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Draft  | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers

The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle. 


SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA) 
The Southern California prep ranks have produced a plethora of high impact big league talent and Seward looks to join that pipeline. The Tennessee recruit operates from a medium frame with a blend of lower half strength, length, and quick twitch. A switch-hitting shortstop, Seward’s calling card is elite level speed and athleticism that comfortably projects on the dirt. He moves well laterally, employing a pair of soft hands and strong throwing arm. Seward starts with a slightly spread base and higher hands, working into a direct inward leg load pre-launch from both sides of the dish. The Norco product has a knack for pulling the ball in the air, assisting in a widely noted power jump over the summer circuit. This has come with a bit of swing-and-miss, a question mark that could impact his draft selection. Seward’s high-level tools and athletic ability, paired with his advanced offensive game from both sides of the plate put him in the discussion for the first overall pick.  



SS Malachi Butler, McEachern (GA) 
Butler jolted himself up draft boards industry wide after an impressive showing on the summer circuit. The Georgia Tech commit’s frame is how you draw it up, with length and room to fill, pointing to high level projectability. In a draft era that rewards hit tools, Butler has a strong one, in part thanks to a crisp left-handed swing. His operation starts with a slightly spread base and high compact hands, utilizing a subtle outward step leg load. Butler fires through a quick and accurate barrel with an upward trajectory and more power on the way as he adds muscle. The Georgia native showcases under control actions at shortstop, moving well laterally with the instincts and actions to stick at the position. Butler isn’t a burner and will turn in average run times, so a move to third base after filling out his frame isn’t out of the question. He has a suitable arm for the left side of the infield. Butler’s combination of an advanced hit tool, projectable frame, and high-level infield actions should land him comfortably in the top half of the first round.  
 

SS Graham Houston, Venice Senior (FL) 
Houston’s brother Marek was a first-round selection by the Twins in 2025, and Graham has a prime opportunity to continue the trend thanks to advanced bat-to-ball skills and crisp infield defense. The Louisiana State recruit operates from a medium frame with length and lower half strength, along with significant athleticism. A switch hitter, Houston starts wide at the base with higher hands, getting into his lower half before loading via a simple outward step. He fires through a quick and compact barrel with a line drive approach to all fields, getting into some pull side juice at times. The Florida native runs elite contact rates but is limited by an aggressive approach that will need adjustment at the next level. Defensively, Houston is a no doubt plus defender thanks to advanced actions, suitable throwing arm, and quickness on the dirt. Houston’s combination of high-level defense at a premium position and an advanced offensive profile project him well inside the first round.  


SS Lubin Rincon, The Bennett School (TX) 
Rincon is a Venezuelan born infielder who grew up in Texas and brings a dynamic projectable skillset to the class. He works from a 6-foot-3 frame with lean length and room to fill, offering a decent amount of athleticism. A left-handed hitter, Rincon starts even at the base with high compact hands. He utilizes a simple and subtle outward hovering leg load before firing through the barrel with a slight upward trajectory. The Longhorns recruit has an advanced approach that is elevated by strong bat-to-ball skills, posting a 1.386 OPS at Perfect Game events in 2026. His frame and recent added strength point to more impact on the way, to pair with a quality hit tool. Defensively, Rincon showcases under control actions at shortstop with soft hands and lateral range, projecting to stick on the left side of the dirt. Rincon is an average runner with a well-rounded overall toolshed and will get first round consideration throughout the cycle.  
 
SS Carter Hadnot, Aquinas (CA) 
Hadnot is an athletic freak who recently announced his long-awaited commitment to national champion Oklahoma. He operates from a lean medium frame with quick twitch actions and room to add strength. Hadnot is a dynamic infielder with quickness and soft hands that projects to stick as an impact defender at shortstop. A switch hitter, the Sooners recruit starts slightly wide with high hands, employing an inward hovering leg load pre-launch. Hadnot throws a quick and level barrel through the zone, with feel to impact the pull side. He has an advanced approach at the plate with high level bat-to-ball skills, solidifying the quality of his hit tool. The Southern California native posted a 1.471 OPS and 16.5% whiff rate in 2026 Perfect Game events. Hadnot is yet another first round hopeful with the tools and athleticism to land there with a strong spring.  

