Category: Baseball

We are now just a few days out from the start of the 2026 MLB Draft. Both here at Pinstripe Alley and around the media, you’ll fine plenty of analysis and mock drafts projecting who the Yankees and the rest of the teams will be selecting, and how those players could pan out in the future.

This is not that. Instead, we’re going to be taking a look at the history of the 35th, 63rd, and 99th overall picks, the Yankees’ first three available slots in 2026 (due to some tax and free-agent signing penalties), and looking back at who have managed to make something from those slots over the years. Those three picks aren’t going to have the hype or pedigree that come with an early selection, but it’s definitely still possible to get some talent from those picks. Let’s see what history can tell us.

Pick 35

The best player to ever come out of the 35th pick wasn’t selected by the Yankees, but does have a history in the Bronx: Johnny Damon. The Royals took him 35th overall in 1992, and he went on to an 18-year MLB career. The most notable of which, of course, came with the Yankees and Red Sox, helping each franchise to a World Series title.

Another “Hall of Very Good-er” was taken at this spot, with four-time All-Star pitcher Mark Langston going there in 1981. Super center fielder Aaron Rowand also went there, as seven 35th picks overall have had career rWARs over five. One of those is the most notable recent 35th pick: Brent Rooker. The A’s DH and outfielder is already done for 2026 following knee surgery, but has been a very productive hitter in recent years, swatting 99 homers between 2023-25.

The Yankees only ever selection at 35 came back in 1969. They selected New Jersey high school pitcher Peter Helt, but didn’t come to an agreement to sign him. At least according to this Facebook post, he went on to play college baseball at Michigan (where he was a captain), but didn’t get drafted after that and never played minor-league ball.

Pick 63

The team’s next pick will come at 63rd overall. That spot has produced a no-doubt Hall of Famer, as the Orioles took slugger Eddie Murray there back in 1973. The O’s inked him to a deal and “Steady Eddie” went on to hit 504 home runs, over 300 of which came with Baltimore.

If the early career hype can keep going, it’s certainly possible another star could come out of No. 63. That’s where the Brewers took their flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski in 2022 out of a little known JuCo, Crowder College. There’s obviously still a long way to go in his career, but “The Miz” definitely has Hall of Fame potential at his peak.

Darren Oliver, Jason Kipnis, Zane Smith, and former Yankee Elliott Maddox all had 15+ rWAR career after going 63rd. (However, Maddox didn’t sign that year and ended up getting re-drafted two years later.)

The Yankees have had this exact pick twice, both in the 2000s. They took Jason Arnold in 2001 and J.B. Cox in 2005, but neither ended up reaching the major leagues.

Pick 99

The team’s last top 100 pick will come at 99th overall. There are no elected Baseball Hall of Famers from this spot, but there’s someone who arguably should be, as the Tigers picked Lou Whitaker there in 1975. Whitaker had a productive 19-year career in Detroit, winning the 1984 World Series, and eventually getting his No. 1 retired by the team. It took his longtime double-play partner Alan Trammell a long time to get to Cooperstown, but Whitaker has never gotten remotely close. He only garnered 2.9 percent when he appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2000, but further reexamination of his career with more modern metrics make him look much more favorable, as he was a stud both at the plate and in the field.

There are not a ton of success stories in recent years from the 99th overall pick. Reliever/opener pioneer Ryne Stanek is probably the most recognizable name to come out of this slot in the last 20 years.

Over the years, the Yankees have had the 99th pick on three occasions. They took outfielder Steve Madden there in 1980, but didn’t come to terms with him. In 2004, they selected pitcher Christian Garcia. He never made the majors with the Yankees, eventually getting released in 2010. Garcia did end up having a brief MLB career with the Nationals. Most recently, the team picked Trevor Hauver 99th in the COVID-shortened 2020 draft. The Yankees later used him as part of the Joey Gallo trade with the Rangers. Hauver is still in Texas’ organization, but hasn’t made the big league level as of yet.

As said before, the 99th pick hasn’t produced any Baseball Hall of Famers, but there’s a reason I specified “Baseball.” In 1979, football legend Dan Marino was taken by the Royals out of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He probably made the right choice in attending Pitt and later going to the Dolphins in the NFL.

