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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
Tyler Bell Rounds Out the Top 10, Drafted by Rockies
The Colorado Rockies selected University of Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Bell, who stands at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, came into this year's draft as MLB.com's No. 10 overall prospect. The 21-year-old finished his second year with the Wildcats in 2026 with a .343/.510/.608 slash line with a 1.119 OPS, nine home runs, 29 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 49 runs scored across 41 games played and 194 plate appearances. Bell chose to attend Kentucky despite being taken in the second round in 2024 by the Tampa Bay Rays. He'll be slow to get going as a professional after suffering a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that will require surgery. Bell doesn't stand out with any singular tool, but he has the chance to develop several above-average tools with his bat and legs. He's a switch-hitter at the plate and has enough bat speed to be a 20-plus-homer guy, especially if he makes it to hitter-friendly Coors Field. Bell isn't extremely flashy on defense, but he does enough and has the instincts and athleticism to stick at the position long term. Most likely, Bell will develop into a utility infielder with plus power and above-average speed.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Braves Take Outfielder AJ Gracia With Ninth Overall Pick on Saturday
The Atlanta Braves selected University of Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. Coming into this year's draft, Gracia was considered the 19th-best prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old has good size at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, and he finished his lone season this year at Virginia with a .354/.489/.632 slash line with a 1.121 OPS, 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 64 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 56 games played across 272 plate appearances. Gracia projects to find a home in left or center field because he lacks the arm strength to stay in right. From the left side of the plate offensively, Gracia could become one of the best overall hitters in this year's class. He limits his swing and miss and has great plate discipline, which should make him a fast riser in Atlanta's farm system in the next couple of years. Speed really isn't in the cards with Gracia, but fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues will gladly take a four-tool player with a high ceiling as a hitter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Braves Recall Top Prospect Owen Murphy to Majors, Will he Carve Out a Role?
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Owen Murphy was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, July 11, with James Karinchak optioned in the corresponding move. It is Murphy's second stint in less than a week. Braves manager Walt Weiss framed the 22-year-old as a long-relief option the first time around, so fantasy managers should not assume a rotation turn. Murphy has a 4.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts over 81 minor-league innings this season, including a 3.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 11 starts at Gwinnett. The strikeouts make him interesting if Atlanta gives him multiple innings at a time, but the role could leave him short on wins and volume. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller places him in the 12-team add range. He is worth a bench gamble in deeper 12-team formats and a stronger pickup in 15-team leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Georgia Tech Outfielder Drew Burress Goes to A's at Pick No. 8 in MLB Draft
The Athletics selected Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Burress came into this weekend's draft as the No. 7-ranked overall prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old 5-foot-9, 185-pound outfielder finished up his collegiate career at Georgia Tech this season by hitting .358/.473/.657 with a 1.130 OPS, 16 home runs, 60 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 61 games and 311 plate appearances. Burress may be on the short side, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in tools. Burress has excellent plate discipline and doesn't have any notable weaknesses as a hitter. On defense, he's an adequate defender in center field and also has a strong enough arm to play right field as well. He has a solid and compact swing at the plate from the right side and plus power that will play to all fields. On the basepaths, Burress' speed won't impress anyone, but he can steal a bag when needed. Because of his polished approach without many weaknesses as a hitter, Burress should move quickly through the A's system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Juan Mejia Called On to Seal the Win, Worth a Deep-League Pickup?
The Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Juan Mejia needed one pitch to finish Friday's 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants, getting Bryce Eldridge to ground out with the bases loaded. Jordan Romano opened the ninth with a two-run lead but allowed a sacrifice fly and issued three walks before Mejia came in for his fourth save. It was another clean outing for Mejia, who has allowed one run with seven strikeouts and two walks over his last seven appearances and 8 2/3 innings. Still, one save does not make him the closer. Mejia owns a 5.74 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 42 1/3 innings, while Romano remains the preferred ninth-inning option despite Friday's stumble. Colorado has already used 10 pitchers for saves, so Mejia could steal another chance when Romano is unavailable or runs into trouble. With a roster rate near 0%, he is a speculative add in 15-team leagues and deeper, not someone to chase in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eric Booth Jr. Drafted by Baltimore at No. 7 Overall
The Baltimore Orioles selected Oak Grove High School (Mississippi) outfielder Eric Booth Jr. with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Booth, who was ranked as MLB.com's No. 6 overall prospect in this year's draft, stands at 6-foot, 207 pounds and throws and hits from the left side. The 18-year-old's top tool is his speed. At the plate, he has an unconventional setup that makes his swing choppy, but he still makes consistent contact to utilize his speed on the basepaths. Booth is the most in need of development of any of the top-10 picks so far in this draft, but in the long run, he could reach 25 home runs in the big leagues if he can find a way to get to his pull power more. He won the Home Run Derby at the Perfect Game All-Star Game last July and was one of the fastest players in this year's high-school class, so Booth's power/speed profile is extremely intriguing. He could be one of the bigger boom/bust prospects to be taken early on in the first round this year. Expect the Orioles to work quickly on fine-tuning his mechanics at the plate in the lower levels of the minors later this year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Luis Lara a Top Waiver Target for Five-Category Upside?
