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Draft  | Story | 8/7/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL West

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
Ryan Miller
2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL 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.

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks 
Grade: 50
Risk: High



Notable Selections: C Ryder Helfrick (1st rd) | RHP Blake Bryant (CB-A rd) | SS Carson Kerce (2nd rd) | OF Brayden Dowd (3rd rd) 


The Diamondbacks started their draft by taking a coveted profile in high-level college catcher Ryder Helfrick out of Arkansas. Helfrick possesses some swing-and-miss in his game but managed to slug 18 homers while posting a .974 OPS in 2026. His strong arm and advanced defensive actions should dictate a high-floor profile. In the competitive balance round, they selected Georgia right-handed Blake Bryant. The Clemson recruit carries with him a big and projectable frame, along with four strong offerings thrown for strikes. In the second and third, Arizona took back-to-back college bats in Georgia Tech shortstop Carson Kerce and Florida State outfielder Brayden Dowd. Both have a lengthy track record of production at the collegiate level, showcasing strong tools in the box and defensively. Kerce appeared in the middle infield while posting a 1.152 OPS with 11 homers. Dowd showed an all-around offensive game with double-digit homers and more walks than strikeouts. Overall, the Diamondbacks stuck to their board and managed to produce a crop that has multiple paths to Major League contribution. 

Colorado Rockies
Grade: 55
Risk: High

Notable Selections: SS Tyler Bell (1st rd) | C Daniel Jackson (2nd rd) | RHP Logan Reddemann (3rd rd) | RHP Tyler Putnam (5th rd) 
 

The Rockies had $15.5 million in bonus pool money to spend this year, and they truly made the most of it. I loved this draft for them, blending big upside with safer floors in college early before splashing with a prep right-handed arm in the 5th with a huge overslot deal. With a new GM in place undertaking his first draft process with the club, it makes sense why the top lent itself to more college for the Rockies here. Tyler Bell bet on himself coming out of high school and it paid off, getting $5.97m in the first round just a few years later. He feels like a safer college option that fits perfectly for Colorado in this spot. He likely doesn’t have a tool that projects as plus at the big league level, but it is a bevy of 50-55 tools with fringe power and long-term shortstop projection. It’s not too shabby either when you can add the Golden Spikes winner in the 2nd, as they inked Daniel Jackson for nearly $2.3m. The hit tool likely projects out at a 40, but the impact has a chance for above average with an average arm and run tool. If you’re bullish on him, you think he can stick behind the dish. Even if he doesn’t, he’s athletic with the arm strength necessary to handle right field. Logan Reddemann was their 3rd round selection, a proven college starter at UCLA who feels like a safe bet to start games at the professional level as well. He has mid rotation upside with good control and a full array of offerings that project as average to above average. Jack Natili is another backstop they took in the 4th that had an incredible year at Cincinnati, offering a bit better hit tool projection than his counterpart Jackson. The ability to catch is also up in the air, but he’s got the prerequisite arm strength to do so. Tyler Putnam was the 5th round prep splash, signed for nearly $1.9m. He’s got the long body you project strength onto with ease, and the fastball has a chance to be a monster. There was a big up arrow next to his name all spring long, and it culminated in this selection. All in all, this was a great draft in my eyes for the Rockies. 

Los Angeles Dodgers
Grade: 40
Risk: Moderate

Notable Selections: SS Bo Lowrance (1st rd) | RHP Russell Sandefer (4th rd) | LHP Miles Gosztola (8th rd)
 

When it comes to most transactions, the Dodgers are the team that does not have to worry about funds. But in the 2026 draft, they were severely limited by their bonus pool after having to forfeit their 2nd round, 3rd round, 4th round, and 6th round selections. Having a little less than a $4 million bonus pool to work with, Los Angeles had to get a little creative. They were able to grab prep shortstop Bo Lowrance with the 40th overall selection, signing him to an overslot deal. A player some thought could float toward the first round. Following Lowrance they hammered the college demographic, selecting 13 college players in their final 15 picks. With the pool they were given, it was going to be hard for the Dodgers to walk away with any surplus of talent, but they were still able to grab a couple intriguing pieces and a high end prep player. 

