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| 2,603 MLB PLAYERS | 16,395 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,603 MLB PLAYERS | 16,395 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | State Preview | 5/25/2016

State Snapshots: South Central

Photo: OU Athletics Communications

 


Perfect Game 2016 MLB Draft Preview Index

South Atlantic
– FL, GA, NC, SC

Southeast – AL, KY, MS, TN
South Central – AR, LA, OK, TX
Mountain – AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY
Pacific – AK, CA, HI, OR, WA
Great Plains – IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD
Great Lakes – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Mid-Atlantic – DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
New England – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Canada and Puerto Rico



Arkansas

BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Arkansas
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: North Arkansas
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Bryant

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Dominic Taccolini, rhp, Arkansas
WILD CARD: Kasey Ford, 1b/rhp, Bentonville HS

Top 2017 Prospect: Hunter Milligan, lhp, Greenbrier HS
Top 2018 Prospect: Connor Noland, rhp, Greenwood HS

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Jeff King, 3b, Arkansas (1986, Pirates/1st round, 1st pick)

2011 Draft: Dillon Howard, rhp, Searcy HS (Indians/2nd round)
2012 Draft: Matt Reynolds, 2b, Arkansas (Mets/2nd round)
2013 Draft: Ryne Stanek, rhp, Arkansas (Rays/1st round, 29th pick)
2014 Draft: Brian Anderson, 2b, Arkansas (Marlins/4th round)
2015 Draft: Andrew Benintendi, of, Arkansas (Red Sox/1st round, 7th pick)

2015 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 11/10
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 0/0
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Zach Jackson, rhp, Arkansas (59)
• Luke Bonfield, of, Arkansas (311)
• Carson Shaddy, 3b/of, Arkansas (399)




Louisiana


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Louisiana State
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: LSU-Eunice
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Barbe

PROSPECT ON THE RISE:
Stephen Alemais, ss, Tulane

WILD CARD: Zach Watson, ss, West Ouachita HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Louisiana Connection:
 Dylan Burdeaux, of, Southern Miss
Top 2017 Prospect: Alex Lange, rhp, Louisiana State
Top 2018 Prospect: Antoine Duplantis, of, Louisiana State

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Danny Goodwin, c, Southern U. (1975, Angels/1st round, 1st pick); Ben McDonald, rhp, Louisiana State (1989, Orioles/1st round, 1st pick)

2011 Draft: Mikie Mahtook, of, Louisiana State (Rays/1st round, 31st pick)
2012 Draft: Kevin Gausman, rhp, Louisiana State (Orioles/1st round, 4th pick)
2013 Draft: Ryan Eades, rhp, Louisiana State (Twins/2nd round)
2014 Draft: Aaron Nola, rhp, Louisiana State (Phillies/1st round, 7th pick)
2015 Draft: Alex Bregman, ss, Louisiana State (Astros/1st round, 2nd pick)

2015 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
24/23
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 1/0
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 3/2

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Jake Fraley, of, Louisiana State (54)
• Jake Rogers, c, Tulane (69)
• Stephen Alemais, ss, Tulane (80)
• Jameson Fisher, 1b, Southeastern Louisiana (156)
• Jared Poche, lhp, Louisiana State (157)
• Zach Watson, ss, West Ouachita HS (266)
• Austin Bain, rhp, Louisiana State (300)
• Kyle Clement, of, Louisiana-Lafayette (309)
• Kramer Robertson, ss/2b, Louisiana State (436)
• Parker Bugg, rhp, Louisiana State (472)



 
Oklahoma


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Oklahoma State
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: Connors State
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Owasso

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Sheldon Neuse, ss, Oklahoma
WILD CARD: Alec Hansen, rhp, Oklahoma

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Oklahoma Connection:
 Zach Jackson, rhp, Arkansas
Top 2017 Prospect: Conner Uselton, of, Southmoore HS
Top 2018 Prospect: Jensen Elliott, rhp, Oklahoma State

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Mike Moore, rhp, Oral Roberts (1981, Mariners/1st round, 1st pick)

