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Draft  | Story | 8/6/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
Ryan Miller
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 WEST

Athletics
Grade: 60
Risk: Moderate-Low

Notable Selections: OF Drew Burress (1st rd) | LHP Mason Edwards (2nd rd) | RHP Gabe Gaeckle (CBB rd) 
 

The A’s hammered the college demographic throughout their entire draft and arguably came away with the best class of any organization. Holding the 8th overall pick, the Athletics were able to grab Drew Burress, who is arguably one of the most productive college players in the last decade. They followed that up with getting the No. 20th overall player on our board Mason Edwards with the 47th overall pick. Edwards put together a dominant spring and is a fun starters profile. They grabbed another exciting arm with the 73rd overall pick in Arkansas right-hander Gabe Gaeckle. Gaeckle is in the conversation for best stuff in the country and could become a steal if the command comes around. Jacob Dudan and Aiden Weaver are two more intriguing college arms. In rounds 4-6 they got a trio of college bats in Roman Martin (UCLA), Alex Hernandez (Georgia Tech), and Alex Sosa (Miami). All three ranked inside our Top-130. When you look at each pick they made, you come away more and more impressed. The Athletics are an organization that has had success developing college players recently and only added to the stash of players they can do so again with. 



Houston Astros
 Grade: 45
Risk: Moderate

Notable Selections: OF Logan Hughes (1st rd) | RHP Jack Radel (PPI rd) | LHP Wes Mendes (2nd rd) | SS Keon Johnson (3rd rd)
 

The Astros got their guy at pick 17, selecting outfielder Logan Hughes out of Texas Tech, who had gained late first-round buzz throughout the cycle. With Hughes, Houston is undoubtedly buying the hit/power combo that produced a 1.245 OPS in 2026, slugging 18 homers. A lack of a safe defensive home will temper expectations a bit. With their next two selections, the Astros went the “safe” college pitching route, starting with Notre Dame righty Jack Radel in the PPI round. Radel throws five solid-average or better offerings with a filled-out workhorse frame, giving him a starter look. Houston went back to the demographic with their second-round pick, selecting Florida State southpaw Wes Mendes. He carried a 30-plus percent strikeout rate throughout the spring, displaying a strong mix headlined by a tumbling change-up. In the third round, they shot for upside with Georgia infielder Keon Johnson, whose pure hitting ability and budding power allowed for an overslot payment. Overall, the Astros went with high-floor options outside of Johnson early on, taking on acceptable risk with their first three selections. 

Los Angeles Angels
Grade: 45
Risk: Moderate

Notable Selections: OF Jared Grindlinger (1st rd) | 2B Jarren Advincula (2nd rd) | 3B Gavin Grahovac (3rd rd)
 

It is not very often that a team will fire their GM less than a month before the draft. But the Angels did just that, turning to John Mozeliak to act as the interim GM and lead the draft strategy. The change in leadership did result in a different tactic by the Angels. Instead of going the fast-track college route like they have in recent years, they went to the prep ranks with the selection of Jared Grindlinger. Grindlinger was a standout two-way player at Huntington Beach, but was just announced as an outfielder. The pick is a nice change of pace for the organization, but could leave some things to be desired if they do not let me develop as a two-way player. Following the first round, the Angels went with a heavy load of college players. Jarren Advincula out of Georgia Tech may have the best hit tool in the class and should be a big leaguer. Lack of impact does limit the ceiling on the profile. Gavin Grahovac (Texas A&M), Rylan Lujo (Georgia), and Jaxon Willits (Oklahoma) were the next three picks. All three have been college performers and have some intriguing aspects to the profile, but once again the ceilings are limited. As a whole, the Angels took some quality players, but the class feels more like a collection of safe plays rather than upside plays.

Seattle Mariners
 Grade: 45
Risk: Moderate

Notable Selections: 3B Ace Reese (1st rd) | OF Jake Brown (2nd rd) | RHP Nathan Taylor (3rd rd)
 

The Mariners were comfortably in the bottom half of the league in terms of their bonus pool money, having $8.2 million to dish around for their picks. Naturally, it wasn’t the splashiest of drafts and they had to play it a bit more conservative throughout the process. Naturally, they went college heavy. They drafted one prep (Dominic Santarelli) in the 18th, but did not have the money to lure him away from his LSU commitment. Ace Reese was selected in the first by Seattle, a corner infielder that slugged at Mississippi State this year (.336/24/74). There are some whiff and chase things to take notice of here, but the impact and damage he puts out is enough to off-set those concerns for Seattle. They gave Reese $3.5m. Jake Brown was their 2nd round selection, given $1.38m. He was knocked out in April with a hamate injury, but looks like a fringe hit tool corner outfielder with a good arm and run that has above average raw pop in the stick. With over half their pool gone after the top 2 rounds, you could see the strategy for the draft play out down the board - safer college producers. Nathan Taylor had a track record at Cincinnati of starting games the last two years and racking up quality innings with a solid FB-SL combo. Henry Ford in the 6th provides interesting value if he can dial in the approach a bit, as his under the hood damage numbers can stand next to the best sluggers in the class. All in all, the Mariners stuck with a strategy that aligned strongly with their limitations given the bonus pool money allotment.

