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Draft  | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth.
You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent?

Team Albee



C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd)
1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd)
MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd)
MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd)
3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd)
OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd)
OF: Alex Weingartner, St. Augustine Prep HS (6th rd)
OF: Martin Shelar, Marist HS (9th rd)
DH: Ben Ziegler-Namoa, Hawaii (10th rd)
RHP: Jensen Hirschkorn, Kingsburg HS (3rd rd)
LHP: Ryan Marohn, North Carolina State (5th rd)

This was a fun exercise that required some thinking power late in the process, but it was made much easier given that we did not have to factor in the bonus pool money to our fantasy draft. There was still a pinch for me late in the process, however, and that is how I landed with fifth year graduate student Ben Ziegler-Namoa at DH. He was a huge money saver late for the Braves ($500 bonus, not a typo) and played a similar role for me here. Ziegler-Namoa was a steady contributor for Hawaii over four years, showing more of an on-base archetype with less juice as a first baseman. 

I had the 1:1 overall selection here, and I used that on Vahn Lackey. Some of it was probably biased, given that I saw Lackey when he was an uncommitted senior looking for a home in the middle of his senior spring season. Regardless, he has blossomed over the last three years into becoming what is in my eyes a 5 tool prospect. He brings versatility defensively and could be an MLB average defender at various positions with above average arm strength. The hit/power here is self explanatory (performer, future projection), and I think there is even more impact to come as he fills out the body. He’s an above average runner as well. All the way in on this athlete and profile.

The infield is going to be home to a lot of prep talent. Defense is secondary with this unit, especially up the middle, but I am in on the ability for this group to really hit. Looking at the corners, I nabbed Will Adams and Robert Omidi. Adams has a controlled, smooth left-handed swing with projectable all-fields power and real feel to hit. I saw this in person on multiple occasions this spring at the High School showdown, and he was one of the best pure hitters I got eyes on at the event. He got some run in the outfield as well and by all reports he was serviceable, but I think he lands at first base long-term and provides good defense there. He is committed to LSU and may be a tough sign, but we aren’t too worried about that in this scenario. I am simply a believer in the zone control and bat to ball. In a similar vein, Robert Omidi was entered as a third baseman. I am not sold on his ability to stay there long-term, but we can let Team Albee PD iron out the kinks with the glove. The bat has performed stateside in essentially every look our staff has gotten, and he has handled professional arms on the backfields in the south better than just about anybody in his country outside of 2nd rounder Lascelles. This is a hit reliant profile with average to fringe tools elsewhere, but the bat gives him a path to the major leagues.

Here is where the aforementioned defense issues come into play, as I have Cole Prosek and Eric Guevara slotted to handle 2B and SS. If I had to choose, it would be Guevara at short and Prosek at second. Guevara was just a steady eddy performer at Auburn for three years, showing more juice this past spring than he had ever tapped into before without sacrificing the on base ability. There isn’t a tool here that is going to project as more than MLB average in my eyes, but there is a nice grouping of tools to carry this profile to the big leagues. I had him pegged as a mid day 2 interest type in my college report earlier this year, but his strong surge to end the year catapulted him into the 7th round. Prosek is just a hitter, and there really doesn’t have to be too much more said there. It’s a sound left-handed swing and he can adjust the barrel to any part of the zone. This is an easy plus hit tool projection. He played some catcher this spring and bounced around elsewhere on the diamond, but that will figure itself out in time. For now, he is my second baseman.

I went with three high ceiling preps that would never all get their fair share of pool money if taken by the same team in the real draft. Alex Weingartner, Martin Shelar and Kevin Roberts Jr are going to be the trio I roll with here. All three of these names kind of fall under the same umbrella… explosive athletes, lots of juice potential and hit tool concerns. We’ll trust Team Albee PD to develop these guys into even just below average (40) hitters so that their other tools can show at the big league level on a daily basis. 

