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By Ethan Carter — 3 July 2026 — 3 min read

Top Prospects for the Upcoming Draft

The upcoming Major League Baseball draft, scheduled for July 14 in Philadelphia, features a group of highly scouted players. Among them, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky has emerged as a prominent prospect, maintaining a top ranking on various draft boards. His consistent performance throughout his collegiate career has solidified his position as a consensus top player in the class.

Cholowsky, whose father is a scout for the Reds, was previously ranked on draft boards during his high school senior year. He has been recognized for his defensive skills at shortstop, possessing a strong arm and good instincts. His sophomore year at UCLA saw him achieve a .353/.480/.710 batting line, with a notable hard-hit rate and a low strikeout rate. While his junior year statistics were slightly lower, his overall collegiate performance includes a .329/.448/.624 batting line over three seasons.

His offensive profile includes plus power and an average to slightly above-average hit tool. Cholowsky has demonstrated the ability to hit Big Ten pitching effectively. Data indicates strong power metrics, with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 108.1 mph and an average exit velocity of 93 mph. His plate approach is characterized by a good understanding of the strike zone, with a low chase rate and an average swing rate.

Key College Hitters and Pitchers

Beyond Cholowsky, other college players are also drawing significant attention. Vahn Lackey, a catcher from Georgia Tech, has seen his draft stock rise considerably due to his offensive improvements. Lackey finished his season with a .397/.519/.772 batting line, showcasing strong athletic abilities and an impressive arm. His bat-to-ball skills are considered above-average, particularly against fastballs, though his contact rates against breaking balls are noted as an area for professional pitchers to potentially exploit.

Another notable college hitter is Drew Burress, an outfielder also from Georgia Tech. Burress concluded his three-year college career with a .357/.484/.720 batting line and a record 60 home runs for the Yellow Jackets. His power is a significant asset, evidenced by a 90th percentile exit velocity of 109.1 mph and a high average exit velocity. However, his contact rates against spin and offspeed pitches tend to decrease, suggesting a need for a more passive approach to avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone.

On the pitching side, Jackson Flora, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, stands out as a top prospect. He recorded 115 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings with a 1.03 ERA during the regular season. Flora’s fastball can reach 100 mph, and he features an effective changeup and slider. His profile suggests a potentially quick path to the major leagues, which could be appealing to teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have a rotation built around young talent.

Draft Projections and Team Considerations

The Chicago White Sox hold the first overall pick and are reportedly still evaluating their options, with Cholowsky being a strong candidate. The team’s decision may lean towards a college shortstop due to the minimal risk involved. The Tampa Bay Rays, picking second, are projected to consider shortstop Grady Emerson from Fort Worth Christian HS, a player with high upside.

The Minnesota Twins are looking at catcher Vahn Lackey, recognizing the value of elite-hitting catchers. The San Francisco Giants, with the fourth pick, might opt for prep shortstop Jacob Lombard, while the Pittsburgh Pirates could select pitcher Jackson Flora if he falls to them. Other teams like the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles are expected to target outfielders such as Eric Booth and Drew Burress, respectively.

The draft class is noted for having a significant number of high school players with potential upside who might be selected in the later rounds of the first day. Teams with additional picks or bonus pool money, such as the Atlanta Braves, may pursue these players for over-slot deals. The draft combine, which included interviews and physical evaluations, served as a final step for prospects before the selection event on July 14.

Source: sports.yahoo.com