THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Draft  | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL Central

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
Ryan Miller
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) 


The Guardians seemingly leaned into one of their organizational strengths with a draft built around arms with significant upside. Peterson may have had the best pure stuff in the class, although the control concerns created some risk, and Matt Scott could ultimately prove to be one of the more interesting selections as his pro-ready arsenal gives him a chance to move quickly. The draft took an unexpected turn when the Guardians couldn’t reach a deal with Logan Schmidt for their second pick, but they found an intriguing pivot in the seventh round with Savion Sims, who has a chance to develop into one of the hardest-throwing prospects in the game. That kind of arm strength is difficult to find that late in the draft and gives Cleveland another high-ceiling development bet. The position player side of the class also showed some familiar Guardians themes, particularly athleticism, speed and underlying contact ability. Broussard fits that mold well as an ultra-athletic outfielder with 70-grade run times and a knack for making consistent quality contact, while sixth-rounder Lucas Moore brings a similarly dynamic, speedy profile to the group. Kade Lewis represents more of a safety play with a promising hit tool, while Deiten LaChance offers the opposite end of the spectrum as a riskier power-oriented bet. Overall, Cleveland’s class feels very much in line with the organization’s development strengths where they bet on athleticism, arm talent and traits that can be maximized over time, while accepting a bit volatility in exchange for legitimate upside

Chicago White Sox 
Grade: 55
Risk: High
Notable Selections: SS Roch Cholowsky (1st rd) | INF Landon Thome (CB-A rd) | INF/C Cole Prosek (2nd rd) | RHP Joey Volchko (3rd rd) 
 

The White Sox won the draft lottery over the winter, securing the 1-1 selection, then traded for the 34th overall pick before the draft. In a packed draft class, Chicago selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky first overall, the favorite throughout the cycle. Cholowsky possesses advanced actions at shortstop, moving well while employing ultra-soft hands and an accurate arm from multiple angles. At the plate, Cholowsky has steadily improved his power over three seasons with the Bruins, slugging 21 homers last spring. The White Sox took a familiar name in the Competitive Balance-A round in Illinois infielder Landon Thome. The son of HOFer Jim, Landon packs a punch in an effective left-handed swing. Defensively, Thome may shift off shortstop but has a strong chance of sticking at second or third base. In the second round, they went with Mississippi prep infielder/catcher Cole Prosek, utilizing an advanced hit tool and unique defensive profile. Prosek employs a strong arm from an athletic frame, appearing both at third base and catcher last spring. Chicago selected Georgia right-hander Joey Volchko in the fourth round, a power arm that led his squad to an Omaha appearance in 2026. Volchko owned a 3.68 ERA last spring, striking out 29% of batters thanks to a high-octane repertoire. His five-pitch mix starts with a mid-to-upper 90s heater, as well as a pair of high-spin breaking balls (curveball & slider) and a tight cutter. Overall, the White Sox were set up for success given their first overall pick, managing to load up on high-ceiling preps before selecting a stuff-oriented pitcher. 

Detroit Tigers 
Grade: 50
Risk: High
Notable Selections: RHP Cameron Flukey (1st rd) | SS Tyson LeBlanc (2nd rd) | RHP Evan Dempsey (CB-B rd)
 

The Tigers had a solid draft across the board, blending upside prep talent with college performers to create a nice class of draftees. Given that Detroit was in the bottom third of the league in terms of bonus pool money ($9.1m), they needed to have a concise plan to maximize the value of their allotment. In the first round, they would select Cameron Flukey. At the start of the spring, he was firmly in conversations as RHP1 in this class, but an injury would put him on the shelf for a bit and others rose to the occasion. Still, Flukey has plenty of size and strike throwing ability with a riding heater in the mid to upper 90’s and good feel for a big curveball that projects out as an above average offering. With both a slider and change in his bag, he’s got a four pitch mix to challenge hitters with. From this chair, it’s a safe MLB starter. Tyson LeBlanc had a fantastic season at Kansas, putting 25 out of the park and displaying a nice linedrive swing that projects to hold up as he moves through the minor leagues and into the bigs. It’s not an overly flashy toolset, but rather a steady one with a bundle of MLB average tools that should keep him afloat. Evan Dempsey was an intriguing 2-way selection out of FGCU, but it seems as though his future is going to be on the mound. A full time starter this spring, he’d pitch to a 3.15 ERA with 34.1% K-BB over 88.2 innings (15 starts). He’s a reliable strikethrower and solid athlete with capacity to rip off a pair of high spin breakers (SL, CB) with a heater that usually sits in the low 90’s. The Tigers are bullish on there being plenty more to tap into once he focuses on pitching full time. There’s a bundle of other nice selections in my eyes down the board as well. Dominic Pellegrin is an interesting prep shortstop out of Louisiana with a good swing and athleticism. Will Adams is a pure hit tool first baseman from the prep ranks with power that projects long-term. Robert Omidi did nothing but hit at our events stateside in front of our staff, signing for $222k to get him out of his Kentucky commitment. Brady Ballinger is a hitter that slumped a bit this spring, but has shown lots to like in the past for a bat taken in the 7th. 

