2026 MLB Draft Results

Round 1 Picks 1-28

The 2026 MLB Draft has a lot of talent for teams that are looking to rebuild with a combination of college pitchers, high school batters, college batters, and high school pitchers in this years first round.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: July 11, 2026.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA A+ Grade
   
   
   The Chicago White Sox are looking at seven players with the first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Fort Worth Christian High School shortstop Grady Emerson, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora, Alabama shorststop Justin Lebron, Oak Grove High School center fielder Eric Booth Jr., and Gulliver Prep High School shortstop Jacob Lombard. All seven of these players are the top 7 players on our 2026 MLB Draft Simulator. As of May, 24, 2026, those seven are the finalists to go first overall with Chicago expected to reduce their big board from 7 to 4 on June 1, 2026 with Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey, and Jacob Lombard being the projected four finalists.
   
   
   
   Chicago will probably move shorstop Colson Montgomery to second baseman to compliment third baseman Miguel Vargas and first baseman Munetaka Murakami if the Chicago White Sox draft a shortstop first overall since those three batters are the only batters on the White Sox with 10 or more home runs. Chicago does not have a guy with 10 stolen bases or a batter batting over .300 in terms of batting average this season.
   
   
   
   Davis Martin is the only starting pitcher with a good ERA on the Chicago White Sox in 2026 with a contract that runs through 2031 with arbitration taking effect starting in 2027, and your only pitching prospect that looks like a future starting pitcher is 2024 first round pick Hagen Smith who finally got promoted from AA to AAA, but is 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA on the Charlotte Knights in AAA this season after being the fifth overall pick a few years ago.
   
   
   
   Bryan Hudson, Grant Taylor, Tyler Davis, and Sean Newcomb have been assets in the bullpen at set up pitcher and middle reliever for the Chicago White Sox while closer Seranthony Dominguez has struggled this season.
   
   
   
   When we get to July, I'm expecting Roch Cholowsy, Grady Emerson, and Vahn Lacky to be the three finalists to go first overall. Roch Cholowsky has been the preseason favorite to go first overall since the start of the College Baseball season. He's lived up to the hype. However, if Grady Emerson and Vahn Lacky keep performing well, Chicago may draft one of them first overall if they agree to an underslot deal to take less money. For now, I'm going to mock Roch Cholowsky first overall since the Chicago White Sox can solidify the infield outside of catcher if they draft a shortstop first overall and move Colson Montgomery to second baseman. Billy Carlson last years first round pick would not be a shortstop, third baseman, or second baseman unless someone in this batting lineup moved to designated hitter down the road. Braden Montgomery will anchor this outfield in due time at center fielder.
   
   
   
   Emerson was the favorite to go first earlier this week after MLB moved Emerson up to 1 in their final rankings. Both Cholowsky and Emerson have the same agent. Chicago does not want to pay more than $9.75 million for Cholowsky and do not want to pay more than $9.5 million for Emerson. The Chicago White Sox organization is split on both players 50/50. Chicago's director of scouting and GM spoke with Cholowsky. They did not speak with Emerson which tells me that a deal may have already been reached between Cholowsky and the White Sox. Kalshi has Emerson as the favorite to first while DraftKings has Cholowsky at 1 as this is the first time that both Kalshi and DraftKings have disagreed on the first pick in the draft in any of the four sports NFL, NHL, NBA, or MLB since the Kalshi betting platform launched in 2021.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 202 lb Roch Cholowsky had a .308 batting average, 38 runs, 61 hits, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 8 home runs, 33 RBI's, a .500 slugging percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .921 fielding percentage in 52 starts as a freshman in 2024. Roch Cholowsky had a .353 batting average, 80 runs, 89 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 23 home runs, 74 RBI's, a .710 slugging percentage, 7 stolen bases, a .978 fielding percentage, and won 2025 Big Ten Player Of The Year as a sophomore in 2025. Roch Cholowsky had a .320 batting average, 73 runs, 74 hits, 10 doubles, 0 triples, 21 home runs, 60 RBI's, a .636 slugging percentage, 1 stolen base, a .965 fielding percentage, and won 2026 Big Ten Player Of The Year in 60 games as a junior in 2026.
   
   
   
   Roch Cholowsky is the best power hitting shortstop that defends well in college baseball. He has a fast arm. He's humble. One baseball scout compared him to Derek Jeter and he should be the first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft after winning Big 10 Player Of The Year each of the last two seasons. Nebraska beat UCLA in the 2025 Big Ten Championship, but UCLA played Oregon in the 2026 Big Ten Championship and won that gaame. Roch Cholowsky's experience in Championship games is something the Chicago White Sox will need if they want to return to the MLB Playoffs down the road. Plus this is the first unanimous first overall pick since Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper back in the 2009 and 2010 MLB Drafts. Roch Cholowsky agreed to a $10 million dollar contract as Chicago had $11.35 million to spend on this first pick, but Chicago saved cap $1.35 in draft money for their next first round pick at 34.
   
   
   
2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX) A+ Grade
   
   
   Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz bats first, hit 14 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2027. Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe bats second, Tampa Bay's 2015 third round draft pick hit 21 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2027. The rest of the Tampa Bay Rays lineup hasn't been impressive outside of those three batters so far in 2026.
   
   
   
   The Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation has Shane McClanahan, their 2018 first round pick as their number one starter back from an injury that kept him out in 2024 as McClanahan has previous experience as the AL Starting pitcher in the All Star Game with Shane McClanahan agreeing to $3.6 million to avoid arbitration level 2 as Shane McClanahan is a UFA in 2028. Tampa Bay Rays number two starter Nick Martinez has a better ERA than Shane McLanahan. Drew Rasmussen is the number three starter. Steven Metz is the number four starter witha respectable, but not great 3.70 ERA. Griffin Jax has a 3.54 ERA rounding out this starting five.
   
   
   
   The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen features quite the cast too. Bryan Baker and Kevin Kelly are two relievers that have impressed early. Casey Legumina has been impressive in limited action too.
   
   
   
   The Tampa Bay Rays have the pitching in their starting rotation and bullpen to be a wild card team if Shane McClanahan returns to his All Star form. Kevin Cash is still the manager. Tampa Bay needs more batters though. Tampa Bay drafted Daniel Pierce in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft to be their shortstop of the future. Right now, the best player on the board outside of Roch Cholowsky is Grady Emerson a shortstop on Fort Christian HS in Texas. Daniel Pierce only has a .250 batting average in single A. Right now indicators show that Grady Emerson would not only be a superior prospect, but he's also someone who could supplant Daniel Pierce as the starting shortstop on Tampa Bay's Single A team by the end of this season which would force Daniel Pierce to move over to third baseman.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 180 lb Grady Emerson had a .336 batting average as a freshman at Argyle High School in 2023. Grady Emerson had a .381 batting average as a sophomore at Argyle High School in 2024. Grady Emerson had a .351 batting average as a junior in 2025. Grady Emerson had a .532 batting average, 39 runs, 42 hits, 42 RBI's, 9 doubles, 4 triples, 7 home runs, 50 RBI's, 21 stolen bases, and a 1.000 fielding percentage at Fort Worth Christian High School as a senior in 2026. Grady Emerson is close to hitting 10 home runs which would put him in that class of exceptional High School shortstops such as Bobby Witt Jr., Jackson Holliday, and Ethan Holliday. Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson are both pretty good shortstops with both guys on the brink of being 5-tool batters. That's a big reason why both players are projected to go in the top 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft. THe Rays are projected to sign Emerson for $10 million and save $507,000 in slot value on their next pick.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech A+ Grade
   
   
   The Minnesota Twins have 9 batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2023. The Minnesota Twins had 8 batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2024. Minnesota had a lot of turnover in their batting lineup. Minnesota Twins left fielder Austin Martin is the only player on the Twins with a batting average above .300. Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton bats fourth, Minnesota's 2012 first round pick was drafted second overall one spot behind Carlos Correa in the 2012 MLB Draft as Byron Buxton hit 18 home runs in 2024, 35 home runs in 2025, currently has 16 home runs in 2026, and is not a UFA until 2029. Royce Lewis got demoted to AAA after being the first pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Pablo Lopez, Minnesota's number one starter is locked up until 2028. Joe Ryan posted a 3.60 ERA in 2024 before agreeing to $3 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as Joe Ryan is also a 2028 UFA like Pablo Lopez. Taj Bradley has emerged supplanting Bailey Ober in the starting rotation. Bailey Ober posted a 3.98 EA in 2024 as Bailey Ober agreed to a $3.3550,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Bailey Ober is also a UFA in 2028 along with Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan. Mick Abel the former Philadelphia Phillies first round pick has emerged as the number five starter in this starting rotation.
   
