RADIO
JT Brubaker Called On by Giants for Two-Inning Save, Worth an Add in Deeper Leagues?
The San Francisco Giants right-handed reliever JT Brubaker handled the final two innings of Saturday's 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, picking up the first save of his career. Kyle Karros homered off him in the eighth, but that was the only baserunner Brubaker allowed. He struck out two and did not walk anyone. His 2.87 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through 47 innings look useful, but the 33:20 K:BB shows why fantasy managers should be careful. Brubaker got the call after Caleb Kilian blew Friday's save and had worked on back-to-back days. Kilian still sits atop the Giants' depth chart, with Erik Miller and Dylan Smith ahead of Brubaker, and RotoBaller called Saturday's save a likely one-off. Brubaker is rostered in roughly 0% of leagues, but that does not make him an automatic deep-league add. He is worth monitoring in NL-only formats, not rostering in standard mixed leagues, unless another late chance comes his way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Zac Veen the Priority Rockies Prospect to Stash?
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen made his MLB debut in 2025 but was given only a brief stint in the majors before ultimately being sent back to the minor leagues. In this short look, Veen posted a rough .118/.189/.235 line with one home run (over 12 games). However, this season, Veen has been among the hitters at the Triple-A level and has put himself in elite stash territory. Over the last 35 games, the 24-year-old has posted a .347/.357/.760 line with 18 doubles, 12 home runs, and three stolen bases. During this noted surge, Veen has carried a dominant 1.117 OPS. On the season, Veen has posted a sharp .312/.386/.579 line over 80 games at Triple-A Albuquerque. While his teammate Charlie Condon continues to make headlines in the power department, Veen may be slightly ahead of him on the pecking order given his previous MLB experience.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kingston Flemings Flashes All-Around Game in Summer League Win
Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings posted nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block in 25 minutes during Saturday's 83-76 Summer League win over the Nets. The No. 8 overall pick struggled with his shot at 4-for-11, but the passing and rebounding are the better takeaways for fantasy managers looking beyond the scoring total. Flemings averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals at Houston, so the multi-category profile is real. The playmaking flashes help his case, but his clearest fantasy path still runs through earning steady ball-handling chances.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Is Kaelen Culpepper Still a Must-Stash Candidate While Injured?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (hand) was recently placed back on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul due to a hand injury. Culpepper has battled a few injuries over the past month, which has delayed his MLB debut. However, before dealing with a string of injuries, the top infielder in the Minnesota system appeared to be on the doorstep of the big leagues. From May 23 through June 12, Culpepper carried a sharp .348/.451/.623 line with a stellar 1.074 OPS, five home runs and five stolen bases. Overall on the season, Culpepper holds a .272/.376/.492 line over his first 63 contests at St Paul. Fantasy managers in deeper redraft leagues should continue to closely monitor his status, as he would re-emerge as a must-stash candidate upon his return from the injured list, given that Minnesota lacks a proven option at shortstop.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Grant Taylor Earns Fourth Save, Has He Taken Over the White Sox Closer Job?
The Chicago White Sox right-handed reliever Grant Taylor recorded the final five outs of Saturday's 1-0 win over the Athletics for his fourth save. He entered with one out and the tying run at third in the eighth, struck out Shea Langeliers, and got Jonah Heim to ground out before returning for the ninth. Taylor walked one but did not allow a hit, finishing with two strikeouts over 1 2/3 innings. Taylor has now handled two of Chicago's three saves in July, with Sean Newcomb getting the other. That puts him at the front of the committee, though his multi-inning usage means this may not become a clean one-inning closer role. Taylor owns a 2.79 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 67:17 K:BB through 48 1/3 innings, so he can help even when the save chances are split. At 20% rostered on Yahoo, he is worth adding in 12-team leagues while the ninth inning is leaning his way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hagen Smith No Longer a Worthy Stash Target Amid Lengthy Stay on IL?
Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Hagen Smith has been on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A for nearly a month due to a left shoulder impingement. While this lengthy IL stint has significantly hindered his stash value, the hard-throwing left-handed pitcher was flashing elite upside at the top club prior to the injury. Before allowing a season-worst seven runs on June 13 (his last start before hitting the shelf), Smith posted a solid 3.42 ERA over his last 26 1/3 innings. During this stretch, the former fifth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft struck out an impressive 44 hitters but walked a high 5.5 hitters per nine innings, which inflated his WHIP. While his command has been an issue, his strikeout upside is among the highest at the Triple-A level. His path to innings in a weak back-half Chicago rotation could quickly put him back on the stash radar once he returns from injury later in the second half.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Will George Lombard Jr. Debut in the Second Half?
New York Yankees top infield prospect George Lombard Jr. put himself near the top of the stash rankings before hitting the Triple-A injured list in mid-June. Over his last 23 games before hitting the injured list (May 22 through June 16), the top-ranked prospect in the system posted an elite .277/.398/.542 line with 10 doubles, four home runs, and four stolen bases. However, over his first 19 games at the Triple-A level this season, Lombard stumbled to a .178/.362/.205 line. While he began the season at Double-A, Lombard quickly showed that he was more than ready to join the top club. Managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status as he works his way back from a finger injury, as he recently resumed baseball activities. If he can return to the diamond shortly after the All-Star Game, he should quickly compete for at-bats at the MLB level given Anthony Volpe's inconsistencies.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Gary Trent Jr. Re-Signs With Milwaukee on Four-Year Deal
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. has agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract to stay with the Bucks, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Trent declined his $3.9 million player option to lock in the long-term deal. The veteran sharpshooter posted a quiet 2025-26, averaging 8.1 points, 1.2 assists, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.9 threes in 21.2 minutes across 65 games. His return deepens an already-jammed backcourt that includes Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, and AJ Green, so Trent's path to steady minutes looks narrow. He remains a career 38.7 percent shooter from deep, but the logjam caps his fantasy ceiling and could push Milwaukee to move another guard to clear the room.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Trey Ebel Goes to the Brewers at the End of the First Round
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Corona High School (California) shortstop Trey Ebel with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Ebel was a surprise first-round selection (even at the end of the round) after coming into this year's draft as the No. 107-ranked overall prospect by MLB.com. He's only 17 years old and stands at 6-foot, 180 pounds. He'll join his brother in the Brewers' system after Milwaukee drafted Brady Ebel with the 32nd overall selection last year. He's the son of Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel. The right-handed-hitting infielder can handle fastballs and breaking pitches alike and has the ability athletically to stick at shortstop long term. Ebel has excellent plate discipline for his age and generates plenty of bat speed despite his lack of size. Like most prepsters, Ebel is a hit-over-power prospect, but there is room for growth power-wise as he matures in the minor leagues. He's considered a better pure shortstop prospect than his older brother Brady. Some scouts believe that if he doesn't stick at the 6, he'll be a natural candidate to move to the hot corner, especially if he begins to tap into more raw power at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mariners Draft Third Baseman Ace Reese at No. 24 Overall in the First Round
The Seattle Mariners selected Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Reese was listed as the No. 18 overall prospect coming into this year's draft, so he slipped a little bit to the bottom of the first round, most likely because of his defensive deficiencies at the hot corner. The 21-year-old from Texas impressed with the bat in 2026 at Mississippi State, though, slashing .336/.432/.721 with a 1.152 OPS, 24 home runs, 74 RBI, 73 runs scored, and a stolen base in 62 games and 292 plate appearances in his junior season. Reese hits from the left side, and power is his calling card at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. After he transferred from the University of Houston following his freshman season, Reese really showed his pop, clubbing 45 long balls in 119 games in the last two years. He has power to all fields and clearly has 30-homer upside at the next level, but his aggressiveness at the plate could become an issue as he climbs the ladder in the Mariners' system. And if Reese struggles to hit, he'll have less room for error without much to fall back on defensively. He profiles as a first baseman/designated hitter type as a pro.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cubs Select Cade Townsend With 23rd Overall Pick on Saturday
