like a bully.

He throws extremely hard, routinely sitting in the 94-98 MPH range and touching triple digits, though the pitch hasn’t missed many bats to date. He spins the baseball well and can create quality carry, but the shape can even out when thrown in the lower half of the zone. Extracting more value from his fastball will be vital, even with how hard he throws.

His best secondary is an upper-80s change-up with big fade and high spin rates, thrown to both sides of the plate with confidence. The low-to-mid-80s slider has inconsistent shape but plays best with shorter break to the plate. He has worked on incorporating a cutter, and swapping the slider out for a hard curveball could help him.

Some see LaPour as a back-end starter, while others wonder if he’s best suited for the bullpen. Nonetheless, he’s expected to attract big scouting heat this spring for TCU.

HT/WT: 6’1/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Florida | Hometown: Tampa, FL | Projected Age: 21.3

Sandefer’s journey to this stage took a path less traveled.

Out of high school, Sandefer enrolled at DII Saint Leo before jumping into the portal and enjoying a nice campaign at UCF, where he secured a starting role towards the end of the season. Now at the University of Florida, Sandefer will face his biggest test yet.

He has a long, wiry, and projectable frame on the bump with solid athleticism and arm speed, though he can rush his delivery and open his body early, which leads to some command inconsistencies.

It’s an east/west arsenal with an emphasis on generating groundballs. His deceptive low three-quarters slot generates significant run and sink out of the hand, spinning it very well. He’s gotten up to 98 MPH in shorter bursts, holding 92-96 MPH primarily deep into his starts. It’s not a pitch that will miss bats, but he will grow into better command and generate a good amount of chases with it.

The secondaries are the moneymakers, though.

His low-80s slider is vicious, flashing excellent bite and loud spin numbers. It averages over ten inches of sweep on average, as well. He can struggle to land it for strikes, and he drops his arm slot to throw it, but he missed bats at a clip just under 45% in 2026. His change-up sits in the same velocity band, flashing tons of running action away from lefties, sometimes upwards of twenty inches. He’s flashed a bridge cutter in the upper-80s, too.

Florida was high on Sandefer’s potential, and he flashed that potential in numerous starts this spring. Cleaning up the command will be paramount, but scouts do like the projection and athlete as it is.

HT/WT: 6’0/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Columbia Academy (Columbia, TN) | Commitment: Vanderbilt | Projected Age: 18.10

With the amount of top-end talent in Vanderbilt’s recruiting class, it’s no shock that a bat like Skelton is mired down the depth chart. That said, Skelton’s offensive impact is a key driver of his draft stock, and scouts expect his bat to be potent.

He’s a physical athlete with a compact build, with significant strength in both halves of his body. The swing will remind scouts of Alex Bregman, though he’s not quite the same type of athlete Bregman was at this stage. It’s a simple, quiet swing from the right side, rotating extremely hard with strong wrists, quick hands, and robust bat speed.

He won’t post gaudy exit velocities, but rather, he’ll rely on his ability to pull the baseball in the air to produce damage. Skelton does a good job of staying balanced throughout his swing, generating power from the ground up while staying compact.

He’s a jumpy hitter with a tendency to expand the zone at an inflated clip, though contact rates have been steady despite this wart. Many believe he’s a safe bet to hit at the next level, especially if he can shore up some in-zone blemishes.

Defensively, he’s not as explosive as his peers, and while he’s manned the “six” up to this point, he’ll move to either second or third base as a professional. He has the arm strength and hands to be a solid defender at third base.

Skelton would be a draft-eligible sophomore if he opts to travel up the road to Nashville for college.

HT/WT: 6’2/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oregon State | Hometown: Soledad, CA | Projected Age: 21.6

A pop-up prospect during the 2023 cycle from Soledad High School, Segura has found another level to his game after making it to Corvallis. After spending all of his freshman campaign in the rotation, Segura spent most of his time in the bullpen, where he underwent quite a transformation.

His mechanics didn’t change significantly, but he added more strength and intent, which led to his velocity trending in a positive direction. His fastball average jumped from 90.8 MPH in 2024 to 93.9 MPH in 2025, peaking at 97 MPH. The fastball shape isn’t the greatest, as it falls into the “dead zone” pail more often than not, but it gets exquisite results in terms of whiff (32%) and chase (28%) rates.

While he does generate sink and tail on the fastball, he’s toyed with a cutter-esque heater that he’ll deploy on the top rail, and batters can’t touch it. It plays up from its vanilla shape due to the sidearm release and an average VAA of -4.5 degrees, which is an above-average mark.

His primary secondary is a low-80s sweeper with over fifteen inches of sweep on average, flashing some depth and healthy spin rates. It moves so much that he struggles to command it consistently, which will be something to watch this spring.

He’ll add significant depth and turn the pitch into an upper-70s curveball, plus he’s shown confidence in throwing a nasty mid-80s change-up with serious tumble.

With the command taking a step back in 2025, there are more question marks surrounding his profile, though his release traits and success are hard to ignore. He’s a data darling in every sense and will have plenty of suitors this July.

HT/WT: 6’3/212 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Florida State | Hometown: Tampa, FL | Projected Age: 21.3

Abraham has been a reliable reliever throughout his Florida State career and took a significant step forward in 2026, emerging as the team’s primary stopper out of the bullpen. He’s a pitchability arm who thrives on angles and secondary offerings, but his command has improved notably this year.

Despite the progress, there’s effort in his delivery, reinforcing the belief that his long-term home is in the bullpen. Abraham is a solid mover with a quick right arm, working from an over-the-top slot that creates a steep angle to the plate.

His fastball is unremarkable, sitting in the low-90s and touching 96 MPH, with moderate ride and tailing action. It works better as a groundball pitch than a swing-and-miss weapon at this stage.

Abraham’s true strengths are his secondaries. His low-to-mid-80s breaking ball acts like a curveball due to his release angle, showing short break and late bite, with spin rates averaging over 2,850 RPM and occasionally topping 3,000 RPM. He also has strong confidence in an upper-80s changeup with heavy tumble, especially effective when he commands it below the barrel.

Unlocking more value from the fastball would benefit his profile, and some mechanical tweaks could add velocity. If those gains come, Abraham has the ceiling of a true leverage reliever.

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Basic Academy (Henderson, NV) | Commitment: Oregon | Projected Age: 18.6

Giles was a mainstay on the summer circuit last year with great athleticism and hitting chops, but he’s taken his game to another level this spring. He’s been one of the buzzier names this cycle, as added strength and power have given his profile more value.

Giles has undergone some swing changes over the past calendar year, with his hands becoming looser and an upright barrel being the noteworthy adjustments. While he is on the smaller side in stature, Giles has twitchy hips and quick hands, which allow him to generate torque and bat speed. His swing path is more conducive to line drives, though Giles has raw power that plays to all fields.

To date, Giles has kept the whiffs to a minimum after some struggles last summer, and he’ll work at-bats in his favor to garner walks. His offensive upside has a chance to be significant, especially if he adds more strength and leverage to his swing.

Defensively, Giles is a sound defender with an extremely strong arm and gliding actions in center, though most scouts believe he fits better in right field as he physically matures. Most expect his speed to waver slightly and settle in closer to average or above-average.

Committed to the University of Oregon, Giles is expected to have suitors in the latter half of the top five rounds.

HT/WT: 6’2/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oklahoma | Hometown: Las Vegas, NV | Projected Age: 21.8

After a strong sophomore campaign at UNLV that culminated in an appearance at Collegiate National Team trials last summer, Mercurius transferred to Oklahoma to pitch with his younger brother and has discovered newfound success.

Boasting a slender build with easy mechanics and loud arm speed, Mercurius has undergone some changes to his arsenal and delivery. He’s generating more extension from a slightly higher release point compared to last spring, plus he’s getting much more carry to his fastball than before.

Now up to 97 MPH and averaging 93 MPH, Mercurius has turned his fastball into a viable offering, missing bats at a 30% clip and getting on hitters quickly.

His low-80s change-up is still his bread-and-butter, tunneling well off the heater and displaying excellent velocity and vertical separation. There’s heavy armside fade and tumble with the pitch, and hitters struggle to consistently hit it when he locates it down.

His weakest pitch is his cutter-ish low-80s breaking ball, which he can struggle to locate consistently, and hitters tend to sit on it. He’ll need to find a variation with more depth and bite at the next level, especially if he wants to live up to his back-end starter upside.

He commands the baseball well enough to hold onto that role moving forward, and he should grow into more velocity as he fills out his frame. It’s interesting clay.

HT/WT: 6’5/230 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Cincinnati | Hometown: Amelia, OH | Projected Age: 21.3

A mainstay in the Bearcats’ rotation since he first stepped on campus, Taylor has been a steady force for Jordan Bischel’s squad during their recent uptrend in success. The physical right-hander isn’t the flashiest arm on the planet, but the body control, repeatability, and extension stand out, plus it’s a fun fastball/slider combination.

The fastball is rather generic, though there’s some untapped upside with six-and-a-half feet of extension on average and the ability to set up his slider to hitters. He sits in the low-90s, bumping 96 MPH at his peak, with moderate carry and slight cutting action, though he’ll tinker with armside tail at times.

The pitch shape allows him to generate a good amount of groundballs from lefties, though it’s not a bat-misser. Command will come and go, though Taylor’s slider helps alleviate trouble when this occurs.

His mid-80s slider is an above-average or better offering, characterized by tight spin, a short break, and tunneling traits off the heater. He’ll land it in the zone repeatedly, and he’ll manipulate depth and mold it into more of a curveball.

Behind the fastball and slider, Taylor has worked on a change-up, though it remains inconsistent, and he does lack feel for the offering due to his supinator profile. Taylor will need to find ways to extract more value out of the fastball and change-up to realize his full ceiling, though the mold of clay present is intriguing. He’s worth taking a shot on once the draft goes beyond the fifth round.

HT/WT: 6’2/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UC San Diego | Hometown: Herriman, UT | Projected Age: 21.3

UC San Diego hasn’t historically been known for producing draft talent, but recent years have seen a surge, highlighted by names like Ryan Forcucci and Matt Halbach as top-ten round picks. Murdock is aiming to become the fifth Triton selected in the past three years, and after a standout All-Star showing on the Cape, he could be drafted even higher than Forcucci.

Murdock is primarily a two-pitch arm with an effortful delivery and significant reliever risk, though his profile suggests he could move quickly through a minor league system. He generates substantial arm speed from an over-the-top slot, producing outstanding extension metrics of seven feet or more.

Murdock leans heavily on a mid-90s fastball with serious cut and ride action, and he’s been clocked as high as 99 MPH, likely a regular figure if used in a leverage relief role.

His mid-80s slider is more of a bullet shape, but it plays up thanks to the steep angle provided by his high release point. The pitch has real bite and has generated a 49% whiff rate, making it a true weapon. He also offers a deeper curveball and a splitter, both with some potential but used sparingly.

Murdock’s command can be streaky, limiting his starting potential, but given his metrics and Cape success, he should draw interest within the top five rounds.

HT/WT: 6’0/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Corona (Corona, CA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 19.3

After three first-round selections in last year’s draft, Corona High has more talent remaining in the tank. While Murphy still has some ground to make up to generate first-round helium, his athleticism, glove, and power make him a must-see prospect for scouts in Southern California.

Scouts have praised his glove in center field, where many project him to be an above-average defender or better once all is said and done. With plus speed, he can cover plenty of ground in center, and he’s unafraid to put his body on the line to produce highlight-reel plays.

It’s a high-IQ instinct for a premium position, and he has a lot of arm strength and accuracy. His defensive skills give him a solid floor at the next level.

The bat has promising traits, though it’s not as consistent as his defense. With an upright stance, low hand position, and bat tilt, Murphy’s load is controlled, though his swing can get long and create holes for pitchers to exploit. Murphy’s biggest issues are velocity and spin away from his barrel, and his aggressive approach makes these problems worse. He will need to improve his swing decisions to lessen pressure on his pure bat-to-ball skills.

That said, Murphy has demonstrated quality power when he makes contact, especially to his pull side. He’ll also attack the middle of the field. His swing can generate solid leverage, though inconsistencies in his lower half hinder him, especially when he drifts and creates space down the box.

Overall, it’s hard to overlook the athlete and defensive skills in Murphy’s profile, and while his offense needs some polishing, there’s significant upside if his swing decisions and swing itself improve. The Louisiana State commit will be a draft-eligible sophomore if he ends up at Baton Rouge.

HT/WT: 6’0/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: DePaul Catholic (East Hanover, NJ) | Commitment: Oklahoma | Projected Age: 18.11

Amalbert made a big impression on scouts during his appearance at Area Codes last summer, recording six total hits across the five-game stint in Long Beach. He’s the kind of player that scouts will gravitate towards: a twitchy athlete with an aggressive style to his game with versatility on the defensive front.

Amalbert utilizes an up-the-middle approach at the plate, consistently peppering the gaps and showcasing above-average speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths. There’s noise to the swing, featuring an inward leg kick and hand motion in the loading phase of the swing, but his hips snap open, and the bat races through the zone with innate barrel feel.

Amalbert rarely expands the zone, though scouts would like to see more consistency in his contact skills as he faces more advanced arms. Most believe he’ll achieve an average hit tool with average thump in the stick.

His versatility is important on defense, as he has been slotted in at multiple positions between the infield and outfield. He has above-average arm strength that plays on the left side of the infield, though he’s found a home in center, where his speed and polished route-running give him a solid floor in the grass.