For a bonus, here’s a quick rundown of some famous picks from the Yankees’ other spots this year (focusing on anyone who actually signed), if not only to offer a reminder that gems and contributors can be found anywhere:

• 127th: Starter Marty Pattin (1965), reliever Mike Timlin (1987), infielder Dee Strange-Gordon (2008)
• 160th: Reliever Hunter Gaddis (2019)
• 189th: Infielder Casey Blake (1996)
• 218th: Utilityman Mark McLemore (1982) and outfielder Will Venable (2005)
• 248th: Infielder Ben Oglivie (1968) and reliever Scott Eyre (1991)
• 278th: Relievers Scott Williamson (1997) and Tony Watson (2007)
• 338th: Infielder Dan Uggla (2001) and catcher John Jaso (2003)
• 428th: Outfielder Kenny Lofton (1988)
• 458th: Outfielders Mike Cameron (1991) and Jermaine Dye (1993)

So, there’s the history of the Yankees’ first few picks in this year’s draft. Hopefully, they can take some players who can rewrite the history of those numbers in the coming years.

Worcester and Portland were both victims of rain-outs on Tuesday night, but there was still good baseball being played from the farm. Let’s get into it.

Worcester: PPD, Rain: Make-Up Today

Portland, PPD, Rain: Make-Up Today

Greenville: W, 6-2 (BOX SCORE)

Outside of Ronny Hernandez going 3-for-3 with a home run and Yoelin Cespedes hitting his 15th long ball of 2026, the Grasshoppers (Braves High-A) didn’t really allow too much offensive contact from Greenville, but when you have a start like the one Jojo Ingrassia had, you don’t need too much help (though it’s always nice to reach that six-run mark.) Ingrassia, the lefty from Cal State Fullerton who turns 24 this month, was absolutely dealing; he had a perfect game going through five innings and only ended his night from giving a home run up that scored the first two baserunners he allowed. Still, retiring 17 of your first 17 is nothing to sneeze at. He struck out ten and between him and Griffin Kilander, only one Greensboro runner even reached scoring position all night.

Salem: W, 14-5 (BOX SCORE)

Salem was certainly aided on Tuesday by a six-run eighth inning to put this one on ice, but a big factor in this big win against the Fireflies was their nine hits with runners in scoring position. The team had 21 total on the night, and five batters had at least three hits, but none were as important as the 4-for-6 line leadoff hitter Skylar King amassed over the night, starting with a home run that you can watch below with the very first at-bat of the game. By the next inning, the 2025 15th round draft pick had his triple hitting into the gap in right field. The rest was history. It’s even sweeter that this cycle came in King’s hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Although King is hitting just .231 even with these four hits, he definitely has power potential.

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The San Diego Padres are -140 favorites to take the series lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.

I think the home team is overpriced, and my Diamondbacks vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks reflect that on July 8.

Who will win Diamondbacks vs Padres today: Diamondbacks moneyline (+120)

Michael King’s profile is littered with red flags. His 5.08 xERA and 5.14 FIP are noticeably higher than his 3.81 ERA over the last month, indicating he is poised to take a step back.

The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t hit righties well of late but they’ve avoided strikeouts, ranking 25th in K% over the last two weeks. That should allow them to put the ball in play consistently.

The San Diego Padresrank dead last in GB% vs. righties the past 30 days, putting a cap on their offensive ceiling.

Back Arizona to +110.

COVERS INTEL:King's 28th percentile ranking in fastbal velocity should allow for the Diamondbacks to make plenty of contact.

Diamondbacks vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)

For King’s faults, he does a good job of keeping the ball in the park. He has allowed 0.88 homers per nine innings this season, and playing in a pitcher-friendly environment against a team sitting dead last in homers per fly ball will make his life easier.

The Padres have improved their averages of late but they are still consistently putting the ball in the dirt, limiting their power.

Neither team is much of a homer threat, and it’s difficult to score in bulk without quick-strike attacks.

Bet the Under to -125.

Diamondbacks vs Padres weather

Temperatures in the low 70s are projected with winds blowing east. Pitcher-friendly conditions for this time of year.