Rounding things off, I went with two arms on totally different ends of the spectrum: prep right-hander and college left-hander. Jensen Hirschkorn already got paid by Atlanta ($4m), and it’s not too hard to see why. He has the size and ease of operation you look for paired with what is already plus velocity on his fastball with more to come. He has the capacity to spin the slider that has proved to be a bat miss offering, and there is feel for a change-up in the mix too. You can’t teach 6’7/205 and athletic. For my left-hander, I felt like I found some value in the fifth with Ryan Marohn. He’s a classic pitchability southpaw that pours strikes in the zone, competes with four pitches and gets outs. It’s a nice floor and one that I project out to being a backend of the rotation starter at the professional level. Last year for NC State, he would pitch to a 3.18 ERA over 8 starts (45.1 IP) with 62 striekouts and a .204 average allowed.

All in all, this was a fun challenge and I like how the team ended up. I leaned upside and ceiling over safer floors for the most part, but there’s a solid blend of both I think when you break it down in its totality. 


Team Joey

C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS, (4th rd)
1B: Brady Ballinger, University of Kansas, (7th rd)
MIF: Elliot Lascelles, Upper Canada College, (2nd rd)
MIF: Aaron Piasecki, Troy (8th rd)
3B: Tre Phelps, Georgia (9th rd)
OF: Will Gasparino, UCLA  (5th rd)
OF: Aiden Robins, Texas (3rd rd)
OF: Braden Holcomb, Vanderbilt (12th rd)
DH: Matthew Bucciero, Fairfield (10th rd)
RHP: Jackson Flora, UCSB (1st rd)
LHP: Justin LeGuernic, Clemson (6th rd)

As I built out my roster the goal was clear, prioritize impact talent at premium defensive positions while targeting players with present offensive skill but with big upside. I wanted a blend of high-floor contributors and high-ceiling bets, specifically guys who not only project to contribute but have legitimate big league impact in their outcomes. I feel like this group strikes that balance well.

I started with Jackson Flora because locking in a true ace-caliber arm early was a priority. To me, Flora stood alone at the top of this ‘26 pitching class as he simply checks every box. The combination of size, present stuff, velocity and projection gives him the type of profile you anchor a rotation around. It’s frontline upside with a strong foundation.

From there, I went to Elliot Lascelles, one of the more complete and polished prep bats available. I wanted a hitter I could trust at a premium position, and Lascelles brings that with athleticism, defensive reliability and a mature offensive approach. The barrel feel stands out, and while the present power isn’t overwhelming there’s clear room for more as he continues to add strength. It’s a hit-first profile with real offensive value.

After that, I doubled back into the prep pool for another upside swing in Will Brick. It’s a rare combination of defensive chops behind the plate, real athleticism, plus arm strength and legitimate offensive upside. That kind of catcher profile is hard to come by, especially at the prep level and the ceiling here is substantial.

On the college side, I wanted to inject some serious athleticism and impact which led me to Will Gasparino and Braden Holcomb. Gasparino is a true outlier physically as he’s a 6-foot-6 center fielder with real power and defensive ability which is a tough combination to find. There’s some swing-and-miss to monitor, but the upside is loud and worth the bet. Holcomb brings a different type of impact with elite raw power and physicality. He’s capable of producing some of the loudest contact in the class. There’s risk tied to the hit tool and defensive profile, but the offensive ceiling is undeniable.

Once that core was in place, I shifted toward proven production to round out the lineup. Aiden Robbins was a clear target given his track record and ability to impact the game in multiple ways offensively. He’s shown he can hit, drive the baseball, and handle quality competition. There are still questions about how the approach holds against premium arms but the offensive floor here is appealing. Tre Phelps fits a similar mold as a consistently productive bat. There are some questions surrounding the defensive home and overall approach, but the bat has shown it plays, and there’s impact in it.