   
   
   Minnesota blew up their bullpen and is using a closer by committee approach with their bullpen. Minnesota Twins long reliever Kody Funderburk is a 2018 fifteenth round pick as Kody Funderburk isn't in arbitration level 1 until 2027 as he's not a UFA until 2030. Minnesota Twins long reliever Elberson Castellano was acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft back in December.
   
   
   
   Minnesota had the batters and bullpen in 2025. Now starting pitching is their biggest strength in 2026. The best player available with the third pick is Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey who would be a good replacement to Ryan Jeffers, the Minnesota Twins starting catcher that's a UFA at the end of this season.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 215 lb Vahn Lackey had a .347 batting average, 45 runs, 77 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs, 42 RBI's, 111 total bases, a .500 slugging percentage, a .421 on base percentage, 18 stolen bases, and a .979 fielding percentage in 60 games in his first full season as Georgia Tech's starting catcher as a sophomore in 2025. Vahn Lackey had a .397 batting average, 85 runs, 87 hits, 16 doubles, 3 triples, 20 home runs, 78 RBI's, 169 total bases, a .772 slugging percentage, a .519 on base percentage, 15 stolen bases on 16 stolen base attempts, and a .993 fielding percentage as a junior in 2026.
   
   
   
   Vahn Lackey is the consensus third best player in the 2026 MLB Draft behind UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky and High School shortstop Grady Emerson as Vahn Lackey led Georgia Tech to a 2026 ACC Championship win over North Carolina. Vahn Lackey does project as someone that could be a 5-tool batter which I don't know if I can say about the top two players in this draft since Cholowsky doesn't steal enough bases to be a 5-tool player while Emerson doesn't quite hit enough home runs to be a 5-tool batter yet, so he does have a strong case to go first overall if he takes an underslot deal for less money with the Chicago White Sox. However if Chicago and Tampa Bay take Cholowsky and Emerson as expected, look for the Minnesota Twins to draft Vahn Lackey third overall since most MLB Scouts have already crowned Cholowsky the top player in the 2026 MLB Draft with Grady Emerson right behind him at 2 which slots Vahn Lackey at 3.
   
   
   
   Vahn Lackey is the top catcher in a draft that is being called "The Year Of The Catcher" with eleven catchers projected to go in the top 200 overall. I ended up putting four catchers in the first round of this 2026 MLB Mock Draft where the top forty picks wlll be televised.
   
   
   
4. San Francisco Giants: Jackson Flora, P, UC Santa Barbara A+ Grade
   
   
   San Francisco Giants right fielder Luis Arraez has a .323 batting average. San Francisco Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos bats second as the San Francisco Giants 2017 first round pick hit 22 home runs with Heliot Ramos being in arbitration level 1 next year meaning that Heliot Ramos will be a UFA in 2029. San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers was acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox bats third. San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman bats fourth, had 27 home runs and 15 stolen bases with Matt Chapman under contract until 2031. San Francisco Giants center fielder Jung-hoo Lee bats fifth and is under contract until 2030. San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames bats sixth as Willy Adames signed a 7 year deal that pays $13.142 million his first two years while he's 29 and 30 before getting paid 31.142 million as Willy Adames hit 32 home runs with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 as Willy Adames is under contract until 2032. Casey Schmitt a 2020 second round pick bats seventh and took the second baseman job from Tyler Fitzgerald a 2019 fourth round pick. Dominic Smith bats eighth at first baseman. San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey bats ninth, Patrick Bailey was a 2020 first round pick and he rounds out this batting lineup with Patrick Bailey entering arbitration level 1 in 2026, with Bailey having up to arbitration level 4 he's not a UFA until 2030. Bryce Eldrige the San Francisco Giants 2023 first round pick is already in AAA while Hunter Bishop the San Francisco Giants 2019 first round pick is also in AAA and can replace San Francisco's current right fielder.
   
   
   
   San Francisco Giants number one starter Landon Roupp has supplanted Logan Webb as the San Francisco Giants number one starter. Logan Webb is now the number two starting pitcher with the rest of this rotation needing arms.
   
   
   
   San Francisco closer Ryan Walker, the San Francisco Giants thirty first round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft had a 1.91 ERA in 2024 as Ryan Walker enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029. Outside of Ryan Walker, the San Francisco Giants bullpen has been underwhelming. Ryan Walker has regressed so far in 2026.
   
   
   
   San Francisco has stability in the batting lineup. Getting the pitching to compliment this batting lineup by getting starting pitchers and bullpen arms should be the focus for the San Francisco Giants in the 2026 MLB Draft. UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora makes a lot of sense here at 4.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 205 lb Jackson Flora went 3-2 in 23 appearances with 4 starts going 3-2 in 47 innings pitched with 40 strikeouts and a 3.83 ERA as a freshman in 2024. Jackson Flora went 6-3 in 11 starts with 1 complete game shutout in 75 innings with 86 strikeouts and a 3.60 ERA as a sophomore at UC Santa Barbaara in 2025. Jackson Flora went undefeated in the regular season at 12-0 with a 1.06 ERA in 102 innings pitched with 133 strikeouts and 2 complete game shutouts as a junior in his draft year in 2026.
   
   
   
   Jackson Flora was the number two starter on Saturday nights behind Tyler Bremner last years second overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Jackson Flora took over as the Friday Night Starter and number one starting pitcher on UC Santa Barbara in 2026.
   
   
   
   Jackson Flora has a 97 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 96 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 80 mile per hour sweeper which is his default slider, and a 88 mile per hour power slider with top spin. He's developing a fifth pitch in a change up, but it's not at an MLB level yet. Jackson Flora is also developing a sixth pitch in his splitter which he pitches down in the strike zone. Jackson Flora should be an immediate starter in minor leagues and once he masters his changeup and splitter he will move up from the minor leagues to the major leagues very quickly.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Derek Curiel, CF, LSU A+ Grade
   
   
   Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop, Pittsburgh's 2024 first round pick Konnor Griffin is locked up for the next nine seasons and is not a UFA until 2035. Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds bats second hitting 24 home runs and stealing 10 bases last year in 2024, he is under contract until 2032. Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Oneil Cruz bats third with Oneil Cruz under contract until 2029 with arbitration level 1 kicking in for Oneil Cruz next season in 2026, but since the Pirates acquired Cruz from the Dodgers in 2017 his arbitration level with the Pittsburgh Pirates only goes up to level 3 before he becomes a UFA in 2029. Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart bats fifth and hit 13 home runs in 2024 with Joey Bart accepting $1.75 million for his abritration level 1 with the Pittsburgh Pirates with Bart. Joey Bart had arbitration level 2 this year, but is a UFA in 2026. Henry Davis has started more games at catcher this year. Spencer Horwitz bats sixth and had 12 home runs with the Toronto Blue Jays with Toronto originally trading Horwitz to the Cleveland Guardians before the Guardians moved Horwitz to the Pirates as Horwitz is only making $800,000 and will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028, but since he was a twenty fourth round pick in 2019, his arbitration level will only go up to level 3 meaning the longest the Pittsburgh Pirates can keep Spencer Horwitz is until the end of 2030 making him a UFA in 2031. Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales bats seventh as the Pittsburgh Pirates 2020 first round pick out of New Mexico State has shown a lot of promise and is under contract until the end of the decade meaning he will not be a UFA until 2030 as Nick Gonzalez has a batting average of above .300. Pittsburgh may move former White Sox shortstop Jacob Wilson to third base now that K'Bryan Hayes is gone.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh has a pretty good batting lineup for the most part, but needs upgrades at center fielder and right fielder. Most 2026 MLB Mock Drafts have Pittsburgh taking a shortstop at 5 such as Justin Lebron or Jacob Lombard, but I don't think Pittsburgh goes that route.
   
   
   
   In conclusion Pittsburgh has 11 quality batters with 8 of those 11 batters are under contract until 2030 if Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting encourages his General Manager Ben Cherrington to utilize arbitration clauses in No Nutt November instead of not paying his biggest assets or trading guys like Gerritt Cole away when they are in year two or year three of arbitration for a premium return before they choose to leave the Pirates in Free Agency.
   