Diamondbacks vs Padres odds

• Moneyline: Arizona +125 | San Diego -145
• Run line: Arizona +1.5 (-165) | San Diego -1.5 (+140)
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)

Diamondbacks vs Padres trend

Arizona has hit the Game Total Under in 29 of the last 45 games (+14.85 units, 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Padres.

How to watch Diamondbacks vs Padres and game info

Diamondbacks vs Padres latest injuries

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The Los Angeles Dodgers (-228) host the Colorado Rockies in a series-deciding Game 3.

My Rockies vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks expect some offense given the weather and starting pitching matchup between Gabriel Hughes and Roki Sasaki.

Who will win Rockies vs Dodgers today: Rockies moneyline (+206)

I can't lay the juice with Roki Sasaki, who's allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts (1.88 WHIP and 8.82 FIP).

The Colorado Rockies have the better numbers at the dish in the last 14 days (134 wRC+ and .390 wOBA), as the Los Angeles Dodgers have been struggling (99 wRC+ and .317 wOBA). 

Since L.A. has been held down by ineffective starters like JP Sears and Michael Lorenzen lately, it's not a bad time for Gabriel Hughes (2.94 FIP in the Minors) to make his first MLB start. Play this to +200.

COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (sixth in runs above average), splitters (ninth), and sliders (11th).

Rockies vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-118)

With temperatures in the high-70s and the wind blowing out to center field at 8 mph at the time of first pitch, runs should come in bunches. 

Sasaki's allows a wealth of hard contact (fourth percentile barrel rate, ninth percentile hard-hit rate). He's walked 11 batters in his last four starts alone, and Colorado (9.6% walk rate against RHP in the last 14 days) will be happy to take the free passes.

L.A.'s bullpen has an unsavory 1.48 WHIP (24th) in the last 14 days, while Colorado has a 4.39 SIERA (24th).

Rockies vs Dodgers weather

Rockies vs Dodgers odds

• Moneyline: Rockies +223 | Dodgers -228
• Run line: Rockies +1.5 (+108) | Dodgers -1.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-115) | Under 9.5 (-103)

Rockies vs Dodgers trend

The Dodgers have cashed the Over in nine of Roki Sasaki's last 12 starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Dodgers.

How to watch Rockies vs Dodgers and game info

Rockies vs Dodgers latest injuries

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It’s just what it says on the tin.

While Jac Caglianone is not (currently) an All-Star, though there’s still a remote chance he could be selected as an alternate for a player who is injured or opts out between now and then, but he will still be participating in the Home Run Derby.

Caglianone is tied for 19th in the American League with 14 home runs, but as noted in the above clip, he is tied for the longest average home run distance this year in a minimum of 10 blasts. The Royals also provided a bevy of home run-related trivia for Jac in their press release this morning:

Caglianone, 23, will be the sixth Royal to participate in the Home Run Derby, following Bo Jackson (1989), Danny Tartabull (1991), Mike Moustakas (2017), Salvador Perez (2021) and Bobby Witt Jr. (2024). No Royal has won the Home Run Derby but Witt Jr. was the runner-up in 2024, when he hit 50 home runs in total, including 13 in the final round, 1 shy of Teoscar Hernández’s 14.

He hit 6 home runs in a span of 5 games from June 18-23, including a 2-HR game on June 21 vs. St. Louis and another 2-HR game two days later on June 23 at Tampa Bay.

Among American League players age 23 or younger, his 14 home runs rank tied for 3rd, trailing only Junior Caminero (26) and Nick Kurtz (20).

Caglianone participated in the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby. During his collegiate career at the University of Florida, he set the school’s single-season home run record (35) and the career record (75). He homered in 9 consecutive games from April 6-19, 2024, matching the NCAA Division I record.

Only Junior Caminero, Nick Kurtz, and Kody Clemens have hit more home runs in the AL since the beginning of June. Caglianone joins the Yankees’ Ben Rice and the Rays’ Caminero in the field of competitors, but we’re still waiting to see who the other five will be. Kyle Schwarber has indicated he will participate if his back feels alright, but that’s still to be determined.

If Jac could become the first-ever Royals’ Home Run Derby Champion, he would also be awarded this sick Home Run Derby Victory Chain.