Texas Rangers
 Grade: 50
Risk: Extreme

Notable Selections: LHP Gio Rojas (1st rd) | SS Connor Comeau (2nd rd) | LHP Brody Bumila (3rd rd) 
 

While a majority of teams went the college route early in the draft, the Rangers implemented a different strategy. They took a prep player with their first three selections, grabbing Florida left-hander Gio Rojas, Texas shortstop Connor Comeau, and Massachusetts left-handed Brody Bumila. All three players ranked within the Top-55 on our final board. The trio of players cost the Rangers $9,850,000 in signing bonuses, which makes up over 96% of their bonus pool. Not a single other player was signed for more than $500,000 with their rounds 6-10 picks signing for less than $10,000. The strategy does come with obvious risk. You’re pretty much going all in on three prep players with the hopes they provide all the value to the draft class. Gio Rojas was our top prep arm on the board and Connor Comeau received rave reviews throughout the spring. Brody Bumila was likely going to be a first round pick, before news that he will need another elbow surgery the week of the draft. That pick alone brings significant risk, as you are investing $2.75 million into an arm that has had injury history and will likely not see the field until 2028. For an organization that has inconsistent success in development, such a high risk/high reward strategy is a bold one. 
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Draft | Story | 10/5/2026

Beyond the Board: Dylan Seward
Tyler Henninger
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As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. To kick things off, we let’s take a look at the current No. 1 player on our board, Norco HS SS Dylan Seward. Player: Dylan Seward Position: SS  B/T: S/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 177-pounds School: Norco HS Hometown: Corona, Calif. Physical Description: 6-0/177. Shorter build. Lean, athletic body. Frame has wiry strength throughout. A little bit of room for some continued strength development.  Hit: Switch-hitter. Uses an even base with a slightly closed stance from the left side and ever-slightly open stance from the right side. Hands are set at chin level. Displays a...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 James Watson (2030, Canton, Ga.) showed the two-way upside to start bracket play for East Cobb Astros 15u. On the mound the right-handed pitcher went three innings and with three strikeouts and spread five hits and two walks for three runs. Watson works from a hybrid windup from the middle-of-the-rubber into a small heel-turn and an around-the-belt leg lift before using drop-and-drive back leg mechanics into a longer, in-line stride down the mound. Showed some feel to get extension down the mound. The hands separate into a moderate arm action before accelerating through from an over-the-top arm angle. The fastball ran up to 86 with arm-side run and life. Paired it with a curveball with 11-5 shape and solid two-plane break. Mixed in a change-up in the upper- 70s with some vertical depth. Competed at the top of the zone well. Athletic...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 Mark Susa (WI) picked up 3 Ks thru 2 inn of work. 4SFB topped at 90 mph early on; 2S lived 85-86 w/ good run & sink down in the zone. Spun a 2600 rpm SLV w/ sharp traits (clip). Got up to 7’1” of extension. 6’4/200lb frame w/ more to come. #IUBase #WWBAWorlds @PG_WiscMinn https://t.co/uXfjVSSSZF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 11, 2026 Mark Susa (2027, Hudson, Wisc.) put together a quality outing on Sunday, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 200-pound left-hander ran his fastball up to 90 mph, pairing it with a two-seamer that lived in the 85-86 mph range with heavy sink and arm-side run. He also showed great feel for spinning and locating his slurvy breaking ball, which read spin up to 2600 rpm. Susa utilizes his length to his advantage, creating...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘28 Alan Zimmerman (FL) racked up 5 Ks w/ just 1 H allowed thru 3 shutout frames. Lived 89-90 T91 w/ lots of life thru the zone & some ASR. Dropped in a 12/6 breaker for Ks (clip). Projectable 6’3” mold. #Uncommitted @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/KTDFpGK49y — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2026 Alan Zimmerman (2028, Winter Garden, Fla.) was dominant in his start on Saturday, collecting five strikeouts through three shutout innings while allowing just one hit. The uncommitted 6-foot-3 right-hander showed out in front of a lot of scouts, running his fastball up to 91 mph. The heater plays up with lots of life through the zone and short arm-side run. Zimmerman sat comfortably in the 88-90 mph range, pairing his fastball with a late-acting 12/6 curveball that was landed...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 3