SS/3B/RHP Chase Fuller, Lincoln (FL) 
Fuller is a highly athletic infielder and is amongst the top power projections in the class. He is the son of an NFL defensive back and has long been a Florida State recruit. Fuller operates from a strong and dynamic 6-foot-3 frame, featuring length and further room to fill. The Seminoles commit starts slightly wide and open in the box, keeping his hands high behind the ear. He transitions into a simple inward leg load before firing a quick and impactful barrel through the zone. Fuller possesses immense raw power that shows up in games frequently but has been limited by chase and whiff at times. Defensively, Fuller handles shortstop well but an eventual move to third base is a real possibility. He works well laterally while employing a pair of soft hands, utilizing a bazooka arm that translates onto the mound. Fuller has been into the high-90s with his fastball, possessing big run/ride traits and late life. He mixes in a late and sharp horizontal slider, as well as a change-up, pointing to real upside on the mound. Fuller is a polarizing player with some questions to be answered offensively but has enough tools to warrant a top round selection.   
 

SS/INF Sebastian Castillo, Byron Nelson (TX) 
Castillo is a trending, up-arrow infielder with a high-level hit tool and strong defense on the dirt. A consistent performer on the circuit, the Louisiana State recruit works from a medium right-handed frame with strength throughout and ample athleticism. Castillo isn’t the fastest runner but displays quickness laterally and advanced actions defensively. He handles shortstop well but could fit best at either third or second at the next level. In the box, Castillo starts upright, even and open at the base with high hands. He gets into the lower half before working into an outward hovering leg load, firing through a quick and accurate barrel. Castillo is an elite-level contact hitter with aggressiveness that leads to a bit of chase. The Texas native’s high level bat speed and power gains suggest that there is more impact coming, producing a well-rounded offensive profile. Castillo has helium heading into the spring and should warrant first round consideration.  
 

SS/2B Leo Nockley, Wyoming Seminary (PA) 
Nockley packs a punch into his compact 5-foot-8 frame, a consistent PG performer who slugged nine homers in 2026, good for a 1.701 OPS. The Tennessee recruit features strength throughout his frame with quick twitch athleticism. Defensively, Nockley figures to slide over to second base at the next level, with advanced actions on the infield dirt and some arm strength. In the box, Nockley starts even at the base with high compact hands behind his ear, working into a quick inward toe tap leg load. He fires through a quick barrel with impact to all fields, especially to pull, where his juice shows up constantly in games. The Pennsylvania native showed some whiff and chase throughout the cycle, a question mark that will ultimately determine his draft position. Overall, his reliable middle infield defense and game power point to an impactful player at the next level, despite some hit tool concerns.  

SS/CF Elyjah Mason, Huntington Beach (CA) 
Mason is another helium name thanks to his performance throughout the later part of the summer and fall. He appeared at Area Code Games before posting a 1.455 OPS in Jupiter, slugging a pair of homers and three doubles. Mason works from a long and lean 6-foot-3 frame, displaying immense projection while testing well athletically. The Oklahoma State commit has defensive experience both at shortstop and in center field, looking the part of an up-the-middle defender thanks to above average speed. His arm strength is still up and coming and should develop with more strength. In the box, Mason starts upright with an even base and high hands. He works to the barrel via a deeper inward leg load pre-launch, firing it through on a level plane. Mason offers an intriguing blend of projection and a smooth left-handed swing with blossoming tools who should garner top round consideration come July.  

SS/3B Isaiah Snavely, R. Nelson Snider (IN) 
Snavely began his ascension up draft boards early in the cycle thanks to a mix of projection and loud tools. The Indiana native works from a strong 6-foot-3 frame with length and remaining room to fill. In the box, Snavely starts wide at the base with high hands behind his ear, transitioning into a simple inward leg load. He fires through a quick and impactful barrel with an upward plane, with more raw power coming with added strength. Presently, Snavely generates impact to the pull side with a selective approach at the plate, flashing a bit of swing-and-miss at times. Defensively, the Texas A&M recruit handles shortstop via under control actions and a reliable set of hands. A move to third base isn’t out of the question with added strength and a strong arm that would fit at the position. Snavely is a Midwest name with helium throughout the industry with a lot to like both offensively and defensively.  
 