I’d love to be able to get a replica during next season after Jac hammers his competition. I hope you’re all looking forward to Monday night on Netflix at 8 PM EDT/7 PM CDT. I know what I’ll be doing!

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Wednesday's MLB slate offers no shortage of player prop value, especially for a couple of Phillies sluggers this evening. 

Check out my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks below.

Best MLB player props today

Player	Pick	Odds
Kyle Schwarber	1+ hits	-161
Bryce Harper	Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI	-116
Dillon Gingler	Over 1.5 total bases	-102

Kyle Schwarber 1+ hits (-161)

Before we cast our stones for me writing up a $1.61 priced prop, let us all take a moment to appreciate how cheap this is for one of baseball's premier hitters to simply do the floor.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber enters today with an elite rating on Batters-Box, while also carrying nearly 70% arsenal coverage against Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Across 262 elite ratings dating back to the last three seasons, Schwarber records at least one hit 61.07% of the time.

Over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, Schwarber is batting .320 with a .560 SLG, .977 OPS, and a hard-hit rate north of 74%.

Meanwhile, Burns has struggled against left-handed hitters in his recent outings. Over his last 60 left-handed batters faced, he is allowing a 70.4% elevation rate, a 10.8% barrel rate, and an expected slugging percentage of .501.

At home against lefties this season, Burns is allowing them to elevate the baseball nearly 72% of the time. We just need a base knock, but I would not go much further than this -161 price.

• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ESPN

Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-116)

Another mispriced prop in my book is Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI, currently priced at -116.

This season, when Harper has received an elite rating on Batters-Box, he's gone Over this prop 73% of the time. Sure, the sample size is only 15 games, but over the last three seasons, he has gone Over 1.5 HRR in 55% of his 191 opportunities.

On top of that, Harper owns a 95% arsenal coverage rating against Burns' entire pitch mix. He has been locked in against right-handed pitching as of late, batting .320 with a .400 OBP, .607 SLG and .957 OPS over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching. During that stretch, he's also producing a 61.5% hard-hit rate and a 12.8% barrel rate.

We already know how much trouble Burns has had against left-handed bats in his recent outings. I think both Harper and Schwarber are in excellent spots this evening. Take this up to -120.

• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ESPN

Dillon Dingler Over 1.5 total bases (-102)

One of my favorite looks on the day is Detroit Tigers slugger Dillon Dingler to go over his bases prop this evening.

The Tigers catcher has been seeing the ball extremely well over the last few weeks, posting a .510 SLG and .827 OPS while generating a 54% hard hit rate and 71.8% elevation rate against the last 60 left-handed pitchers he has faced.

Dingler also owns an elite rating on Batters-Box today, where he has an 85% arsenal coverage against Athletics left hander Jeffrey Springs' pitch mix.

Springs has struggled in his most recent outings, especially against right-handed bats. The last 60 righties he has faced are elevating the baseball at nearly an 80% clip. Yes, nearly 80%!

Those hitters are also posting a .358 xBA, .781 xSLG and .372 xwOBA, while generating a 16.3% barrel rate during that span. Getting this near even money is well worth the squeeze. I would play this down to -110 at the most.

• Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: DSN, NBCS-California

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1928
The White Sox pounded out 20 hits in a 13-7 win at Washington, which remains tied for 71st-most in club history. Everyone in the lineup had at least one safety except for catcher Buck Crouse, who at least walked once in the game. Leadoff man Bill Hunnefield led the way with four hits, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored, including a double and triple. The White Sox hit no homers as a team, but stole four bases. Ted Lyons went the distance for the win, improving to 8-7 on the season.

With the win, the White Sox pulled even with the Senators in the standings, at 34-43 and tied for fifth in the American League.

1941
Edgar Smith became the first White Sox pitcher to win an All-Star Game. He got the decision in the AL’s 7-5 win, even though he gave up two runs in two innings. This was the game where Ted Williams hit a three-run home run in the last of the ninth to win it in Detroit. Smith was joined on the team by Luke Appling (SS) and Thornton Lee (P).