With a commitment to Oklahoma, Amalbert may be a pricey signing, but the toolset is intriguing nonetheless. Amalbert would be a draft-eligible sophomore if he sticks to his commitment.

HT/WT: 6’2/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UC Irvine | Hometown: Simi Valley, CA | Projected Age: 21.1

Hansen has been a model of consistency for UC Irvine since stepping on campus. He has started 46 games and logged 248 innings in his collegiate career, a rare sight in today’s game. After adding mass and strength, his stuff has ticked up, and he now projects as a high-floor, back-end starter at the next level.

Hansen works with a short stride and minimal effort, creating a steep angle to the plate and repeating his delivery effectively. He’s known for tunneling his pitches and consistently pounding the zone, relying on precision rather than pure dominance. His fastball now sits in the low-90s and tops at 95 MPH, featuring hop and tailing action through the zone. While it isn’t a big swing-and-miss pitch, he uses it effectively to set up his secondaries.

His low-80s curveball, tunneled well off the heater, is a true 12-6 breaker with immense depth and sharp bite, and he commands it exceptionally well. Hansen drops his arm slot to throw a mid-80s changeup, which tumbles well below barrels and projects as an average offering.

There’s some projection left in his frame to unlock more value, and with three average or better pitches and strong strike-throwing, Hansen has a clear pathway to a starting role in pro ball. He’ll turn 21 just before the draft.

HT/WT: 6’1/185 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: South Carolina/Tennessee | Hometown: Fort Mill, SC | Projected Age: 21.5

Yes, we are aware that McCoy’s collegiate ERA starts with a seven. However, in recent years, bloated stats don’t paint the whole picture, and major league development programs know what changes are necessary.

McCoy certainly needs a coat or two of polish, but the pure stuff is electric. He started fourteen games for the Gamecocks in 2025, flashing significant potential, but his command was always a work in progress.

He’d earn an invitation to the Cape, and he took full advantage, striking out 25 batters and walking just three in 12.1 innings. It was loud.

He’s a metric darling, possessing a release height that hovers ~5 feet off the ground and utilizes a quick left arm. He’s primarily been fastball/slider to date, but the duo can be hellacious at times.

He spins the fastball well, averaging just under 2,500 RPMs, and it jumps on hitters quickly. Given the lower release, it’s only modest carry, but he’ll cut the heater and allow it to eat on the top rail. He’s been up to 97-98 MPH in shorter bursts, holding 90-95 MPH across lengthier outings.

His mid-80s slider has significant bite and lateral tilt, topping the 3,000 RPM barrier routinely. He can backfoot it to righties, and he will manipulate depth at times, though he generates close to eight inches of sweep on average. He’s toyed with a running mid-80s change-up, upper-80s cutter, and a low-90s sinker, as well.

He can rush his arm swing, which has led to an inconsistent release and command woes, but he’s an arm that has significant upside with the right organizational fit. McCoy had his junior season negated by elbow surgery, and at the conclusion of the year, he committed to Tennessee out of the portal.

HT/WT: 6’3/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Lake Travis (Spicewood, TX) | Commitment: Texas | Projected Age: 18.11

With large projection and impressive athleticism on the mound, Webb’s profile has risen significantly on the public radar over the past two years. Once an upper-80s arm as a junior at Lake Travis High, Webb now regularly sits in the low-90s and has seen his velocity peak into the mid-90s.

Although he moves with some effort down the mound, Webb produces good extension and loud, whippy arm speed, indicating he can throw much harder as he fills out his frame. Throwing from a high three-quarters slot, Webb achieves a steep downhill plane on his fastball with plenty of vertical carry, flashing late tail.

He’ll miss bats on the top part of the zone when he locates there, though the fastball has been more of a “setup” pitch than a genuine bat-misser so far. He tends to command it well and consistently fills the zone.

His low-80s curveball is a true hammer, a future plus offering with obscene snap, significant depth, and high spin rates. While he can struggle with command at times, it tunnels effectively off the heater and often produces weak contact from batters.

He also has a firmer mid-80s slider that, while slightly weaker, still dives away from the barrels of right-handed hitters. His power change-up in the upper-80s, though lacking significant velocity separation, remains effective with tailing action.

Many of Webb’s traits are quite similar to those of current Louisiana State right-hander William Schmidt, who was generating first-round buzz before choosing to attend college. Webb certainly has the potential to climb higher on the draft boards if his velocity trend continues positively.

Webb will turn 19 just a few days after the draft, meaning he will be a draft-eligible sophomore if he chooses to honor his commitment to the University of Texas.

HT/WT: 6’2/188 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia Tech | Hometown: Cumming, GA | Projected Age: 20.11

A highly regarded two-way player as a prep, Hernandez quickly emerged as one of the most potent bats in the entire ACC, winning ACC Freshman of the Year honors while having multiple roles for the Yellow Jackets.

He was put out at a myriad of positions: second base, both corner outfield spots, first base, and he even jumped on the bump to close out some games. However, he’s just a bat at the next level, and it’s a good one.

He’s a physical right-handed bat with good athleticism, employing a wide base at the dish with significant leverage and bat speed present in his swing. Hernandez runs promising hard hit and barrel rates, plus his exit velocities were impressive for his first taste of college ball, exceeding 110 MPH multiple times. It’s above-average power to both sides of the park, though scouts would like to see him pull the baseball more with his toolset.

He lets the ball travel deep into the zone and loves to go up the middle or to the opposite field. He handles heaters well, though he can get beat by higher-end velocity due to a bat wrap in his load, plus it’s a path that tends to swing over better breaking balls. However, he has shown good adjustability to pitches out of the zone and possesses good bat-to-ball skills. It’s a tantalizing offensive profile.

Defensively, he can end up at second base, third base, or a corner outfield spot. He can rush plays in the dirt, though he’s got the arm strength and range to handle the hot corner. If the infield doesn’t work out, he can be a solid defender in right field with a strong arm.

On the bump, he primarily threw change-ups to the opposition, which features heavy sink and fade. He mixed in a fastball, slider, and curveball, but he didn’t get enough time on the bump to show off the potential he had as a prep.

He likely ditches pitching to focus solely on hitting in 2026, which puts him in line to improve upon his impressive 2025.

HT/WT: 6’3/220 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Bishop John J. Snyder (St. John’s, FL) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 19.1

Built like an Appalachian Lumberjack, Boshell’s bat is one of the most potent on the amateur scene. While there’s a chance he’s just a first baseman at the next level, the metrics that Boshell posted this summer were obscene.

Boshell has a swing designed to do significant damage. It’s violent bat speed with a lofted bat path through the zone, built for launching the baseball in the air. Boshell generates plenty of extension at impact, rotates intensely, and routinely crushes pitches in the zone. To date, Boshell pulls the ball in the air among the best of them, something that will be highly valuable come draft day.

However, he’s more than your prototypical slugger. Boshell has run minimal whiff and chase rates to date, displaying solid plate discipline with the ability to rack up walks. The Tennessee commit has a potent offensive profile.

His swing can get out of sorts at times, though that will tighten up with further development. The hands are noisy and take a path less traveled to the baseball, which does hurt his timing slightly, plus the swing can get long as a result.

He is a good athlete for his size and has had reps in the outfield, giving him some leeway defensively to avoid putting too much pressure on the bat to perform. He’s an average runner with quality arm strength, although his route-running can sometimes be adventurous. He fits best at first base if he proves to be unable to handle a corner outfield spot.

Given the performances he put up on the circuit, the Tennessee commit has a “high follow” label on our board, and the same can be said within multiple scouting circles.

HT/WT: 6’5/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Battle (Columbia, MO) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 18.1

Putnam, a multi-sport athlete from Missouri, has impressed scouts with his premium arm strength and projection on the summer circuit. He touched the upper-90s during the campaign, and after his time on the hardwood ended this spring, he was able to show off the strength gains, where he has touched 98 MPH in games and triple digits in bullpens.

Putnam’s operation has always been a bit crude, featuring some effort from an over-the-top release, but he’s looked more in sync this spring, generating solid extension and showing outstanding arm speed down the mound. His fastball is overpowering when in the zone, featuring a downhill plane with carry and late life. He now sits in the mid-90s more consistently and maintains that velocity deep into outings.

Putnam also features a solid upper-70s curveball with added power and depth, though it can get loopy and pop out of his hand. There’s also a seldom-used mid-80s changeup. Refining his secondary pitches will be crucial at the next level, but his fastball forms a strong foundation, and there’s more velocity in the tank.

A Tennessee commit, Putnam is particularly appealing to model-driven teams given his age and fastball quality.

HT/WT: 6’2/215 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: George Washington/Transfer Portal | Hometown: Oakton, VA | Projected Age: 20.10

Lavey has been a three-year starter at George Washington, improving each season. After earning Cape Cod League All-Star honors last summer, he parlayed that success into the best year of his collegiate career, slashing .339/.462/.526 with 20 extra-base hits and more walks than strikeouts. As a result, Lavey is expected to be the first George Washington player drafted since Cade Fergus in 2022.

A well-built catching prospect, Lavey offers quality power even if his slugging numbers aren’t eye-popping. His swing is geared for line drives up the middle and into the gaps. Lavey’s approach is solid, and he’s improved significantly against fastballs this year, posting an 88% contact rate on velocity.

While he can be vulnerable to secondary pitches below the zone, his swing decisions and overall damage have improved. With further swing adjustments, his already solid offensive tools could take another step forward.

Primarily a catcher, Lavey boasts a superb arm and threw out 25 runners this season, an impressive feat. Scouts would like to see better mobility and quicker exchanges, but those should improve with time. Should he outgrow catching, he could transition to first base or a corner outfield spot, though his arm strength should help him stick behind the plate.

Lavey will be one of the youngest college players in his draft class, turning 21 in early September. As of June 24th, Lavey is in the transfer portal.

HT/WT: 6’4/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Mississippi | Hometown: Tupelo, MS | Projected Age: 21.11

Calhoun has been one of the most reliable bullpen arms in Mike Bianco’s Ole Miss staff and has the potential to start at the next level.

He boasts a physical frame, strong athleticism, and a deep pitch mix, showing the stamina to work through a lineup twice. However, below-average command and inconsistent strike-throwing, particularly with his fastball, have limited his role to this point. That said, Calhoun’s fastball is among the loudest in the class, missing bats at a 35% rate this spring.

He features an explosively quick right arm from a three-quarters slot, with solid extension and a wide, crossfire release that creates challenging angles to the plate. The fastball features extreme cut/ride shape and high spin rates, making it a potent offering; when Calhoun can command it above the top rail, he’s missed bats at an absurd 63% clip. He sits at 92–95 MPH, reaching 97–98 MPH in shorter stints.

Calhoun also throws an upper-80s cutter with significant carry (10–12 inches), which he uses to steal strikes when fastball command goes awry. His low-80s two-plane breaking ball has teeth and depth, and he’ll mix in an upper-80s changeup with firmness and some tumble.

Improving fastball command will be crucial for his starting aspirations, but the clay makes for a fun experiment. Calhoun turns 22 shortly after the draft and is positioned to be selected early on Day 2.

HT/WT: 6’2/196 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: NC State | Hometown: Loganville, GA | Projected Age: 21.5

Johnson’s journey to this point has been an adventurous one. Originally from Georgia, he began his collegiate career at Dallas Baptist, but after limited opportunities, transferred to McLennan JC, where he was instrumental in their JUCO World Series run and earned Defensive Player of the Tournament honors.

Now at NC State, Johnson has added more impact to his bat, elevating his draft stock. Johnson features strong bat-to-ball skills, particularly when adjusting to pitches out of the zone. While aggressive and prone to expanding the zone, he keeps strikeouts and whiff rates in check.

There’s good bat speed and projection in his lean frame, hinting at future power gains. Johnson excels at driving line drives to left field, with peak exit velocities approaching 110 MPH, which is a positive development for his offensive profile, especially given the reliability of his glove.

Defensively, Johnson has shown versatility but has settled in at third base for the Wolfpack, where he displays athleticism, range, and solid arm strength. He could also see time at second base or in the corner outfield.

His surge in production has raised his profile, and he should get opportunities late on Day 1 or early on Day 2 of the draft.

Video: https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/2050754228973433264?s=20

HT/WT: 6’5/212 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: TXNL Academy (North Collins, NY) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 17.9

Brady, a cold-weather arm who took the snowbird route, has seen his stuff jump over the past calendar year and now projects as one of the better arms in the class. He pairs projection and model-friendly youth with a deep arsenal and advanced pitchability, which is not often seen in his age group.

The ease of his operation stands out at first glance. It’s a smooth, controlled delivery with some whip to his arm and solid extension down the mound. He repeats his delivery well, even with a longer arm swing behind his back.

The fastball is more on the generic side, coming out of a traditional three-quarters slot with some ride and run mixed in, though he’s seen the velocity tick up. Barely touching 90 MPH as a junior, he’s now reached 95 MPH and sits in the low-90s. It’s a good set-up offering for his secondaries, and he commands it well to both sides of the plate.

His primary secondary has been a tight low-80s slider that possesses sharp depth at its best, landing it for strikes repeatedly and flashing average at best. The change-up sits in the mid-80s with solid fade, and he’ll round out the repertoire with a big mid-70s curveball.

As he physically matures, most expect Brady to throw much harder, and his secondary stuff will find more value with proper pitch development. The Louisiana State commit will be just 17 years and 9 months old on draft day, one of the youngest players in the class.

HT/WT: 6’4/235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: McNeese State | Hometown: Reno, NV | Projected Age: 22.4

Legitimate fastball quality has become a top priority in the amateur ranks, and Nachtsheim certainly fits that mold. After starting his college career at Mesa CC, he’s now in his second season with McNeese State and is on track to break the program’s single-season strikeout record.