San Diego Padres
Grade: 55
Risk: High

Notable Selections: RHP Coleman Borthwick (1st rd) | SS Elliot Lascelles (2nd rd) | RHP Ryan Lynch (3rd rd)
 

There were talks that the Padres may go the college route in the first round, but they did not vary from their traditional tactic and ended up going back to the prep ranks. They grabbed right-hander Coleman Borthwick out of Florida. Borthwick is a big, physical arm that can reach triple digits and posted a monster spring. They followed it with a bit of a surprising pick to some in Canadian-prep shortstop Elliot Lascelles. Lascelles may not stick at shortstop long term, but is a very good athlete with a strong feel to hit. Following their first two selections, San Diego implemented an all-college strategy over their next 15 picks and went to the college ranks in 17 of their final 19 selections. North Carolina Ryan Lynch is an intriguing arm with enticing data to back him up. They were able to grab some really productive pieces that could provide value later in the process. Nu’u Contrades (6th rd) put up a loud year at Arizona State, as did Augie Lopez (10th rd) at Southern California. In total, the class has some solid upside pieces and quality depth as well. 

San Francisco Giants
Grade: 55
Risk: Moderate

Notable Selections: RHP Jackson Flora (1st rd) | LHP Carson Bolemon (CBA) | RHP Kaden Weachter (2nd rd) | OF Peyton Bonds (3rd rd)
 

The Giants spent the 3rd most money in the draft this year (5th most of all-time) and came away winners. They were able to grab the top arm on the board in Jackson Flora out of UCSB. The right-hander has front of the rotation potential and was clearly the best arm in the entire class. They followed with the selection of two high school arms with significant upside. Peyton Bonds as their third round selection. The nephew of Giants legend Barry Bonds can bring significant raw power with intriguing potential at the plate. Later on in the draft, San Francisco grabbed one of the top seniors on the board in right-hander Eric Nachtheim, along with left-hander Beau Bryans. In rounds 10-20, they grabbed athletic outfielder Josiah Kemp, nephew of Matt Kemp, as well as a couple of intriguing college third baseman in Drew Smith and Dalton Wentz. The class has a nice mix of upside on the mound and a fairly deep position group. It is hard not to walk away feeling good about what the Giants were able to do.  
 
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Draft | Story | 8/22/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL East
Tyler Henninger
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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 East Baltimore Orioles Grade: 50 Risk: High Notable Selections: OF Eric Booth Jr. (1st rd) | OF Ty Head (2nd rd) | OF Kevin Roberts Jr (4th rd)  Eric Booth Jr. (26 MS) goes big fly 💣 that carried out oppo. Explosive athlete w/ huge LH juice & tools. Big time in several facets. #NatElite #Vandy commit. @PG_DeepSouth pic.twitter.com/kXl7ZVyD9G — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2025 Baltimore was about middle of the pack in terms of money available this year, having $13.1m to spend on their class. Booth Jr. is a...
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College | Story | 8/21/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Collegiate RHP

Ryan Miller
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2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: College Right-Handed Pitchers  Throughout the 2027 draft cycle, I’ll be breaking down different demographics in the class. Today we begin with collegiate right-handed pitching, a strong group that is headlined by a legitimate 1-1 candidate in Dax Whitney. Most of the group is made up of high-quality power four arms, with a handful of mid-major arms mixed in. Below are the top college right-handers in the 2027 class:  Dax Whitney (@BeaverBaseball) showed LOUD stuff. FB up to 100, cruised at 95-98. Pair of plus secondaries. CB at 77-79 (2923) with sharp, 12-6 action. Firm SL at 89-91 (2714) with bite. Flashed fading CH at 87-88 (1425). Ranked No. 1 on the ‘27 board @PG_Draft So./‘27 elig. pic.twitter.com/9PNbjJ53Zo — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 13, 2026 Dax Whitney, Oregon State  Whitney has maintained...
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All American Game | Story | 8/21/2026

Brotherly Love Inspires Carter Hadnot

Jim Salisbury
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PHILADELPHIA – Perfect Game has been a big part of Carter Hadnot’s life since he was 12. He participated in more than a dozen tournaments and showcases, including prestigious Select Festivals as a 13U and 14U player, as well as last summer’s PG All-Star Game for underclassmen in San Diego.   The PG event that Hadnot always wanted to be part of was the DICK’s All-American Classic. Now, that’s on his resume, too. He played in the 24th annual Classic earlier this week at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. “This means a lot to me,” he said during the event. “I always wanted to make it to Select Fest when I was younger. So, every time I get invited to an event it’s an honor and it’s fun. I don’t take it for granted. “This is definitely the one I always wanted to make it to. A lot of big names have...
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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: 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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Draft | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL Central

Tyler Henninger
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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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