1943
White Sox pitcher Orval Grove almost got himself a no-hitter — and against the Yankees, to boot. Joe Gordon’s bloop double with two outs in the ninth spoiled it, but Grove did win the game, 1-0, at Comiskey Park. It ran his record to 7-0; he’d finish the year 15-9, with a 2.75 ERA.

1947
White Sox shortstop Luke Appling played a key role in the AL’s 2-1 All-Star Game win, held across town at Wrigley Field. Appling, 40, had been named to his seventh and final All-Star Game as a sub. With the AL trailing, 1-0, Appling pinch-hit for Washington’s Buddy Lewis to lead off the sixth inning and singled off of Harry Brecheen. Ted Williams singled Appling to third, and Ol’ Aches and Pains ambled home with the tying run when Joe DiMaggio grounded into a double play.

The next inning, pinch-hitter Stan Spence singled in Bobby Doerr for the AL’s eventual game-winner. The other White Sox representative that year was Rudy York (1B).

1950
With two singles as the leadoff man in an 11-5 doubleheader nightcap loss to the St. Louis Browns, White Sox shortstop Chico Carrasquel began a 24-game hit streak. The rookie slashed .359/.433/.478 throughout his run, during which the White Sox went 7-17 in their last poor season before a historic, 17-year run of winning seasons. Chico finished the season with 2.8 WAR and ended up third in Rookie of the Year and 12th in MVP voting.

Carrasquel’s 24 straight games with a hit qualified as the third-longest in White Sox history in 1950, and remains sixth all-time in franchise annals.

1958
White Sox ace Early Wynn got the win in the All-Star Game in Baltimore, as the American League defeated the NL, 4-3. Wynn entered the game in the sixth inning with the score tied, 3-3, and pitched a perfect inning. In the bottom half of that inning, the AL scored the eventual winning run on a single by the Yankees Gil McDougald, scoring Frank Malzone of the Red Sox.

In addition to Wynn, the Sox representatives were Luis Aparicio (SS), Nellie Fox (2B), Sherm Lollar (C) and Billy Pierce (P), with Fox and Aparicio named starters. 

1982
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jerry Hairston hit a high, 1-0 fastball into the first row of the right field stands at Comiskey Park for a sayonara home run win over the Tigers, 3-2. The pinch-hitting specialist hadn’t played at all in five days, and with 30 career homers over 2,023 plate appearances and 14 years wasn’t considered much of a longball threat. The win improved the rising White Sox to 43-36.

2008
During a strange, back-and-forth game, A.J. Pierzynski drove home two runs in the 11th inning on a single sacrifice fly.

With the bases loaded in extra innings, Pierzynski ripped a long drove into right-center that Royals center fielder Joey Gathright tracked down. But a collision with right fielder Mark Teahen forced Gathright to the ground, scoring both Joe Crede from third and Alexei Ramírez at second base. Orlando Cabrera also moved from first to third on the fly.

Kansas City rallied for two runs in its half, but two innings later Cabrera gave the first-place White Sox the lead for good, 8-7, with an RBI double.

2016
In a game at home against Atlanta, the White Sox pulled off their third triple play of the season. That hadn’t happened in Major League Baseball since 1979. 

It happened in the third inning of an 11-8 loss. Shortstop Tim Anderson fielded a Freddie Freeman ground ball, tagged out lead runner Chase d’Arnaud before stepping on second base to force out former White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham and then threw to first baseman José Abreu to retire Freeman. 

Both the Red Sox and A’s accomplished the feat of three triple plays during the 1979 season, according to the Society for American Baseball Research’s triple play database.

The White Sox had turned a triple play on April 22 against the Rangers, and completed a second triple play on May 18 against the Astros.

Round 1

The Mets ended the 2024 season with an 89-73 record, making them eligible to make the 28th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Because their 2024 payroll exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold by more than $40 million dollars, their first selection dropped by 10 picks, meaning that their first selection instead was the 38th overall pick, which came in Competitive Balance Round A. With the 38th overall pick, the Mets selected Mitch Voit, a two-way player from the University of Michigan. He signed for $1,750,000, below the MLB-assigned slot value of $2,569,400, and was assigned to the St. Lucie Mets for the remainder of the season, hitting .235/.343/.294 in 22 games with 1 home run, 20 stolen bases in 21 attempts, and 13 walks to 24 strikeouts. Over the winter, he was ranked the Mets’ 9th top prospect by Amazin’ Avenue. He began the 2026 season with High-A Brooklyn and through July 1 hit .250/.356/.417 with 11 doubles, 9 home runs, 26 stolen bases in 30 attempts, and 28 walks to 57 strikeouts.

