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Draft  | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL Central

Tyler Henninger
Michael Albee
Joey Cohen
Ryan Miller
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)
 

Chicago had a safer, college heavy draft that one could expect of a club with just $9m in the bonus pool to spread out across their picks. They did well at the top, getting Cade Townsend for $3.1m. He had a good year at Ole Miss, starting 14 games and chewing up 64 innings with a 23.9% K-BB. The heater and spin all grade out as 55, and he throws enough strikes to lend itself towards a rather safe projection as a mid rotation arm at his peak. Caden Sorrel in the 2nd was another nice college pick. Those who are bullish are going to see a 40 bat with the chance to be an everyday centerfielder at the big league level thanks to his speed and natural instincts to cover space. The whiff numbers are a bit worrisome, but the damage and natural ability to lift in the air to pull should be enough to offset the lack of natural contact ability. The entire country is aware of what kind of power Myles Bailey possesses, and it’s the reason the Cubs pulled the trigger in the comp round. The miss rate and strikeout rates in college are naturally a glaring hole in his game, but nobody else in the country is able to match his raw power. He is a pretty good defender at first base as well, adding some value to his profile. He was knocked out midseason due to an ankle injury that required surgery, but he was having a massive season prior to that. Dylan Blomker stands as the lone prep “splash”, a right-handed arm taken in the 5th and given $888k. It’s a long body with a low-mid 90’s heater and a slider that shows flashes, but is a ball of clay right now and needs lots of time. Chicago went extremely college pitching heavy, as 15 of their picks were of those ranks. There are some interesting pieces here, but all in all it was a fringe draft class for me.

Cincinnati Reds 
Grade: 45
Risk: High
Notable Selections: SS Justin Lebron (1st rd) | SS Eric Becker (2nd rd) | 1B Mulivai Levu (CB-B rd) | RHP Tyner Horn (3rd rd) 
 

The Reds put together a class rooted in proven college talent, supplementing with prep shortstop Dylan Bowen in the fifth round, their only high school signee. In the first round, Cincinnati saw tooled-up Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron fall to them at 18th overall, a polarizing player who possessed a large selection range. Lebron showcases plus power, speed, and arm but struggled to consistently perform in the SEC, hitting .273 with a .920 OPS last spring, despite a drop in strikeout rate. The tools are undeniable; however, the hit tool needs polishing. The Reds’ next two selections can be described as “high floor” college bats, starting with Virginia infielder Eric Becker, producing throughout his three years at school. Becker makes a good amount of contact while posting intriguing exit velocity numbers, profiling to stick on the dirt defensively. UCLA’s Mulivai Levu was their Competitive Balance-B selection, a medium-sized first baseman with a proven hit/power combination. It’s tough to poke holes in Levu’s offensive game, slugging 18 homers with a 1.063 OPS in 2026. Cincinnati took their first pitcher in the third round, righty Tyner Horn out of Nebraska, owning a 4.03 ERA over 22 games last spring. Horn utilizes a five-pitch mix with a fastball into the upper-90s, giving him a starter look. Overall, the Reds went with some safe picks after their first-round selection, who offers them massive upside despite whiff and track record concerns. 

Milwaukee Brewers 
Grade: 40
Risk: High
Notable Selections: SS Trey Ebel (1st rd) | OF Sawyer Strosnider (2nd rd) | OF Kyle Jones (3rd rd) | RHP Julian Garcia (4th rd)
 

The Brewers took a unique approach to their draft strategy, hammering a bunch of underslot deals and swinging big on a couple of overslot deals. They used their first selection on one of the most surprising picks in the first round with shortstop Trey Ebel. The California prep was ranked 112th on our final board, yet was selected with the 25th overall pick. It marks the second straight year Milwaukee took an Ebel brother. They followed that pick with the selection of TCU outfielder Sawyer Strosnider. Strosnider was the complete opposite side of the spectrum, ranking 18th overall on our final board, but being selected 66th overall. The profile is loaded with tools, but does come with significant hit tool risk. Another big overlot pick was used on prep arm Julian Garcia in the 4th round. The California right-hander signed for nearly $1 million overslot. There is big upside to the profile, but does come with some injury history. Clemson right-hander Aiden Knaak was selected with the Brewers’ 5th round pick, but was one of two Top-10 round picks that failed to sign. In total, it is hard to get overly excited about the Brewers draft class. There are some interesting plays, but also a lot of underwhelming ones. The player development department has proven they can turn a lot of fringe players into quality big leaguers so there is at least that to look forward to. 

Pittsburgh Pirates 
Grade: 55
Risk: Moderate-Low
Notable Selections: OF Derek Curiel (1st rd) | SS Aiden Ruiz (2nd rd) | 2B Chris Rembert (Sup-2 rd)
 

The Pirates have had a lot of success in recent years taking prep players with their first pick. They changed strategies this year, selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel 5th overall. The outfielder was highly touted as a prep, but opted to go to school. He faced some criticism this spring with his lack of impact, but still possesses one of the better hit tools in the class and can play center field. They followed up that selection with shortstop Aiden Ruiz. The New York prep has arguably the best glove in the class and provides intriguing switch-hitting ability at the plate. Chris Rembert, out of Auburn, was selected 51st overall and is another intriguing bat with big bat speed and some athleticism. In the third round, they finally dipped into the pitching side with the selection of North Carolina right-hander Jason Decaro, who brings both a mix of upside and performance history. Decaro was one of six college arms used in the first round. Overall, the Pirates draft class has a nice mix of high floors and intriguing athleticism with a lot of potential big league profiles. 

St. Louis Cardinals
Grade: 50
Risk: Moderate
Notable Selections: OF Trevor Condon (1st rd) | RHP Tegan Kuhns (CB-A rd) | SS Rocco Maniscalco (2nd rd) | OF Andrew Williamson (CB-B rd) | RHP Dawson Montesa (CB-B rd)
 

The Cardinals started in a great spot, selecting six times within the first three rounds. They took Georgia outfielder Trevor Condon in the first, a scrappy left-handed hitter with an advanced hit tool. One of the faster players in the class, Condon has a chance to stick in center, along with an intriguing blend of contact and relative bat speed at the dish. St. Louis went the college pitcher route in the Competitive Balance A round, selecting Tennessee’s Tegan Kuhns. The Pennsylvania native blends a lively mid-to-upper 90s fastball with two high-spin breaking balls, posting a 3.56 ERA and 31% strikeout rate in 2026. He also offers a strong change-up, supporting his case to remain a starter. In the second round, the Cardinals took switch-hitting prep shortstop Rocco Maniscalco out of Alabama, a young-for-the-class infielder with an all-around toolset. Maniscalco is one of the better pure shortstops in the class, possessing a rocket arm and feel for the position. He offers a simple operation from both sides of the dish, developing budding impact. St. Louis had a pair of picks in the Competitive Balance B round, selecting Central Florida outfielder Andrew Williamson and West Virginia righty Dawson Montesa. Williamson is a corner outfield profile with an intriguing hit/power combination from the left side, slugging 16 homers in 2026. Montesa helped the Mountaineers to an Omaha appearance, posting a 5.38 ERA while striking out 26.7 percent of batters. The D-II transfer works a lively fastball into the mid-to-upper 90s, turning to a sharp two-plane curveball, tight slider, and tumbling change-up. Overall, the Cardinals had the draft stock to go after a large range of profiles, mixing high-ceiling prep bats with high-floor college profiles. 
 
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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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