   
   
   You still got Termarr Johnson the fourth pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, who was first overall on the Pittsburgh Pirates draft board in your minor league system developing as insurance if Gonzales doesn't pan out. The prearbitration clauses in Termarr Johnson's MLB contract will not kick in until he's promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates MLB roster. Termarr Johnson finally reached AA last year and played in the 2024 MLB Futures game.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh has Paul Skenes as their number one starter and he will not enter arbitration until 2027 which means Skenes will remain under contract until the end of the 2029 MLB Season if all three years of arbitration are utilized. Mitch Keller is the number two starter after getting extended until 2029. Jared Jones, Pittsburgh's 2020 second round pick is the number three starter with Skenes and Jones leading the MLB in innings pitched. Pittsburgh's number four and number five starters are not good. You have both 2018 second round pick Braxton Ashcraft in AAA as well as 2021 third round pick Bubba Chandler who was in my top 10 of the 2021 MLB Draft in AAA too. Brandon Ashcraft has been the number three starter in relief of Jared Jones whose been injured all season. Carmen Mlodzinski, Pittsburgh's 2020 first round pick that was drafted thirty first overall had a 2.25 ERA as both a set up pitcher and middle reliever and he won't enter arbitration until 2027 with Pittsburgh having the option to keep him up until 2031 if the Pirates use all four years of arbitration from 2027 to 2030. Carmen Mlodzinski has shown he can be a solid number four starter in relief of Jared Jones with Jared Jones being injured. Bubba Chandler has currently been the number five starter, but he might move to the bullpen when Jared Jones returns from his injury. Pittsburgh also drafted Seth Hernandez who looks like a future ace as well in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Anthony Solometo two other starting pitchers drafted in the second round are in AA.
   
   
   
   Gregory Soto is the Pittsburgh Pirates closer after Dennis Santana began the year at closer, but Gregory Soto is a UFA in 2027. Evan Sisk is a good middle reliever, but he's also in a contract year. Justin Lawrence is another guy that looked promising at the beginning of the year, but has been disappointing.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 192 lb Derek Curiel had a .354 battng average, 67 runs, 89 hits, 20 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs, 55 RBI's, 134 total bases, a .519 slugging percentage, a .470 o base percentage, 3 stolen bases, and a 1.000 fielding percentage in 68 games helping LSU win the 2025 College World Series as a freshman in 2025. Derek Curiel had a .353 batting average, 64 runs, 82 hits, 18 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 46 RBI's, a .526 slugging percentage, a .431 on base percentage, 13 stolen bases, and a .995 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 58 games in 2026.
   
   
   
   Derek Curiel had a down year this year. His impact on LSU's 2025 College World Series team is why he is still in the top 5.
   
   
   
   Derek Curiel plyed 11 games at center fielder as a freshman. With Konnor Griffin moving to shortstop, Derek Curiel makes a lot of sense here for the Pittsburgh Pirates at 5.
   
   
   
6. Kansas City Royals: Zion Rose, LF, Lousiville C- Grade
   
   
   Kansas City Royals second baseman Jonathan India bats first, Jonathan India had 15 home runs, 13 stolen bases, 84 runs, and 132 hits in 2024, as Jonathan India agreed to a $7,050,000 dollar deal avoiding arbitration level 2 as Jonathan India is a UFA in 2027. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. bats second, the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft is not a UFA until 2038 after signing an eleven year contract extension that began in 2024 as Bobby Witt Jr. had 32 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and an MLB best .332 batting average in 2024. Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino bats third, Vinnie Pasquantino was the Kansas City Royals 2019 eleventh round draft pick as Vinnie Pasquantino enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia bats fourth, Maikel Garcia had 37 stolen bases in 2024, as Maikel Garcia enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 before he becomes a UFA in 2029. Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen is now a top five batter in this lineup. Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglione their 2024 first round pick drafted sixth overall out of Florida bats sixth. Kansas City Royals designated hitter Salvador Perez has been with the Royals since October of 2006 and is the lone member from the 2015 Kansas City Royals World Series team still on this roster as Salvador Perez with Perez set to be a UFA in 2027.
   
   
   
   Kansas City drafted Sean Gamble in 2025 in AA to replace Jonathan India. Kansas City's batting lineup is pretty complete for this season if everyone stays healthy, but right fielder could be an area that the Kansas City Royals opt to reload at if there is a right fielder worth drafting here, but Gavin Cross the right fielder that the Royals drafted ninth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Virginia Tech is currently in AAA as Gavin Cross will probably take over at left fielder down the road unless the Royals want to be patient with him and play him at right fielder.
   
   
   
   The Kansas City Royals number one starting pitcher is now Seth Lugo improved his ERA from 3.57 with the Padres in 2023 to 3.00 with the Royals as Kansas City's number two starter, but Lugo began the 2024 MLB Season on a high note with a 2.21 ERA leading up to the 2024 MLB Draft. Seth Lugo has one year left with the Kansas City Royals before he becomes a UFA in 2027, but he does have a player option he can use in 2026 if he chooses to test the market to get a bigger payday as Seth Lugo is now the number one starter in 2026. Kansas City Royals number three starter Michael Wacha posted a 2.93 ERA before the 2024 MLB Draft, before finishing the year with a 3.35 ERA which is still very respectable as Michael Wacha is not a UFA until 2029 as Michael Wacha got promoted from the number three starter to the number two starter in the Kansas City Royals starting rotation. in AAA as well as Asa Lacy their 2020 first round pick in AAA as reinforcements whenever they lose starting pitchers to Free Agency.
   
   
   
   Kansas City has Daniel Lynch IV, a third 2018 first round pick as Daniel Lynch IV has broken out in the bullpen with a 1.71 ERA as he has been a huge bright spot for the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estevez signed a two year deal at $11.1-million with a club option for a third year after posting a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves in 55 innings pitched with the Colorado Rockies in 2024, Estevez will not be a UFA until 2028 unless the Royals decline his club option in 2027, but they may decline that option after a shoulder injury. Kansas City Royals set up pitcher Lucas Ercag posted a 3.36 ERA and 14 saves in 61.2 innings pitched in 2024 with Lucas Erceg entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Lucas Erceg not becoming a UFA until 2029 as Erceg and Daniel LYnch IV have rotated in the closer and set up roles until Carlos Estevez recovers from his shoulder injury. Kansas City Royals middle reliever John Schreiber posted a 3.60 ERA and 2 saves in 51.2 innings pitched in 2024 as John Schreiber agreed to a $2.3-million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 2 in 2025 as John Schreiber is a UFA in 2027. The rest of Kansas City's bullpen needs a lot of work especially at middle reliever and long reliever.
   
   
   
   I had Zion Rose going twenty eighth to Houston. Kansas City took him at 6 with both Eric Booth Jr. and Drew Burress still on the board.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 200 lb Zion Rose had a .380 battng average, 42 runs, 63 hits, 9 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 32 RBI's a .584 slugging percentage, a .455 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, a .944 fielding percentage in 43 starts as a true freshman in 2024. Zion Rose had a .310 batting average, 64 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, 3 triples, 13 home runs, 67 RBI's, a .552 slugging percentage, a .396 on base percentage, 31 stolen bases, and a .957 fielding percentage in 66 starts as a sophomore in 2025. Zion Rose had a .417 batting average, 44 runs, 60 hits, 13 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs, 47 RBI's, a .646 slugging percentage, a .491 on base percentage, 24 stolen bases, and a .949 fielding percentage in 35 starts as a junior in 2026.
   
   
   
   Zion Rose isn't a power hitter. He gets on base consistently, steals bases consistently, and fields like a gold glove outfielder. He's also versatile enough to play four different positions which makes up for his lack of power hitting on a consistent basis.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Baltimore Orioles: Eric Booth Jr., CF, Oak Grove HS (MS) A+ Grade
   
   
   Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson bats first, Gunar Henderson had 37 home runs, 21 stolen bases, as well as a .281 batting average as Henderson enters arbitration level 1 next season as Baltimore's 2019 second round pick is not an UFA until 2029 as Gunnar Henderson has more then 10 home runs in 2026. Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman bats second, Adley Rutschman the first pick in the 2019 MLB Draft hit 13 home runs in 2022, 20 home runs in 2023, had 19 home runs in 2024, Baltimore had to pay him $5.5 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as that number will only go up the next two years until Adley Rutschman becomes a UFA in 2028. Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is under contract until 2030 and bats third. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, the first pick in the 2022 MLB Draft doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2032 making him the final building block in this batting lineup outside of the top 3 batters meaning Baltimore has really declined outside of their infield.
   
   
   
   Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish is their number one starting pitcher. Outside of Kyle Bradish, the rest of Baltimore's starting pitchers have terrible ERA's.
   
