Get ready, baseball fans, because the 2026 college baseball season is here, and with it comes the highly anticipated draft rankings and scouting reports. But here’s where it gets exciting: this year’s class is packed with talent, especially from the college ranks, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Head over to The Board (https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2026-mlb-draft) to dive into detailed tool grades and player insights. In this article, I’ll spotlight some of the most intriguing prospects to watch as we count down to July’s draft in Philadelphia—a date I’m eagerly awaiting. I’ll also assess the overall talent level of this class and highlight the teams poised to make a splash.
Before we dive in, let’s clarify how these rankings work. Currently, The Board features 51 players, with those rated 40+ FV and above individually ranked, while 40-FV players are grouped by demographic. Draft-eligible sophomores are marked with asterisks. At this early stage, players are more loosely categorized into clusters rather than rigidly ordered. It’s too soon to lock in dozens of rankings that won’t shift dramatically by draft day, especially beyond the first two rounds. Expect more players to join The Board as the season progresses.
And this is the part most people miss: we’ve also rolled out college leaderboards (https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/college) and player pages, which will be invaluable as this class generates another season of data. These tools will help you track the players’ progress and make informed predictions.
Now, let’s talk about the overall quality of this draft class. While there’s no undeniable superstar like Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole, or Adley Rutschman, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky stands out. His scouting report resembles a bulkier Dansby Swanson, and he wouldn’t look out of place in most drafts. There’s also a solid group of players who could rise into the 55-FV tier by draft day.
This class is particularly deep with college players who would typically land in the middle of the first round. Players with talent worthy of picks 10-15 might still be available at pick 25. The 2023 high school class was strong, and several unsigned players from that group now bolster this year’s first and second rounds. Thanks to modern training and pitch design, college programs have increasingly helped pitchers improve rapidly. If there’s one group we can reasonably expect to make strides this spring, it’s the pitchers. Hopefully, their progress will offset the inevitable injuries that some top players will face.
Here’s where it gets controversial: For the fourth year in a row, high school pitching is a major strength of this class. Typically, a strong year features 8-10 high school pitchers worth $1.5 to $2 million in the draft, but this year’s class could have as many as 12-15. These aren’t just hard-throwing prepsters; they’re towering prospects, ranging from 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-7, who look capable of handling 160+ innings in their prime. However, with limited bonus money, some top pitchers will likely opt for college, setting up the 2029 college class to be unusually deep in pitching talent.
The high school hitting crop isn’t as impressive, with few players projected to go in the early or middle first round. Texas shortstop Grady Emerson, a strong defender and contact hitter, is a safe bet for the top five. NorCal shortstop Tyler Spangler is talented but may not sign if drafted too low. Switch-hitting shortstop Rocco Maniscalco, just 17.2 on draft day, could be a breakout star despite underwhelming showcase numbers. His frame, lefty swing, and defensive skills have scouts excited.
Now, let’s talk about the teams with the most to gain. The Cardinals, Pirates, and Rockies are among the clubs with an unusually high number of early picks, giving them a chance to dominate this draft. The Pirates and Rays are well-positioned to add multiple Top 100 prospects, while the Cardinals’ already deep system could grow even stronger.
But here’s a point that might spark debate: Gulliver Prep shortstop Jacob Lombard, brother of Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr., is a polarizing figure. While he’s a physical, power-hitting infielder with an impressive BP display, his in-game contact rate has been alarmingly low—just 61% over the past two years. That’s well below the big league average and raises concerns about his future. Contact rates often stay the same or decline as players advance, making Lombard’s starting point a red flag.
Florida Gator Liam Peterson, who I once graded at $3 million, has been hitting 94-98 mph recently and may have the best fastball/breaking ball combo in the draft. However, his violent delivery is a concern. Georgia high schooler Joseph Contreras, son of former big leaguer Jose Contreras, has been clocking 94-97 mph and possesses a devastating forkball. The question is whether his delivery can sustain a starter’s workload.
Finally, keep an eye on Arkansas righty Carson Wiggins, brother of Cubs prospect Jaxon Wiggins. Carson touched 102 mph last year before undergoing elbow surgery in May. If he recovers in time for pre-draft bullpens, he could be a sleeper pick.
Thought-provoking question for you: With so much pitching talent in the high school ranks, should teams prioritize signing these prospects now, or is it wiser to let them develop in college? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