The Chicago Cubs selected Ole Miss right-hander Cade Townsend with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Townsend came into this year's draft ranked as the No. 35 overall prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old native of Newport Beach, California, went 5-3 in his sophomore season at Ole Miss with a 3.94 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 88:22 K:BB in 64 innings pitched over 14 starts. It was a big improvement for the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder after he had a 6.35 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 43:20 K:BB in 34 innings across 15 appearances (eight starts) as a freshman. Townsend is a high-upside arm because of his ability to generate high spin rates, and he's a plus athlete to boot. He features a fastball that can hit the upper-90s and plus secondary offerings in a curveball, cutter, and slider. Townsend took a huge leap in his sophomore season at Ole Miss with improved command. If he can improve his changeup as a pro, Townsend will have a deep arsenal with which to attack hitters and could be a quick mover in Chicago's minor-league system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cameron Flukey Falls to Tigers With 22nd Overall Selection in MLB Draft
The Detroit Tigers selected Coastal Carolina right-hander Cameron Flukey with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. Flukey came into this year's draft ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect, so he fell a bit in the first round. The 21-year-old missed a few months earlier this year with the Chanticleers due to a stress reaction in his rib, although he looked pretty good upon returning in April. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder needs to improve his secondary pitches and add spin to his game, but he's intriguing for his upper-90s heater and curveball with downward movement. Flukey only ended up making seven starts at Coastal Carolina in his final collegiate season in 2026, going 0-2 with a 4.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 31:9 K:BB in 24 innings pitched. Scouts are concerned that his breaking pitches won't have the same effect against pro hitters, but the Tigers liked enough of what they saw to take him in the first round. The good news is he repeats his delivery with ease and hasn't had trouble throwing strikes. Flukey could take the next step if he adds some muscle to his lean frame.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Padres Go With Prep Two-Way Player Coleman Borthwick With 21st Overall Pick
The San Diego Padres selected South Walton High School (Florida) right-handed pitcher Coleman Borthwick with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Borthwick, who came into this year's draft as the 43rd-ranked prospect by MLB.com, is the first high-school right-hander taken in the first round. The 18-year-old has the size at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds and the athleticism -- he was a two-way player in high school. Borthwick is expected to be a pitcher moving forward, though, and he features a fastball that can reach the upper-90s and a plus slider. His slider can miss a ton of bats, and if he can stay healthy, Borthwick has the makings of a future workhorse starter at the top of San Diego's starting rotation. He's committed to play at Auburn, where he could continue his dream of being a two-way player as a pitcher and power-hitting corner infielder. Borthwick is young and raw, but the tools are clearly there for him to be a high-upside arm in the Padres' system if he chooses not to go to college.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Phillips Starting on Short Rest on Sunday
Miami Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips will take the ball on short rest during Sunday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians. Phillips tossed five shutout innings against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. He'll be asked to take the ball again on three days' rest for what is likely going to be a bullpen game. The expectation is that Phillips isn't going to work deep into Sunday's game, so he probably won't be an ideal streaming option. The right-hander has been solid this season with a 3.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 55:34 K/BB ratio across 24 games (eight starts) with the Marlins this season. He's worth a look as a deep league option for the second half of the season.
Source: Christina De Nicola
Source: Christina De Nicola
Blake Snell to Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week, according to Sonja Chen. Snell was able to complete a live bullpen session without any issues on Saturday. It was the first time that Snell had faced live batters since undergoing a left elbow procedure in May. The expectation is that Snell is going to require a handful of rehab starts before he's cleared to return to the Dodgers rotation. His timetable will be determined by how he progresses, but hopefully Snell can contribute again in early August. Fantasy managers who are looking for pitching help should check the waiver wire and stash Snell if he's available.
