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Draft  | Story | 8/6/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West

Tyler Henninger
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 | 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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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