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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 | 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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