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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
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