A physically imposing presence on the mound, Nachtsheim has seen a significant velocity jump this spring, fueling his breakout. He averaged 89.9 MPH in 2025 but now sits at 93.1 MPH, topping out at 97 MPH.

Nachtsheim employs an over-the-top arm slot and generates up to seven feet of extension, producing a fastball with considerable cut and ride. He commands it well at the top of the zone, resulting in a 36% whiff rate and upper-echelon carry (21.5 inches of IVB) courtesy of outstanding backspin.

He relies heavily on the fastball (75% usage), but there’s a mix of secondaries to work with: an upper-80s cutter, a low-80s two-plane slider, a larger upper-70s curveball, and a decent low-80s changeup with fade.

At 22 years and 4 months on draft day, Nachtsheim is a bit older for the class, but his physicality and high-quality fastball are rare in college baseball. He should attract interest in the middle of the top ten rounds.

HT/WT: 6’4/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: De La Salle (Lafayette, CA) | Commitment: Stanford | Projected Age: 18.11

Sharing the same field as projected first-rounder Tyler Spangler, Schlicht is a projectable right-hander who has garnered some helium this spring. He performed well when we saw him pitch at the Area Code Games last summer, as he faced a tough SoCal lineup and displayed good feel for pitching. However, there are some metrics under the hood that paint a bright picture.

Schlicht operates with a drop-and-drive delivery with solid extension on the mound, repeating his mechanics well. The fastball comes out of a higher-than-expected arm slot, utilizing a high three-quarters release with some whip to it. He hasn’t thrown super hard yet, sitting in the low-90s and peaking at 94 MPH, but most expect him to sit closer to his peak as he fills out his frame. He generates more tail than carry on his fastball, though he commands it well and it gets on hitters quickly.

His low-80s slider is a legitimate out-pitch with impressive snap and spin rates, consistently exceeding 3,000 RPM. It’s a sweeping slider that will get flailing swings repeatedly and has the makings of a true above-average to plus offering. There’s feel for a tumbling low-80s change-up with solid upside, too.

His performance this spring has made scouts wonder how signable he is, and considering his Stanford commitment, it’s something to watch closely. Schlicht will turn 19 the week after the draft, making him a draft-eligible sophomore should he make it to campus.

HT/WT: 6’0/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Southern California | Hometown: Rolling Hill Estates, CA| Projected Age: 21.10

Govel is the second half of USC’s dynamic one-two punch at the top of their rotation and has had a unique journey to this stage. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, he initially split time between the rotation and bullpen, dealing with inconsistency and hard contact.

However, following an off-season spent refining his arsenal and adding strength, Govel elevated his game significantly in 2026. His command and strike-throwing have improved dramatically (1.1 BB/9), and he now leans into his pitchability and the strengths of his arsenal.

Physically, Govel boasts a sturdy, powerful frame and tends to land closed off from the third base side, utilizing big arm speed from an over-the-top slot and a cross-body delivery. His uptempo delivery/approach on the mound helps keep hitters off balance.

Govel’s fastball is a true weapon, featuring substantial backspin and carry with slight late tail. He primarily attacks the lower part of the zone but can elevate to miss bats up high, with carry that should remain above-average even with professional baseballs.

His best secondary is a low-80s change-up that shows hard fading action and tunnels well off his fastball. He also features an upper-80s cutter with considerable carry and an upper-70s curveball with depth, spin, and strike-stealing capability. Adding a gyro slider would round out his north-south attack and further enhance his arsenal.

There is still some projection left in Govel’s profile, with potential for additional velocity as he matures. Overall, he offers an intriguing mix of stuff, command, and physicality that fits well within the first five rounds of the draft.

HT/WT: 6’0/197 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Fairfield College Preparatory (Trumbull, CT) | Commitment: Connecticut | Projected Age: 18.9

One of the more intriguing power/speed combinations in the country, Lombardo has garnered significant attention in the Northeast. Last summer, he performed at every stop, including in front of a large scouting contingency at the Area Code Games in August.

He’s a physical athlete with a lean frame and proportionate strength, plus there’s some projection left. The swing is unconventional, featuring a significant hitch and noisy triggers, but it has not stopped him from displaying loud tools. Lombardo coils his core incredibly well with his mechanics, and he unleashes violent hacks with outlandish bat speed through the zone. It’s above-average to plus power at the end of the day.

Finding more efficiency with his mechanics will be the priority at the next level, though to his credit, Lombardo has shown solid bat-to-ball skills and a polished approach, drawing plenty of walks. Maintaining those skills will be key as he climbs the ladder.

Lombardo has above-average to plus speed with good routes in center, plus he has a very strong arm to keep him at the position. There’s a non-zero chance that Lombardo outgrows the position with his size and physicality, and he’d shift to right field in that scenario, where his tools would fit well.

The tools are very exciting, even if there are questions about the pure hit tool. Lombardo is committed to Connecticut.

HT/WT: 6’3/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Wake Forest | Hometown: Lake Balboa, CA | Projected Age: 21.1

Marsten was a Top-100 prospect in 2024, sharing the Harvard-Westlake field with first-rounder Bryce Rainer. Injuries derailed his high school career, but he returned healthy as a senior and flashed premium velocity, even touching triple digits.

Now a draft-eligible sophomore at Wake Forest, Marsten has rediscovered his stuff after limited action in 2025. Possessing a bulky, strong frame, he throws from a lower arm slot with solid arm speed and excellent extension, creating a tough angle for hitters. There is some effort in his delivery, which can hinder his command, but when he’s around the zone, Marsten’s stuff is hard to square up.

He sits in the mid-90s and has been up to 99 MPH, with his fastball showing big tailing life and carry when elevated. The ball explodes out of his hand, aided by his strong extension. Marsten has added power to his mid-80s breaking ball, which now works as a cutter/slider hybrid with nasty bite and late movement. He rounds out his arsenal with a firm upper-80s change-up and a low-80s curveball with shorter break.

There is relief risk, as Marsten’s stuff tends to fade during longer outings, with his pitch quality and command dipping after a few innings. While there are rough edges to polish, he should be given every chance to start at the next level. If he doesn’t, his premium stuff could play in a leverage relief role.

HT/WT: 6’5/212 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Clovis (Clovis, CA) | Commitment: Texas Christian | Projected Age: 19.1

At 6-foot-5, 212 pounds, Georges is a well-built athlete who prioritized adding strength to his frame while recovering from Tommy John surgery. That work has paid off, as Georges has the look of a pro-ready body with a sturdy, proportionate figure on the bump.

It’s a low-pulse operation on the bump, as Georges gets down the mound with ease and flashes good arm speed from a three-quarters arm slot.

He likes to attack hitters with the fastball, commanding the baseball on both sides of the plate and elevating on the top rail when necessary. Georges topped out at 95 MPH over the summer, holding 91-94 MPH deep into outings. The pitch has heavy life at the knees with tailing action, though when he elevates, he generates quality backspin and carry to miss bats.

His primary secondary is a low-80s bullet slider with a shorter break and high spin rates, reaching upwards of 2,800 RPM. He can struggle to command the slider at times, but it’s a strong offering nonetheless. He’s got a solid change-up in his back pocket with solid tumbling action, though he’s struggled to command it.

He has his warts, but the build, arsenal strength, and ease of operation will help his fight. It’s a true starter’s profile. If he elects to go to Texas Christian, Georges would be eligible as a sophomore in 2028.

HT/WT: 6’2/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Missouri | Hometown: Effingham, IL | Projected Age: 22.0

McDevitt struggled to get time on the mound prior to 2026, but the work that he’s put in under new pitching coach Drew Dickinson led to a breakout campaign this spring. After logging just 22.2 innings in two seasons, McDevitt threw 79.1 innings to the tune of a 4.42 ERA, striking out 102 batters in the process. It was Missouri’s first 100-strikeout campaign since 2019, when TJ Sikkema achieved the feat.

McDevitt is a metric darling, possessing one of the better fastballs in the SEC in 2026. A low-launch right-hander with excellent extension, McDevitt’s release traits allow him to create an extremely flat approach angle, with figures hovering around the -3.00 VAA mark in the upper-third of the strike zone.

He’s been up to 97 MPH with the offering, which features considerable running zip through the zone with good carry. Despite the heavy usage of the pitch (66%), McDevitt missed bats at a 31% clip, an absurd mark to achieve across a full season.

His mid-80s change-up is his best secondary offering, which mimics the tailing action of his fastball with considerable vertical separation. He has feel to throw it to both lefties and righties, and he’s garnered whiffs at a 41% clip from right-handed bats. There’s a fringy curveball with lateral tilt in the upper-70s, as well.

McDevitt’s newfound success and traits will get him drafted, though he fits better in a bullpen role at this stage. That said, he should start his professional career as a starter until he proves he can’t.

HT/WT: 6’3/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Georgia | Hometown: Leominster, MA | Age: 22.6

Vigue gained attention as a prep pitcher at Groton School, but questions about his strike-throwing persisted. After struggling with command during two seasons at Michigan, Vigue has thrown enough strikes to warrant a draft selection at the University of Georgia.

While he has operated in a starting role for the Bulldogs, Vigue’s long-term future likely resides in the bullpen. Vigue features a low-maintenance delivery with a slingy, near-sidearm slot, working primarily along the horizontal axis of the strike zone.

His sinker is a heavy, high-spin offering with significant sink and tail, producing groundballs at a rate over 70% this spring. The pitch sits in the mid-90s and has touched 98 MPH. His mid-80s slider is a true plus weapon, offering extreme bite and sweeping action, regularly generating more than a foot of horizontal movement and missing bats at a 45%+ whiff rate. He rounds out his arsenal with a firm low-90s cutter and an upper-80s splitter, though both are rarely used.

Continued improvement in strike-throwing and command will be necessary to stick in a rotation, but his stuff plays well in leverage relief situations. In his second year of draft eligibility, Vigue should attract suitors in the first few rounds of Day 2.

HT/WT: 6’3/225 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Casteel (Chandler, AZ) | Commitment: Texas A&M | Projected Age: 18.11

An ultra-physical bat from Arizona, Harwood may have lost some quickness and athleticism over the years, but he’s regained value with his bat. It’s the aspect that will shape his profile moving forward, as Harwood’s blend of contact skills and emerging power draws attention.

Using an upright stance, Harwood has made adjustments to his swing over the past year. Notably, he’s slightly opened his front foot and moved his hands away from his body, keeping the barrel off his shoulder before the pitch. He synchronizes his body well and shows significant hip/shoulder separation, and his bat and hand speed really stand out. He can impact both sides of the field effectively, and his swing could become plus if other adjustments develop.

The main issue is that Harwood often hits the ball into the ground, which limits his ability to produce extra-base hits. Improving his ability to elevate the ball more often will be crucial to his growth, especially with smart swing decisions and contact skills.

Defensively, Harwood can play a corner outfield spot, as he moves well for his size and has a strong arm in right field. As he develops, he’ll likely lose some foot speed, so maintaining his current athleticism will be important to avoid a possible shift to left field or even first base.

Harwood’s profile is similar to Ryan Clifford from the 2022 draft, who received a big contract from the Houston Astros in the 11th round.

The Texas A&M commit would be a draft-eligible sophomore if he attends college at College Station, as he turns 19 just a week after the draft.

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Trinity (Louisville, KY) | Commitment: Kentucky | Projected Age: 19.2

Trinity High boasts a wealth of talent on its roster. It’s packed with D1 commits, including many SEC and ACC talents, with the top player in this year’s class being Kentucky commit Grayson Willoughby.

A highly projectable prospect with smooth, fluid movements on the mound, Willoughby shows excellent separation and extension and has looseness in his arm from a three-quarters slot.

He has reached a fastball velocity of up to 97 MPH with modest carry, though the pitch gains more tailing life due to his release. It functions more as a two-seam fastball, which helps him induce groundballs rather than strikeouts. Nonetheless, Willoughby has found success throwing his heater in the upper third of the zone and can place it on both sides to set up his secondary pitches. At the next level, his pitches will likely diversify into two distinct offerings.

His top secondary is a low-to-mid-80s change-up that features impressive dive and fade at the plate. He kills spin with the offering, has a feel for locating it for strikes, and isn’t shy about throwing it to both righties and lefties.

His breaking ball struggles to maintain a consistent shape but performs best in the low-80s, with a sharp two-plane break and high spin rates. At times, it can get soft and will require refinement at the next level.

As he matures physically, his command should improve, although he can miss high and away with his fastball. Overall, he throws strikes consistently.

Committed to the University of Kentucky, Willoughby is on the older side of his class and would be a draft-eligible sophomore in 2028.

HT/WT: 6’4/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Tennessee | Hometown: Chickamauga, GA | Projected Age: 21.8

Rhudy stands out as a true outlier and an analytical favorite, tracing the Tanner Franklin path from Kennesaw State to Tennessee. Strictly a reliever, he’s been a key weapon for the Volunteers in late-game situations, notching three saves and posting a 34:5 K:BB ratio in 21 appearances.

There’s effort in Rhudy’s delivery, including a bucket step at foot strike, but he’s managed to throw strikes consistently despite this. While he doesn’t have overwhelming velocity, Rhudy’s extension from a low three-quarters slot creates flat approach angles at the top of the zone.

His fastball, used 69% of the time, boasts a 34% whiff rate and a 43% chase rate, remarkable marks that speak to its quality. The pitch has strong carry, heavy cutting action, and spin rates averaging over 2,700 RPM, making the case for it being a plus offering.