   
   
   Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista got $1 million to avoid arbitration level 1 and he's not a UFA until 2028, but he hasn't pitched yet due to an injury with Rico Garcia stepping up in his absence with a 0.74 ERA on a one year deal which will allow Bautista to move to a set up pitcher role since Baltimore Orioles set up pitcher Andrew Kittredge signed a two year deal to be Baltimore's new set up pitcher in Free Agency after posting a 2.80 ERA in 70.2 innings pitched with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024 and currently has an ERA over 7.00 in 2026 gettng demoted to middle reliever. Tyelr Wells has taken the set up pitcher job from Kittredge. Baltimore Orioles middle reliever Keegan Akin, a 2016 second round pick had a 3.32 ERA along with 1 save in 78.2 innings pitched in 2024, agreed to a $1,475,000 deal avoiding level 2 arbitration and is a in 2027, but Akin has an ERA over 10 now. Baltimore Orioles middle reliever Yennier Cano enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will remain an Oriole until he becomes a UFA in 2029. Dietrich Ens, and Ryan Helsley have all done well as middle relievers for Baltimore complimenting Yennier Cano.
   
   
   
   The Orioles can reload at batter with third baseman as well as outfielders, starting pitcher, and long reliever in the bullpen. Baltimore drafted Auburn catcher/outfielder/first baseman Ike Irish and Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy with their two first round picks in the 2025 MLB Draft. Drafting High School center fielder Eric Booth Jr. is a fantastic pick at 7.
   
   
   
   Baltimore drafts Eric Booth Jr. the son of Eric Booth Sr. Eric Booth Sr. turned down being the thirty fourth round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 and ended up as both a kick returner and third string running back at Southern Mississippi. Eric Booth Jr. is a center fielder who inherited his fathers athletic traits making him an ideal player for the Pittsburgh Pirates to draft at 5.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 207 lb Eric Booth Jr. had a .481 batting average, 55 runs, 37 hits, 31 RBI's, 11 doubles, 4 triples, 5 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and a 1.000 fielding percentage as a senior at Oak Grove HS in 2026. Eric Booth Jr. has the batting average, base stealing, and fielding percentage to be a star center fielder. He won the 2025 Home Run Derby at the Perfect Game All-American Classic last July and like Grady Emerson he's the only other player in High School outside of Grady Emerson that projects as a 20-25 home run player in the MLB. There is 5-tool potential with the top four batters in this years MLB Draft plus Jackson Flora is the top pitcher in the 2026 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
8. Sacramento Athletics: Drew Burress, CF, Georgia Tech A+ Grade
   
   
   Sacramento Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes, the Athletics 2018 third round pick took the starting right fielder job from Lawrence Butler and has a .333 battng average as the lead off batter. Sacramento Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, their 2024 first round pick drafted fourth overall got called up to the MLB and his rookie season has gone so well that he's already batting cleanup in the Athletics batting lineup before ending 2025 with 36 home runs, Kurtz already has 10 home runs in year two. Sacramento Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers bats third, hit 29 home runs in 2024, 31 home runs in 2025, and has 14 home runs, so far in 2026, enters arbitration level 2 next year, and is under contract until 2029. Sacramento Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker bats fourth, hit 39 home runs, and stole 11 bases as Brent Rooker is under contract until 2031. Sacramento Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom bats fourth, the Oakland Athletics 2020 first round pick enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is under contract until 2031 as Tyler Soderstrom made the transtion from first baseman to left fielder once Nick Kurtz was promoted to the MLB. Sacramento Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson began the year batting ninth, but was so dominant as a rookie that he's already moved up to second in the batting lineup, Jacob Wilson, the Oakland Athletics 2023 first round pick that was drafted sixth overall two years ago is the son of former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson as Jacob Wilson is batting sixth now. Sacramento Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof bats eighth, the Oakland Athletics 2021 second round pick is one of the better players on this roster as Zack Gelof had 17 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 as Zack Gelof won't be a free agent until 2032. Sacramento Athletics 2021 first round pick Max Muncy is the starting third baseman batting eighth. Denzel Clarke the Athletics 2021 fourth round pick at center fielder took the starting center fielder job from JJ Bleday and that tells me if there is a weak link in the Sacramento Athletics batting lineup, that it will be at center fielder.
   
   
   
   The Sacramento Athletics finally have a number one starter in J.T. Ginn this season whose posted a 2.87 ERA in 10 starts. The Sacramento Athletics drafted Jamie Arnold out of Florida State who was supposed to be the Athletics future number one starter, but he can be the number two guy if J.T. Ginn keeps performing well.
   
   
   
   The Sacramento Athletics bullpen has some decent building blocks. The Sacramento Athletics have three closers in Mark Leiter Jr., Hogan Harris, and Joel Kuhnel going with a closer by committee after trading Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres. Sacramento Athletics set up pitcher Gage Jump a 2024 third round pick didn't have the best outing in his debut poisting a 7.20 ERA wth an 0-1 record. The Sacramento Athletics middle reliever is Justin Sterner.
   
   
   
   Sacramento has the batters. Getting pitchers to bolster not just the starting rotation as well as the bullpen has to be the priority here. However, Drew Burress, the home run king was the best player on the board at 8 making this an A+ pick.
   
   
   
   The 5-9 185 lb Drew Burress had a .381 batting average, 73 runs, 83 hits, 15 doubles, 3 triples, 25 home runs, 67 RBI's 179 total bases, a .821 slugging percentage, a .512 on base percentage, 8 stolen bases, and a .987 fielding percentage in 58 games as a freshman in 2024. Drew Burress had a .333 batting average, 77 runs, 76 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 19 home runs, 62 RBI's, 158 total bases, a .963 slugging percentage, a .469 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, and a .986 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 60 games in 2025. Drew Burress had a .358 batting average, 82 runs, 91 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 16 home runs, 60 RBI's, 167 total bases, a .657 slugging percentage, a .473 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, a .978 fielding percentage, and led Georgia Tech to the 2026 ACC Championship where they beat North Carolina as a junior in 61 games in 2026.
   
   
   
   Drew Burress is nicknamed the home run king on Georgia Tech. Despite being somewhat undersized, he does possess 5-tool ability. His hits have increased each seasons, but his home runs have dropped as well. The Kansas City Royals do need a center fielder, so there's a chance that Drew Burress sneaks into the top 6 as he should be a top 10 pick.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Atlanta Braves: AJ Gracia, RF, Virginia C+ Grade
   
   
   Atlanta has a incredible 1-9 batting lineup just like the Los Angeles Dodgers do entering the 2026 MLB Season. I figured Atlanta's World Series window closed in 2026 after an injury riddled 2025 season, but the Braves have made me eat my words so far.
   
   
   
   Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. dominated last year with a .337 batting average, 41 home runs, and 73 stolen bases with Atlanta's lead off batter having a historic 2023 MLB Season with Ronald Acuna Jr. under contract until 2029, but he's out for the season this year. Second baseman Ozzie Albies bats second in this lineup behind Ronald Acuna Jr., he hit 33 homes runs in 2023, and remains under contract with the Atlanta Braves until 2028. Third baseman Austin Riley bats third in this lineup, hit 34 home runs in 2023 and is locked up until 2034. First baseman Matt Olson bats fourth in this batting lineup, led the Atlanta Braves with 54 home runs, and is under contract until 2031. Catcher Drake Baldwin has 13 home runs this year and has taken the starting catcher job from Sean Murphy and he will not reach arbitration until 2028 and is not a Free Agent until 2031. Center fielder Michael Harris Jr. bats sixth, he had 18 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and is under contract until 2033. Designated hitter Dominic Smith bats seventh. Left fielder Mike Yastrzemski bats eighth in this lineup. Shortstop Jorge Mateo has a .316 batting average and bats ninth, but he's a UFA in 2027.
   
   
   
   Atlanta's got most of their batters under contract for next season. Now it is time to break down the pitching on the Atlanta Braves.
   
   
   
   Chris Sale, won the NL Cy Young and stepped up as the number one starter when Spencer Strider had an elbow injury posting a 2.38 ERA in 2024 and is now the number one starter with a 2.01 ERA in 2026. Bryce Elder is Atlanta's number two starter witha 2.50 ERA in 2026, also Bryce Elder does not hit arbitration until 2029. Grant Holmes is the number three starter with a 3.95 ERA as Grant Holmes is under contract until 2031. Atlanta's got three reliable starters but does not have a reliable number four or number five starting pitcher.
   
