2026 MLB Draft: Winter's Mock Draft

"Cholowsky was D1 Baseball’s Player of the Year in 2025 after leading the Bruins to the CWS. Including the postseason, he batted .353 with 19 doubles, 23 home runs and 74 RBIs. After again batting .353, to go along with a home run and four RBIs in five games during the Trials, he struggled across the Pacific, hitting just .059 (1-for-17) with nine strikeouts against Japan. The mass strikeouts were highly uncharacteristic as Cholowsky only struck out in 9.3% of his plate appearances during the 2025 spring season. Maker of the routine, as well as the spectacular play on defense, Cholowsky is the top college shortstop to come along in several years. He consistently shows plus range in all directions, especially up the middle, to go along with athletic actions and excellent body control. His arm is plus and plays up further with his ability to make accurate throws from any angle. He committed seven errors in 314 chances (.978) for UCLA this spring and one error in 37 chances for the CNT. He’s a lock to remain in the spot at the professional level." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"While he did not run the 60 at this event, it’s beyond clear that he’s at least a plus runner on the traditional scouting scale. Then, you have a blossoming lockdown shortstop defensively who earned this year’s MVP award based off two special plays that were genuinely Major League quality. And finally, Lombard’s right-handed bat has really leveled up in 2025 that completes the rest of this special picture. He averaged an exit speed of 97.2 mph (106.8 max), which was the third highest of the hitters in attendance, and he connected for a hard-hit single in-game that left the bat at 95.9. It felt as if he got the chance to show off all five tools this weekend and he looked capable of becoming the very first player selected in the 2026 MLB Draft... " – Andy Sroka, Prep Baseball All-American Game (September 2025)

"Texas recruit. While the production was not there in game play, Emerson’s smooth left-handed stroke maintained its high-level look, and he is still clearly one of the best pure hitters in the class. The balance and approach from the left side stood out from the first pitch of batting practice as the 6-foot-2, 180-pound, athlete showed effortless lag in the zone from a crouched stance that displayed a sturdy base. Using a minor knee-knock stride to separate the hands down and back to a power position, he exhibited a slightly uphill path while taking professional rounds in all workout looks. Tracking in his legs with ease, his strike zone awareness was obvious throughout the week. Defensively he moved with solid actions at each of the infield positions including quality glove-to-hand ability with a quick release. Though he exhibited less swing-and-miss, the look was similar to the way that 2025 IF Sean Gamble (Royals 1st round) looked a year ago at the same event. This small sample size was not a loud statement from Emerson, but likely means that there will be more of that in coming weeks given the smoothness of the stroke and ability to slow things down." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"... Coastal had a guy toeing the rubber Friday who looked every bit like a true ace. He held his 94-97 mph fastball velocity deep into the game, and kept hitters off balance by mixing in his big downer curveball at 74-76 — a huge difference in velocity that makes his riding fastball play up even more. Then in the seventh, he busted out a nice little 81-82 mph slider with good tilt, using it as the putaway pitch on back-to-back strikeouts to end his outing." – Aaron Fitt, D1Baseball.com (May 2025)