Kansas City Royals 
Grade: 45
Risk: High
Notable Selections: OF Zion Rose (1st rd) | RHP Taylor Rabe (CB-A rd) | RHP Jack Slightom (2 rd) | LHP Maxx Yehl (3rd rd)
 

We knew going into draft day, the Royals were potentially going to swing an underslot deal with their first selection, it was just a matter of who. They wound up taking Zion Rose, who is an uber-athletic player with plenty of tools. The Louisville outfielder ranked 35th on our final board, so obviously a stretch in terms of selection number, but the final signing bonus still feels like a stretch. Rose got the 10th highest bonus in the class at $5.8 million, which feels like an overpay. They followed that pick up with a trio of arms. Ole Miss right-hander Taylor Rabe was a significant riser late in the cycle and will be a fun arm to monitor. Prep right-hander Jack Slightom got a significant overslot deal with a $3 million and brings a profile with big upside. West Virginia left-hander Maxx Yehl was an outstanding college performer this spring and has starter upside. Overall, the draft haul should reload the Royals farm system with a nice collection of arms. The class would have graded higher if the resources for the first pick were used in a different way. It is not that Zion Rose is a bad player or does not have enticing upside, it just feels like that $5.8 million dollar bonus feels significantly higher for the 35th player on the board. 

Minnesota Twins 
Grade: 50
Risk: Moderate
Notable Selections: C Vahn Lackey (1st rd) | C Carson Tinney (2nd rd) | RHP Ethan Wachsmann (4th rd) 
 

The Twins’ decision to take Lackey third overall was hardly a surprise, but following him up with another catcher in Tinney made for an interesting start to the class. Tinney brings plenty of intrigue, although there is some risk attached to the profile if he ultimately has trouble sticking behind the plate. From there, Minnesota went heavily toward pitching, selecting nine arms in a row and clearly leaning into its ability to develop pitching depth. Wachsmann is the headliner of that group after receiving the organization’s second-largest bonus at $2.2 million. The massive prep right-hander brings a high-end heater and legitimate starter upside, giving the Twins another big-bodied arm with the traits to potentially be a rotation arm. The college arms each bring a different flavor to the class. Brett Renfrow, their third-round selection, carries some risk given the command inconsistencies he showed this spring, but the stuff is enticing with a plus heater and flashes of a future plus breaking ball. Tommy Lapour also brings a high-end fastball and could become a particularly interesting pick if he proves capable of handling a starter’s workload. Steele Murdock and Max Bayles fit into a similar bucket, with both possessing breaking balls that generate significant swing-and-miss and will be ready to play against professional hitters relatively quickly, while Murdock has a slight edge in raw velocity. Burns gives them a different look with an unique arm angle, a fastball that reaches 100 mph and a plus cutter, creating the ingredients for a potential quick-moving reliever. Ethan Lay might be one of the quieter names to watch, as he has established himself as one of the better strike-throwers in the West and could look like a tremendous value at just $75,000. Overall, this was a very Twins-like draft, lock in some premium talent at the top, then take a volume approach to pitching and bet on traits that their development system can amplify. There is a bit of volatility in the group, but also a lot of ways for this class to outperform its initial draft-day perception if even a few of these arms take a step forward.
Give us your feedback
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 10/15/2026