Rhudy’s primary secondary is an upper-70s sweeper with significant lateral movement (12–13 inches of sweep) and similarly high spin rates. He rarely throws a changeup.

Altogether, Rhudy has the profile of a quick-mover in pro ball, with the analytic metrics to back it up.

HT/WT: 6’5/255 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Louisiana State | Hometown: Reading, PA | Projected Age: 20.11

Sheerin began his college career at Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland, making an immediate impact by setting a single-season school record with 109 strikeouts in 70 innings as a freshman. After that breakout, he transferred to LSU, but his plans were interrupted by a torn ACL that forced him to miss the 2025 season.

This spring, however, Sheerin has reestablished himself as one of the top relievers in the class.

Physically imposing at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Sheerin brings strength and a sturdy frame to the mound, but he’s not a typical power pitcher. His delivery is deceptive, featuring a crossfire angle that hides the ball behind right-handed hitters and an unusually low arm slot for his height.

These mechanics make his fastball play up despite a modest pure shape, resulting in a 37% whiff rate and a 34% chase rate this year. He’s touched triple digits at times but primarily operates in the mid-90s.

Sheerin’s fastball sets the tone, but his primary secondary pitch is a mid-80s slider that can morph between cutter and bullet breaker shapes, always with sharp bite. He complements it with a low-80s curveball showing lateral action and a firm upper-80s power change-up.

His strike-throwing and command can be streaky, limiting him in longer outings, but his raw stuff is excellent. With his unique look and high-octane arsenal, Sheerin has the potential to move quickly through a pro system as a late-inning reliever.

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Bishop Moore (Orlando, FL) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.5

With plenty of twitch and tools, Davis is one of the more exciting prospects in this class. He’s your prototypical top-of-the-order sparkplug who prioritizes contact and speed over power, though Davis has sneaky bat speed and outfield tools that separate him from his peers.

Davis uses a linear bat path that’s direct to the baseball, lashing it to both gaps at his best. There’s serious barrel whip through the zone and quick, adjustable hands that allow him to make contact on his B-Swings. He should grow into more power as he fills out.

Davis handles fastballs in the zone well, though with secondary offerings he can drift over his front hip and struggle to connect. He will often expand the zone, something scouts want to see come down as he climbs the ladder.

As a defender, Davis has shown versatility, playing all three outfield positions, but his speed, fluid routes, and superb arm strength will make him viable in center as a professional. As he grows into his body, most expect his tools to become louder and his mechanics to shore up at the plate.

The Florida native is committed to Louisiana State and would be eligible again in 2029.

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Louisiana Tech | Hometown: Azle, TX | Projected Age: 21.6

Dahl made a major impact after transferring from Seminole State Junior College in Florida to Louisiana Tech, where he was named CUSA Newcomer of the Year. He struck out 102 batters this spring, becoming the first Louisiana Tech pitcher to hit triple-digit strikeouts since Luke Burnett in 2007.

Dahl stands out for his unique combination of angles and deception, pitching with a release height around five feet and impressive extension that creates an extremely flat approach angle for his fastball. His fastball, which currently sits in the low-90s, plays up due to its flat angle and his ability to command the top of the zone, making it a strong chase pitch against both left and right-handed hitters. With further strength gains, most expect his velocity to tick up into the mid-90s.

Dahl’s top secondary is a high-spin changeup that features heavy tailing life and is especially effective against lefties, as it produces just under 20 inches of horizontal action on average and sometimes negative IVB, earning it above-average grades for the next level. He rounds out his arsenal with a decent low-80s slider for righties, which has a traditional shape and tight spin, though its consistency can waver.

Dahl’s profile is highly appealing to model-driven organizations, and his one-two punch should make him particularly effective against left-handed hitters. While there’s some reliever risk, Dahl will likely be given every chance to start until he proves otherwise.

HT/WT: 6’3/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Sonoraville (Calhoun, GA) | Commitment: Kennesaw State | Projected Age: 18.2

Tucked away in the mountains of North Georgia, Sonoraville High is home to one of the sneakier pitching prospects in the state of Georgia in Griffin Long.

An athletic arm with projection and sound mechanics, Long has seen his velocity creep up in recent months, and scouts are taking notice. Operating with a traditional three-quarters arm slot, Long has some whip to his arm and has an uptempo nature to his delivery.

He works with two different fastballs, a four-seam with good carry through the zone and a two-seam with tailing action lower in the zone. After operating in the 88-92 MPH range last summer, Long has added some more fuego to the pitch, now scrapping 95 MPH and sitting in the low-90s more consistently.

The change-up is the primary selling point of his profile, and it’s a dandy. Sitting in the mid-80s, Long has excellent feel for the pitch and controls the zone well with it. It has significant tumbling action, diving to the dirt with ferocious bite and displaying outstanding depth at times. It has the ceiling of a true plus offering at the next level, and it’s a pitch he has plenty of confidence in.

There’s a slurvy breaking ball in the upper-70s that has traits to like, though it does lag behind the rest of the arsenal. He’ll steal strikes with it and has some good bite away from right-handed hitters, though it can get soft at times. He’ll bridge the gap between the fastball and breaking ball with a firmer mid-80s cutter. The strike-throwing stands out, as well.

It’s a starting pitcher profile with good clay to mold for a development team, plus he leans towards a model-friendly target given he’ll be just 18 years and 2 months old on draft day. Long is committed to Kennesaw State University.

HT/WT: 6’5/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: North Hunterdon Regional (Glen Gardner, NJ) | Commitment: Penn State | Projected Age: 18.6

A cold-weather arm with one of the better fastballs in the prep ranks, Brown put his name on the map after a stellar showing at the Area Code Games in August. A big-bodied, lanky athlete, Brown oozes projection and athleticism on the bump, moving fluidly down the bump with excellent extension (seven feet or higher) at release.

The fastball gives his profile a strong foundation, and in an era of scouts looking for outliers, he is certainly one of them. Brown consistently gets over twenty inches of carry with cutting action through the zone, missing plenty of bats on the top rail. During that appearance in Long Beach, Brown primarily sat at 88-93 MPH, though this spring, he has touched the mid-90s at his peak. There’s more on the way, too, as scouts expect Brown to sit in the mid-90s or higher once he’s physically mature.

Behind the fastball, Brown has two breaking balls and a change-up, though they do lag behind the upside of the fastball. Most believe the breaking balls will get to average in due time, though they are presently more on the fringe-average side. However, the fastball quality and projection are too strong to ignore, and there’s a chance that Brown can get a seven-figure bonus.

The Penn State commit will be 18.6 years old on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’2/192 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: NC State | Hometown: Chantilly, VA | Projected Age: 21.4

A 20th-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians in 2023, Marohn upheld his commitment to NC State and rewarded Elliott Avent with a breakout sophomore campaign.

Despite being undersized, Marohn utilized an improvement in command to find success, which included an ability to tunnel and sequence his arsenal better. This culminated in a 3.38 ERA across 85.1 innings, as well as a spot on the USA Collegiate National Team roster.

While he won’t overpower batters with his stuff, the deception he creates is another factor in his success. He pitches from the first base side of the rubber and possesses significant crossfire angle to the plate. This enables his low-90s heater to generate significant chases despite not being a big bat-misser. He’s been up to 94 MPH at his best with solid carry and slight tail.

However, the secondaries are the stars of the show. Marohn’s mid-70s curveball has huge depth and lateral tilt, tunneling well with the fastball and creating big vertical separation off the fastball. Given his release point, it’s extremely tough for left-handed bats to pick up, and he lands it for strikes at a solid clip.

He introduced a new slider/cutter hybrid in the mid-80s, plus his low-80s change-up hits the brakes late and fades heavily away from right-handed bats, generating a ton of chases.

It’s a high-floor profile with pitchability present, and he’ll have back-end upside as a starter.

HT/WT: 6’1/190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Orange Lutheran (Newport Beach, CA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 19.3

One of the more prolific pure hitters in SoCal, Weinstein has been a mainstay in scouting circles for several years. His 2024 summer circuit placed him among the best prep bats in the class, where he demonstrated an innate feel for the barrel, rarely whiffed on offerings in and out of the zone, and possessed subtle pull power.

Although his 2025 summer didn’t mirror this performance, Weinstein still has the contact and power traits to impress scouts. The biggest difference between 2024 and 2025 was Weinstein’s aggressiveness at the plate, which became more passive, allowing pitchers to get ahead in counts easily. Despite this, he still made quality contact and maintained good chase rates, drawing a solid number of walks.

Weinstein’s swing features adjustability, enabling him to handle most pitches both inside and outside the zone. He consistently makes tight turns to the baseball and delivers a heavy barrel through the zone. His swing is refined to produce line drives to all fields, and when he turns on a pitch, he shows average power over the right field fence.

Overall, it’s a polished offensive profile that should improve in a new environment at Orange Lutheran.

Weinstein’s defensive position is still uncertain, but he has shown enough feel and instincts up the middle to potentially stay there. He’s a capable second baseman with high baseball IQ, though his body type might push him to third base as he develops more muscle.

The Louisiana State commit will be on the older side of his class at 19 years and 3 months, making him a draft-eligible sophomore in Baton Rouge in 2028.

HT/WT: 6’6/225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Illinois State | Hometown: Libertyville, IL | Projected Age: 22.1

Addari began his collegiate career at Michigan State, redshirting before transferring to Illinois State ahead of the 2025 season. After pitching just nine innings and going undrafted last spring, he returned to school, a decision that paid off as he claimed a rotation spot and posted a 2.27 ERA over 67.1 innings this spring.

A physically imposing right-hander, Addari features drop-and-drive mechanics and plenty of strength in his frame. He creates deception by throwing across his body from a wide angle, pairing outstanding extension with a flatter vertical approach angle from his low slot.

His velocity has climbed into the mid-90s this season, peaking at 98 MPH. Addari operates with two distinct fastball shapes: a four-seamer with carry and slight cut, and a preferred sinker with heavy run and sink. His low-80s slider is a primary out pitch to righties, offering depth and averaging over twelve inches of sweep with nasty bite.

He leans heavily on these pitches but has also shown swing-and-miss potential with an upper-80s, low-spin splitter. Developing more feel for the splitter will be important, as he currently lacks a reliable out pitch to lefties.

While Addari has a chance to start at the next level, his profile may ultimately fit best in the bullpen. He turns 22 right before the draft, but brings enough traits to attract interest in the back half of the top 10 rounds.

HT/WT: 6’6/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: UCLA | Hometown: Los Angeles, CA | Projected Age: 21.7

The son of the Dodgers’ VP of Baseball Operations, Billy Gasparino, Will is a polarizing prospect in this class. He has the upside of a first-rounder as a gifted athlete with big power and defensive instincts, but the questions with the bat leave a low-floor outcome in the cards.

Now at UCLA, Gasparino looks to capitalize on new scenery to put everything together and climb back up draft boards.

For someone of his size and stature, Gasparino is a freakish athlete that oozes projection. His body is capable of withstanding another twenty pounds or more of muscle, which would aid the impressive power he already possesses. He has plus raw power with loud bat speed, and some of that has already started to translate in-game, but the lack of consistency with his hit tool has dampened his power output to date.

While he does display solid body control, Gasparino has continuously fought his length, especially when it comes to shortening his arms when attacked inside and adjusting to the top rail. He does chase at a high clip, as well. However, when his arms are extended, the damage is quite loud. Finding a happy medium in Los Angeles will be paramount to his draft stock.

In the outfield, Gasparino glides like a gazelle at the “eight” with a long gait, plus speed, and impressive range to both gaps. As he grows into his body, he may wind up moving to right field, where his big arm would fit perfectly.

The upside is immense, and Gasparino’s evaluation process will be a fascinating one to examine throughout the cycle.

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas A&M | Hometown: Waller, TX | Projected Age: 21.11

Starting his collegiate career at McLennan CC in 2024, Freshcorn stood pat on a commitment to Texas A&M, and so far, it has paid dividends. While his 2025 campaign did have bumps and bruises, his stellar outing in Hoover against LSU showcased his upside.

Gifted with exceptional athleticism and projection, Freshcorn has a chance to turn into a low-launch monster. It’s a fluid operation with a loose arm and whip out of a lower slot, which sits just over the five-foot mark with solid extension.

The fastball performs well given the traits at hand, possessing quality ride and some cut out of the hand. To date, Freshcorn has sat in the 92-96 MPH range, bumping 97 MPH at his best, but given the physical projection, Freshcorn could be consistently sitting much higher in due time.

The low-to-mid-80s sweeper could be a plus offering at the end of the day. It’s got serious teeth and excellent command, and as the cherry on top, he averages over fifteen inches of sweep. He’ll bridge the gap to this pitch with an upper-80s cutter with firm shape, mainly using it to steal strikes and tunneling it off the fastball.

Scouts want to see an off-speed offering with an expanded role expected in 2026, and he has toyed with a splitter this fall.

Given the stuff, strike-throwing, and athleticism, it’s easy to envision Freshcorn holding down a weekend rotation role this spring. It’s significant upside as a starter and he could find himself climbing his way into a Day 1 pick if the cards shuffle themselves in order.

HT/WT: 6’4/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Oregon | Hometown: Reno, NV | Age: 22.2

After missing time recovering from Tommy John surgery, Scolari was eligible for the draft a year ago and put together a solid season at San Diego, but went undrafted. He then transferred to Oregon, where he’s become a key part of their pitching staff this year. To date, Scolari has struck out 85 hitters in 57 innings, posting a 3.32 ERA.