Rounds 2-10

Due to their signing of Juan Soto, the Mets were not eligible to make a second-round draft selection.

With their third-round pick, the 102nd overall selection, the Mets selected Antonio Jimenez, a shortstop from the University of Central Florida. He signed for $564,000, under the MLB-assigned slot value of $752,000 and was assigned to Single-A St. Lucie. Appearing in 26 games, he hit .263/.345/.274 with 0 home runs, 8 stolen bases in 11 attempts, and drew 12 walks to 15 strikeouts. Over the winter, he was ranked 18 on the 2026 Amazin’ Avenue Top 25 Mets Prospect list. He began the 2026 season with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones and hit .124/.181/.206 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 3 stolen bases in 4 attempts, and 5 walks to 30 strikeouts. In mid-May, because of his poor performance, he was placed on the Developmental List for roughly a week, and then was assigned to Single-A St. Lucie, where he hit .194/.344/.333 though July 1 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 8 stolen bases in 13 attempts, and 13 walks to 29 strikeouts.

With their fourth-round pick, the 133rd overall selection, the Mets selected Peter Kussow, a right-handed pitcher from Arrowhead Union High School in Hartland, Wisconsin. He signed for $897,500, above the MLB-assigned slot value of $555,800, and was assigned to the FCL Mets, but did not appear in a game. Over the winter, he was ranked 25 on the 2026 Amazin’ Avenue Top 25 Mets Prospect list. He underwent season-ending labrum surgery on his right shoulder just prior to the start of the year.

With their fifth-round pick, the 163rd overall selection, the Mets selected Peyton Prescott, a right-handed pitcher from Florida State University. He signed for $197,500, below the MLB-assigned slot value for the 163 overall pick, $415,100. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a game, because he underwent Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow while playing in the NCAA Super Regionals against Oregon State. He remains recovering from the procedure and has not yet pitched as a professional.

With their sixth-round pick, the 193rd overall selection, the Mets selected Nathan Hall, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Central Missouri. He signed for $297,500, below the MLB-assigned slot value of $322,300. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He was placed on the FCL Mets 7-Day Injured List on May 1, when their season began, and recently came off of it, appearing in a pair of games through July 1, throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, walking none, and striking out 1.

With their seventh-round pick, the 223rd overall section, the Mets selected Cam Tilly, a right-handed pitcher from Auburn University. He signed for $397,500, above the MLB-assigned slot value of $254,000. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He was promoted to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 has a 4.64 ERA in 54.1 innings over 12 starts with 51 hits allowed, 22 walks, and 52 strikeouts.

With their eighth-round pick, the 253rd overall selection, the Mets selected Camden Lohman, a right-handed pitcher from Fort Zumwalt North High School in O’Fallon, Missouri. He signed for $797,500, above the MLB-assigned slot value of $213,200. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He remained with the FCL Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 has a 5.79 ERA in 28.0 innings over 9 appearances- 7 starts- with 25 hits allowed, 23 walks, and 34 strikeouts.

With their ninth-round pick, the 283rd overall pick, the Mets selected Anthony Frobose, a shortstop from Lakeland High School in Westchester. He signed for $3990,000, above the MLB-assigned slot value of $196,800. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He remained with the FCL Mets when the 2026 season began and through July 1 hit .228/.352/.406 in 34 games with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 10 stolen bases in 13 attempts, and 17 walks to 44 strikeouts.

With their tenth-round pick, the 343rd overall pick, the Mets selected Tyler McLoughlin, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Georgia. He signed for $7,500, below the MLB-assigned slot value of $196,800. He was assigned to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets and appeared in 2 games, allowing 2 runs in 2.1 innings, giving up 1 hit and walking 2 while striking out 4. He remained with the St. Lucie Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 has a 8.10 ERA in 23.1 innings over 19 appearances with 26 hits allowed, 23 walks, and 33 strikeouts.