SS/2B Juan Diaz, IMG Academy (FL) 
Diaz is a dynamic athlete with quick twitch actions and elite speed, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in the class. A Florida native Diaz operates from a medium frame with a bit of lean length and lower half strength. At IMG Academy, he plays second base due to a talented roster but should get looks at shortstop in the future. Either way, Diaz has the look of a middle infield defender thanks to lateral quickness and effective actions, along with a strong throwing arm. A switch hitter, the Gators recruit starts slightly wide at the base with high active hands, utilizing an inward toe tap leg load. Diaz fires through a quick and compact barrel with elite level bat-to-ball skills. He has a bit of an aggressive approach that can lead to some chase, along with intriguing impact projection that has begun to show up in games. Diaz offers an appealing blend of 80-grade running ability, defensive acumen, and a high-level hit/power combination.   

SS Max Hemenway, IMG Academy (FL) 
Juan Diaz’s middle infield partner is Washington native Max Hemenway, a talented contact hitter with advanced ability at shortstop. Hemenway works from a medium frame with athleticism and lean length. The Tennessee commit has the actions and look of someone who sticks at shortstop thanks to soft hands and feel for the position, along with a strong throwing arm. In the box, Hemenway starts with an even and slightly open base with high hands, deploying a deep inward leg load. He launches a quick and compact barrel through the zone at good angles from the left side, mostly impacting the gaps at this point. Hemenway runs elite-level contact rates as one of the tougher players to strike out in the class. Overall, Hemenway looks the part of a hit over power shortstop at the next level, a recently popular demographic.  

Honorable Mentions 
SS/2B Trip Ostergard, James Island Charter (SC) – An athletic shortstop with experience throughout the infield, moving well with soft hands and a strong arm. Quick and direct right-handed swing with a hit over power profile thanks to high level contact skills.  

SS Mac Morris, Baylor School (TN) – A dynamic athlete with a long track record of performance on the summer circuit. Deploys quick barrel from the right side, leading to an intriguing hit/power blend thanks to the ability to lift the ball to the pull side and strong bat-to-ball skills. Shortstop defender with a bazooka arm that could play all over the field.  

SS Parker Leoff, Huntington Beach (CA) – Leoff is a prototypical SoCal shortstop thanks to feel for the position and a strong arm from the left side of the infield. High-level contact hitter with consistent performance throughout the cycle via a direct left-handed swing.  

SS/2B Chase Colangelo, PDG Academy (VA) – Burst onto the national scene after a strong performance in Jupiter. At shortstop currently with the look of a second baseman at the next level. Highest level contact skills, utilizing a simple and efficient left-handed operation.  

SS Moises Gudino, A3 Academy (FL) – High level performer on the circuit with increased helium with projection and present strength. Table setter offensive profile with advanced bat-to-ball skills and budding impact via an explosive swing from the left side. Shortstop look with strong actions at the position.  

SS/2B Easton Morgan, Mater Dei (CA) – Switch-hitting middle infielder with smooth actions on the dirt and a chance to stick at shortstop. Elite level contact hitter with consistent performance throughout the cycle. Compact barrel from both sides of the plate with gap-to-gap impact presently.  

SS Kellen Rogers, Wake Forest (NC) – Medium-framed shortstop with the athletic ability and feel for the position, projecting to stick there. Hit over power look currently with more impact beginning to show up in games. Employs a quick barrel from the left side at strong angles.  

SS/2B Grady Grant, Center Grove (IN) – Athletic looking middle infielder with bounce and quickness on the infield dirt. Strong bat-to-ball skills from the left side thanks to a quick and compact barrel via an active operation, with some remaining power projection. Posted a 1.003 career PG OPS.  

SS Blake Ragsdale, Lyons Township (IL) – Ragsdale showcases his quick twitch athleticism at shortstop, possessing a ton of lateral range and feel for the position. Strong performance on the circuit offensively with a quick pair of hands while throwing the barrel.  

SS/3B Banks Addison, Evangelical Christian (TN) – A smooth defender on the dirt with the chance to stick at shortstop and a strong arm that fits on the left side of the infield. Intriguing hit/power combination from the left side with more juice on the way. Utilizes a quick and impactful barrel at upward angles.  

SS Selvin Garrett, Johnson (TX) – Medium framed infielder with athletic actions at shortstop that give him a chance to stick there. Gobbles everything up via a soft glove with bounce and lateral range. Utilizes a simple right-handed swing with a well-rounded profile that includes strong bat-to-ball skills and the ability to lift the ball to the pull side.  

SS Joey Dimeo, Toms River East (NJ) – A consistent performer throughout the cycle that brings a dynamic skillset to the table out of the Northeast. Medium frame with room to fill, works well laterally at shortstop with reliable hands and a suitable arm. Throws a quick barrel through the zone with high level bat-to-ball and budding impact.   
 
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