Since arriving at Oregon, Scolari has added twenty pounds of muscle, becoming more physical on the mound. He’s also dropped his arm slot slightly and now uses a more pronounced bucket step with his front foot, which has led to some scattered command.

The pure stuff, however, has improved. His average fastball velocity has climbed from 92.6 to 94.2 MPH this season, and he’s touched 98 MPH. The fastball features cut/ride shape and plays flat up in the zone, missing bats consistently.

Both of Scolari’s breaking balls are impressive. His mid-80s slider flashes lateral break with bite and is his best secondary, while his upper-70s curveball offers significant depth. Both pitches miss bats at over a 40% clip. He’s shown a changeup on occasion, but it lacks feel and consistent shape.

Scouts think Scolari is much closer to his ceiling now, though further command refinement will be necessary at the next level. With big stuff and a proven track record, Scolari is likely to be selected in the latter half of the top ten rounds.

HT/WT: 6’3/168 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Arizona | Hometown: Sahuarita, AZ | Projected Age: 20.11

After barely being utilized on the bump in 2024, Kramkowski entered the 2025 campaign in Arizona’s starting rotation. Despite being shelled in his first outing of the season, he bounced back beautifully to cement himself as one of the best arms on the West Coast.

It’s an incredibly skinny frame with significant projection present, as well as stout athleticism on the bump. Kramkowski puts himself into excellent positions as he drives down the mound, displaying easy motions with strong arm speed and whip through release.

It’s a heavy east/west arsenal, rarely utilizing a vertical option, which is something that Kramkowski needs to add. His sinker reaches up to 97 MPH at its peak, generating quality sink and run, and sits in the 92-95 MPH range most nights. It doesn’t miss a ton of bats, primarily nibbling on the edges, but he’ll get in trouble when leaving it over the plate. With that said, he creates very flat angles to the plate and generates good extension. If he can separate the fastball into two distinct shapes and add a riding option, there would be more to unlock in his potential.

He bridges the gap to his sweeper with an upper-80s cutter that he commands very well, landing it backdoor consistently to lefties. The sweeper itself is a gnarly offering. It possesses huge spin rates in the 81-85 MPH range, generating nasty bite and over ten inches of sweep on average. He’s still reining in the command, as it moves so much that it can be hard to land, but it’s a potential plus offering.

Unfortunately, Kramkowski has struggled significantly this spring across the board. He’ll be one of the more polarizing arms in the country next season, but it’s a definitive starting profile moving forward.

HT/WT: 6’3/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Xavier | Hometown: Aurora, OH | Age: 20.11

Piech redshirted his freshman year following Tommy John surgery, but since returning, he’s only improved with additional innings. While command was a problem last season, he’s harnessed it in 2026, leading to greater effectiveness on the mound.

Piech operates with composure, gathering himself before driving down the hill with loud arm speed from an over-the-top slot and solid extension for his release height. His delivery creates a flatter approach angle, allowing Piech to attack the upper third of the zone with his fastball and generate plenty of swings and misses.

The heater boasts outstanding carry and ride, averaging over 20 inches of IVB, and he consistently cuts the ball late in the zone. He pitches in the low-90s but can reach up to 96 MPH. With over 60% fastball usage, he’s missed bats at a 26% clip, a testament to the quality of the pitch.

Piech’s mid-70s curveball tunnels beautifully off his fastball. Despite its modest velocity, it features sharp 12/6 break and significant depth. In 2026, he introduced a firmer, mid-80s bullet slider as his primary secondary pitch, bridging the gap in his arsenal. Scouts would like to see more use of his changeup, especially if he’s to remain a starter long-term.

Piech will be young for the draft class, turning 21 a few weeks after the draft, adding to his appeal as a developing arm.

HT/WT: 6’2/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Cal Poly | Hometown: Grover Beach, CA | Age: 20.10

After two years with limited opportunities at Cal, Tayman transferred to Cal Poly and saw his production soar. In 61 games for the Mustangs, he slugged 18 home runs and 19 doubles, carrying a 13-game hitting streak into their Super Regional against West Virginia. He played a pivotal role in their Regional win in Los Angeles, earning Most Outstanding Player honors.

Tayman’s offensive approach is heavily pull-oriented, consistently lacing balls to left field with authority. He shows good bat speed and regularly elevates the ball, with his ability to backspin the ball boosting his power numbers despite average exit velocities.

While there’s some swing-and-miss in his game, his in-zone contact rate is impressive at 88%. However, his tendency to expand the zone leads to higher whiff rates on secondary pitches. Tayman’s physical frame suggests there’s even more power to be unlocked with continued development.

Defensively, Tayman is a solid catcher with an average arm, though scouts want to see improvement in his transfers, framing, and mobility. If he can’t stay behind the plate, he likely shifts to a corner outfield spot.

Tayman won’t turn 21 until late August, giving him more developmental runway than many of his college peers.

HT/WT: 6’3/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: South Florida/Transfer Portal | Hometown: Acworth, GA | Age: 21.6

Sutton began his college career at the University of Georgia, but his 2025 season was nullified by Tommy John surgery. After recovering, he entered the transfer portal and found new life in South Florida’s bullpen in 2026.

On the mound, Sutton brings plenty to like: he’s a fluid mover with outstanding extension, averaging seven feet, and employs drop-and-drive mechanics that give him a lower release from a three-quarters slot. This creates enticing vertical approach angle traits, with figures of -3.00 or flatter above the top of the zone, helping him miss bats even with a modest fastball shape.

Sutton sits in the 92–96 MPH range in shorter relief stints and can reach 97 MPH, though his velocity and pitch shape tend to fade during extended appearances. He projects as a candidate for two distinct fastball shapes at the next level.

Sutton’s primary secondary is a low-to-mid-80s changeup with significant running action, particularly effective against lefties but with enough feel to use against righties as well. His low-80s breaking ball features two-plane break and lateral tilt; while it’s currently more slurvy, he has a good feel for spin and could develop a firmer breaking ball as he advances.

There are still rough edges to refine, but Sutton’s stuff after returning from injury has shown real promise and should translate well to pro ball with continued development and reps. Sutton entered the transfer portal on June 22nd.

HT/WT: 6’5/245 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Vanderbilt | Hometown: Ocoee, FL | Age: 21.8

A player with prominent power on both sides of the ball, Holcomb is an uber-physical prospect who has struggled with his approach over the past two seasons. However, after a breakout campaign on the Cape, Holcomb brought his newfound success back to Vanderbilt, where he experienced a breakout campaign as a junior.

During the 2026 campaign, Holcomb slashed .351/.434/.618 (1.052 OPS) with 33 extra-base hits and a strikeout rate that dropped to just under 24%. Believe it or not, Holcomb found his success by becoming more aggressive, swinging more, and expanding the zone at a clip just south of 30%.

He has substantial swing-and-miss to his game, and it will be something that holds him back. That said, Holcomb has found an affinity for the gaps this season, allowing him to inflict more damage. He has double-plus raw power in his profile, as he posts exit velocities well over the 110 MPH barrier, and if the hit tool can improve to below-average, he’s capable of putting together 25-30 home run seasons.

While he has played a myriad of defensive roles in his career at Vanderbilt, Holcomb has found a home in the outfield, splitting time between center and right field. Given his size, he’s a shoo-in for right field, where he has solid routes and coverage while boasting supreme arm strength for the position.

Holcomb has a way to go in terms of development, but the power-oriented game will draw the attention of scouts regardless of the strikeouts.

HT/WT: 6’0/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: East Tennessee State | Hometown: Lynchburg, VA | Age: 21.3

Harpster, a three-year starter for ETSU, saved his best for last, posting a 4.00 ERA over 72 innings in his final season. He’s a true metrics darling: a low-launch right-hander whose fastball traits have caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.

Harpster made a notable velocity jump from 2025 to 2026, with his average fastball climbing from 90.9 to 92.2 MPH. This added velocity has boosted the effectiveness of his heater, which already played up thanks to excellent extension and a low three-quarters release point, hovering just five feet off the turf. His fastball is high-spin with strong life and excels at the top of the zone, allowing him to miss a healthy number of bats even with heavy usage.

Harpster has also added power to his mid-80s breaking ball, which features more cutter-like action with bigger lateral movement and helps him stay in the strike zone, especially when fastball command slips. It bridges the gap well to his sweeping low-80s slider, which can be a true frisbee, averaging over ten inches of sweep and occasionally reaching twenty inches at its best. While the slider command comes and goes, it’s a genuine bat-misser.

He rounds out the arsenal with a hard upper-80s changeup that lacks ideal velocity separation but mimics a sinker and induces plenty of groundballs. With his fastball value, Harpster profiles well within the top ten rounds, though his future resides in the bullpen.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Cal State Northridge | Hometown: Garden Grove, CA | Age: 20.8

Thomas began his collegiate career at California, where he had limited opportunities, amassing just 103 at-bats over two seasons, before transferring to Cal State Northridge. In a full-time role atop the Matadors’ lineup, he took full advantage, establishing himself as one of the better mid-major players on the West Coast.

Thomas is a power-over-hit bat, routinely posting exit velocities above 110 MPH and collecting 39 extra-base hits this year. He coils his core effectively and generates impressive torque, employing a short, quick swing to catch the ball out front and drive it with authority. He consistently pulls the ball in the air, sporting a 15.1% AirPull% this season.

Thomas has excelled against velocity, recording an 89% contact rate on fastballs, including a 93% in-zone mark, during the 2026 campaign. While he handles velocity well, Thomas is an aggressive hitter who tends to chase outside the zone, and his whiff rates against secondary offerings are a concern. Refining his bat path and dialing back the aggression will be key to maximizing his hit tool, though his above-average to plus raw power gives him a solid foundation.

Defensively, Thomas is an above-average runner who fits well in either corner outfield spot, offering solid routes and an average arm. With his kind of power, Thomas should be selected within the top ten rounds in July, and he’ll be one of the youngest college players in the class at 20 years and 8 months old.

HT/WT: 6’2/215 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Wake Forest | Hometown: Madison Heights, VA | Projected Age: 20.11

As a high-schooler, Wentz was well-known in the Mid-Atlantic for his two-way prowess, though he opted to ditch the mound and keep the bat in his hands full-time.

While he took his lumps in 2025, Wentz ended the year on a high note, including multiple multi-HR games during the postseason. That success carried over to the Cape, where he earned an All-Star nod.

A barrel-chested switch-hitter, Wentz found more success as a left-handed hitter this spring. It’s an uphill path with serious bat speed and feel to launch the baseball, punishing mistakes from opposing pitchers. This does lead to swing-and-miss, especially with velocity up and spin down, though Wentz has no problem getting to his power to both sides of the field. His ability to pull the baseball in the air is certainly welcomed.

However, polish will be necessary from both sides of the plate. He does a better job of catching up to velocity from the left side, though he will find himself fishing outside the zone at change-ups and sliders alike. Assuming the contact improves as a sophomore, Wentz is capable of being a 40-hit/55-power bat. Not too shabby.

Wentz has played at second and third base to date, with his size fitting better at the hot corner. He can rush himself at both positions and will need to show more comfort to generate more defensive value, though that should come with added reps and time in the field.

A draft-eligible sophomore, Wentz will look to be one of the main catalysts in a talented Wake Forest offense.

HT/WT: 6’1/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: West Virginia | Hometown: Glendale, NY | Projected Age: 20.10

West Virginia has tapped into the Division II pipeline for pitching talent in recent years, with arms like Griffin Kirn and Derek Clark making an impact. Dawson Montesa aims to be the next in line, having transitioned from two seasons as a starter at Adelphi University in New York to a rotation role with the Mountaineers, where he’s pitched effectively in various spots.

Montesa is a solid athlete with drop-and-drive mechanics, moving fluidly down the mound with good arm speed from a traditional three-quarters slot. His four-seam fastball sits in the mid-90s, showing considerable riding life, sometimes getting up to 20 inches of induced vertical break with late cut. The fastball is a true bat-misser when he locates it at the top of the zone.

He pairs it with an upper-70s curveball that features significant depth (up to -18 inches of IVB), creating excellent vertical separation. Montesa also mixes in a mid-80s slider with tilt and a mid-80s split-change to round out his arsenal.

Command can be inconsistent from outing to outing, which has limited his ability to work deep into games, as he’s only reached the sixth inning four times this spring. There’s some relief risk here, but his arsenal features model-friendly traits, and he doesn’t turn 21 until after the draft.

Montesa’s combination of stuff and age should make him an intriguing pick for teams looking for upside.

HT/WT: 6’2/180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Center Grove (Greenwood, IN) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 19.4

Grant, the Gatorade Player of the Year for Indiana, has emerged as one of the Midwest’s top prep arms. An athletic, projectable right-hander, he boasts immense spin capacity, and his velocity has climbed this spring.

After spending most of the summer in the low-90s, Grant has now run his fastball up to 97–98 MPH, featuring loud arm speed from a traditional three-quarters slot and an uptempo delivery. He stays behind the baseball well with his four-seam grip, creating considerable carry through the zone, and can mix in tailing action to bore in on right-handed hitters. The fastball features above-average spin rates and good command.

His best secondary is a low-80s sweeper with high spin, consistently topping 3,000 RPM. It’s a wipeout pitch with nasty bite and two-plane break, and hitters struggle to adjust. He lands the sweeper for strikes with ease. Though Grant rarely uses his changeup, he shows good feel for it, with mid-80s velocity and fading action, plus he’s confident enough to throw it to either-handed hitters.