   
   
   Altanta's bullpen is pretty strong too. Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias had 33 saves, 68 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA with 55 2/3 innings pitched in 2023. Rafael Iglesias posted a 1.95 ERA, 34 saves, and 68.1 innings pitched in 2024 Raisel Iglesias is under contract for next season until he becomes a UFA in 2027. Atlanta Braves set up pitcher Robert Suarez has a 0.71 ERA in 2026 and his three year contract runs through 2029. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Joe Jiminez improved enough to take the set-up pitcher job from A.J. Minter in 2023, but an injury in 2024 causes him to move back to middle reliever in 2025 as Joe Jimenez is not a UFA until 2027. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Aaron Bummer had a 3.58 ERA and is not a UFA until 2027. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Dylan Lee posted a 2.11 ERA and agreed to just over $1 million for 2025 avoiding arbitration level 1 as Dylan Lee has up to arbitration level 4 before becoming a UFA in 2029 as Dylan Lee has the best ERA of any reliever. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Daysbel Hernandez had a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings pitched and he does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he's not a UFA until 2031. Atlanta Braves long reliever Angel Perdomo doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029.
   
   
   
   Atlanta can draft the best player on the board. Atlanta just got their replacement to Ronald Acuna Jr. at 9.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 195 lb AJ Gracia had a .354 batting average, 64 runs, 75 hits, 15 doubles, 1 triple, 14 home runs, 48 RBI's, 134 total bases, a .632 slugging percentage, a .489 on base percentage, 4 stolen bases, and a .992 fielding percentage as a junior at Virginia in 2026. AJ Garcia spent his first two seasons at Duke before transferring to Virginia this season.
   
   
   
   AJ Gracia played right fielder in addition to center. He's getting drafted as a right fielder to be Ronald Acuna Jr.'s replacement with him being a 2029 UFA.
   
   
   
10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, 2B, Kentucky B Grade
    
    
    Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle is the lead off batter and he is under contract until 2029 entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 after hitting 23 home runs and leading the Colorado Rockies with 30 stolen bases in 2024. Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar bats second behind Doyle and led the Rockies with 26 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2032. Colorado Rockies designated hitter Kris Bryant bats third and is under contract until 2029. Colorado Rockies left fielder Mickey Moniak is under team control has an arbitration level 3 next year and is a UFA in 2028 as he bats fifth wth 12 home runs in 2026. Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman had 13 home runs in 2026 and enters arbitration after this season and is not a UFA until 2030 batting sixth. Colorado Rockies right fielder Jake McCarthy has 10 stolen bases and is a UFA in 2029 batting seventh. Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnson bats eighth and has a .310 batting average and is not a UFA until 2029.
    
    
    
    Colorado's only need is at second baseman. Colorado has some prospects like, Drew Romo Colorado's 2020 first round pick at catcher is now the backup catcher and will be ready to take over for Stallings. Charlie Condon, the Colorado Rockies 2024 first round pick could be ready to take over at right fielder, and Ethan Holliday the younger brother of Jackson Holliday at shortstop, who was the Rockies 2025 first round pick.
    
    
    
    Colorado has one starting pitcher with a good ERA and that's Chase Dollander their 2023 first round pick. The rest of the starting rotation sucks.
    
    
    
    Colorado's bullpen has been a strength so far. Antonio Senzatela is the closer. Jaden Hill is the set up pitcher. Brennan Bernardino is the middle releiver. Seth Halvorsen is the middle reliever. Keegan Thompson is also a middle reliever. Brett Sullivan is a middle reliever. Colorado's bullpen has been a surprising asset.
    
    
    
    Colorado needs a second baseman, startng pitchers, and a long reliever. This team might be closer to contending for a wild card than people realize with some promising batters in their farm system. Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell will more than likely move to second baseman with him requiring shoulder surgery and with him having a better fielding percentage at second baseman prior to enrolling at Kentucky in 2026.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 190 lb Tyler Bell had a .296 batting average, 51 runs, 67 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples 10 home runs, 46 RBI's, 118 total bases, a .522 slugging percentage, a .385 on base percentage, 11 stolen bases, and a .972 fielding percentage in 56 games as a freshman at Kentucky in 2025. Tyler Bell had a .343 batting average, 49 runs, 49 hits, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 29 RBI's, 87 total bases, a .608 slugging percentage, a .510 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, and a .974 fielding percentage in 41 games as a sophomore at Kentucky in 2026.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Washington Nationals: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M A+ Grade
    
    
    The Washington Nationals have a few faces in the batting lineup,but need more as their three quality batters are are lead off batter shortstop C.J. Abrams a top 10 pick from the 2019 MLB Draft in the Juan Soto trade that sent Soto to the Padres whose under contract until 2029, right fielder Dylan Crews should hit 10 or more home runs in 2025 after the former LSU right fielder who was drafted second overall in the 2023 MLB Draft made his MLB debut late in 2024 as Dylan Crews will not enter arbritration until 2028 or 2029. James Wood has 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases as the starting left fielder on the Washingtnn Nationals, but Washington does not have a building block in the batting lineup with James Wood not set to hit arbitration level 1 until 2028.
    
    
    
    Washington has 2021 first round pick Brady House, a player I mocked third overall to Detroit as their starting third baseman in AA after House fell to eleven in the 2021 MLB Draft. Brady House got promoted from AA at the start of 2024 to AAA by the end of 2024 as Brady House could end up complimenting CJ Abrams. Trey Lipscomb a player that the Washington Nationals drafted with their 2022 third round pick out of Tennessee could be the future first baseman of the Washington Nationals completing their infield.
    
    
    
    Cade Cavalli, Washington's 2020 first round pick has taken over as the number one starter as Cade Cavalli avoided arbitration level 1 and has a club option for 2027 before his arbitration level 3 in 2024 and his arbitration level 4 in 2029 before becoming a UFA in 2030. Foster Griffin looks like a good number two starter with a 3.63 ERA, but the Washington Nationals 2014 first round pick is a UFA in 2027.
    
    
    
    Washington has the closer in Brad Lord, set up pitcher with Orlando Ribalta, four middle relievers with Paxton Schultz at middle reliever, Andrew Alvarez, Clayon Beeter, and PJ Poulin, Washington has two long relievers in Jackson Rutledge their 2019 first round pick and Richard Lovelady as their other long-reliever.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 210 lb Chris Hacopian had a .319 batting average, 34 runs, 53 hits, 10 doubles, 0 triples, 11 home runs, 41 RBI's, a .578 slugging percentage, a .405 on base percentage, 3 stolen bases, and a .990 fielding percentage n 2026. Chris Hacopian only had 1 error in 42 games with Texas A&M in 2026 after transferring from Maryland to Texas A&M. The Nationals needed a second baseman and got their man.
    
    
    
12. Los Angeles Angels: Jared Gridlinger, P, Huntington Beach HS (CA) D Grade
    
    
    Los Angeles took a long reliever at 12 who can only pitch 4-5 innings. I had a second round grade on Gridlinger making this the single worst pick of the first round so far.
    
    
    
    
    
13. St. Louis Cardinals: Trevor Condon, CF, Etowah HS (GA) B Grade
    
    
    St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is the leadoff batter as he had 15 home runs and 11 assists after being a second round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft with Masyn Winn under contract until 2031. St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Alec Burleson bats second as he hit 21 home runs in 2024 and is also a 2020 second round pick with Burleson having the same contract as Masyn Winn with him not being in arbitration level 1 until 2027. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, their 2024 first round pick got an 8 year contract extension paying him $14 million yesterday, he bats third. St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan White bats fourth and is the clean up hitter. Everyone outside of these four batters has been disappointing so far in 2026.
    
    
    
    St. Louis has Micathew Liberatore as their number one starter, Michael McGreevy as their numbr two starter, Dustin May as their number three starter, and Andrew Pillante as their number four starter. A number five starting pitcher is needed, but the St. Louis Cardinals starting rotation is better than advertised.
    
    
    
    Closer Riley O'Brien has taken over as the St. Louis Cardinals closer in 2026 and does not enter artibtration level 1 until 2028. JoJo Romero got promoted from middle reliever to set-up pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen. Gordon Graceffo has emerged as a quality middle reliever with a 1.67 ERA. Ryan Fernandez gives the St. Louis Cardinals another quality middle reliever.
    
    
    
    St. Louis drafts my top center fielder on the board at 13. Trevor Condon is the top center fielder available.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 175 lb Trevor Condon had a .504 batting average, 9 home runs, 42 RBI's, and 15 stolen bases as a senior in 2026. He won Gatorade High School player of the Year in the state of Georgia after leading Etowah High School to a 6A State Championship.
    