2011 Draft: Dylan Bundy, rhp, Owasso HS (Orioles/1st round, 4th pick)
2012 Draft: Andrew Heaney, lhp, Oklahoma State (Marlins/1st round, 9th pick)
2013 Draft: Jonathan Gray, rhp, Oklahoma (Rockies/1st round, 3rd pick)
2014 Draft: Gavin LaValley, 3b, Carl Albert HS (Reds/4th round)
2015 Draft: Anthony Hermelyn, c, Oklahoma (Astros/4th round)

2015 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 31/26
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 1/1
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Alec Hansen, rhp, Oklahoma (35)
• Thomas Hatch, rhp, Oklahoma State (85)
• Sheldon Neuse, ss/rhp, Oklahoma (100)
• Tyler Buffet, rhp, Oklahoma State (142)
• Trey Cobb, rhp, Oklahoma State (165)
• Remey Reed, rhp, Oklahoma State (259)
• Donnie Walton, ss, Oklahoma State (262)
• Michael Mertz, rhp, Oklahoma State (396)
• Cade Cabbiness, of, Bixby HS (446)




Texas


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Texas A&M
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: San Jacinto
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Coppell

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Conner Capel, of, Serven Lakes HS
WILD CARD: Mason Thompson, rhp, Round Rock HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Texas Connection:
 Jake Rogers, c, Tulane
Top 2017 Prospect: Cole Turney, of, William Travis HS
Top 2018 Prospect: Luken Baker, rhp/1b, Texas Christian

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
David Clyde, lhp, Westchester HS, Houston (1973, Rangers/1st round, 1st pick); Matt Anderson, rhp, Rice (1997, Tigers/1st round, 1st pick)

2011 Draft: Anthony Rendon, 3b, Rice (Nationals/1st round, 6th pick)
2012 Draft: Courtney Hawkins, of, Corpus Christi Carroll HS (White Sox/1st round, 13th pick)
2013 Draft: Kohl Stewart, rhp, St. Pius X HS, Houston (Twins/1st round, 4th pick)
2014 Draft: Tyler Kolek, rhp, Shepherd HS (Marlins/1st round, 2nd pick)
2015 Draft: Trent Clark, of, Richland HS (Brewers/1st round, 15th pick)

2015 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 67/63
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 13/8
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 28/15

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Forrest Whitley, rhp, Alamo Heights HS (18)
• Kyle Muller, lhp, Jesuit HS (48)
• Jon Duplantier, rhp, Rice (57)
• Charles King, rhp, Coppell HS (63)
• Hudson Sanchez, ss, Southlake Carroll HS (88)
• Conner Capel, of, Seven Lakes HS (96)
• Nick Banks, of, Texas A&M (103)
• Mark Ecker, rhp, Texas A&M (119)
• Brigham Hill, rhp, Texas A&M (131)
• Ryan Hendrix, rhp, Texas A&M (135)
• David Hamilton, ss, San Marcos HS (141)
• David Martinelli, of, Dallas Baptist (145)
• John McMillon, c/rhp, Jasper HS (146)
• Kyle Weatherly, rhp, Grayson JC (149)
• Dustin May, rhp, Northwest HS (155)
• Devin Smeltzer, lhp, San Jacinto (163)
• Ryan January, c, San Jacinto (172)
• Tres Barrera, 3b, Texas (178)
• Andrew Lantrip, rhp, Houston (213)
• Montana Parsons, rhp, San Jacinto (227)
• Ulysses Cantu, 3b/c, W.E. Boswell HS (241)
• Jordan Roberts, lhp, Trinity HS (252)
• Mason Thompson, rhp, Round Rock HS (260)
• Nick Hernandez, rhp, Houston (277)
• Joel Kuhnel, rhp, UT-Arlington (288)
• Kyle Simonds, rhp, Texas A&M (312)
• Tyler Neslony, of, Texas Tech (322)
• Hunter Melton, 1b, Texas A&M (323)
• Daniel Sweet, of, Dallas Baptist (331)
• Elliott Barzilli, 3b, Texas Christian (335)
• Mitchell Traver, rhp, Texas Christian (368)
• Boomer White, 3b, Texas A&M (376)
• Colin Poche, lhp, Dallas Baptist (381)
• Brian Howard, rhp, Texas Christian (385)
• Trey Morris, rhp, Taylor HS (386)
• Bubba Maxwell, rhp, Houston (389)
• Cory Voss, c, McLennan JC (398)
• Michael Neustifter, c, Hebron HS (422)
• Jon Heasley, rhp, Prestonwood Christian HS (432)
• Ray Gaither, 3b/rhp, Coppell HS (449)
• Andrew Vinson, rhp, Texas A&M (457)
• Lael Lockhart, 1b, Friendswood HS (495)



