The 2026 MLB Draft: Where Teams Found Hidden Gems and Future Stars
The dust has settled on the 2026 MLB Draft, and while the headlines focus on the first-round picks, it’s often the later rounds where the real magic happens. This year’s draft was a masterclass in finding value, with teams uncovering potential stars in unexpected places. Personally, I think what makes this draft particularly fascinating is how it highlights the art of scouting—not just identifying talent, but projecting potential in players who might not have had the flashiest college careers or the highest rankings.
The Rangers’ Bold Move in Round 1
One thing that immediately stands out is the Texas Rangers’ selection of Gio Rojas at No. 16. Rojas, ranked No. 8 overall, is a high school left-handed pitcher with immense upside. What many people don’t realize is that the Rangers have historically shied away from high school arms in the first round. This pick feels like a calculated risk, and in my opinion, it’s a brilliant one. Rojas has the potential to be the best pitcher in this class, and getting him at No. 16 feels like a steal. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the kind of pick that defines a franchise’s future.
The Yankees’ High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
In the compensation round, the Yankees snagged Hunter Dietz at No. 35, a player ranked No. 17 overall. Dietz’s story is a rollercoaster—injuries, setbacks, and even a bizarre accident involving a band anchor. But what this really suggests is that the Yankees saw something special in a player who barely pitched in college. From my perspective, this is the kind of pick that separates great scouting departments from good ones. Dietz has the tools to be a dominant left-hander, and getting him at No. 35 feels like highway robbery.
The Cardinals’ Second-Round Talent in Round 2
Rocco Maniscalco, selected by the Cardinals at No. 50, is a player who could easily have gone in the first round. A reclassified shortstop with elite defensive skills, Maniscalco is the kind of player who could anchor a team’s infield for years. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Cardinals managed to snag him in the second round. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best picks are the ones that make you scratch your head and wonder why he wasn’t taken sooner.
The Angels’ Power Play in Round 3
Gavin Grahovac, drafted by the Angels at No. 81, is a player with a story of resilience. After a shoulder injury sidelined him, he bounced back with 22 home runs this season. In my opinion, this is the kind of player you want on your team—someone who’s faced adversity and come out stronger. What many people don’t realize is that power hitters like Grahovac are rare finds in the third round. This pick could be a game-changer for the Angels.
The Blue Jays’ Fourth-Round Coup
Will Brick, the best high school catcher in the class, went to the Blue Jays at No. 131. This is a player who, in my view, should have been a second-round pick at worst. The Blue Jays didn’t have a second-round selection, so getting Brick in the fourth round is a massive win. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how teams can offset early-round misses with late-round gems.
The Phillies’ All-Star Potential in Round 5
Will Gasparino, drafted by the Phillies at No. 161, is a 6-foot-6 outfielder with raw power and athleticism. Personally, I think this is one of the most intriguing picks of the draft. Gasparino’s tools are off the charts, and if he can refine his contact skills, he could be an All-Star. What this really suggests is that the Phillies are betting on upside, and in a draft like this, that’s a smart move.
The Rays’ Sixth-Round Lottery Ticket
Kyle Johnson, a two-way player from Virginia, went to the Rays at No. 174. His college numbers weren’t impressive, but his athleticism and raw stuff are undeniable. From my perspective, this is the kind of pick that could pay dividends if Johnson develops as a pitcher. The Rays have a history of developing pitchers, and Johnson could be their next success story.
The Guardians’ Dream Arm in Round 7
Savion Sims, drafted by the Guardians at No. 213, is a 6-foot-8 right-hander who hits 100 mph with ease. This raises a deeper question: How did a player with this kind of arm slip to the seventh round? In my opinion, Sims is the kind of player who could make teams regret passing on him. His potential is off the charts, and the Guardians might have just found their future ace.
The Orioles’ Under-the-Radar Shortstop
Will Plunkett, selected by the Orioles at No. 230, is a player who flies under the radar. A 6-foot-3 shortstop with a hit-over-power profile, Plunkett could develop into a solid major leaguer. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Orioles are focusing on players with high floors rather than high ceilings. It’s a strategy that could pay off in the long run.
The Red Sox’s Power Upside in Round 9
Martin Shelar, drafted by the Red Sox at No. 274, is a high school outfielder with some of the best power in the draft. Hitting 19 home runs in 33 games is no small feat, and the Red Sox got him in the ninth round. In my opinion, this is the kind of pick that could make scouts look like geniuses in a few years. Shelar’s power is real, and the Red Sox might have just found a diamond in the rough.
The Cardinals’ Relief Ace in Round 10
Nick Bonn, an unranked right-hander, went to the Cardinals at No. 294. With 17 saves and a fastball that touches 100 mph, Bonn could be a bullpen staple in the majors. What many people don’t realize is that relief pitchers like Bonn often have the quickest path to the big leagues. The Cardinals might have just found their next closer.
Final Thoughts
If you take a step back and think about it, the 2026 MLB Draft wasn’t just about the first-round picks—it was about the stories, the potential, and the hidden gems. From the Rangers’ bold move to the Guardians’ dream arm, this draft was a reminder that talent can be found anywhere. Personally, I think the real winners are the teams that took risks, trusted their scouting, and looked beyond the rankings. In a few years, we’ll look back at this draft and marvel at how many stars were found in the later rounds.
