DENVER, CO - JUNE 19: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday, June 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers for the middle match of this three-game weekend set to close out the first half of the season
The Pirates will have Bubba Chandler on the mound for his final first-half start. Chandler pitched four innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs in his most recent start. While he struggled to keep runs off the board, the offense had his back. The Buccos walked away with an 11-5 win that saw them score seven runs in the final two innings.
The Brewers are countering with left-hander Shane Drohan, who is having a strong start to his rookie season. The 27-year-old from South Florida made his debut on April 8 as a starter but moved to the bullpen for the rest of April and May. Drohan returned to the starting rotation in June, and he has won in five of his seven starts since rejoining the rotation. One of those was his last appearance against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 6. He pitched six innings, giving up six hits and three runs, as the Brewers beat the Cardinals 4-3 inside Busch Stadium.
Now, Drohan gets a taste of the Pirates, who are looking to go into the All-Star break with momentum.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 11: Commissioner of Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. announces AJ Gracia as the ninth overall pick by the Atlanta Braves during the 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express at Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The 2026 MLB Draft is set to take place in Philadelphia today at 1:00 pm, and it is going to be a monumental day for the Atlanta Braves. On the heels of their disappointing 2025 season they hold they 9th overall pick — the highest pick for them since 2019 — along with an extra first round pick at 26th overall thanks to Drake Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year. You can stick around Battery Power for wall-to-wall coverage of the draft over the next two days, and here we’ll be keeping up with every pick from day one. We will be updating this article as each pick is announced so follow along, have fun, and join us for a chat in the comments.
First Round
Chicago White Sox – SS Roch Cholowsky, UCLA
Tampa Bay Rays – SS Grady Emerson, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
Minnesota Twins – C Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech
San Francisco Giants – RHP Jackson Flora, UC Santa Barbara
Pittsburgh Pirates – OF Derek Curiel, LSU
Kansas City Royals – OF Zion Rose, Louisville
Baltimore Orioles – OF Eric Booth Jr., Oak Grove HS (MS)
Athletics – OF Drew Burress, Georgia Tech
Atlanta Braves – OF AJ Gracia, Virginia — The Braves are going to be looking to spread out money once again this draft, going a bit down the consensus boards to draft a top tier hitter with the potential to play up the middle at the next level. Gracia joins a system with replenished position player depth. More info from Battery Power’s draft expert Matt Powers can be found in our main post here https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-prospects/135309/braves-select-aj-gracia-with-9th-pick-in-2026-mlb-draft
Colorado Rockies – SS Tyler Bell, Kentucky
Washington Nationals – 2B Chris Hacopian, Texas A&M
Los Angeles Angels – OF Jared Grindlinger, Huntington Beach HS (CA)
St. Louis Cardinals – OF Trevor Condon, Etowah HS (GA)
Miami Marlins – SS Jacob Lombard, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns opened their Summer League slate on Friday night with a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. It marked the professional debut of Koa Peat, who was drafted 30th overall by Phoenix after the organization moved up in the draft to acquire him. A local product who attended Perry High School before playing at the University of Arizona, this was our first opportunity to see Peat wearing purple and orange. And he undoubtedly impressed.
This isn’t an overreaction to one Summer League performance. It’s simply a reaction, taking note of what I saw during his first minutes playing within the Suns organization.
There are certainly questions surrounding Peat’s ability to shoot, seeing as he didn’t do much of it during his time at Arizona. What was it? 20 total three-point attempts in college, accounting for just 5.3% of his total shot diet? That being said, the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t built around shooting threes. Arizona ranked 316th in total three-point attempts in college basketball last season. NAU had more than the 625 U of A took.
On Friday night, the trend continued. We didn’t see Peat shoot much, and he didn’t attempt a three-pointer. What we did see, however, was a player who possesses confidence with the ball in his hands, driving toward the basket and embracing the role of the aggressor. That’s what stood out to me the most. Peat wanted the ball, and when he got it, he looked to force the action.
A season ago, we watched Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming make their Summer League debuts in Las Vegas, and I think it’s safe to say that Peat displayed more confidence than either player did in their first appearance. That’s not a criticism of Maluach or Fleming. It’s simply an observation of how comfortable Peat looked from the moment he stepped onto the floor. He wanted the ball in his hands. And when he had it, he had one goal in mind: put it in the basket.
#30 overall pick Koa Peat SHINED in his NBA Summer League debut!