    
    
14. Miami Marlins: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL) A+ Grade
    
    
    Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez is the lead off batter leading the Marlins with a .341 batting average and 17 stolen bases in 2026 with Otto Lopez not entering arbitration until 2027 with him being a UFA in 2030. Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards is the second batter and Edwards had 31 stolen bases along with a .328 batting average in 2024. Xavier Edwards is on pre arbitration until 2027 as Xavier Edwards is under contract with the Miami Marlins until 2030 with Xavier Edwards stealing 13 stolen bases so far in 2026. Miami Marlins catcher Liam Hicks has 13 home runs so far in 2026 and he enters arbitration level 1 in 2028. Miami Marlins left fielder Kyle Stowers bats fourth and has hit 11 home runs in 2026 since taking over for Jesus Sanchez. Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby bats fifth as he transitioned from second baseman to third baseman. The Miami Marlins lost first baseman Jonah Bride, but their 2022 first round pick Jacob Berry out of LSU should be up in the majors soon.
    
    
    
    Miami has a starting rotation with Sandy Alcantara as their number one starter back from a season ending injury that caused him to miss all of 2024 with Alcantara under contract until 2028. Max Meyer the third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft is the number two starter in this starting rotation. Eury Perez is the number three starter. Tyler Phillips with a 3.52 ERA is the number four starter in this starting rotation. One more starting pitcher is needed to complete this rotation.
    
    
    
    The Miami Marlins bullpen features a few good relievers. Miami Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks is the main closer. Miami Marlins set up pitcher Calvin Faucher had a 3.19 ERA in 2024 with Faucher entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Faucher getting demoted from closer to set up pitcher. Miami Marlins middle reliever Lake Bachar is the only one of four middle relievers with an ERA of under 4.00 with a 3.86 ERA as Bachar doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 as Bachar has a 2.87 ERA this season. Anthony Bender and Michael Petersen have fantastic ERA's at middle reliever this season too. John King has a 2.31 ERA so far as the fourth middle reliever. Miami Marlins long relievers William Kemp and Dax Fulton have done well.
    
    
    
    Miami has better batters and bullpen than I anticipated. Miami goes with Jacob Lombard and he will be ready in 20230 by the time Otto Lopez becomes a UFA on a rookie deal in pre arbitration until 2033.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 185 lb Jacob Lombard had a .318 batting average, 21 runs, 27 hits, 20 RBI's, 6 doubles, 0 triples, 2 home runs, 8 stolen bases, and a .818 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2023. Jacob Lombard had a .328 batting average, 30 runs, 21 hits, 9 RBI's, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and a .878 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2024. Jacob Lombard had a .306 batting average, 15 runs, 11 hits, 11 RBI's, 4 doubles, 0 triples, 4 home runs, 7 stolen bases, and a .952 fieldng percentage as a junior in 2025. Jacob Lombard had a .477 batting average, 52 runs, 42 hits, 25 RBI's, 4 doubles, 0 triples, 10 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and a .926 fielding percentage as a senior in 2026.
    
    
    
    Jacob Lombard is the youngest son of George Lombard. He's also the younger brother of New York Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas A+ Grade
    
    
    The Arizona Diamondbacks have a few core players in their batting lineup. Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Caroll had 25 home runs, 54 stolen bases, a team best .285 batting average, and a team best .506 slugging percentage in his rookie season with the 2023 National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona redid his contract and now Arizona's 2019 first round pick is under contract until 2032 giving Arizona a star right fielder before posting 22 home runs and 35 stolen bases as a sophomore in 2024 as he continues to play at a high level with 13 home runs and 9 stolen bases in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte hit 25 home runs in 2023 before hitting 36 home runs in 2024, bats second in this lineup, will be the highest paid player on the Arizona Diamondbacks until 2028, and is not a UFA until 2029 as Ketel Marte has 17 home runs in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Jordan Lawlar their 2021 first round pick is finally a regular has a .316 batting average so far this season. Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Loudres Gurriel Jr. bats fourth, hit 13 home runs in 2024, is under contract for three more years before being a UFA in 2028. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado is the starting third baseman in 2026 with a contract that runs through 2028. Arizona Diamondbacks fiirst baseman Pavin Smith bats seventh, their 2017 first round pick entered arbitration level 1 before settling on $1.5 million as Pavin Smith is not a UFA until 2028. Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Gerald Perdomo leads the Diamondbacks in stolen bases.
    
    
    
    The Arizona Diamondbacks have Michael Soroka as their number one starting pitcher with a 3.07 ERA in 2026. Eduardo Rodriguez is their number two starter and has a 2.21 ERA and is under contract until 2029. Zac Gallen is now their number three starter in this rotation. Merrill Kelly was Arizona's best starting pitcher in 2023 when Arizona made the World Series, but struggled in 2024 and is under contract for one more year after Gallen and Kelly signed one year deals to remain with the Diamondbacks.
    
    
    
    Arizona Diamondbacks closer Pau Sewald came back on a one year deal. Arizona Diamondbacks set up pitcher Juan Morillo has a 2.67 ERA in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever pitcher Kevin Ginkel had a 2.48 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and 4 saves in 2023 before posting a 3.21 ERA and 5 saves in 70 innings pitched as Kevin Ginkel remains under contract in Arizona until he becomes a UFA in 2027 as Kevin Ginkel has a 3.44 ERA in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Ryan Thompson posted a 3.28 ERA in 2024 while posting a 3.26 ERA and is under contract until 2028 Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Jonathan Loaisiga has a 2.36 ERA in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Brandyn Garcia has a 2.11 ERA in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks long reliever Taylor Clarke has a 2.11 ERA.
    
    
    
    Arizona has immediate draft needs at catcher, left fielder, starting pitcher, long reliever, and a third baseman to groom behind Nolan Arenado. Arizona drafted the top catcher available in the 2026 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 210 lb Ryder Helfrick had a .305 batting average, 47 runs, 58 hits, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 15 home runs, 38 RBI's, 117 total bases, a .616 slugging percentage, a .420 on base percentage, 3 stolen bases, and a .995 fielding percentage in 61 games as a sophomore in 2025. Ryder Heldrick had a .283 batting average, 56 runs, 64 hits, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 18 home runs, 53 RBI's, 127 total bases, a .562 slugging percentage, a .417 on base percentage, 8 stolen bases, and a .986 fielding percentage in 62 games as a junior in 2026.
    
    
    
16. Texas Rangers: Gio Rojas, P, Stoneman Douglas HS (FL) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Texas Rangers have quite the batting lineup with six batters from their 2023 World Series still under contract. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager bats first, hit 33 home runs in 2023 before winning the 2023 World Series MVP, hit 30 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until 2032. Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford bats second, and the Texas Rangers 2023 first round pick out of Florida had 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases during his rookie MLB season in 2024 as Wyatt Langford enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will not become a UFA until 2031. Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson bats third as the Pederson had 23 home runs in 2024 before signing a three year deal with the Texas Rangers as Joc Pederson won't be a UFA until 2028. Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo bats fourth. Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung bats fifth, as Jung hit 23 home runs as the Texas Rangers 2019 first round pick drafted out of Texas Tech during his rookie season in 2023 before only hitting 7 home runs in 2024 after winning a World Series as a rookie as Jung will not become a UFA until 2030. Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter bats sixth, a 2020 second round pick is under contract until 2031. Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger bats seventh, as Jake Burger led the Miami Marlins with 29 home runs in 2024 as Jake Burger doesn't enter arbitration level 1 for another season with Jake Burger not being a UFA until 2029. Texas Rangers second baseman Nicky Lopez has a .333 batting average and bats eighth. Texas has their catcher batting ninth until Malcolm Moore arrives in the MLB.
    
    
    
    The Texas Rangers an effective starting five in Jacob deGrom as their number one starter, MacKenzie Gore as their number two starter, Nathan Eovaldi who posted a 3.63 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 144 innings pitched in 2023 before posting a 3.80 ERA as the number one starter in 2024 with Eovaldi under contract until 2026 as their number three starter. Kumar Rocker their third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt is the number four starter with a 3.95 ERA and Jack Leiter the second overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft is the number five starting pitcher. Texas could draft pitchers to improve their bullpen later in this draft, but I hlghly doubt they will use their first round pick on a reliever.
    