Rounds 11-20

With their eleventh-round pick, the 343 overall selection, the Mets selected Wyatt Vincent, an outfielder from Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. He signed for $272,500, above the $150,000 cut-off for selections made after the 10th round, meaning that $122,500 of his bonus counted against the 2025 bonus pool. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He remained with the FCL Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 hit in .256/.358/.511 29 games with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 5 stolen bases in 10 attempts, and 14 walks to 30 strikeouts.

With their twelfth-round pick, the 373 overall selection, the Mets selected Truman Pauley, a right-handed pitcher from Harvard. He signed for $400,000, above the $150,000 cut-off for selections made after the 10th round, meaning that $250,000 of his bonus counted against the 2025 bonus pool. He was assigned to the FSL Mets and appeared in 3 games, allowing 1 run in 4.1 innings, giving up 0 hits, walking 4, and striking out 3. On January 20, 2026, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, along with Luisangel Acuna, in exchange for Luis Robert Jr.

With their thirteenth-round pick, the 403rd overall selection, the Mets selected Frank Camarillo, a right-handed pitcher from the University of California: Santa Barbara. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not get into game action in 2025. He began the 2026 season with Single-A St. Lucie and appeared in 7 games for them, all starts, posting a 4.35 ERA in 31.0 innings with 27 hits allowed, 11 walks, and 28 strikeouts. He was promoted to High-A Brooklyn in late May made three starts for the Cyclones before having his season paused due to injury; in those three starts, he allowed 7 earned runs in 17.2 innings, good for a 3.57 ERA, allowing 17 hits, walking 4, and striking out 8.

With their fourteenth-round pick, the 433rdoverall selection, Mets selected James Smith IV, a two-way player from the University of Memphis. He elected to not sign with the Mets and returned to Memphis.

With their fifteenth-round pick, the 463rd overall selection, the Mets selected Conner Ware, a left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State University. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a single game. He was promoted to Single-A St. Lucie for the 2026 season and though July 1 has appeared in 13 games, making 9 starts, posting a 5.36 ERA in 47.0 innings with 41 hits allowed, 24 walks, and 54 strikeouts.

With their sixteenth-round pick, the 493rd overall selection, the Mets selected Zack Mack, a right-handed pitcher from Loyola Marymount University. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, where he appeared in two games, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings, walking one batter. He remained with the St. Lucie Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 has appeared in 15 games, posting a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 innings with 20 hits allowed, 8 walks, and 24 strikeouts.

With their seventeenth-round pick, the 523rd overall selection, the Mets selected Sam Robertson, a shortstop from Northwest Shoals Community College. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, where he hit .172/.294/.172 in 20 games with 9 stolen bases in 10 attempts, 9 walks, and 27 strikeouts. He remained with the St. Lucie Mets when the 2026 season began and prior to being placed on the 7-Day Injured List in early June hit .246/.390/.297 in 43 games with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 24 stolen bases in 30 attempts, and 30 walks to 49 strikeouts.

With their eighteenth-round pick, the 553rd overall selection, the Mets selected Dillon Stiltner, a right-handed pitcher from Trinity Christian High School in Sharpsburg, Georgia. He signed for $222,690, above the $150,000 cut-off for selections made after the 10th round, meaning that $72,690 of his bonus counted against the 2025 bonus pool. He was assigned to the FCL Mets but did not appear in a game. He remained with the FCL Mets when the 2026 season began and though July 1 has appeared in 7 games, making 3 starts, with a 12.06 ERA in 15.2 innings, allowing 21 hits, walking 11, and striking out 7.

With their nineteenth-round pick, the 583rd overall selection, the Mets selected Joe Scarborough, a right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville State University. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, where he appeared in a single game and pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing 2 runs on 1 hit and 3 walks. He remained with the St. Lucie Mets to begin the 2026 season and through July 1 has appeared in 22 games, posting a 5.47 ERA in 24.2 innings with 28 hits allowed, 23 walks, and 23 strikeouts.