And put it in the basket he did. Peat finished with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, with six of those points coming at the free throw line. Granted, he made 3-of-5 free throws, but they counted for six points because that’s the Summer League rule. Outside of the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, players take one free throw worth two points. It’s something I’m not necessarily a fan of, but I don’t mind the NBA experimenting with it.
That’s where Peat really shined. His ability inside 15 feet to attack defenders and initiate contact was impressive, and the fact that he finished through that contact on multiple occasions stood out even more.
Koa Peat’s ability to attack has been impressive. Get him inside 15 feet and he’s coming downhill with purpose, using his strength to create contact and draw fouls
I find it difficult to think of a Suns player in recent years who consistently initiated contact and finished through it the way Peat did Friday night. To see a 19-year-old already possess that ability as a weapon in his arsenal is encouraging, and it’s something that could pay dividends for the organization down the line.
Another part of Peat’s aggression was the fact that he finished with eight fouls, and I didn’t mind that at all. Being aggressive and physical is part of the overarching identity the Phoenix Suns are trying to establish, and seeing him bring that same mentality to the defensive end is something I appreciated. Does it need to be refined? Absolutely. Controlled aggression is the goal. You don’t get 8 fouls in the NBA or the G League. You get the bench. But I’d much rather see that than a tentative player, and Peat certainly wasn’t.
He finished with both his left and right hands, while also showing the ability to knock down jumpers. Nothing came from outside 15 feet, but that’s consistent with what we saw from him at the University of Arizona. Time and again, when the Wildcats needed a basket, Koa Peat would drive into the paint and create an opportunity for himself to score. It’s part of the reason he was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and named to the West All-Region Team in the NCAA Tournament.
Koa Peat’s Shot Chart at the University of Arizona | DraftBallr.com
Are there holes in his game? Absolutely. But the fact that he’s only 19 years old and displayed the confidence he did in his professional debut is something I don’t take for granted. He’s somebody who can use Summer League as an opportunity to get reps, gain experience, and begin understanding what it takes to play at this level. He’ll most likely spend a significant portion of next season with the Valley Suns in the G League, and I think that’s fantastic for his development.
Peat plays with a physical edge that can’t be taught. It’s great to see somebody like that enter this organization because it further fortifies the identity the Suns are trying to build. It also showcases that Brian Gregory is clearly identifying a specific type of player he wants to bring into the building. Those players? Pardon my vulgarity, but assholes. Motherfuckers. Guys who are here to fuck shit up. And I’m all for that.
One Summer League game doesn’t tell us what Koa Peat will become. It did tell us something about who he already is. He’s physical, confident, aggressive, and completely comfortable creating chaos. The shooting needs development. The fouls need refinement. And that’s what the G League and time are for. Phoenix drafted a 19-year-old who already plays with an edge this organization is actively seeking. Now comes the fun part: seeing what they can turn him into.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Journalists Robert Flores and Greer Howard host the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
I’ve done my best this year to avoid many Pitching write ups. After the team went kind of pitching nuts last year, I figured they’d probably filled the cupboard and may focus elsewhere. However, top draft prospect lists right now are jam packed with Pitching in the 25-50 range in their prospect lists. So TINSTAPP be damned, you can never have enough Pitching, and here’s a few interesting arms I haven’t already written about (I already did a very cursory overview of Jared Grindlinger since I suspect he’ll just play OF and a full writeup of Hunter Dietz). These writeups will all be pretty shallow, but enough to get a sense of the player’s potential and issues.
Logan Schmidt, LHP – Ganesha HS, Pomona, CA
Logan is a 6’4” 215 lbs 17 year old (he’ll be 18 within a month of the draft) with a commitment to LSU. He’s the 21st ranked player on BA’s draft board, but they mocked him to the Phillies in their most recent staff draft. I had no intention of writing him before that mock draft. Schmidt is the 3rd 2027 draft reclass I’ve written up this cycle. I’d be shocked and thrilled if he got to 36. He has a Plus or better 4-seam Fastball that he works in the 92-96 MPH range and got up to 98 early this Spring with good arm side run. His best secondary offering is a breaking ball some call a Curve, some call a slider. It has great spin and late tail action and works well off his Fastball. He throws from a 3/4 slot that may also lend itself to a Sweeper down the line. Like most Prep pitchers he has a Changeup that needs work, but it’s more advanced than most as he throws it with similar arm speed and release to his Fastball. There’s something almost old-timey about his pretty relaxed looking delivery below.