A Tennessee commit, Grant will be one of the oldest players in the class, turning 19 years and 4 months on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’3/190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Florida | Hometown: Milton, GA | Projected Age: 21.3

McNeillie had helium as a wiry prep arm with athleticism and tons of projection in 2023, but he wound up in Gainesville, where he’s worked in numerous roles. In 2026, McNeillie should compete for the final rotation spot, though it’s not ruled out that he gets long innings in the bullpen.

Whichever role he lands, McNeillie will have scouting heat attached to him.

Still slender and projectable, McNeillie has added some strength and seen his velocity spike since his prep days. Now sitting in the mid-90s, McNeillie generates solid carry and tail out of a three-quarters slot, spinning the baseball very well (2,500+ RPMs) and finding whiffs on the top rail.

The mid-80s slider is a potential plus offering with big depth and devastating bite, and it lands for strikes consistently. He actually threw the pitch more than the fastball in 2025, and while he can drop his slot on the pitch, hitters struggle to adjust, whiffing on it 43% of the time. It’s a really good pitch. The change-up is thrown hard with some fading action, though he doesn’t throw it often.

There’s volatility in the delivery that has affected his command to date, particularly with the fastball. Adding more weight to his frame should help alleviate some of that, though if the command doesn’t come around, he’ll have a dynamic one-two punch in the bullpen.

HT/WT: 5’11/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Rhode Island | Hometown: Fair Haven, NJ | Projected Age: 21.3

The University of Rhode Island isn’t typically known for producing top draft talent, with just six picks in the top ten rounds and Eric Smith (second round, 2009) standing as the highest-drafted player in program history. While Moroney may not surpass that mark, he’s poised to become the school’s seventh top-ten round selection.

Moroney has consistently demonstrated strong bat-to-ball skills; however, in 2026, he sacrificed some contact for increased power. By generating more leverage with his lower half, he’s increased his bat speed and can now sting line drives to both gaps. Although his launch angle limits home run totals, he’s reached a career-high with fourteen doubles.

Moroney has become more aggressive at the plate, which has lowered his walk rate, but his swing decisions and contact skills remain solid.

A very good runner, Moroney hasn’t showcased his speed as much on the bases this year, but it helps his range at shortstop, especially moving to his left. He has the instincts and arm strength to be an average defender at the position and could develop some versatility at the next level.

Moroney projects as a fourth-to-sixth round pick in this class, offering a blend of contact, gap power, and defensive reliability.

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Minnesota | Hometown: Blaine, MN | Projected Age: 21.9

After being selected late by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2023 draft, Morton chose to begin his college career at Texas A&M. Injuries and inconsistency limited his opportunities on the mound, so he transferred closer to home for the 2026 season and carved out a starting role at Minnesota.

While he may not remain a starter at the next level, Morton offers a dynamic arsenal that profiles well in a relief role.

Morton excels at attacking the horizontal axis of the strike zone, relying on a devastating sinker/sweeper combo. His sinker, thrown from a low release point (~5 feet), features heavy sink and run, with upwards of twenty inches of tail, making it especially tough on right-handed hitters. He generates high spin rates and runs the pitch up to 97 MPH, though he typically sits in the low 90s.

His upper-80s sweeper is a legitimate big-league weapon, consistently spinning above 3,000 RPM with an average of 16.5 inches of sweep. It’s similar to the metrics of sweepers that Max Meyer and Griffin Jax throw, for context.

Morton also mixes in a firm cutter in the low 90s and a power change-up, though the latter is still a work in progress.

His athleticism and improving strike-throwing give him an outside shot to stick as a starter, but his pure stuff could be electric out of the bullpen in shorter bursts. Morton’s transformation in Minnesota has reignited his prospect status heading into the draft.

HT/WT: 6’2/188 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, TN) | Commitment: Tennessee | Projected Age: 19.0

The grandson of legendary Lipscomb coach Ken Dugan, Jack is starting to emerge as a serious prospect. It’s difficult to overlook the twitchiness and tools in his profile, despite some inconsistencies that need fixing.

He has good projection to a taller, leaner frame, though his lower half is already quite strong, which is evident in his force-plate tests. His explosive athleticism is exceptional. This shows in his swing, as Dugan rotates aggressively with quick hand and bat speed from the left side of the plate.

The swing can get a bit loud, leading to some barrel consistency issues and streaky bat-to-ball skills, but he has demonstrated the ability to stay compact and make quick, precise turns to the baseball. Controlling his triggers will be a challenge, but it’s essential for unlocking his full potential.

At his best, Dugan can drive line drives to both gaps and also clear the fence on occasion. His offensive upside is significant if everything comes together.

As he fills out his frame, there’s a chance he could move to third base, but his athleticism is too good to make that switch now. He has solid range and a strong arm across the diamond. He’ll bring added value on the bases, too, as he’s a plus runner with an athletic stride and a willingness to show it.

Dugan’s profile definitely walks a fine line, but scouts are willing to take chances on athletic prospects like this. His tools project a lot of upside, even if his baseball performance hasn’t been the flashiest so far.

Dugan would be a draft-eligible sophomore if he sticks with his commitment to the University of Tennessee.

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Trinity Christian Academy (St. Augustine, FL) | Commitment: Florida | Projected Age: 18.5

At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Harris stands out as one of the more agile and projectable athletes in this class, although his tools already catch attention at first glance. He’s one of the few in this class capable of becoming a five-tool player in the future, though scouts would like to see his bat improve.

There’s big offensive upside if he makes that step forward, thanks to exceptional bat speed from the right side, fueled by strong torque and quick hips. His swing is smooth with minimal movement, stretching across the entire batter’s box.

He does have some swing-and-miss issues, mainly due to over-striding and creating multiple planes with his upper body. His hips can open early, leading to inconsistent angles through the zone.

However, adding more muscle to his frame should result in a more consistent swing, thereby improving his ability to drive the ball. He currently aims for the gaps to extra bases and has shown the power to hit over the fence to his pull side.

On defense, Harris’s abilities are just as impressive. He has plus speed in center field, along with good route-running, range, and a strong arm. He has been clocked at 100 MPH from right field in showcase settings and is accurate with his throws. As he develops physically, most believe he’ll move to right field and fit right in.

If all factors come together, he profiles as a top-tier prospect with significant potential. Harris is committed to Florida and would be eligible again in 2029 if he goes undrafted next summer.

HT/WT: 5’11/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: South Salem (Salem, OR) | Commitment: Oregon State | Projected Age: 18.1

Scott embodies the prototypical catching prospect. He’s strong, broad-shouldered, and athletic behind the plate. Coming out of the Pacific Northwest, he’s among the most intriguing backstops in this year’s class, having made key adjustments to elevate his profile throughout the spring.

Last summer, Scott showcased big pull-side power in batting practice but often favored opposite-field line drives during games. In 2026, he flipped the script, incorporating more loft into his swing and consistently punishing the baseball to his pull side.

He combines quality bat speed with a well-coiled body, generating significant torque and pairing it with solid bat-to-ball skills. Scouts would like to see Scott adopt a more aggressive approach, as his passivity allows pitchers to get into their arsenals early, but he compensates by drawing plenty of walks and maintaining a strong approach within the zone.

Defensively, Scott has the skillset to remain behind the plate. He’s mobile for his size, explosive out of the crouch, and features above-average arm strength with quick, clean transfers. Should he move off catching, he could see time in a corner outfield spot thanks to his athleticism and arm.

An Oregon State commit, Scott may be a tough sign, but model-driven organizations will be drawn to his age, physicality, and tools.

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Basic Academy (Henderson, NV) | Commitment: Texas A&M | Projected Age: 18.5

Kelley stands out as one of the stronger athletes in the class, having reclassified from the 2027 ranks, making the jump in late 2024. He’s a lean, wiry prospect with tools that impress on both sides of the ball. Kelley’s swing is simple and rhythmic, producing plenty of quality contact.

His quick, twitchy hands and solid bat speed allow him to lace line drives to both gaps, enabling his above-average speed to impact the bases. He’s flashed more pull side pop this spring and consistently backspins the baseball, suggesting more power is on the horizon. Kelley’s approach can be aggressive, leading to some guessing on pitches, but he possesses average bat-to-ball skills with production expected to increase as he refines his approach.

Defensively, his explosive tools enable him to play multiple positions. He has plus arm strength on the left side of the diamond, having been clocked into the triple digits from right field in workouts. In the dirt, he shows bouncy actions and smooth hands, though he occasionally gets his glove down late and lets the ball travel into his body. It’s something that will need to be cleaned up as he progresses. If he outgrows shortstop, he can shift to his right and man the hot corner, plus he’ll fit well in right field.

Kelley’s explosiveness, loud tools, and projection make him a compelling draft prospect. He is committed to Texas A&M.

HT/WT: 6’0/175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Glynn Academy (Brunswick, GA) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.4

While his summer statistics may not jump off the page, Roberson’s underlying metrics paint a clearer picture of his draft stock. One of the most athletically talented outfielders in the class, Roberson is praised for his mature approach, excellent bat-to-ball skills, and outstanding speed.

Roberson fits the profile of a table-setter—a hit-over-power player with superb contact ability in a compact swing, posting a 91% contact rate over a solid sample size last summer. His plate discipline is equally impressive. Roberson can find himself straddling the passive/selective line, but he rarely expands the zone and always finds ways to make contact.

He can slap the ball to all fields, but when looking to generate extra bases, he easily finds gaps and showcases his speed. There’s also some subtle power on his pull side, as a steeper entry into the zone allows him to turn on pitches to right field.

His speed largely borders on double-plus, benefiting him both in the field and on the bases.

Roberson has an excellent first step in center field, and his speed provides ample range at the position. Additionally, his plus arm strength would make him suitable for right field if he were to play a corner outfield role. That said, teams will likely give him every chance to start in center at the next level.

Roberson committed to LSU and will be 18 years and 4 months old on draft day.

HT/WT: 6’3/184 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Auburn | Hometown: Salem, AL | Age: 21.0

McCraine redshirted his freshman year at Auburn, but as a redshirt freshman, he broke into the lineup and secured the starting shortstop job. This followed a strong showing in the Perfect Game Collegiate League, where he slashed .304/.455/.446 with more walks than strikeouts.

He boasts an extremely projectable frame, with a wiry build, long limbs, and stout athleticism. McCraine is currently more of a slasher, shooting line drives to the opposite-field gap and using his speed to beat out infield grounders. His hands are lightning-quick, and he excels at timing up fastballs, rarely missing velocity.

Scouts would like to see a shift in approach, as his projection points to more power on the way. He’s already flashed promising raw power, with top exit velocities in the 107–108 MPH range. There’s offensive work to do, but the physical ingredients are tantalizing for a development program.

Defensively, McCraine offers versatility, having played multiple positions. While he’s shown he can handle shortstop, many scouts believe his speed and athleticism could be even more valuable in the outfield.

The limited track record is worth noting, but with his feel to hit, speed, and projection, McCraine is an intriguing upside play for teams willing to invest in his development.

HT/WT: 6’3/240 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas | Hometown: Hortonville, WI | Age: 21.10

Once a starter at Arizona State, Burns pitched well in Tempe before a shoulder injury ended his season. After hitting the portal and moving to the bullpen, he has now become one of the more powerful relievers in the country, and the stuff is absolutely electric when he’s on.

Built like a true workhorse, Burns saw his fastball’s average velocity jump from 91.1 MPH to 95.1 MPH after arriving in Austin, and he’s found another tick during his junior campaign, sitting at 96.5 MPH in 2026. He has tickled 100 MPH in the past, and he’ll routinely run the pitch up to 99 MPH with extreme cut/ride shape from an over-the-top release height.

The fastball is an overpowering pitch with a whiff rate over 40% (!) for the season, and it’s an identical mark in the zone. It’s a truly absurd pitch to lead off his arsenal. Burns does stick to the fastball frequently (61% usage in 2026), though he’s worked on incorporating his upper-80s cutter and mid-80s change-up more often. The change-up is the better of the two offerings, dropping off the table, and Burns has confidence to throw it to either handedness. He’ll toy with a slower curveball, too.

Locating and commanding his arsenal is the biggest weakness right now, which is not surprising given the extreme drop-and-drive mechanics and effort required. Burns tends to live armside, but will find himself pulling the baseball as his primary miss. If he can find the zone more, he’ll be a valuable bullpen piece for higher leverage situations. Expect Burns to be a relatively quick mover through someone’s system post-draft.

HT/WT: 6’4/250 | Bat/Throw: S/L | School: Arkansas | Hometown: Thompson’s Station, TN | Age: 21.9

The second of three brothers, Ethan might surpass his brother Chris (2022 8th RD, Reds) as the family’s highest draft pick.

Originally starting his collegiate career at Vanderbilt, McElvain walked onto campus as one of the top recruits in the country, though two years of underwhelming performance saw him enter the transfer portal. Arkansas scooped him up and cleaned up the operation, leading to newfound success in Fayetteville.

While he’s primarily pitched in relief, his command has gotten considerably better, and there’s a chance that he starts at the next level. He does pitch with some effort, but McElvain drives down the mound well with big arm speed from a high three-quarters slot.

He gets behind the baseball very well, creating immense backspin and carry on the fastball, which features some cutting action. He has touched triple digits in the past, though in 2026, he has sat in the mid-90s more consistently. It’s a powerful pitch that should get plus grades.

McElvain has implemented a harder cutter in the upper-80s this spring, and it’s been incredibly effective, missing bats at a 40% clip while consistently landing for strikes with feel. He rounds out his arsenal with a low-spin change-up and a softer curveball.