Source: Sonja Chen
Source: Sonja Chen
Ronel Blanco to Make Another Rehab Start
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (elbow) is scheduled to make another rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. Blanco was being considered as an option to return for Sunday's series finale against the Texas Rangers. Instead, the Astros will give Blanco at least one more rehab start. His most recent outing was cut short due to the weather, so the Astros want Blanco to build up his pitch count some more before he returns to the team. The right-hander has been working his way back from season-ending right elbow surgery from last year. He should be able to contribute to the Astros rotation during the second half of the season. Blanco could be a possible deep league option in the second half.
Source: Matt Kawahara
Source: Matt Kawahara
Nick Lodolo Removed with Finger Blister
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's outing against the Chicago Cubs. Lodolo was pulled out of the game in the sixth inning due to a blister on his left finger. He finished this outing allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four batters across five innings of work. Lodolo has dealt with blister issues over the last few seasons, so hopefully this won't result in a trip to the Injured List. He'll get a chance to rest and recover from the All-Star break. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of his status in the coming days. Chase Petty is a candidate to take his spot in the rotation if Lodolo does land on the shelf.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Jacob Misiorowski Won't Pitch on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (fatigue) won't take the ball for Sunday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Misiorowski is reportedly dealing with some fatigue following his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. The plan is for Misiorowski to rest during the All-Star break and be ready to go for the first or second series out of the break. Misiorowski will still travel for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, but he's not expected to take the mound at all. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried, as this is likely just the Brewers being cautious with their superstar starter. Robert Gasser will take the ball for Sunday's series finale.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Zac Gallen Likely Headed to Injured List
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (elbow) was scratched ahead of his scheduled start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gallen was supposed to take the ball on Sunday for the final game ahead of the All-Star break. Instead, Gallen is likely headed to the Injured List due to left elbow inflammation. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates. Gallen could use some time to rest and regroup after posting a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts this season. Mitch Bratt is expected to take the ball during Sunday's series finale.
Source: Nick Piecoro
Source: Nick Piecoro
Red Sox Select Shortstop Jake Schaffner With No. 20 Pick on Saturday
The Boston Red Sox selected shortstop prospect Jake Schaffner out of North Carolina with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Entering Saturday's draft, MLB Pipeline ranked the infielder as the No. 75 prospect in this year's class. Schaffner began his college baseball career at North Dakota State before transferring to North Carolina in 2026. While at North Dakota, Schaffner hit 17 home runs in back-to-back seasons while holding a .352 AVG. This past season, Schaffner continued to perform at a high level, holding a .356/.467/.552 slash line with 19 doubles, eight triples and six home runs. While his power production dipped, he swiped a season-best 26 bags. While he was only given a 40-grade power score (on MLB Pipeline's pre-draft scouting report), Schaffner sits with a strong 55-grade hit tool and above-average speed on the basepaths (60-grade). Dynasty managers should monitor his production in the minor leagues, but he is shaping up to be a plus asset for stolen bases, with the potential to chip in double-digit home runs once he reaches the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Guardians Select Liam Peterson Out of Florida with 19th Overall Pick
The Cleveland Guardians are selecting right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson out of Florida with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Peterson has spent all three of his college seasons with the Gators and has continued to increase his workload. After posting a 6.43 ERA as a first-year, Peterson has since improved in his final two seasons. In 2025, the right-hander tossed 69 1/3 innings with a 96:32 K:BB. This past season, Peterson logged a season-high 84 1/3 innings and struck out an eye-catching 111 batters while posting a career-low 3.8 BB/9. While he possesses a sharp 60-grade fastball, his calling card could be his slider, which was given an elite 65-grade during the pre-draft process according to MLB Pipeline. The other pitch to watch in his profile is his budding curveball, which some scouts have credited as his top secondary pitch. Given his extensive college experience, Peterson may not have to wait long to make his MLB debut.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Justin Lebron Joins Reds With 18th Pick in MLB Draft