Brody Bumila, LHP – Bishop Feehan HS, Attleboro, MA
Arguably the draft’s biggest payout lottery ticket, Brody is a 6’9”, 245 lbs 18 year old with a commitment to Texas. Bumila doesn’t just throw cheese, he throws extra spicy pepper jack. He throws it 96-99 mph with top speeds of 101 mph this year. He gets good arm side run and extension, so the ball appears even faster to hitters with his length and release point. He also works inside, which has to have a bit of that Kruk vs. Randy Johnson feel for the hitters. So why is this kind of flamethrower available this low? Well, his Slider is almost non-existent and his Chaangeup is good and could be a plus pitch, but needs development. However, it’s mostly because he needed left elbow surgery last year and missed all of 2025. As with all very tall pitchers his control is also a question mark. It projects as average, but even slight degrees of deviation in arm action play way up when your levers are this long. The below video is basically the entire game, both Offense and Defense, so you’ll have to jump around to see his stuff, which is almost exclusively the Fastball. This pick would also mean the Phillies somehow beat all 3 other franchises for drafting the largest human in the first round this year, barely beating out the Flyers.
Logan Reddemann, RHP – UCLA
I’m loading up and Logans and Lefties a bit this write-up with 2 of each. This Logan is a 6’2” 185 lbs 21 year old who is almost the exact opposite of Brody above. As one of the possibly safer, low ceiling picks of the draft. He’s a control first starter with a collection of 5 average to above average pitches. His Fastball generally sits 94-96 mph and can pull back for an occasional 98 or 99 mph. He locates it very well and can move it around the plate with equal success. His changeup may be his best pitch. He mixes in a Cutter, Slider/Sweeper, and a 12-6 Curveball. None are strike-out pitches, but all can mix in effectively, Logan would likely move quickly into an MLB rotation as a 3rd or 4th Starter and stay there for years. There’s no Ace ceiling and probably a low-ish risk of Bullpen roles. He is what he is, and can probably carve out a mid-rotation career if he stays healthy. He works quick.
Carson Bolemon, LHP – Southside Christian HS, Simpsonville, SC
Bolemon is a 6’4”, 210 lbs 19 year old with a commitment to Wake Forest. The Phillies have drafted a lot of “old for their class” prep players the last several years (Matthew Fisher last year, Aiden Miller to name just 2) and Bolemon is on the older for his class side. He’s kind of a perfect mix of the last 2 profiles here: Reddemann’s control and broad pitch mix with a little bit more height and a history of the same pitching arm surgery as Bumila. There are some screaming red flags here that may send Boleman on to Winston-Salem for College. Along with the history of pitching elbow surgery, you also have a 2-3 mph loss in Fastball velocity. If healthy, the 89-93 mph Fastball pairs up well with both a potentially plus Curve and Slider, which play well off eachother. His Changeup is clearly his 4th best pitch but should end up an average offering. Without further velocity the ceiling is probably a #3/4 Starter. If he builds up to get back those 2-3 mph he seems to have lost, there could be a number 2 Starter profile in here.
Jensen Hirshkorn, RHP – Kingsburg (Calif.) HS
Another massive Prep arm, Jensen is 6’7”, 205 lbs 18 year old with a commitment to LSU. Hirshkorn is also a starter on his High School baseball team and rolled straight into his baseball season from that. Sometimes with multi-sport athletes you can see a bigger jump in stuff once they focus on one sport professionally (all kids who want to should play multiple sports, I think that’s beyond invaluable). That is something to keep in mind here as Hirschkorn’s 4-seam Fastball sat 90-93, which is solid average. He pairs it with a 2-seamer, a Slider that’s currently his knee buckling best pitch with high spin and bite and a Changeup that flashes plus. I think there’s enough here you can dream on a top of the rotation ceiling if we see the growth I mentioned earlier. Without that, I think you’ve got mid-rotation potential or a Slider/Fastball reliever.
HOOVER, AL - MAY 22: Infielder Chris Hacopian #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies watches his ground ball as he follows through on his swing during the SEC Baseball Tournament Quarterfinals game between Texas A&M Aggies and Auburn Tigers on May 22, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The pick is in, and the Washington Nationals selected infielder Chris Hacopian from Texas A&M. Hacopian is one of the best pure hitters in the draft with a rare blend of contact skills, power and plate discipline. He is also a local product, who went to Winston Churchill High School and the University of Maryland before transferring.