It’ll be interesting to see how teams navigate his development, but he’s a reliever-to-starter candidate with the improved strike-throwing and stuff.

HT/WT: 6’0/190 | Bat/Throw: S/R | School: Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ) | Commitment: South Carolina | Projected Age: 18.10

A durable, switch-hitting shortstop from Venezuela, Gómez-Gudiño has endured off-field adversity through relocation. He and his family endured a harrowing journey to seek asylum in the United States. Since coming stateside, Gómez-Gudiño has been part of Saguaro High’s lineup, where he’s played in front of large scouting contingents.

He has the potential to be an above-average catcher with solid receiving skills and plus arm strength behind the dish. He has split time between catcher and third base this spring, where he’s been comfortable and has solid body control, plus the arm strength translates across the diamond.

That said, he moves well behind the dish and likes to be aggressive when managing baserunners. He has the makings of a solid-average defender as a backstop.

Offensively, Gómez-Gudiño features a loose operation in the box from both sides, employing an open stance at the plate with relaxed, low handsets. He creates good hip-shoulder separation during the loading phase with a medium leg kick, and does an outstanding job of getting into his lower half.

There’s solid barrel control and propensity for punishing mistakes inside the strike zone. He operates with a gap-to-gap approach at present, but he could grow into fringe-average power down the line. Our scout, Conor Dorney, believes that Gómez-Gudiño is the most fluid and natural hitter in the state of Arizona.

The pathway for success is there for the South Carolina commit.

HT/WT: 6’0/180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Louisville | Hometown: Cincinnati, OH | Projected Age: 21.2

Moore broke out in a huge way for Louisville in 2025, becoming a valuable table-setter for a team that ultimately made its way to Omaha for the first time since 2019.

That table-setting prowess will translate to the professional level, but he’s more than just that: he’s a chaos-starter. He’s every bit of a pest.

It all starts with the hit tool, and it’s an excellent one, indeed. Moore posted a contact rate of 88% and an in-zone rate of 93%, including a 7% whiff on fastballs altogether. However, he hasn’t quite matched that level of production in 2026, struggling to keep whiffs down.

It’s a compact left-handed stroke with a slappy nature to it, and while power will never be a part of his game, he’ll turn on the jets and burn down the line with double-plus speed. He’s an aggressive baserunner who knows how and when to utilize his speed, stealing fifty-three bases on fifty-four chances in 2025. You don’t find too many guys like this often.

Moore’s extra-base numbers will be led primarily by his legs, but he’s shown the ability to drive the ball pull-side.

Defensively, he’s a near-lock to stay in center long-term. His speed allows him to cover plenty of ground, plus he gets great jumps and runs routes well. It’s high-level instincts with a glove that has the chance to be above-average or plus in the future.

There’s a lot of Sal Frelick in this profile, and he could move quickly through an organization like Frelick did.

Video: https://youtu.be/9FiraHrcdiw?si=vpCi9dUyTkaHrCId

Interview: https://youtu.be/H9NwiWN5epE?si=nLG95IRP6qAOpZ9z

HT/WT: 6’3/210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Santa Clara | Hometown: San Diego, CA | Age: 21.8

One of the best mid-major arms on the West Coast, Bayles has terrorized the opposition for three years at Santa Clara. After striking out 105 hitters in 15 appearances as a sophomore, he was rewarded with an invite to the Collegiate National Team before entering 2026 as a full-time starter.

While his strike-throwing and command draw reliever risk, Bayles is a true outlier as a pitcher. He extends down the mound rather well, despite the steep angle and vertical release that he creates. It’s an arm angle that will remind scouts of Trey Yesavage, though his release height sits a half foot lower than Yesavage’s.

Bayles throws his low-80s breaking ball more than his fastball, and it’s a doozy of a pitch. Missing bats at a 50% clip, Bayles generates tons of depth and bite on the offering, sometimes close to ten inches. There’s some lateral action to the pitch, too.

His fastball sits in the low-90s, and while he generates a ton of carry and heavy cutting action, the bat doesn’t miss many bats due to the steep angle. Bayles will need to add more velocity to creep closer to average grades on the heater. He’ll flash a firm mid-80s change-up with some fade, as well.

His fastball command is scattered, opting to land the slider for strikes more to keep walks to a minimum. He has value in the bullpen, though he’ll need to improve pitches outside of his breaking ball to achieve his ceiling.

HT/WT: 6’5/235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Cal Poly | Hometown: Paso Robles, CA | Age: 22.2

Cal Poly was renowned for their arms in 2026, and Turnquist might be the most intriguing of the bunch. He started his collegiate career at Oklahoma, but he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed most of two seasons. In 2026, everything came together as Turnquist struck out 78 batters across 65.1 innings en route to Cal Poly’s first Super Regional in school history.

Turnquist has size and physicality that scouts look for, plus he’s an athletic mover down the bump with excellent extension from a lower release. He drives himself down the mound with a lengthy stride, and he creates deception with his release thanks to crossfire and width.

Turnquist can bully hitters with the fastball, which explodes out of his hand with terrific life through the zone. It plays in the upper-third of the strike zone thanks to impressive VAA traits, and he sits in the mid-90s with the ability to run it up to 98 MPH.

He gets a lot of usage out of the heater, though he’ll throw a low-80s breaking ball with two-plane break and depth, as well as a running change-up in the mid-80s. Towards the end of the season, Turnquist began using a mid-80s cutter with impressive horizontal bite late in the zone.

His strike-throwing has always had question marks, and he’ll likely end up as a reliever in pro ball. That said, the athleticism and metrics are loud, and he’ll be a senior sign that teams will prioritize.

HT/WT: 6’3/205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: West Marion (Foxworth, MS) | Commitment: Louisiana State | Projected Age: 18.4

Despite not pitching much on the summer circuit, Stringer took the scouting world by storm this spring, as he struck out 202 batters for West Marion, an incredible mark to achieve as a prepster. His performance caught the attention of multiple SEC schools, and he flipped his commitment from Pearl River CC to Louisiana State in April.

Stringer is a sturdy prospect with considerable strength in his frame, and his arsenal has taken a significant step forward. With some effort, he repeats his delivery well, featuring impressive arm speed and excellent extension from an over-the-top arm slot. There are some deceptive actions to his delivery, including some crossfire at release.

Stringer’s fastball features an impressive cut/ride shape, and he has ramped up his velocity to 97 MPH, often sitting in the 91-95 MPH range. His low-80s curveball has the potential to be a hammer, tunneling off the fastball well and breaking sharply to the dirt with considerable depth. He bridges the gap between his fastball and curveball with a mid-80s cutter, and he rounds out his arsenal with a low-80s splitter that he has good feel for.

Even though there’s relief risk to his profile, he throws a solid amount of strikes, and the uptick in arsenal quality has put him in early Day 2 territory, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him taken at the end of Day 1.

HT/WT: 5’11/183 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Houston County (Kathleen, GA) | Commitment: Georgia Tech | Projected Age: 18.3

While he’s not the biggest athlete on the diamond, Galason’s twitchy actions and composed nature on both sides of the ball stand out. He has a strong track record of squaring up the baseball, with some scouts saying it might be the best hit tool in Georgia this cycle.

Galason starts from a medium-width stance before extending far down the box, opening his hips quickly once his front foot hits the ground. It’s a smooth and controlled swing. He coils his core well, allowing the bat to move through the zone with a direct path to the ball.

He can handle anything thrown in the zone, sending it back up the middle with some sizzle, especially when he connects on line drives. He can also lift the baseball, especially to the pull side gap, and should develop fringe-average or better power at the next level.

He projects more as a hitter, and the likelihood of having an average or better hit tool is high. He’s an excellent runner with great foot speed, which points to a potential threat on the bases, too.

In the field, Galason shows bouncy actions at shortstop with composure and a good internal clock. Most believe he’ll stay in the infield, though there’s a chance he could move to second base or outfield if needed. He has the arm strength to play in the grass.

His profile will be exciting to follow in the coming years. He reclassified from the 2027 class last spring, making him younger than most at 18.3 years old. He is the top commit in Georgia Tech’s incoming recruiting class.

HT/WT: 6’4/205 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Butler Senior (Butler, PA) | Commitment: West Virginia | Projected Age: 18.5

Casteel stands out as the most talented of several draft-worthy pitchers at Butler Senior High School. A bulky yet projectable right-hander, he glides down the mound with strong athleticism and excellent extension, making his fastball jump on hitters.

After working from a three-quarters slot last summer, he’s since lowered his arm slot to generate more horizontal movement across his arsenal. Casteel has added velocity this spring, now sitting in the low-90s and topping out at 95–96 MPH. The fastball plays up from its velocity due to its carry and ride. As he’s grown into his body, the command of the fastball has turned a corner, which was a concern last summer.

His upper-70s breaking ball flashes significant upside, occasionally morphing between slider and curveball shapes but showing solid depth and bite at its best. He’s also flashed feel for a fading changeup.

Casteel’s release traits, improved command, and uptick in stuff have helped his profile, and there’s ample clay to mold him into a quality arm at the next level. He is committed to West Virginia.

HT/WT: 6’3/230 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Texas A&M | Hometown: Danville, CA | Age: 21.5

Harrison, known as “Bear,” is an uber-physical catcher whose nickname fits his presence on the field. After serving as a productive bat for the St. Mary’s Gaels, he transferred to College Station but struggled in his first SEC campaign.

In 2026, however, his profile has been revitalized, largely due to significant improvement against fastballs. Against velocity in 2025, Harrison hit just .230 with an .800 OPS and a 21% whiff rate. In 2026, he’s hitting .350 against heaters, boasting an OPS over 1.300 and a reduced 14% whiff rate. He’s shown the ability to drive fastballs to all fields.

Harrison’s swing features loose hands and natural loft, allowing him to inflict considerable damage. It’s above-average to plus power overall. While there’s some swing-and-miss against breaking balls, he rarely expands the zone and draws plenty of walks, pushing his on-base percentage just shy of .500.

The offensive gains are complemented by improving defense; Harrison is a solid receiver and excels at stealing low strikes in the shadow zone. He owns a strong arm and displays surprising athleticism and mobility for his size.

Though more of a finished product, Harrison’s production jump has given him draft helium down the stretch.

HT/WT: 6’7/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City, IA) | Commitment: Iowa | Projected Age: 18.4

Projection plays a major role in scouting, and Kaleb LaFavor exemplifies why. He’s used the Iowa Spring League to elevate his draft stock, dominating with some of the highest velocities in the league.

Despite his lanky, skinny build, LaFavor controls his body well on the mound, briefly pausing at the top of his leg lift to gather before driving down the hill. He throws across his body from a low three-quarters slot, flashing whippy arm speed and impressive extension (7+ feet).

LaFavor’s fastball velocity has jumped in recent years, now sitting consistently in the low-90s and can reach 95–96 MPH. Most scouts believe there’s another velocity bump coming as he adds strength. The fastball shape can be inconsistent, but he’ll flash solid carry for his release height with some horizontal action.

His upper-70s breaking ball is slurvy but shows sharp lateral break at its best, sometimes sweeping up to 20 inches. He also features a firm upper-80s cutter and flashes feel for a changeup.

There’s plenty for LaFavor to refine, but his mix of current stuff and projection gives him plenty of upside and makes him an intriguing draft prospect. He is committed to Iowa.

HT/WT: 6’3/215 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: North Carolina | Hometown: Massapequa, NY | Projected Age: 21.11

Used heavily as a two-way player in his first season at Stony Brook, Paulsen has slowly transitioned into a true first base prospect. A true breakout with the bat in 2025 culminated in a transfer to Chapel Hill, where he has done well for himself against ACC opponents.

Paulsen is renowned for his contact ability, though he has found himself hitting the ball harder in 2026. He’s very polished against fastballs, as he’s posted a 90% contact rate against velocity thus far. Paulsen generates his biggest damage when his arms are fully extended on the outer third, delivering punches to the opposite field, though he’s shown feel to pull inside fastballs with authority.

He’ll grow into more power as he develops, but he has a steeper zone entry and has a good understanding of how to lift and create leverage.

His bat path is conducive to swinging over breaking balls, which has been a wart this spring. He’ll need to alleviate that and become a bit more selective, but it’s hard to ignore the consistency of the barrel and fastball success.

He’s not just a bat-only prospect, either. While first base is not known for defensive stalwarts, Paulsen is one of the few who can really pick it at the position. He gobbles up everything hit in his direction, making quick reads off the bat with nimble movements around the bag.

He’ll carry some defensive value with him at the next level. He’ll have plenty of suitors in the latter half of the top five rounds.

HT/WT: 5’10/190 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: St. John Bosco (Redondo Beach, CA) | Commitment: UCLA | Projected Age: 19.5

One of the key pieces to a successful St. John Bosco team, Jackson’s athleticism stands out when you watch him on the diamond. While he’s not as projectable as other bats in this class, it may be one of the more complete and well-rounded profiles.

The swing has some unconventional features, including a high back elbow during his load, but he stays compact and direct to the baseball, opening his hips rapidly in the process. Jackson possesses strong hands at impact and displays impressive hand and bat speed through the zone.

Given the cleaner nature of his bat path and barrel control, Jackson seldom whiffs at anything thrown to him. He tends to stay in the zone and laces offerings in the zone to all fields. It’s more of a table-setting profile at the next level, though Jackson has flashed more power than you’d expect.

While he does utilize the gaps often to let his excellent speed play on the bases, Jackson has flashed over-the-fence pop to the pull side gap. It will be interesting to see how his swing evolves as he climbs the development ladder, but this is a profile that fits well at the top of the batting order.