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Luis Lara has reached base in each of his first three major-league games since being recalled on July 7, adding his first extra-base hit on Saturday, July 11, against Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old earned the promotion after batting .321/.432/.470 with nine home runs, 42 RBI, 67 runs, and 24 stolen bases in 78 games at Triple-A Nashville. He walked 54 times while striking out only 48, an encouraging sign that the average and on-base skills can travel. The crowded outfield is the catch. Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, and Garrett Mitchell are all competing for starts, but Lara has already appeared at all three outfield spots, and Blake Perkins was optioned when he arrived. RotoBaller's latest waiver rankings put Lara at 10% rostered and recommend him in 10-team leagues. The speed and average should arrive first, while the nine Triple-A homers leave room for more than a two-category profile.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zion Rose Goes to Royals at No. 6 Overall in MLB Draft
The Kansas City Royals selected University of Louisville outfielder Zion Rose with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. It's a bit of a surprise that Rose snuck into the top 10 picks in this year's draft, as MLB.com had him ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect in this year's draft. The 21-year-old former catcher stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. In his final collegiate season in 2026 with Louisville, he slashed .417/.491/.646 with a 1.137 OPS, six home runs, 47 RBI, 24 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored across 36 games and 173 plate appearances. Rose is a plus runner on the basepaths, and the Royals will surely look to get more out of his raw power by getting him to lift the ball more in the air. He produces high-end exit velocities thanks to above-average bat speed, and he also has solid bat-to-ball skills at the plate. Rose will need to improve his plate discipline as he heads to the next level, but his speed will be his calling card as an eventual dynasty stash candidate sooner rather than later.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pirates Take Outfielder Derek Curiel With Fifth Overall Pick
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Louisiana State outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick on Saturday in the 2026 MLB draft. Curiel was considered the No. 12 prospect in this year's draft. The 21-year-old stands at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds and bats from the left side of the plate. In his second and final season with the Tigers in 2026, he hit .353/.431/.526 with a .957 OPS, six home runs, 46 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 64 runs scored in 58 games and 274 plate appearances. He's a bit of a surprise to sneak into the top five picks of this year's draft because of the fact that he's considered more of a glove-first center fielder with more of an ability to hit for average than power. Curiel has great bat-to-ball skills, though, and a fluid swing from the left side. As things currently stand, Curiel could struggle to even reach 15 homers per season as he works his way up the minor-league ladder in the coming years, but perhaps he'll develop more power as he adds some weight to his currently lean frame. He has been compared to Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich without as much power.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sean Burke Now a Must-Add in 10-Team Leagues?
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke carved up the Athletics on Friday, July 10, allowing one run over seven innings while striking out nine and walking nobody. It was another strong turn in a stretch that has changed his fantasy outlook. Burke has a 1.69 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and only five walks across his last 32 innings, and he now sits at 6-4 with a 3.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts in 105 2/3 frames. The home run ball can still bite him, and he has given up four during that five-outing run. Still, this is not just a lucky ERA stretch. Burke owns a 26.4% strikeout rate, a 7.6% walk rate, and a 3.62 xERA. With a 66% Yahoo roster rate, he should already be gone in most 10-team leagues and deserves priority-add treatment anywhere he is still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Flora Selected by Giants with Fourth Pick in MLB Draft
The San Francisco Giants are selecting right-handed pitcher Jackson Flora out of UC Santa Barbara with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Flora is yet another pitcher out of UC Santa Barbara to be selected with a high-end pick, as the Angels called Tyler Bremner with the second overall pick in last summer's draft. Flora spent three seasons in college but turned in his most dominant season in 2026. Over a career-high 102 innings, the right-hander posted a sharp 1.06 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, both of which set career-best marks by a wide margin. He struck out 133 batters while walking 32. Flora is best known for an elite fastball that can touch triple digits, which MLB.com gave a 70 grade during the pre-draft process. Flora has established himself as the clear No. 1 pitcher in the 2026 class and should be the first selected in all first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