Jheremy Brown
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carson Garzaniti (2029, Jupiter, Fla.) showed the barrel feel all game for West Boynton Cobras. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with his weight shifted forward and in-line feet with a high handset and an even back elbow, utilizes a heel lift weight transfer trigger. Creates some separation in the back shoulder and uncoils the lower half with a short, direct hand path and extension out front from a slightly uphill bat plane. Good bat speed in the swing with some feel to impact. The catcher has shown the barrel accuracy all event with three hits, including a double and triple, to drive in four RBI and has come around to score five runs. Lean, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with feel to generate power working ground up from the back leg. Exciting player that has been swinging a hot stick through pool play.  ...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 ‘27 C Joshua Digulio (TX) opened the morning in Cacti Park with a bang. In his first at-bat of the morning, Digulio crushed an 0-2 fastball. The right-handed hitter powered a fly-ball through the Florida morning humidity off the back wall of the left field bullpen for a no-doubt solo shot. Everybody in the stadium knew it was gone as soon as he made contact. The catcher also worked a walk in his only other plate appearance. His home run was the only hit in the game, providing Texas Brigade 2027 a 1-0 win.  ‘27 MIF Xavier Martin (IL) woke up the stadium with an electric swing. The right-handed hitter was sitting dead-red on a 2-0 heater, got it, and torched it. Martin scorched a line drive all the way over the left field bullpen, as the ball cleared a near 20-foot wall and bounced onto the concourse. It was a two-run shot for the...
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/9/2026

PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division

Erica Beach
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PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division Oct 3-4 Peoria, IL PEORIA, IL- It was a phenomenal weekend for softball as six teams from three different states gathered at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Illinois for the 2026 PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division. The competition was fierce from the first pitch to the final out, making for an action-packed slate of games. Our scouts were treated to an incredible display of talent and athleticism throughout the event, and below are the standout players who truly caught our eye. Joharah Boze (2027, Chillicothe, IL) of the Indiana Magic 18U Lewellen hit an astounding .778 on the weekend. She finished the tournament with four singles, three doubles, two walks, three runs scored, and four RBIs, proving to be the pillar of consistency for her squad. Featuring an athletic stance and a balanced...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 ’30 RHP/OF Amir Kriz-Hopkins (VA) couldn’t be touched, striking out all six batters he faced over 2 IP. Tall, projectable frame w/ a quick, loose arm. FB worked 87-91 mph w/ ASR & the SL missed bats w/ late break at 76-79. #SelectFest alum. #WWBAWorlds @PG_VirginiaWV https://t.co/mN4H64aLgo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 9, 2026 Amir Kriz-Hopkins (2030, Chesapeake, Va.) of SBA Bolts National 15U was lights out on the mound, striking out all six batters he faced over two innings before adding a double offensively. The right-hander has a tall, projectable frame with a quick, loose arm and worked his fastball up to 91 mph with arm-side run. Kriz-Hopkins paired the fastball with a sharp slider at 76-79 mph that generated swings and miss, showing his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.   ’30...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/8/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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’30 OF Quintin Blackwell (CA) drives this ball deep over the RF’s head for a triple, creating loud contact. Physical, compact frame with quick hands and plenty of strength in the bat. #WWBAWorlds @California_PG https://t.co/Tyq0a0SKd2 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 Quintin Blackwell (2030, Hercules, Calif.) of MLB Breakthrough Series 2030 and a 2026 Select Fest participant made his presence felt at the plate. The physical outfielder displayed quick hands and strength in the bat, while showing the ability to do damage with a loud triple that got over the right fielder’s head. There is plenty of upside to come, with Blackwell showing the tools that can impact the game offensively. Miles Lockridge (2030, Swansea, Ill.) of MLB Breakthrough Series 2030 put together a quality day at the plate, collecting a double while reaching base safely...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/9/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Calum Andersen (‘27,CAN) had his A stuff working today running the FB to 96 mph with a devastating horizontal SL at 85 mph that can break bats. Mixed in a late breaking 12/6 curveball at 78 mph that induces weak contact and showed excellent feel for a CH that mimics the FB delivery. The @OU_Baseball commit struck out 8 & allowed 2H 1BB. stands on a projectable 6’5/195 frame you can dream on. @pg_int1 #WWBAWorlds @PG_Draft — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 Calum Andersen, RHP, Calgary, AB (CAN) Brewers/Langley Blaze Scout (2027) Andersen showed advanced present stuff and pitchability in a strong outing. The delivery is athletic and repeatable from a projectable frame, with room remaining for strength gains that should help the fastball play more consistently in the mid-90s and give the breaking balls even sharper bite. Andersen attacks with a live...
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Tournaments | Story | 10/8/2026

Midwest Fall Championship Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Midwest Fall Championship    ‘29 LHP Jake Bzdusek (IL) Works 5.1 very strong innings from a low arm angle. Has a FB with sink in the mid 70s and T78. Has a nice E/W SL 67-68 (2nd,4th video). Struck out 7 and was efficient in the zone w/ 62% strikes. #WWBAMW @AthletesHQ2 https://t.co/th4O6pgHBs — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) October 3, 2026 Jake Bzdusek (2029, Huntley, Ill.) a left-handed pitcher works from a very low arm angle creating lots of deception to throw off hitters. The fastball was in the mid 70s, topping 78mph with good action. His slider had lots of east/west action, creating tons of swing and miss. Bzdusek pitched 5.1 innings while striking out seven, helping him earn the win. He threw efficiently, landing 62% of his pitches for strikes. He also got it done on the offensive side of the ball this weekend as well. He racked up six hits in as many...
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