The Cincinnati Reds strengthened their infield pipeline by selecting shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th pick in Saturday's draft. Lebron was a highly regarded prospect on MLB Pipeline, ranked No. 9 overall in this year's class ahead of the draft. Lebron has spent all three of his college seasons at Alabama and has been quite productive in each. While he was more of a contact hitter as a freshman (.338 AVG), he has since begun to tap into his power. In 2026, Lebron hit 16 home runs, posted a .920 OPS, and swiped an elite 42 bags. The year prior, he would hit a season-best 18 long balls. On his scouting report, Lebron was given an elite 70-grade in speed and a high-end 60-grade in power, with his lowest mark coming with a 45-grade in hitting. While he has shown a tendency to chase pitches, his budding power and elite speed make him a prime selection at the top of most first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Logan Hughes Selected at 17th Overall by Astros
The Houston Astros selected outfielder Logan Hughes out of Texas Tech with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday afternoon. Entering the draft, MLB Pipeline ranked the outfielder as the overall No. 42 prospect in this year's class. However, on the college diamond, Hughes has shown high-end upside worthy of a pick in the back half of the opening round. Hughes began his collegiate career at Stetson before transferring to Texas Tech in 2025. While in the Big 12, Hughes has showcased high-end power, hitting at least 18 home runs in each season. In 2025, the 21-year-old posted a season-high .375 AVG with a sharp 1.245 OPS. According to his MLB.com scouting report, Hughes is credited with making good swing decisions and has the ability to make contact against all pitch types. While he has the upside to be a 20-HR hitter in the majors, his lack of speed and lower fielding projections could limit his upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rangers Select Top Left-Handed Pitcher Gio Rojas With 16th Overall Pick
The Texas Rangers selected left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas with the 16th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. Rojas entered the pre-draft process as MLB Pipeline's No. 8 overall prospect and the top left-handed pitcher in the class. The 19-year-old left-hander is a graduate of Stoneman Douglas High School (Florida) and has already shown his raw talent on the big stage, leading the way by tossing 11 shutout frames for Team USA in the WBSC U-18 World Cup. His fastball has reached 98 MPH and has been given a 60-grade rating by MLB.com. Rojas mixes in a well-regarded slider (60 grade) that plays off this dominant fastball quite well. The young southpaw has the potential to become a frontline starter, but dynasty managers will need to be patient as he will likely need several seasons of development in the lower levels of the Texas system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Diamondbacks Select Catcher Ryder Helfrick With 15th Overall Pick
The Arizona Diamondbacks are selecting catcher Ryder Helfrick with the 15th overall pick in the MLB Draft out of Arkansas. Entering the draft, MLB Pipeline viewed Helfrick as the No. 11 overall prospect in the class. The 21-year-old backstop has spent all three of his college seasons at Arkansas. After a quiet debut season in which he appeared in just 31 games, Helfrick became a key part of their starting nine over the past two seasons, playing in at least 60 games in each season. He turned in his best showing in 2025, when he carried a 1.036 OPS with a .305/.420/.616 line. However, in 2026, Helfrick tapped into his raw power, launching a season-high 18 round-trippers for the Razorbacks. While his bat, especially from a power perspective, is worth close monitoring, Helfrick is more known for his elite defense and was given an elite 65-grade arm and 60-grade fielding ahead of the draft. While his batting average may be a weakness, his high-end power and elite defense should provide him with a clear path to the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Marlins Select Shortstop Jacob Lombard at Pick No. 14 in MLB Draft