Draft | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL Central

Tyler Henninger
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2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West | NL West | AL Central With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. NL Central Chicago Cubs  Grade: 40 Risk: Medium Notable Selections: RHP Cade Townsend (1st rd) | OF Caden Sorrell (2nd rd) | 1B Myles Bailey (2C)   RHP Cade Townsend (@OleMissBSB) sat 95-96 T97 w/ riding FB from fast arm. Nasty cutter at 88-91 is the go-to, showed biting 2 pln SL. Low-80s top to bottom CB & CH ~ 1300 RPM to round out mix. Has had a great spring & risen up boards. Soph./'26 elig. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/TAFbM37f5j — PG College...
Press Release | Press Release | 8/18/2026

Perfect Game & Delano Partner Up

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME NAMES DELANO BAT COMPANY OFFICIAL WOOD COMPOSITE BAT PARTNER, LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION BAT SERIES   Delano Bats will serve as the Official Game Bat of the 13U Select Festival, taking place this coming weekend in East Cobb, Georgia   Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, August 18, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with Delano Bat Company, LLC, naming the company an Official Wood Composite Bat Partner of Perfect Game. The partnership will feature three exclusive limited-edition bat releases, which began with the Original Glory American Flag Bat in celebration of the United States' 250th birthday, that...
Draft | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL Central

Joey Cohen
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2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West | NL West With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. AL Central Cleveland Guardians  Grade: 45 Risk: Moderate  Notable Selections: RHP Liam Peterson (1st rd) | Tre Broussard OF (3rd rd) | RHP Savion Sims (7th rd)  Liam Peterson (@GatorsBB) has been pure power stuff through the first 3.0 IP in his start vs Bama…imposing his will on hitters with a fastball that has grabbed 100 mph a few times, backed up by his power slider and curveball @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/RVThNrdMTn — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 21,...
High School | General | 8/17/2026

Scott Wins MVP Two Ways

Jim Salisbury
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PHILADELPHIA – When the folks at Perfect Game reached out to invite him to pitch in the 2026 PG All-Star Game for rising sophomores and juniors, Cullen Scott had one request. “You mind if I get a couple of at-bats, too?” Along with his dad, Scott traveled from the family’s home in Texas to Citizens Bank Park. The trip proved to be a huge success as he starred on the mound and at the plate and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Scott, 16, pitched a scoreless first inning and struck out two. In the fourth inning, he belted a grand slam six rows up into the left-field seats to lead the National team’s 6-1 win over the American team. “He showed us why he’s here as a pitcher and a hitter,” said Greg Sabers, PG’s vice president of scouting and showcases. "He’s one of the top pitchers here, but he’s too good a...
All American Game | Story | 8/16/2026

Romero Slams His Way to Classic MVP

Jim Salisbury
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PHILADELPHIA – Sunday’s DICK’s Perfect Game All-American Classic was a pitching-dominated affair until the bottom of the eighth inning when the rain started to fall at Citizens Bank Park and Koa Romero stepped to the plate and did his best impression of Kyle Schwarber. Romero wears No. 12, just like Schwarber. He bats left-handed, just like Schwarber. He’s got big power, just like Schwarber. And at 5-10 and a rock-solid 225 pounds, he’s even built like Schwarber. Needless to say, Schwarber is Romero’s favorite player. So, it was all kind of storybook when Romero belted a grand slam to dead center to cap off the scoring in the West team’s 8-3 win over the East club in the 24th annual Classic. “This is a dream come true,” said Romero, who was named MVP of the game. “It’s amazing to be able to put a ball like that out of a...
All American Game | Story | 8/15/2026