    
    
    The Texas Rangers bullpen features Jacob Latz a 2017 fifth round pick transitioning from long reliever in 2025 to closer in 2026, Robert Garcia at set up pitcher after getting him in a trade with the Washington Nationals this winter as Garcia will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027, Jacob Junis at middle reliever. Texas Rangers middle reliever Tyler Alexander has a 2.43 ERA. Texas Rangers middle reliever Peyton Grey has a 2.97 ERA. Texas Rangers middle releiver Robby Ahlstrom hads a 3.86 ERA. Texas Rangers long reliever Cal Quantrill has a 3.35 ERA. Texas Rangers long reliever Gavin Collyer has a 3.50 ERA
    
    
    
    Texas can take the best batter or pitcher with stability in the batting lineup, starting rotation, and bullpen when everyone is healthy. Gio Rojas, the top High School pitcher and my eighth best overall player fell to the Texas Rangers at 16.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 190 lb Gio Rojas went 4-0 as a sophomore with a 0.66 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings pitched leading Stoneman Douglas High School to a fourth consecutive state championship as a sophomore in 2024. Gio Rojas went 13-0 with a 0.72 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched leading Stoneman Douglas High School to a fifth consecutive state Championship as a junior in 2025. Gio Rojas went 11-1 with a 0.58 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings pitched leading Stoneman Douglas High School to a sixth consecutive state Championship as a senior in 2026.
    
    
    
    Gio Rojas is the top High School pitcher in this draft because he led his team to back-to-back-to-back State Championships in the state of Florida. Gio Rojas has a 98 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 98 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 82 mile per hour slider, and a changeup which he does not use very much. Gio Rojas has three pitches that are MLB ready right now which is rare for a High School pitcher. Most pitchers have to have 4 or 5 MLB ready pitches before they get called up to the show. He's got a changeup he rarely uses that he will need to develop in the minor leagues. Gio Rojas has the traits to be a number one starter on an MLB team down the road just like Jackson Flora the top college pitcher in the 2026 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Houston Astros: Logan Hughes, LF, Texas Tech A+ Grade
    
    
    I had Logan Hughes at 46 on my 2026 MLB Draft Simulator. I didn't prepare a writeup for him, but I did expect him to get picked. Houston needs a left fielder and I trust the Astros organization in terms of developing this young man.
    
    
    
18. Cincinnati Reds: Justin LeBron, SS, Alabama A+ Grade
    
    
    The Cincinnati Reds batting lineup is one of the better batting lineups. Cincinnati Reds center fielder T.J. Friedl bats first in this lineup as T.J. Friedl had 13 home runs and a .310 batting average as T.J. Friedl enters arbitration level 1 after this year in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz bats second as Elly De La Cruz had 25 home runs, 67 stolen bases, and is under contract until 2031. Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain bats third as their 2021 first round pick out of UCLA replaces Jonathan India their 2018 first round pick with Matt McLain entering arbitration level 1 next year in 2026 meaning Matt McLain won't be a UFA until 2030. Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson their 2015 first round pick bats fourth as Tyler Stephenson hit 19 home runs in 2024 and is under contract for two more years before he's a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer bats fifth as Spencer Steer had 20 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029 as he has 14 home runs in 2026. Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday has 13 home runs in 2026. Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez bats seventh. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart bats eighth. Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe bats ninth and has 9 home runs so far in 2026.
    
    
    
    Cincinnati Reds number one starting pitcher Hunter Greene finally broke out with a 2.75 ERA in 2024 after the Cincinnati Reds gave the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft a six year contract extension in 2023 which locked him up as the Cincinnati Reds number one starter until 2030. Cincinnati Reds number two starting pitcher Brady Singer, the Kansas City Royals 2018 first round pick was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds as Brady Singer posted a 3.71 ERA with the Kansas City Royals in 2024 before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds as Brady Singer is a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds number three starter Andrew Abbott had a 3.72 ERA in 2024 and does not enter arbitration until 2027 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2031. Cincinnati Reds number four starter Nick Lodolo, the Cincinnati Reds 2019 first round pick out of TCU struggled for the second year in a row and got demoted to the number five starting pitcher in this rotation after once being the number two starter in this rotation. Cincinnati Reds 2024 first round pick Chase Burns is your number five starting pitcher. Cincinnati Reds 2023 first round pick Rhett Lowder in is your number six starter and even if Brady Singer leaves, you will have five starting pitchers next year.
    
    
    
    Cincinnati's bullpen is horrible. Like the Pittsburgh Pirates, they need to do a complete makeover with their bullpen in the 2026 MLB Draft. However most teams go for batters or starting pitchers in the first round before pivoting to the bullpen with later picks.
    
    
    
    The Cincinnati Reds can go with the best player on the board if they don't want to pick a bullpen arm at 18. They got Justin LeBron the final player in my top 10.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 190 lb Justin Lebron had a .350 batting average, 54 runs, 77 hits, 8 doubles, 0 triples, 11 home runs, 38 RBI's, a .536 slugging percentage, a .435 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, and a .951 fielding percentage as a freshman at Alabama in 2024. Justin Lebron had a .316 batting average, 60 runs, 73 hits, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 18 home runs, 72 RBI's, a .636 slugging percengage, a .421 on base percentage, 18 stolen bases, and a .963 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2025. Justin Lebron had a .277 battng average, 58 runs, 66 hits 13 doubles, 0 triples, 16 home runs, 48 RBI's, a .534 slugging percentage, a .386 on base percentage, 42 stolen bases, and a .932 fielding percentage as a junior in 2026.
    
    
    
    Justin Lebron got Alabama to the 2026 College World Series and was the only top ten pick to get to Omaha in 2026. College shorstops are safer bets than High School shortstops.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Cleveland Indians: Liam Peterson, P, Florida C- Grade
    
    
    Cleveland took a long reliever that can only pitch 4-5 innings and has an ERA of almost 5.00 at 4.95. This is a massive reach as I had a second round grade on Liam Peterson. The last time I was this pissed about a Cleveland Indians pick on Draft Day was when Cleveland passed on Vanderbilt pitcher Sonny Gray for Francisco Lindor in 2011, but Lindor made me eat my words very quickly and became the face of a Cleveland Indians team that made the 2016 World Series five years later. That turned out great for Cleveland though. Maybe history repeats itself, plus Cleveland is great at developing pitchers for their bullpen.
    
    
    
20. Boston Red Sox: Jake Schaffner, SS, North Carolina `Smelly Sock Grade
    
    
    Boston took a third round player at 20. This was the first player that failed to make my 2026 MLB Draft simulator. MLB had him at 75. Peacock on NBC had him in the 90-100 range and Boston took him 70 picks too early. I could give this an F grade, but the Red Sox get the first smelly sock grade in this sites history.
    
    
    
    
    
21. San Diego Padres: Coleman Borthwick, P, South Walton HS (FL) C Grade
    
    
    San Diego gets another pitcher. Coleman Borthwick was a late first round prospect I had him going eight picks later at 29.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 255 lb Coleman Borthwick went 10-0 with a 0.21 ERA striking out 121 batters in 65 2/3 innings pitched. As a batter he had a .460 batting average, 9 home runs, 34 RBI's, and 30 runs. He led the South Walton Seahawks to their first ever 3A State Championship in 2026. Coleman Borthwick was the 2026 Gatorade High School Player Of The Year for baseball in the state of Florida.
    
    
    
    Coleman Borthwick has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball that can go up to 98 miles per hour out of the bullpen, a 93 mile per hour 2-seam fastball that can go up to 97 miles per hour out of the bullpen, a 84 mile per hour slider that can go up to 85 miles per hour out of the bullpen. He's developed a fourth pitch in a changeup, but it still needs to be refined in the minor leauges.
    
    
    
22. Detroit Tigers: Cameron Flukey, P, Coastal Carolina A+ Grade
    
    
    Detroit has a good combination of batters and pitchers. If there's one team that can make the AL Central interesting in 2024, it might be the Detroit Tigers after the Minnesota Twins lost Sonny Gray. I figured the Detroit Tigers would have a three year window to get to an ALCS or a World Series. They finally beat Cleveland in 2025 and made the ALDS for the second year in a row.
    
    
    
    Detroit's batting lineup in the MLB starts off with seven players that Detroit drafted Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle bats first, Detroit's 2023 first round pick as the new starting shortstop with 7 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 2026 as Kevin McGonigle signed a 8 year $150 million dollar contract that locks him up until the end of 2034 meaning he's not a UFA until 2035. Detroit Tigers left fielder Parker Meadows bats second, a 2018 second round pick under contract until 2031 meaning he's not a UFA until 2032. Detroit Tigers center fielder Riley Greene bats third, drafted fifth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft bats third, he hit 24 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until 2030. Detroit Tigers 2020 seond round pick Dillon Dingler bats fourth and has 19 home runs in 2026 and Dillon Dingler does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he be under contract with the Detroit Tigers until 2030 meaning he's not a UFA until 2031. Detroit Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter, a ninteenth round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft that's the Detroit Tigers DH, bats fifth, he hit 18 home runs, and is under contract until 2030. Detroit Tigers third baseman and 2020 fifth round pick Colt Keith bats sixth, Colt Keith hit 13 home runs in 2024. Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson, the first pick in the 2020 MLB Draft bats seventh. Detroit Tigers second baseman Zach McKinstry bats eighth. Detroit Tigers right fielder Matt Vierling bats ninth, hit 16 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2028.
    