Jackson has played at multiple positions to date, including second base and shortstop, though most believe he’ll fit best in the outfield. The speed to play in center is there, though his arm strength is fringy and likely means a move to left field is necessary.

He’s one of the older prospects in this class at 19.5 years old, though the skills may be too good to ignore. He’d be sophomore-eligible at UCLA in 2028 if he goes to school.

HT/WT: 6’3/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: North East (North East, PA) | Commitment: Penn State | Projected Age: 18.5

Turlij headlines a strong Penn State pitching recruiting class, boasting a power arsenal, high strikeout totals, and athletic traits that scouts covet. He impressed at major scouting events last summer, including East Coast Pro and Area Codes.

Turlij throws with noticeable effort, but features big arm speed from a high three-quarters slot, generating a downhill plane to the plate. In short stints, he’s touched 97 MPH and sits in the low-to-mid-90s over longer outings, with his fastball showing solid life, a mix of carry and tail.

His low-to-mid-80s slider is his primary weapon, as he sometimes throws it more than the fastball, and it flashes above-average to plus upside with firm action and more depth than sweep. He lands the slider for strikes with consistency.

The lack of a reliable third offering is something scouts want to see addressed as he develops, but his athleticism and physical projection suggest he could add even more velocity in the future. With further pitch development, Turlij could have a chance to start at the next level.

HT/WT: 6’0/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Virginia | Hometown: Yardley, PA | Projected Age: 21.1

The 2025 MAAC Player of the Year, Tiroly will go down as one of the best hitters in Rider’s history. Across 100 career games at Rider, Tiroly slashed .335/.453/648, crushed 28 home runs, and posted a 70:64 BB:K ratio. That success made him a hot commodity in the transfer portal, and Chris Pollard’s crew at Virginia scooped him up.

Muscled up like a gym rat, Tiroly’s body doesn’t offer a ton of projection, though the bat is already excellent. Tiroly swings a heavy barrel and produces significant thump that plays to all fields, posting some of the best exit velocity averages in the country last year. He posted a figure of 92.6 MPH this fall before a broken foot sidelined him.

He possesses lightning-quick hands, big bat speed, and an innate ability to barrel up the baseball. However, he’s more than just a thumper. Tiroly handles in-zone offerings very well, especially fastballs. He’s a tough out.

The operation can get a bit noisy, though he became more compact and found more repeatable mechanics this fall. The combination of contact ability and quality is tantalizing.

As a defender, he’s an average athlete with some range, though he can be heavy-footed in the dirt, especially when ranging to his right. He’ll stick at second base as a professional.

He’ll need to monitor the status of his body as he develops, but if the bat continues to be loud in the ACC, he’ll find himself going high once July arrives.

HT/WT: 5’10/175 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Maryland | Hometown: Bowie, MD | Age: 20.8

Martin established himself as one of college baseball’s premier bat-to-ball specialists during his time at Maryland. He’s an elite contact hitter who relies on a selective, disciplined approach at the plate.

While not a power threat, as Martin’s swing is slappy and his exit velocities are low, his contact rates set him apart. In 2026, he posted a remarkable 96% contact rate, whiffing just fourteen times in 56 games, including an in-zone contact rate of 98% (only four whiffs).

Martin is an extremely passive hitter, swinging at less than 30% of pitches, but his selectivity and knack for contact are undeniable strengths. He sprays the ball around the field, giving infielders trouble on grounders and using his above-average run times to leg out hits and generate extra bases, even if home runs are rare.

Defensively, Martin brings versatility, having played second base, third base, and outfield in his career. He’s capable at all three spots. His contact skills, speed, and age (he won’t turn 21 until mid-October) make Martin a model-friendly prospect for pro clubs.

HT/WT: 6’2/185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Royal (Simi Valley, CA) | Commitment: Southern California | Projected Age: 18.4

Dunwoody has quickly become one of the trendier names in this class after a stellar spring and significant strength gains during the off-season. Now at six-foot-two and 185 pounds, he has added over ten pounds of muscle, which has brought more velocity to his fastball and helped his mechanics become more cohesive.

He features an athletic, balanced delivery with a whippy arm from an over-the-top slot and very little effort. Last summer, Dunwoody sat in the 88–92 MPH range, but he now sits consistently in the low-90s and can reach 97 MPH early in outings. His heater is high-spin (2,600+ RPM) with considerable ride and horizontal movement, and scouts expect another velocity bump as he adds strength.

The mid-80s slider is a gyro breaker with tight spin and depth, snapping off sharply and tunneling well off his fastball. When his fastball command falters, he can land the slider for strikes to get back in counts. Dunwoody occasionally flashes a tumbling mid-80s changeup, though it’s used sparingly.

Strike-throwing has improved as he’s gotten stronger and is now approaching average. Committed to Southern California, Dunwoody’s improved performance and arsenal have put him firmly on draft boards, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his name called early on Day 2.

HT/WT: 6’6/220 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Kansas State/Arkansas | Hometown: Lincoln, NE | Projected Age: 20.11

A highly projectable athlete who will remind folks of Eli Serrano III, Evasco put up impressive results during his first collegiate campaign. Across 56 games, Evasco hit .311/.380/.554 with eleven home runs and a BB:K ratio of 18:31. As a draft-eligible sophomore, the trail to a potential draft selection has been cemented, and an approach change in 2026 will help him climb the next hill he’ll face this spring.

Considering Evasco’s length and lankiness, it appears that he struggles to fit inside the box with his operation. He employs a rather wide base with an open front leg, which can be tough to repeat; however, Evasco’s athleticism and bat speed help him mitigate those pains.

While most would expect a player of his size to struggle with tight turns to the ball, Evasco has shown the ability to turn and burn on the inner third. He can handle his own inside the zone, posting a respectable 86% in-zone contact rate, though Evasco will do most of his damage to the opposite field, especially when pitched away.

His power has been a bit subdued as a result of his approach and aggression, as he chases at an alarming rate, and scouts want to see him become more selective and pull-happy this spring. If he can do that and create exit velocities north of 110 MPH, he’ll hear his name called.

Defensively, Evasco’s athleticism and nimble first step give him leeway in a corner outfield position, with left field being the likely home due to fringy arm strength. He’ll get shots at first base to get his bat in the lineup, too. Evasco transferred to Arkansas in June.

HT/WT: 6’6/225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: TXNL Academy (Plantation, FL) | Commitment: Florida State | Projected Age: 18.6

In need of prodigious right-handed power and physicality? TXNL Academy’s Genson Veras is the prospect for you. A true behemoth of a human being, Veras is uber-physical with tons of strength throughout his frame, though he’s rather athletic and projectable.

Veras’ swing is loose and quiet with tons of leverage and natural loft, plus he creates obscene bat speed with significant barrel whip through the zone. He rotates exceptionally well and his hands move at lightning quick speed. Some of the exit velocities he has posted have been monstrous, including a few at or above the 110 MPH barrier.

Veras projects as a bat that will create a ton of damage, though scouts want to see the hit tool and approach improve. He’s a free-swinger who expands the zone at a consistent clip and boasts suboptimal bat-to-ball skills. However, the other tools in his arsenal help keep his draft status afloat.

Despite his size, Veras’s athleticism shines in the field, and he’s a lot nimbler than you’d expect. He gets great first steps out of the box and in the grass, and he’s put together sub-6.50 60 times in showcase settings, though he will settle in closer to above-average when he fills out his frame. He fits best in right field, where his plus arm can be a true asset defensively.

It’s a bit crude, but the upside is too immense to ignore here. The Florida State commit has true Day 1 upside if the hit tool makes a jump.

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Nolensville (Nolensville, TN) | Commitment: Virginia | Projected Age: 18.1

Clatur is one of the youngest prep arms in the class and brings a host of model-friendly traits to the table as draft day approaches. While his command has been inconsistent and he currently leans heavily on his fastball, that pitch is a true standout.

With a short arm swing and a high three-quarters slot, Clatur generates excellent arm speed and hides the ball well, making his fastball tough to pick up. He’s touched 97 MPH in shorter stints and typically sits 91–95 MPH with notable riding action and slight tail, overwhelming hitters when he’s in the zone. His fastball command can be streaky, but the fastball quality is undeniable. He’s thrown it 70% of the time over the past year, but there’s some feel for secondary offerings.

Clatur mixes in a slower slider in the upper-70s to low-80s with depth and snap, though scouts would like to see it firmer. He also features a decent mid-80s change-up with fade.

The profile is still raw, but with development and refinement, Clatur offers significant upside. If he goes undrafted, he’s slated to join Chris Pollard’s program in Charlottesville.

HT/WT: 6’4/217 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Bishop John J. Snyder (Yulee, FL) | Commitment: Jacksonville | Projected Age: 17.10

Dennis has emerged as a pop-up arm this spring at Bishop John J. Snyder High School, drawing attention for his strong, athletic build and uptick in fastball velocity. After sitting in the 88–92 MPH range last summer, he’s now consistently in the low-90s and has touched 96–97 MPH in short bursts.

While there’s relief risk in his profile, Dennis flashes several traits that intrigue scouts. He pitches exclusively from the stretch with visible effort, throwing across his body from the first base side of the rubber and driving well down the mound. Dennis gets behind the baseball, generating a downhill plane with solid ride and run through the zone. His angle and pure velocity help him miss bats, and most evaluators believe there’s more velocity in the tank if he moves to a bullpen role.

Dennis shows feel for spinning a breaking ball, which takes the form of a downer curve in the upper-70s to low-80s with some tilt. He also features a seldom-used mid-80s changeup, though his feel for the pitch is still developing.

While most expect his future to be in relief, he’s done well to hold velocity over longer outings this spring. Another positive: Dennis is young for the class, not turning 18 until mid-August. He’ll remain in the Jacksonville area for college, heading just across the St. John’s River to Jacksonville University.

HT/WT: 6’3/225 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Utah | Hometown: Whittier, CA | Age: 21.11

Long made his way to Utah from Santa Ana College and broke out in a big way in 2026 after a modest 2025 season. He slashed .374/.445/.626 with 29 extra-base hits, including hitting for the third cycle in school history (the first since 2005).

A physical presence in the left-handed batter’s box, Long is an aggressive hitter with a well-rounded offensive skill set. He hits from an open stance with relaxed hands and some movement in his load, but takes a direct, efficient path to the ball and boasts excellent contact skills, posting a 92% in-zone contact rate and punishing fastballs.

This spring, he’s added more bat speed and power, though scouts would like to see him elevate the ball more consistently to reduce his groundball rate. Long has the potential for average grades in both hit and power, with the ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Defensively, Long profiles best in left field, where his speed and arm are less likely to be tested. This places extra emphasis on his ability to continue mashing at the next level, a bar that scouts believe he can clear.

He is older for the class, turning 22 in August, but his offensive tools and recent breakout make him an enticing candidate in the latter half of the top ten rounds.

HT/WT: 6’2/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Kansas | Hometown: Columbia, IL | Projected Age: 21.4

After being selected in the 20th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023, Voegele elected to stand firm on his commitment to Kansas. The move paid immediate dividends, as Voegele took home the Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and earned an invitation to Collegiate National Team training camp. 2025 wasn’t as kind to him, but his operation, athleticism, and stuff point to a viable starting pitching prospect.

Voegele has a low pulse on the bump, striding down the mound with effortless mechanics and athleticism. He shows solid arm speed from a three-quarters arm slot and a longer arm swing, though he doesn’t get a ton of extension given his short stride.

The fastball can get generic, though he found more value as a sophomore and can get chases at a sufficient clip. He does generate solid carry with run mixed in, though as he fatigues, the shape tends to waver. He’ll hold 91-95 velocity through starts, and he’s been up to 98 MPH this fall.

His mid-80s slider features tight shape and big spin rates, playing like a deathball. It’ll turn into a cutter at times, though it plays best with shorter break and tilt. The low-80s curveball has more teeth, breaking sharply to the dirt with similar spin rates. There’s a fading upper-80s change-up that doesn’t have a ton of separation from the fastball, though he kills a good amount of spin.

Voegele throws a ton of strikes, though he’ll get in trouble by leaving pitches in the zone too much. He will attack hitters inside and has little fear in how he operates. He has turned into one of the best starters in the country of late, with three of his last four starts garnering double-digit strikeouts.

HT/WT: 6’5/220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Appalachian State | Hometown: Jonesborough, TN | Age: 21.0

Peterson made a big impact in his lone season at Appalachian State after transferring from Walters State, striking out 107 batters over 85 innings with a 3.28 ERA. His strikeout total ranks second in program history, just behind Xander Hamilton’s 115 in 2023.

Peterson is a well-built athlete who creates excellent extension with his over-the-top delivery, releasing the ball from about six-and-a-half feet off the turf. This high release point allows Peterson to generate exceptional backspin and carry on his low-90s fastball, which averages just over 20 inches of ride with some cut action through the zone. He attacks the strike zone with steep angle, and the fastball’s characteristics have helped him post an impressive 27% whiff rate this season. It’s a fastball with real developmental intrigue.

Peterson’s best secondary offering is a low-80s “kick-change,” a low-spin (1,200–1,400 RPM) changeup that dances to the plate and is particularly effective against left-handed hitters. His breaking ball arsenal is less refined, as he throws a firm low-80s slider and a bigger, mid-70s curveball with depth, but neither pitch is a standout at this stage.

Overall, Peterson is an enticing development project with a valuable fastball foundation, though his current profile does carry some relief risk. Improving his breaking ball quality and overall pitch mix will be key as he moves forward in pro ball.