A Philly Dream for Steingall

Jim Salisbury
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PHILADELPHIA – Carson Steingall had been to Citizens Bank Park many times over the years. After all, he hails from Nazareth, Pa., about 90 minutes up the road from the home of the Philadelphia Phillies and he counts himself as a big fan of the team. Zack Wheeler is his favorite. Steingall realized a dream when he pitched from the same mound that Wheeler does in Perfect Game’s fourth annual All-Star Game for rising sophomores and juniors on Friday. The dream got even better when Steingall, a 16-year-old right-hander, was named Most Valuable Pitcher after striking out the side in the third inning of the National team’s 6-1 victory over the American team. “It’s just an honor to be here,” Steingall said after receiving his trophy. “This event is the best of the best. It’s really cool to win something like this.” Steingall, who’ll...
Showcase | Story | 8/13/2026

PG Honors Pat Gillick With Philly Showcase

Perfect Game Staff
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Perfect Game to honor Pat Gillick in new Philadelphia Showcase  By Maya Heyman Perfect Game is bringing its elite showcase experience to Philadelphia’s FDR Park for the inaugural Philly Stars/Pat Gillick Showcase this weekend, honoring one of the greatest executives in MLB history in the city where he constructed his final of three World Series winners. The event will take place on Sunday, the same day as the DICK’S All-American Classic, taking place just across the street at Citizens Bank Park.  The showcase will allow Philadelphia-area players to gain exposure and will also honor Gillick, who has been a tremendous influence in both professional and amateur baseball.   Jered Goodwin, Vice President of Scouting Operations for Perfect Game, said the idea came naturally.  “Going to Philly made a lot of sense to honor Pat Gillick, who's been a...
General | General | 8/13/2026

PG All-Star Game Heads to Philly

Jheremy Brown
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For the fourth time since its inception in 2023, two rosters comprised of the best rising juniors (and a handful of rising sophomores) will step out onto the field Friday afternoon, kicking off the All-American weekend. While the Perfect Game All-American Classic is slated for a 1:35 first pitch at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, 36 future hopefuls of the Classic will go up against one another in an American vs National clash at 11 AM Eastern, Friday morning.  With 36 players from across the country descending on Philadelphia, there will be plenty of familiar names in attendance as 24 of the 36 played in at least one PG Select Festival and all 36 attended either the he Sophomore National, Junior National, or the PG Underclass All-American Games this summer. Leading the charge are a pair of No. 1s in 2028 dynamic talent Dexter McCleon Jr and 2029 Macgraw VanWormer, a do-it-all...
Tournaments | Championship | 8/12/2026

Pokers Rally to Capture 16U BCS Title

Alyssa Golden
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Pokers Rally to Capture 16U BCS Title A hot afternoon at JetBlue Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida ended in a 9-1 victory for the Original Florida Pokers 2028 National, defeating SBA Bolts Florida 2028 National on Monday to capture the 16U BCS National Championship. A pitchers’ duel kept the game scoreless through four innings before the Pokers broke it open with a five-run fifth inning. The title marked the Pokers’ second 16U BCS Championship, adding to the championship they won in 2022. Despite a slow start to the summer, the Pokers found their stride at the right time. “We struggled a lot early in the summer, but the past few tournaments we really started turning it on,” Pokers head coach Will McCrimon said. “I’m just so proud of these kids.” Max Maynes started the game on the mound for the Pokers. The left-hander allowed three hits and two walks...
Draft | Story | 8/11/2026

Realistic Expectations of a 1:1 Pick

Tyler Henninger
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Over the 2026 draft cycle, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky was the projected No. 1 pick throughout the entire cycle. White Sox fans began #RochWatch and were already talking about when he will make it to Chicago. Now that he has been selected, Cholowsky has immediately become a Top-10 prospect in all of baseball. There is no denying the hype, and the pressure, for Chowlosky to get to the big leagues and produce at a high level.  But how realistic is that? Let’s take a look back at past 1:1 selections and see what you can expect from a No. 1 overall selection.  For this exercise, we’ll look at No. 1 overall picks from the bonus pool era, excluding Eli Willits from 2025 since this is his first full year of pro ball. That gives us 13 players selected from 2012 through 2024.  Almost All Become Big Leaguers The first thing that stands out is how successful No. 1 picks...
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