"Miami recruit. Long, athletic 6-foot-2ish frame with loose arm stroke that pumps out of a low ¾ slot. Polished, athletic delivery with silky-smooth movement patterns. Effortless velocity (93-95 mph) with more on the way and ability to pound the bottom of the zone. The slider takes more tight, sweeping shape. Chance for more teeth down the road. Right now it features more of an average to above look, but the plus-potential is real, and it is likely to be one of the better pitches in the class. Changeup was less effective in this look with the hand dropping and slot forcing it to sail arm side. Rojas will enter the spring as the top pitching prospect in the class and his upside is aided by the same athleticism that boosted Seth Hernandez into two-way status (Rojas would definitely be an everyday player for the Hurricanes should he make it to campus)." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"Wake Forest recruit. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound southpaw continued to assert himself as the potential best arm in the class with a full arsenal of above average-to-plus offerings and advanced pitchability. Comfortably working 91-93 with some steepness to the plane, he had 95 mph (T96) whenever he wanted it, and applied pressure on the hands to right-handed hitters. A bulldog on the mound with quiet toughness, a power arm stroke works to the ear before jumping out of the hand as he gathers on the back leg before driving strong down the mound. What is likely to propel Bolemon into top 15 pick talk is his feel for two distinct breaking balls, a curveball and slider, that each will ultimately grade out as plus. The curveball is tightly spun with more depth while the short slider might be one of the best secondary pitches in the class. Even the changeup, which was more unnecessary in this short stint, holds considerable upside as a likely above average offering. Ultimately, Bolemon checks all boxes and he would have been the best southpaw in the 2025 class, as well." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"Uncommitted. Jumping up a class prior to the summer, Schmidt immediately nestles himself into the upper echelon of southpaws of what is a topheavy, talented core group. At 6-foot-4, 215-pounds, he still has a frame that is developing and should see considerable growth. A medium-sized, more controlled, power arm stroke delivers to a high ¾ slot with some boring action. Almost lulling hitters to sleep, the fastball (91-95 mph) gets on the plate in a hurry with some feel for driving into right-handed hitters with some heaviness. The breaking ball flashed above average along with a near average changeup, but the sum of the parts raised the value, and the ease of the operation looked the part of a future starter. There are similar traits to Big League southpaw, Jordan Montgomery. Schmidt also features a quality left-handed stroke, so there is some sneaky athleticism, and his low-pulse demeanor should suit him well in a starting role." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"An unsigned second round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2024 draft and a draft-eligible sophomore for 2026, Bell chose the college route and did not disappoint during his freshman season at Kentucky. A switch-hitting shortstop with above average bat speed and the ability to manipulate the barrel and nearly identical splits from each side, he slashed .296/.385/.522 with 10 home runs and 17 doubles. From both sides of the plate he stays back and works the middle of the field with a line drive swing. After struggling in the batter’s box during the Trials (2-for-15), he singled twice in nine at-bats with five strikeouts against Japan. A well-rounded talent with a strong arm that has plenty of carry, sure hands and fluid actions, he committed only six errors in 214 chances (.972 fielding%) this spring. He also played error-free baseball in 27 chances this summer with the CNT as he rotated between second base, third base and shortstop. Bell is a first round prospect for next summer’s draft." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"Once the favorite to become the first collegian selected in the 2026 draft, Burress has continued to perform at a high level. He’s smaller framed at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, but super strong with explosive bat speed and a swing path with lift that produces consistent over the fence power. His max EV this past spring was 110.8 mph after launching a 113.8 best bolt as a freshman. The righthanded hitter is pull-heavy at the plate which limits the projection on his hit tool at this time. This tendency was exposed by Japan as he struck out seven times in 16 plate appearances. However, Burress did bang a pair of doubles, but only produced one RBI while leaving 10 runners on base. Defensively, he covers ground in center field for above average range and has plenty of arm for rightfield. He best projects to remain in the big field at the professional level. Burress has chatter from the industry that compares him to Sal Frelick, the 15th overall pick in 2021 who has produced the second highest WAR of any first round pick from that draft." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Training Camp (August 2025)

"Impressed defensively throughout the summer tour, Lebron is a natural defender with good instincts, quick hands and plus arm strength. He makes it look easy at shortstop and in all likelihood will remain there over the long term. At the plate he has a longer swing with fair bat speed. He also did not see the ball well during the trials or tour as the right handed hitter was late on numerous fastballs, but he did barrel a hanging curveball for a triple the opposite way. Lebron has top-30 overall pick potential, but without showing above average to plus raw power, it becomes a tough profile for that pick range." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2024)

Since last summer, Lebron traded some more swing and miss for a more impactful batted-ball profile that allowed him to generate more power in 2025 for the Tide. Ultimately, he upped his slugging% from .546 to .636 as a sophomore with 16 more extra-base hits, including six more home runs.

"Stanford recruit. Spangler continued to build his case for being the top prospect in the class with this look in Cary. Less results driven, the 6-foot-3 shortstop had great takes and got off dangerous swings in all counts against any and all pitches. More upright with a Seager-esq look, the left-handed hitter loads onto the back leg with hanging stride before using considerable torque to get off a dynamic stroke that works flat through the zone with impressive bat speed. Tracked with ease and slowing things down in the box, Spangler just missed a handful of pitches that fouled straight back, and he is likely to deliver some marquee moments the rest of the summer. There is a late, almost abrupt rigidity to the hands load that might be smoothed out in a hurry to provide a more consistent path, but the profile currently screams hit/power, and his impact potential outpaces the rest of the class. Defensively, his clean glove work and strong arm stood out along with crisp actions and athleticism that presented the look of a long-term shortstop although he moved admirably in the outfield and at third base." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"The 6-foot, 200 pound Gaeckle is a short, strong, power righthander with smooth delivery, compact arm action and control of a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and hard-biting slider. He’s a big arm with big stuff who reminds some of Spencer Strider. After a dominant freshman season for the Razorbacks when he walked just 19 in 42.2 innings with 57 strikeouts and a .167 opponent’s batting average as a go-to reliever, Gaeckle began the 2025 season in the rotation. He didn’t fare so well, but soon found greater success with consistent strike-throwing upon his return to the pen. Armed with primarily a fastball/slider mix, he also showed a 79-81 mph curve and a power changeup in the upper-80s for the CNT. His stuff was down a couple ticks, but still managed to go over bats at the top of the zone with his 93-96 heater and below them with his 87 mph slider (50% whiff rate). He was hit around a bit against Japan, allowing one run on five hits with two walks in 1.1 innings. Gaeckle could become Gage Wood 2.0 as one who will likely be considered a second round prospect this fall/winter only to emerge from the 2026 draft as a first rounder." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"A California Prep from Orange Lutheran HS, Curiel was regarded as a high floor high school prospect and ranked No. 46 in our final national prep rankings. He performed below expectations during his spring high school season then broke his finger in the summer before the draft, sinking his draft value below preseason expectations. As a result, he headed to Baton Rouge where he’s done nothing but increase his value after a .345/.470/.519 freshman season for the Tigers. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound lefthanded hitter currently ranks No. 17 on our 2026 Draft Board." – David Seifert, "Top Draft-Eligible Sophs." (October 2025)