I mixed in Justin LeGuernic among that group to add a different look on the mound. The slightly lower slot from the left side, above avg. velocity, and a swing-and-miss breaking ball give him a chance to develop into a serious bullpen weapon. It’s a profile that could move quickly.

Brady Ballinger was more of a conviction pick for me. I still believe in what he showed in 2025, even with a down 2026. The underlying offensive traits and big power are still in there, and I’m betting on a rebound. Matthew Bucciero fit nicely into a DH role as there’s some sneaky value in the swing decisions and power combination that flew under the radar in the MAAC. Aaron Piasecki rounds things out with versatility and reliability. He can handle the middle infield and brings a contact-oriented offensive approach that adds balance to the overall group.

Overall, this roster is built on a foundation of upside and long-term value. There’s a potential frontline arm at the top, strength up the middle defensively, a high-upside catcher, and multiple bats that project for middle-of-the-order impact. There’s some risk baked in, but that’s intentional. I’m betting on talent, athleticism, and projection. When it all comes together, I think this group stacks up as the strongest of the three.

Team Henni

C: Jack Natili, Cincinnati (3rd rd)
1B: Rintaro Sasaki, Stanford (8th rd)
MIF: Roch Cholowsky, UCLA (1st rd)
MIF: Nu'u Contrades, Arizona State (6th rd)
3B: Alex Hernandez, Georgia Tech (4th rd)
OF: Rylan Lujo, Georgia (4th rd)
OF: Matthew Thomas, CSUN (13th rd)
OF: Kyeler Thompson, Texas Tech (9th rd)
DH: Augie Lopez, USC (10th rd)
RHP: Savion Sims, Prestonwood Christian (7th rd)
LHP: Mason Edwards, USC (2nd rd) 

It is hard not to come away excited with your team when you are able to select the best player in the draft. I used my first pick on UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. He is a plus defender at a premium position with a feel to hit and power potential. It’s both a safe floor and high ceiling and there was just no way I could pass on him as the last person to have a pick in this exercise. 

Cholowsky leads a college heavy roster that I feel is loaded with plenty of talent. I feel really good about my selection behind the plate. In a loaded catcher class, Jack Natili is one of the better ones and feels like great value as a 3rd round pick. He can provide sound swing decisions and power at the plate. Defensively, there is plus arm strength and actions that continue to get better. 

I had a few different directions I could have gone at the hot corner but wound up with Alex Hernandez from Georgia Tech. I like the thump he can provide with run-producing ability. As for my first baseman, I ran into a little trouble at the end. By the time I got around to filling my first base spot, I only could pick players from the 4th round, 8th round, or 10th round. This limited my available options, but I feel good with the selection of Rintaro Sasaki. I know there are some concerns with the hit tool, but the raw power is some of the best in the class. 

After spending my higher value picks on other positions, I had to get a little creative for my outfield group. I went with Matthew Thomas out of my CSUN with my 11th-20th round pick and that feels like a steal. I used my available 9th round player on Kyeler Thompson. He is an athletic center fielder that gives the roster some athleticism. After both Albee and Joey had already picked players from the 4th round early in the process, I was able to loop back around and grab Rylan Lujo with my last selection. He put together a monster sprint and I like the upside there. 

On the mound, I love the upside I was able to grab. I used my second pick on my second round player in USC left-hander Mason Edwards. He is arguably the best left-hander in the class with big time upside. Right-handed Savion Sims is the only prep on my roster and may have the biggest upside. He has the potential to be the hardest thrower in the entire draft and is supremely valuable after being selected in the 7th round. 