Beyond the Board: C/UTL Gavin Kelly
Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Beyond the Board: SS Dylan Seward 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. This week we are diving in West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly. The Mountaineer backstop posted a .382/.477/.725 slash line with 19 home runs, 44 extra-base hits, and helped lead WVU to Omaha in ‘26. Let’s dive in.  Player: Gavin Kelly  Position: C/UTL B/T: R/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 175-pounds School: West Virginia Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pen. Physical Description: 6-0/175. Lean, athletic build. Sneaky strength throughout. Frame has room to fill out and get stronger.    Slo-mo look at the HR by Gavin Kelly (@WVUBaseball)....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/19/2026

PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The WWBA World Championship remains one of the premier events on the draft calendar as all 30 major league organizations descend on Jupiter to evaluate some of the top talent in amateur baseball. The event serves as a pivotal checkpoint in the scouting process, giving established prospects an opportunity to further elevate their stock while lesser-known names have a chance to put themselves on the radar of various organizations. This year was no exception, as several players made strong impressions and positioned themselves for increased attention heading into the spring. With that being said, let’s dive into a few draft risers and sleepers who stood out in Jupiter. 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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/15/2026

Big Offense Propels TBT/FTB to Title

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
Big Offense Wins TBT/FTB Phillies Scout WWBA Freshman Title Runs scoring in every inning led to the TBT/FTB Phillies Scout Team taking home the 2026 PG WWBA Freshman World Championship - winning over Canes National 15U 10-5. It had been a long week in West Palm Beach for the freshmen coming in from around the country to go up against the best of the best. While they had gotten to play on the backfields during the whole tournament, the players who made it to the championship game got to play it in the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches Stadium. TBT/FTB showed their defensive strength right away - executing quickly to retire each of the first three batters. With the bats in their hands, they also showed speed to deliver - with Luca Briggs batting Trey Vandergriff in for the first run of the game and Kingston George quickly plating Briggs with a double in the next at-bat. In the first at-bat of...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/14/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘31 Ryan Spann (GA) obliterates this ball for a solo HR 💣. Ball jumps off barrel & shows the juice and & PS impact. 3x @PGSelectFest alum. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Georgia https://t.co/TgVGPfDRYc — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) October 10, 2026 Ryan Spann (2031, Warner Robins, Ga.) took home MVP honors after a standout weekend and finishing as the number one player on the top performers list. The top player from Georgia and number two player in the country led all performers in home runs (2) and tallied 7 RBIs on his way to a .400 average. The overall profile on Spann is super advanced for the age with electric offensive upside and one of if not the prettiest swing in the class. This will be a fun follow for years to come and I am all in. Carlo Rivero (2031, Apopka, Fla.) checks in as the number one overall player in the class and it’s easy to see why at...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 10/14/2026

Perfect Game Extends Turtlebox Deal

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TURTLEBOX AS OFFICIAL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER AND AUDIO PROVIDER   Sanford, Florida (Wednesday, October 14, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Turtlebox has extended its partnership as the Official Bluetooth Speaker and Audio Provider of Perfect Game. The relationship, which began in 2023, expands to include original content, player recognition and a larger presence at Perfect Game's marquee events. At the center of the extension is "Turtlebox Cage Sessions," a new series produced and distributed by Perfect Game across all its social media platforms. The 12 short-form episodes will feature...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/13/2026

East Cobb/Padres Explode Late for Jupiter Win

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
East Cobb/SD Padres ST Explode Late for WWBA Worlds Win A hard-fought, crazy ending resulted in the East Cobb/SD Padres scout team coming back and winning the 2026 PG WWBA World Championship over the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028. The score was 8-7 after the championship was won with a walk-off balk. After going against some of the most talented, highly-ranked players in the country for the past couple days, it was finally time for the championship game at Roger Dean Complex Stadium in Jupiter, FL. The WWBA World Championship, or, as it’s more commonly and lovingly referred to as, “Jupiter,” has become a favorite for all who have been part of its iconic, golf-cart infested, electric atmosphere. This championship game was sure to entertain. The first two innings were scoreless for both teams as they got settled. Both defenses were making plays - SBA/Marlins executed a...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 3

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
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.  ...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.