All articles tagged with #mlb draft
Kentucky quarterback signee Matt Ponatoski is weighing whether to enroll at Kentucky to compete for the QB job (while continuing to play baseball) or pursue a professional baseball path after the MLB Draft deadline on July 11, with a final decision expected soon.
The Kansas City Royals released former No. 4 overall pick Asa Lacy after an injury-plagued pro career, including back and shoulder issues and a 2024 Tommy John surgery. He hasn’t pitched since 2022, finishing with about 80 minor-league innings, underscoring how quickly high-prospect promise can derail and become a cautionary tale.
Keith Law’s scout tour centers on Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey as a likely top-five pick due to an elite bat and 80-grade arm, while profiling a slate of other first- and second-round talents (Burress, Advincula, Kerce, Contreras, Marchand, Condon, Ruiz, Bogenpohl) and recapping Florida-Georgia action that highlighted pitchers like Aidan King and Joey Volchko; the piece emphasizes a deep draft class with multiple players capable of going in the first two rounds, though Contreras’ blazing velocity comes with command questions.
Keith Law's MLB Draft 2026 ranking 2.0 keeps Roch Cholowsky at No. 1 while Vahn Lackey's breakout season narrows the gap, highlighting a class still dominated by high-school pitching with Jackson Flora as the top college pitcher and a deep pool of college and prep arms shaping the early outlook. This is a ranking, not a mock draft, and teams will weigh medicals and swing decisions.
The Dodgers’ signing of Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract triggers draft-pick penalties. Since they already surrendered their 2nd- and 5th-highest picks for Edwin Díaz, Tucker costs them their 3rd- and 6th-round selections in the 2026 draft, and their first-round pick slides from 30th to 40th overall due to CB tax thresholds. Their 2026 draft bonus pool is estimated at about $3.82 million, the lowest in 16 years, which will constrain their spending and acquisitions in that draft.
Drake Baldwin winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award grants the Atlanta Braves an extra first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, estimated around pick 26-30, boosting their bonus pool and draft flexibility. The article discusses the implications of the Prospect Promotion Incentive rule and potential players the Braves might target with their new pick.
Konnor Griffin, a top baseball prospect, overcame a near-fatal go-kart accident at age 8 that almost cost him his eye, to become a highly regarded player in the Pirates' farm system, known for his athleticism, resilience, and leadership, with a bright future in Major League Baseball.
Angel Cervantes, a highly ranked high school pitcher, has chosen to attend UCLA and play college baseball instead of signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted No. 50 overall in the 2025 MLB Draft, bolstering UCLA's pitching staff for their upcoming season.
The Colorado Rockies signed their No. 4 overall draft pick, Ethan Holliday, to a $9 million bonus, the largest ever for a high school player, with Holliday expected to become their top prospect due to his athleticism, power, and defensive skills, although he may eventually move to a different position.
The MLB draft has seen declining player attendance, with only a few players showing up in recent years due to factors like draft unpredictability, financial negotiations, and personal preferences, leading to discussions on how to make the event more appealing and significant for prospects.
The Atlanta Braves' 2025 MLB Draft class consists of 21 players, featuring a mix of high school and college talent with strengths in middle infield, pitching, and power, and is considered a solid class given their limited bonus pool, with notable picks including high school shortstop Tate Southisene and versatile pitcher Kade Woods.
The Atlanta Braves' 2025 MLB Draft focused on drafting hitters early to strengthen their minor league position player pool, with strategic signings within the bonus pool rules, including high-profile picks like Tate Southisene, and plans to sign all 21 picks despite potential overages and contingencies.
The Chicago Cubs completed their 2025 MLB Draft, selecting 20 players with a focus on older pitchers and avoiding shortstops for the first time in franchise history, while also considering financial strategies and player development plans.
The Chicago Cubs' 2025 MLB draft focused heavily on college players from major conferences like the ACC and SEC, with a strategic emphasis on drafting experienced players and those with summer league success, while also showing a willingness to consider players with injury histories. The draft was completed in a condensed schedule, and the team plans to sign most of their picks, aiming to build a strong, versatile roster.
Logan Dawson, a South Jersey native and Phillies superfan, was drafted by the Phillies in the 16th round, fulfilling his childhood dream, after a standout high school baseball career and a lifelong passion for the sport.