"On the move from Duke to Virginia this summer Gracia was outstanding during the Trials, batting .500 (8-for-16) with a double, home run and eight RBIs in six games. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound lefthanded hitter also more than held his own against China with a .263 batting average (5-for-19) that included a pair of doubles. His swing can get complicated with his bat starting low and the barrel underneath the ball. It takes some effort for him to get on top with a bit of length into the zone. This setup can produce a hole above his bat, but he makes it work and strongly counters with big league plate discipline. He has a great idea of the strike zone and he can dig in and battle as well as anyone. He struck out in just 12.6% of his plate appearances while walking over 20% of the time this past spring for Duke. Gracia projects to have plus tools with both his hit and power tools at the pro level – a rare and highly valued talent. When 100%, the lefthanded thrower will show above average arm strength, but this summer it was much less than average – 35-grade on the pro scale – raising some concern. He takes great routes in the outfield and is a solid defender in center. He projects best to rightfield as a professional, but centerfield is also a realistic option until his frame fully matures over the long term. Gracia is a top half of the first round prospect for 2026." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"A third round valued prospect out of Brock HS, TX in 2024, Strosnider put on a show during batting practice at the Area Code games in 2023. He also pitched as a prep and was generally comparable to Jonathan Santucci (Duke, 2024 2nd round) as a left-left, two-way talent. During his freshman season in Fort Worth, Strosnider batted .350/.420/.650 and became just the sixth NCAA Division I player in the past 25 seasons to reach double figures in homers, triples, doubles and steals. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds he has better than average tools across the board." – David Seifert, "Top Draft-Eligible Sophs." (October 2025)

"Sorrell was in midseason form at the plate and in centerfield. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder easily ran down fly balls in the outfield and showed both bat speed and bat strength in the batter’s box, all out of a balanced stance and all-fields approach. He does have some uphill to his swing path which is a mild concern, but he makes it work. Currently ranked No. 10 in our 2026 college draft class, Sorrell is a near lock first round pick next summer." – David Seifert, Fall College Crosscheck (October 2025)

"A Florida prep, there were questions about his hit tool as a right-right second baseman and most viewed as a fifth round draft talent. After a sizzling freshman season (.344/.467/.555), summer in the Cape (.429/.478/.952) and for the USA CNT, he has more than answered those hit ability questions... " – David Seifert, "Top Draft-Eligible Sophs." (October 2025)

"Flora (6-3, 3.60, 87 Ks in 77.1 innings) is the obvious stud as he has a chance to follow Bremner’s lead and become a first-round draft pick next summer. He ran his heater up to triple digits a couple of times last year according to Synergy, so he’s got unteachable power in that right arm. But when he wasn’t trying out for Team USA in the summer he was working on his changeup, which will pair nicely with his slider/sweeper combo. Opponents hit just .163 against that low-to-mid-80s slider last year." – Eric Sorenson, D1Baseball (December 2025)

"At 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, Bowen carries top-of-the-class athleticism to all that he does, and the sheer force that he impacts the baseball with was felt throughout the park during batting practice, and showed itself once again with a deep flyout that ran up against the center field wall. Squared and balanced from the right side, a tighter separation of the hands still exhibits looseness as a direct path exhibits an explosive short-to-long look. Some minor inconsistencies of the barrel were hardly a detractor, and Bowen demonstrated the ability and willingness to change planes and adjust. Impressive closing speed lifts his profile as a potential center fielder moving forward, but the powerful profile that the bat holds, more than warrants any spot on the diamond. There are few (if any) who can match the raw potential that his natural tools provide, and the Oregon State recruit will be given every chance to succeed in front of MLB scouts over the next 12 months." – Shooter Hunt, West Coast ProCase (June 2025)