This selection is all about the bat. That is where Hacopian is going to be providing his value. There is a chance that Hacopian can stick at second base, but he is not much of a fielder or a runner. However, the kid can mash, and at the end of the day, that is the thing you are most looking for.
Between college and a number of summer leagues, Hacopian has just over 1,000 plate appearances recorded on Baseball Reference. In those plate appearances, he has 128 walks and 83 strikeouts. He has never struck out more than he has walked in his life. Hacopian just has rare contact skills, and never misses a fastball.
When you look at his underlying data from this season, it is very impressive. Hacopian’s exit velocities and plate discipline numbers are good, but the contact skills are where he really shines. His zone contact rate of 92.7% is rare. Most guys who make that much contact are slappy hitters like Luis Arraez, but Hacopian packs a punch as well.
— College Baseball Savant (@therealsavant1) July 11, 2026
This season Hacopian played through some injuries at Texas A&M. He still hit .319 with a .983 OPS while walking more than he struck out though. However, he was not quite as dominant against SEC competition as he was in the Big 10 at Maryland though. The injury and some bad batted ball luck could explain that.
If you could poke one hole in his offensive game, it would be that Hacopian hits more ground balls than you would like. However, the Nats have done a good job at getting hitters to elevate more consistently. They have done it with James Wood, Luis Garcia Jr. and Jacob Young.
Honestly, Hacopian has some similarities to Garcia, though he has better plate discipline. Yesterday, I wrote about how rare Garcia’s hit/power combination is, and Hacopian has a similar thing. Like Garcia though, there is a chance that Hacopian might have to move to first base at some point.
The hope is that Hacopian will tap into a little bit more power. He is already an awesome hitter, but that would make him even better. If he can do that, the bat will play at first base easily. This is just a guy who rolls out of bed and rakes.
With the 11th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals select 2B Chris Hacopian from Texas A&M!
My 11th ranked prospect in the draft class, Hacopian can absolutely mash. In 2026 he had:
As we mentioned at the top, the local connection is very fun as well. Hacopian went to high school in the DMV and played with his brother at Maryland for his first two years. We already have a local star in James Wood, and hopefully Hacopian can be another.
Hacopian was heavily linked to the Nats by Keith Law, who has been on this for a while. We wrote about Hacopian as a potential option all the way back in December. This is a 60 grade hitter who has a chance to have at least average, if not better power. The defense and speed are not there, but clearly Paul Toboni and the draft room just fell in love with the bat. Welcome home Chris Hacopian.
There aren't many left-handed pitchers who make an upper 90s fastball look so routine.
Watching Gio Rojas, the velocity almost becomes secondary. The ease of his delivery, the confidence with which he attacks hitters and the late life on his fastball made him one of the most difficult prep arms to square up in not just South Florida, but the entire country.
Here's a look at the Stoneman Douglas standout's journey from one of South Florida's most dominant left-handers to professional baseball.
From the Rockies to the Sunshine State
Born in the Denver area, Rojas grew up in the suburb of Lakewood, gaining statewide recognition as the top player in Colorado by multiple outlets. After his freshman season with the Tigers, he transferred to national power Stoneman Douglas, in part due to his commitment to the University of Miami on Oct. 29, 2022, before playing an inning of high school baseball.
With Stoneman, Rojas dominated. On the bump, he was 28-1 with a 0.65 ERA, striking out 285 over 162 innings. Opponents hit just .132 against the 6-foot-4 lefty, who had a WHIP of .672 during Stoneman's run of six consecutive FHSAA state championships, three of which he was a part of.
With Team USA's 18U team, he pitched 11 scoreless innings during the WBSC U-18 World Cup, earning All-World Starting Pitcher recognition after a complete game shutout against Korea in the Super Round.
Rojas' selection would add to what's starting to become a lengthy list of Stoneman Douglas alumni drafted early on, a list that includes longtime Cubs first basemen Anthony Rizzo, Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, and Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo, who has mentored Rojas throughout high school.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 10: Joc Pederson #3 of the Texas Rangers runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field on July 10, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for July 11, 2026 against the Houston Astros: starting pitchers are Kumar Rocker for the Rangers and Peter Lambert for the Astros.
The Battle for the Silver Boot continues!
Pederson — DH
Langford — LF
Jung — 3B
Nimmo — RF
Burger — 1B
Duran — SS
Carter — CF
Lopez — 2B
Diaz — C
6:05 p.m. Central start time. The Rangers are +105 underdogs.