With their twentieth-round pick, the 613th overall selection, the Mets selected Garrett Stratton, a right-handed pitcher from Rice University. He signed for a sum below the $150,000 bonus threshold and was assigned to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, where he appeared in a single game and pitched a single inning, allowing 2 hits. He was assigned to the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones for the 2026 season and appeared in 21 games, posting a 2.73 ERA in 29.2 innings with 25 hits allowed, 15 walks, and 44 strikeouts. He was promoted to Double-A Binghamton in mid-July and has appeared in 4 games with the Rumble Ponies since, allowing 2 earned runs in 6.1 innings, good for a 2.84 ERA, with 5 hits allowed, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts.

Congratulations to Caden Scarborough, who has been named the #3 prospect in the 2026 LSB Midseason Community Prospect Rankings, receiving over 60% of the vote.

Our list so far:

1 — Sebastian Walcott

2 — Caden Scarborough

Moving on…

Because there has been a history of vote-spamming shenanigans in the rankings, I used Google Forms for the last several of community rankings, and it worked out well, so we will use it again. You will need to include your LSB user name when you vote. If you don’t have an LSB user name, you need to use some sort of identifier. While this won’t eliminate the possibility of vote spamming, it will make it harder.

So who is the #3 prospect in the Rangers system right now?

Cast your vote below…

Trea Turner’s issues at shortstop have officially become too troubling to put off any longer.

In Monday’s get-away game in Kansas City, another Turner error, his 12th of the season, opened the floodgates to a 6-run Royals outburst in the first inning of what would eventually become a 15-1 boat-racing of the Phillies.

To be fair, Turner’s error prevented the inning from ending, but Sanchez was every bit as responsible for the deluge of runs scored by a heretofore anemic Kansas City offense. The Phils’ ace left-hander clearly didn’t have it on Monday, and the Royals took advantage.

It was additionally damaging to Sanchez in that all the runs were earned, despite the throwing error. Scoring rules dictate one cannot “assume a double play.” The runner was safe at first not on an error, but on a fielder’s choice. The error allowed the runners already on base to move up. So when those runners came in to score, they were all earned, as the scorers could never assume the third out would have been recorded.

I’m here to tell you, you CAN assume a double play. But let’s move on.

One year after having a rennassiance defensive season at short, Turner is once again one of the worst defenders in baseball. His -9 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is last and in terms of Outs Above Average (OAA), his mark of -6 is 4th-worst among 17 qualified shortstops in MLB.

The time has come. However they want to go about it, the Phillies’ brass must sit Turner down and tell him a transition to the outfield is beginning now.

Turner is as fast as ever and should be able to make the transition, but it won’t be easy. It may be impossible for them to make the switch mid-season, although Bryce Harper worked out at first base once Rhys Hoskins got hurt and made the transition in the middle of the year. Why can’t Trea?

And it’s not just that Turner is committing errors. He’s failing to finish routine plays. His 22 ground ball double plays turned this year is tied for last among MLB shortstops, despite the Phillies leading the league in ground ball rate (45.2%). His 196 assists are tied for 6th-most, and yet, only 22 double plays.

A temporary double play combination of Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott would be an improvement, and Turner’s addition to the outfield would negate the need for the Phillies to trade for one over the next few weeks. As has been noted repeatedly, there is a dearth of quality right-handed hitting outfielders available.

On our latest Hittin’ Season podcast, we discussed the Turner situation and whether the transition can take place now, or must wait until later.

The great fear is that we will gaze in horror this October as Turner commits an error in a key situation in the postseason. Imagine Game 3 of the NLCS and Turner boots a grounder with runners on base that leads to a big inning and costs the Phils a playoff game. It’s a real worry.

Can the Phillies make the switch over the next few weeks? Can they re-make the roster on the fly with Turner in the outfield? How much better would the pitching staff be with the speedy Turner in the outfield and a solid double play combo of Sosa and Stott in the middle of the diamond? While Sosa is not built to play every day, one would think a platoon situation with Stott and some mixing and matching at second base could improve the Phils’ run prevention.

Either way, it’s time for these conversations to begin taking place. If it doesn’t happen this year, the Phillies almost certainly can’t go into 2027 with Turner penciled in as the starting shortstop.

So, why wait? Don’t wait to make an improvement if it can be made sooner rather than later.