Overall, I feel really good taking my team over the other two. There is athleticism up the middle and big thumpers on the corner. I would argue I have the best collection of arms out of the three teams selected. This group feels like it has a mix of star power, a safe floor, and quality upside.
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Draft | Story | 7/25/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Surprises
Tyler Henninger
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Historic Lack of Arms Early On Going into the draft we knew that the pitching at the very top of the board was going to be light, but we still had 11 arms ranked in the Top-30 of our final board. Jackson Flora separated himself from the pack and looked like a sure-fire Top-5 pick going in and that came true. But following him we saw an all-time historic lack of arms taken. Flora was the only pitcher selected within the first 15 picks, something that has never happened in the history of the draft. There were only three pitchers selected in the Top-20 which is tied for the fewest ever in draft history. Inconsistent performances and a handful of injuries did thin the potential arms at the top of the board and teams clearly valued the bats over the arms early on, but seeing the lack of arms reach a historic low was a surprise. Carson Wiggins Goes 27th Overall The Mets arguably had the most...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

17u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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Derek Arold (‘27,AZ) helps himself out squaring one up to the pull side for a knock. Posted a 3-for-3 day at the plate with 3 RBI. He’s the #13 ranked 1B in the state. Have a day young man. #PGWS https://t.co/qcvdwFgLTK pic.twitter.com/7egKe8fVO8 — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 23, 2026 Derek Arold, LHP/1B, Chandler, AZ. Stacked Arizona (2027) A physical left-handed two-way presence who stood out. On the mound he delivered a 3-inning complete-game no-hitter, punching out six while walking two. Fastball topped 90 mph with solid pitchability. Mixed a usable curveball/slider combo in the 76-78 mph range that generated swings and misses. Arm works cleanly from the left side with feel for sequencing and the ability to expand the zone. At the plate he was locked in, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and driving a ball hard to the pull side. Shows noticeable strength...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

D1 College Championship Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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‘28 OF Nick Morrow (OH) has now homered in three straight games.. 8-for-14, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs & 1.929 OPS🔥 #D1Champ @Nick_Morrow18 @OhioHeat2028 https://t.co/Swl0eHXRB3 pic.twitter.com/NIMGf1och2 — Jordan Gates (@JGatesPG) July 24, 2026 Nick Morrow (2028, Liberty Township, Ohio) took home MVP honors after a blistering week at the plate. Morrow collected nine hits in the 21 at-bats, driving in 12 runs, and at one point had a three-game home run streak. It was a good way to end the summer to say the least. It’s a short, direct swing path with good feel for the barrel and bat speed. Morrow creates quality separation and gets good rotation around the front side. Keeps hands tight to the body and creates good leverage with the bat path. At 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, he will continue to gain strength as he is a notable two-sport athlete. Each time at the plate, there was a...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Bostyn Dart (2029, Marana, AZ) one of the initial top prospects in the four corners region for the 2029 class. Had a 3-for-3 game on day 1, then added his first extra base hit of the tournament on day two. An infielder with a lot of projectable athletic traits, both offensively and defensively. Has started the week performing at a high level against older competition. Evan Sears (2028, Concord, NC) had three hits, including a double over two games today. An infielder with a balanced and fundamentally sound swing. Showed the ability to recognize pitches and an understanding of the type of pitches he can drive. Uses a gap to gap approach and handled the barrel well today. Cole Malouf (2028, Wills Point, TX) had one of the biggest swings on the day with a solo home run to left field. A player with the ability to move around and play multiple positions in the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
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16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2   Preston Hamelynck (2028, Clearwater, FL) continued his high-level play today with a multi hit game, including an opposite field double. Now has four extra base hits for the tournament. An athletic infielder with a dynamic offensive skill set. Has been one of the best players on the field at 16u BCS this year.  Evan Goodmon (2028, Winter Garden, FL) had one of the biggest swings of the day launching a home run to left centerfield. An intriguing right handed power hitter that has hit home runs in multiple tournaments now this summer. Swing has natural leverage with strength and bat speed. Gets to a launch position and puts quality swings on the baseball. Dean Roche (2028, Northport, NY) a smooth swinging left-handed hitter that had a multi hit and multi RBI day today. Really balanced, and on plane swings. Gets on time consistently and...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/28/2026