The Miami Marlins are selecting shortstop Jacob Lombard with the 14th overall selection during Saturday's MLB Draft. Despite being selected near the middle of the opening round, Lombard entered the pre-draft process as a highly regarded shortstop. Per MLB Pipeline's rankings, Lombard sits at No. 5, behind the four players selected with the top four picks. Lombard is an 18-year-old out of Gulliver Prep and will now join his brother, George Lombard Jr., as one of the top-ranked shortstop prospects in the sport. Lombard is credited with having high-end power at his position. MLB.com gave him a 60-grade in power and credits him for having the "acumen to be a plus hitter in the future." Additionally, he is viewed as a plus runner, which further boosts his long-term fantasy value. Dynasty managers should keep a close eye on his progression, as he has the skill set to emerge not only as the top prospect in the Marlins system but also as one of the top shortstops in the minor leagues, given his favorable fantasy profile.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cardinals Select Outfielder Trevor Condon With 13th Pick
The St. Louis Cardinals selected outfielder Trevor Condon with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Condon is a high school graduate who committed to Tennessee ahead of the MLB Draft. The 18-year-old possesses elite raw speed and fielding and has already begun to draw comparisons to Chicago's star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, according to MLB.com. The left-handed bat is credited with above-average swing decisions and the ability to make contact on all fields. While he is only credited with 45-grade power, his above-average bat speed could help him reach higher production on the diamond. However, the main calling card of his fantasy profile will be his 70-grade speed. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Condon as he progresses through St. Louis' lower levels, as any added power could make him an intriguing dynasty stash.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angels Take Two-Way Player Jared Grindlinger With 12th Overall Selection
The Los Angeles Angels are selecting left-handed pitcher/outfielder Jared Grindlinger with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While listed as a two-way player in MLB.com's pre-draft pipeline rankings, the 17-year-old was announced as an outfielder when selected, suggesting the team may view his long-term role on the offensive side of the game. Grindlinger, who is a University of Tennessee commit, began his baseball career as a catcher but has since shifted to a two-way role. Per his MLB.com scouting report, Grindlinger's fastball has hit 95 MPH, and he possesses a 60-grade changeup. On the hitting side, Grindlinger does not project to be a high-power hitter (40 grade), but given his young age, his raw power could continue to climb as he progresses through the lower levels. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on the young prospect, as the Angels may provide him with various roles at the lower levels.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nationals Select Chris Hacopian With 11th Overall Pick
The Washington Nationals are selecting second baseman Chris Hacopian out of Texas A&M with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Hacopian was ranked as MLB.com's No. 14 overall prospect in this year's class ahead of the draft. Hacopian began his college career at Maryland (for two seasons) before joining Texas A&M ahead of the 2026 season. With Maryland, Hacopian turned in his best season (in 2025), posting a sharp .375/.505/.652 slash line with 14 home runs and a stolen base. During his lone season in Texas, Hacopian took a slight step back, carrying a .319/.405/.578 line with 11 long balls and three stolen bases. According to MLB.com, the infielder is credited with having one of the best bats among college hitters. The lone concern in his profile is his fielding (45 grade), as MLB.com suggests he could be shifted to the corner outfield later in his career. Given his elite hit tool and solid power upside (50-grade), Hacopian is a worthy pick in early-round first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
First Overall Pick Roch Cholowsky to be MLB-Ready Next Season?
Chicago White Sox shortstop prospect Roch Cholowsky went first overall in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, July 11, and may not spend much time at all in the minors. MLB Pipeline already had him on course to reach Chicago at some point in 2027, while one scouting executive said Cholowsky should be in a major-league uniform by the end of next season. The 21-year-old earned that confidence after hitting .329/.448/.624 with 52 home runs in 178 games at UCLA and winning Big Ten Player of the Year twice. Mid-2027 is still an aggressive target, not a promise. Cholowsky has yet to sign or take a professional at-bat, and the upper minors can slow down even polished college bats. Still, his bat, strike-zone control, and defense at shortstop give him a real chance to move quickly. He is an immediate dynasty riser, with 2027 now firmly in play.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