    
    
    Tarik Skubal a 2018 ninth round pick that played college baseball on SeattleU on the Redhawks. He overcame Tommy John's Surgery in College before overcoming Flex Tendon Surgery before posting a 2.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts pitching 80.1 innings in 15 starts in 2023. Tarik Skubal posted a 2.83 ERA in 32 starts pitching 198 innings in 2024. Detroit paid Tarik Skubal $10,150,000 to avoid arbitration level 2 as Tarik Skubal has one more year of arbitration before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Casey Mize, the former number one pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Auburn is the number two starter in this starting rotation this starting rotation and is a UFA in 2027. Detroit Tigers number three starter Jack Flaherty had a 3.79 ERA in 164 innings pitched in 2024 to be the number two starting pitcher in this rotation behind Skubal with a player option for 2026 as Jack Flaherty is a UFA in 2027. Framber Valdez is the number four starter in this rotation. Justin Verlander is the number five starter in this rotation.
    
    
    
    Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen is still one of the MLB's most effective closers. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Tyler Holton hada 3.40 ERA during 72 innings pitched in 2024 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2029. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Tommy Kahnle had a 3.77 ERA and 2 saves in 58 innings pitched as Tommy Khanle signed a one year deal with Detroit. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Sean Guenther had a 3.89 ERA in 60 innings pitched in 2024 as Sean Guenther enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Detroit Tigers long reliever Brant Hurter a 2021 seventh round pick does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028. Keider Montero was the fifth starter while Verlander was injured, but now he's back to his long reliever role.
    
    
    
    A.J. Hinch who managed the Houston Astros during the 2017 and 2019 World Series is the manager of the Detroit Tigers thanks to the Astros sign stealing scandal and with Dusty Baker retiring, there's a 2 to 3 year window for Detroit to be AL Central contenders. Detroit got to the ALDS in the first two years of that window, but they are not in the top two of the AL Central and look to be sellers versus buyers. Coastal Carolina pitcher Cameron Flukey was a preseason top ten pick before his injury and if he gets back to his 2025 form, the Detroit Tigers will end up with a steal which will expedite rebuilding their rotation. Detroit also drafted well in 2025 at pitcher which also helps.
    
    
    
    
    
23. Chicago Cubs: Cade Townsend, P, Ole Miss D+ Grade
    
    
    I had Cade Townsend slotted as a long reliever with a second round grade. Looks like the Cubs only outdrafted two teams in 2026 as they are currently in my bottom three for worst drafts in the 2026 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
24. Seattle Mariners: Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State A+ Grade
    
    
    Seattle Mariners third baseman J.P. Crawford the long-time starting shortstop, moved to third baseman, and now bats first, but is only under contract until 2027 with 10 home runs so far in 2026. Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena bats second behind Robles, Rodriguez, and Raleigh as Arozarena was a trade deadline acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays, as he is under contract until 2027 after an underwhelming season in 2024. Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez bats third in this batting lineup made the MLB All Star game a few years ago and had 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 2024 with Julio Rodriguez under contract until 2034. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh bats fourth, was a third round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft which was the same draft where the Mariners drafted Logan Gilbert in the first round. Cal Raleigh led the Mariners with 34 home runs in 2024 before having 60 in 2025 and is under contract until 2028. Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor bats fifth. Seattle Mariners designated hitter Dominic Canzone bats sixth. Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley bats seventh in this batting lineup as Luke Raley showed a lot of promise with 22 home runs in 2024 as Luke Raley will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 meaning Raley will be a Mariner until 2030. Seattle Mariners second baseman, their 2022 first round pick out of North Allegheny, bats eighth. Seattle Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson their 2023 first round pick bats ningth Seattle's 1-9 batting lineup is better than advertised and is just as deep as last year when everyone is healthy. Victor Robles is a great utility bat too.
    
    
    
    Seattle's starting rotation features Logan Gilbert their 2018 first round pick out of Stetson as their number one starting pitcher as Gilbert posted a 3.23 ERA in 208.2 innings pitched in 2024 with Logan Gilbert under contract until 2028. Luis Castillo who they got at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline is the number two starter and he posted a 3.64 ERA in 175.1 innings pitched is under contract until 2029. George Kirby their 2019 first round out of Elon is the number three starter and he posted a 3.53 ERA in 191 innings pitched in 2024 is under contract until 2029. Bryce Miller their 2021 fourth round pick posted a 2.94 ERA in 180.1 innings pitched as the number four starting pitcher and is under contract until 2030. Bryan Woo a 2021 sixth round pick posted a 2.89 ERA in 121.1 innings pitched and dominated enough to earn the number five spot in the Seattle Mariners starting rotation is under contract until 2030. Seattle Mariners 2020 first round pick Emerson Hancock is in this rotation too. Seattle has six quality starting pitchers in their starting rotation. That excludes Kade Anderson, who was drafted third overall out of LSU and was the number one player in the 2025 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    Seattle has Andrews Munoz as their closer under contract until 2029 with club options for the next three seasons. Seattle Mariners set up pitcher Jose Ferrer has a 2.37 ERA in 2026. Seattle Mariners middle reliever Eduard Bazardo has a 2.06 ERA in 2026. Seattle Mariners middle reliever Gabe Speier has a 1.96 ERA in 2026. Seattle Mariners middle reliever Nick Davila has a 2.16 ERA in 2026. Seattle needs one more middle reliever and two long relievers, but can move one of their six starting pitchers to long reliever, promote Kade Anderson to a bullpen role, or trade for three releivers before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline if they want to make another run at a World Series in 2026 after losing in game 7 of the 2025 ALCS.
    
    
    
    Seattle drafts a third baseman. The top third baseman available is Ace Reese.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 220 lb Ace Reese had a .347 batting average, 56 runs, 77 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 21 home runs, 64 RBI's, a .716 slugging percentage, a .419 on base percentage, 1 stolen base, and a .885 fielding percentage in 56 games as a sophomore in 2025. Ace Reese had a .336 batting average, 73 runs, 83 hits, 23 doubles, 0 triples, 24 home runs, 74 RBI's, a .721 slugging percentage, a .432 on base percentage, 1 stolen base, and a .935 fielding percentage in 62 games as a junior in 2026.
    
    
    
    
    
25. Milwaukee Brewers: Trey Ebel, SS, Corona HS (CA) D+ Grade
    
    
    I was much higher on Brady Ebel in last years draft than Trey Ebel. This is a D+ for Milwaukee. This is the first MLB Draft I've covered since 2020 where only 2 NL Central teams got A+ grades. Those teams were the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds.
    
    
    
26. Atlanta Braves: Carter Beck, CF, Indiana State F Grade
    
    
    Carter Beck was 194 on MLB. He barely cracked the top 200. Yeah, this is an F grade for the Braves as much as I want to give Atlanta the benefit of the doubt. For Indiana State, this is their first player drafted in the first round of a sports draft since Larry Bird.
    
    
    
    
    
27. New York Mets: Carson Wiggins, P, Arkansas F Grade
    
    
    The Mets took the third best pitcher on Arkansas. This guy wasn't even featured on my MLB Draft Simulator.
    
    
    
28. Houston Astros: Jack Radel, P, Notre Dame A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-5 250 lb Jack Radel went 7-4 in 13 starts with a 3.58 ERA 70 1/3 innings pitched, and 60 strikeouts as a sophomore at Notre Dame in 2025. Jack Radel went 8-3 in 15 starts with a 3.29 ERA, 2 complete games, 87 2/3 innings pitched, and 116 strikeouts as a junior at Notre Dame in 2026.
    
    
    
    Jack Radel is a three year starting pitcher at Notre Dame with ten starts in each season. Jack Radel has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 93 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 88 mile per hour cutter fastball, a 85 mile per hour slider, a 82 mile per hour power curveball, a 78 mile per hour curveball, a 78 mile per hour curveball, and and 77 mile per hour sinker. Jack Radel has six pitches that are MLB ready he just needs to fix his sinker. His fastballs can get up to 98 miles per hour with his cutter maxing out at 91 out of the bullpen.