TPA Captures West World Series

Emily Hicks
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After four days of high-level competition featuring many of the top 16U clubs in the West, TPA National emerged victorious, claiming the 2026 16U PG West World Series championship at Riverview Complex in Mesa, Arizona. The tournament featured 24 teams competing in pool play before advancing into a single-elimination championship bracket. In Sunday's title game, TPA National defeated MTBA Dawgs2028, 8-0, to cap off an impressive tournament run. After battling through a talented field, TPA National put together another complete performance in the championship, combining timely hitting, quality pitching, and solid defense when it mattered most. TPA wasted no time taking control, plating four runs in the first inning before adding four more in the fourth. Combined with a shutout effort on the mound, the eight-run performance sealed the team's championship victory. The offense was led by...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/27/2026

15u South World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Jacob Ramirez (‘29 TX) all over it again today as he sends this ball into the parking lot for a 2-run 💣! Been seeing it awfully well all week with serious bat speed. Dude can play. #SouthWS https://t.co/rXRRJTbpoZ pic.twitter.com/CpBZklwxnN — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 25, 2026 Jacob Ramirez (2029, Santa Fe, Texas) had one of the strongest showings on the week for Texas Twelve Red Sox helping lead his team to a championship victory while taking home MVP honors. Ramirez was simply put, all over the barrel and worked some of the best at-bats of the tournament. Ramirez is a highly athletic short stop who was a main stay out there while looking the part. He made most plays his way while showing good hands and footwork around the ball with lateral range getting to balls with ease. Athleticism really shined on the dirt throughout the week. In the box, Ramirez finished the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 7

Perfect Game Staff
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Carter Nash (2029, Moore, S.C.) was all over the barrel for ZT National Prospects 15u. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a low leg lift trigger. Creates separation in the back shoulder and flips the hips with quick hands from a slightly uphill bat plane and good bat speed. Easy juice and strength present in the 5-foot-11, 201-pound frame with feel to impact and drive the ball. Showed the feel to let the ball travel and get deep and showed the hand speed to create barrel whip out front and drive the ball consistently to the backside. Solid range and showed solid arm strength out in center field defensively. The outfielder collected three extra base hits with two doubles and a triple to drive in an RBI and worked two walks. Nash ended the event with eight hits, including four doubles, a triple and two...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

PG East World Series Preview

Will Dembo
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As the summer travel baseball season comes to an end, over 80 teams will meet in East Cobb, Georgia as they look to end the year with a victory and a trophy at the PG East World Series. The premier event will host 5 age groups of 14u-18u with pool play commencing the tournament on Friday, July 24th, with champions crowned on Monday, July 27th at East Cobb Baseball Complex. The 15u field will feature 26 teams from all over the southeast, including the No. 27 team in the nation from the 14u rankings, Home Plate Chili Dogs 14u Glozier. The Chili Dogs, who also played up in the 15u WWBA last week for increased exposure, have been a very solid team this summer, but are still in search of their first championship win of the season. Another highly touted team looking to challenge them is USA Scout Team Nike, who is another 14u squad who will play against more mature competition for their 15u...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Kase Nickerson (2028, Branford, FL) put together a standout day at the plate for day 1 of BCS. Hit 3 home runs and a double over 2 games and 6 at-bats. Easily the top offensive performance on the day. Ability to consistently get a swing with intent on the baseball stands out. Jumped onto the radar as a prospect to watch today.   Chase Tucholski (2028, Quakertown, PA) had a standout first game at BCS on Thursday. Had 2 hits including a home run and 5 RBI. A physical right-handed hitter with the strength to drive the baseball out to all fields. Hit the home run over the 385 sign in left centerfield. There’s definite future run producing traits here. Will be a player to watch for the rest of the week.    Carter Reis (2028, Orlando, FL) showed intriguing arm talent from the left side in a relief outing. Was up to 88 with the fastball that had burst out of the hand. Spun...
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