"After a rough season as a freshman in the SEC (6.18 ERA) Peterson improved to post a 4.28 ERA in 69.1 innings with 32 walks and 96 strikeouts in 2025. An average athlete, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound righthander sat 94-97 with his fastball for the CNT, but ran it up to 99 this past spring. However, like DeCaro the pitch plays below its velocity as it’s pretty true. His mid-80s slider had plus action and some swing/miss when he lands it in the zone and his 84-88 mph changeup is currently his third pitch. Peterson made one appearance against Japan, allowing two hits, but no runs. Certainly a day one prospect for 2026, Peterson has less present stuff than fellow SEC arm Riley Quick who was selected 36th overall by the Twins this summer." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"Vanderbilt recruit. Booth’s remarkable bat-to-ball ability, even in spite of an awkward inhibiting setup, stood out throughout the week. The 6-foot, 207-pound outfielder has a throwback approach at the dish with a loose-wristed, strong-handed left-handed stroke that saw him move the barrel all over the zone, manipulating planes successfully. His elite athleticism is surprising in person given the durably-built frame, but his low center of gravity provides ample lower-half strength and ground force on both sides of the ball. He battled deep into counts while registering several hits and just one strikeout. Most astounding, Booth’s simple, almost low-motor swing still produced some of the biggest exit velocities in workouts including multiple balls that banged the wall without getting 10 feet off the ground. He took solid routes in the outfield with apt closing speed and confident glove work with a near average arm. In short, it was a quality showing from the Mississippi native and one that will only allow scouting departments further evidence for a potential higher selection next July. – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"Texas recruit. Peterson looked the part of a future pro, and his presence in the box and on the dirt was that of a first round pick. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound third baseman had a marquee moment, defensively, where he slid to the backhand before spinning up to make a strong throw to first to rob a hit. He is athletic on the dirt with the makings of an above average defender with solid hands and a plus-arm. The bat, however, is clearly the selling point, and his loose-wristed stroke delivered some thunderous barrels throughout. Keenly matching plane with a slightly uphill approach with the ability to loft the ball effortlessly, the left-handed slugger was hitterish in the box throughout, even when coming in late off the bench." – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)

"After a strong year in the batter’s box as a freshman for Houston in 2024, Reese took his talents to the SEC where he mashed this past spring for the Bulldogs (.352/.422/.718, 21 HR). He shows good bat speed and makes strong swing decisions in the box. His bat path is tight which gives him very few holes to cover, especially against the fastball. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound lefthanded hitter does need to develop a bit more patience at the plate, walking in just 9% of his plate appearances, but overall he possesses a strong offensive package. Reese batted .267 with a .353 OBP at the Trials, then followed it up with a 3-for-12 showing against Japan. Defensively at third base, he’s a fair-actioned defender with average arm strength that is aided through momentum. He split time between first base and DH against Japan after also seeing some time in left field during the Trials. Overall, Reese has bat-first value and is a day one draft prospect for 2026." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"The latest top round catching prospect from Catcher University, Lackey is a well-rounded, athletic talent who continues to develop behind the plate and in the batter’s box. As a freshman he was considered a defense first catcher, but his breakout sophomore season at the plate (.347/.421/.500) has quickly changed that profile. He’s a plus runner underway (18 SBs) with very good lateral mobility behind the plate and above average arm strength. He projects to become a plus defender at the pro level. In the box, he’s loose and free with a short, to-the-ball swing and good barrel control. In limited at-bats against Japan he was 2-for-8 with an inside-the-park home run. He has joy playing the game, a high aptitude, a strong work ethic and all the tools to develop into a first round pick." – David Seifert, USA Baseball CNT Trials (July 2025)

"Florida State recruit. Waechter’s ability to stay behind the ball in creating ride&run is impressive in creating an elite fastball profile with high end velocity that generates considerable whiffs in the zone. A polished, athletic delivery allows his arm to work with quick ease and his intense competitiveness and confidence provides a bullying presence on the mound. His changeup holds future weapon status with power sink at times, but it was the slider, in this look, that stood out. Starting off with near-cutter action, he ripped off a prospect-defining backleg version to strike out a left-handed bat at 89 mph. That single pitch will not be forgotten soon, and should he replicate that look on a more consistent basis moving forward, the top prep right-hander will quickly move into mid 1st round consideration. – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials (July 2025)