BATON ROUGE, LA - APRIL 17: Texas A&M Aggies Chris Hacopian infielder (8) takes a lead from first base during a game between the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies on April 17, 2026, at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
On Saturday, July 11, in Philadelphia, Pa., the Washington Nationals selected Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian with the 11th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Potomac, Md., native lands with his hometown squad, with Nationals Park sitting just 21 miles south of home. Hacopian can certainly be an impact hitter that could debut within the next two years for a rebuilding Nationals team.
The selection of Hacopian marks three consecutive MLB Drafts that the Maroon and White have had a player taken in the first round, joining the company of Braden Montgomery (2024, 12th overall, Boston Red Sox) and Jace LaViolette (2025, 27th overall, Cleveland Guardians). As the 11th overall pick, Hacopian is the highest-drafted Aggie position player in program history.
After two solid years at the University of Maryland, where he earned two Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, the infielder transferred to College Station searching for bigger heights. Despite battling injuries, Hacopian played in 42 total games and batted .319 with 11 home runs for the Maroon and White in 2026. He started all 29 games in SEC play and ranked among the top 30 players in every offensive category. His efforts made him one of four Aggies to be named to the 2026 All-SEC First Team.
Over three collegiate seasons, Hacopian had at least 11 homers in each campaign for a career total of 41. He also had three straight seasons with 40 RBI, racking up 144 total between his time with the Terrapins and Aggies.
The 6’1”, 210-pound infielder is no stranger to playing on big stages, as he hit his first Texas A&M homer inside an MLB venue. In his first at-bat following six missed games due to back stiffness, Hacopian launched a first-inning solo shot over the visitor’s bullpen at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. That longball set the tone for a 10-0 run-rule victory over Virginia Tech on March 6.
Later in the season, Hacopian notched his third collegiate multi-homer game, leaving the yard twice in the first game of a May 9 doubleheader in Oxford, Miss., as part of an 18-5 run-rule win for the Aggies. The second longball was the seventh total by Texas A&M in that contest, tying a program record for most in a single contest.
As expected, Hacopian was off the board in the second wave of college prospects, joining the likes of Georgia Tech’s Drew Burress, Virginia’s AJ Gracia, and Kentucky’s Tyler Bell. Three high-impact collegiate seasons made it clear that Hacopian’s bat is worth trusting and developing in the Nationals organization. Most scouts and evaluators had Hacopian as the best college bat available on the board, especially among second basemen. His consistent ability to barrel up baseballs should translate in the professional ranks. Former big leaguer Chris Burke, now an analyst on ESPN’s college baseball broadcasts, said it best about Hacopian: “Low chase with high contact and high exit velocity – that’s what Major League Baseball is looking for in the draft.”
Despite committing a lone error last season and holding a .990 fielding percentage, there are concerns about Hacopian’s fielding prowess. Across his three college seasons, the infielder made 30 total errors on 439 chances (a .932 fielding percentage). As his development progresses, expect Hacopian to likely check in as a designated hitter. On the off chance he does play the field, he projects as a second baseman or could get placed in left field.
Prior to the draft, Chris Hacopian was ranked the 14th-highest prospect on the board and the top second baseman, per MLB Pipeline. In their scouting report, they say, “He has advanced feel for the barrel and control of the strike zone, and some clubs believe he has the best bat in the college ranks.”
Hacopian was the highest-ranked out of the four main prospects from Texas A&M, with outfielder Caden Sorrell (No. 33), infielder Gavin Grahovac (No. 38), and southpaw Shane Sdao (No. 95) checking in behind him. At nearly 22 years of age, it shouldn’t take Chris Hacopian very long to climb through the Nationals system. If he can stay healthy, there’s a high probability he could get to Triple-A Rochester in the next two season with a potential MLB call-up at the end of that early window. The bat is too good to be ignored, and based on the current outlook, two successful stints of Spring Training could have Chris Hacopian donning the red and white threads of the Washington Nationals come Opening Day of the 2028 campaign.
The St. Louis Cardinals have selected prep OF Trevor Condon with their first pick in the 2026 MLB draft. Drawing comps to Lenny Dykstra and Pete Crow-Armstrong, Trevor Condon is a bat-to-ball speedster who is a true centerfielder with plus raw tools and will bring a tenacity and brash energy to a St. Louis Cardinals team that has traditionally built around modest, quiet personalities. Earlier in this draft cycle, Condon drew some offensive comps to AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kevin McGonigle with the aforementioned bat-to-ball skills.
Though Condon has an unconventional left-handed stroke with an upright barrel, he makes good swing decisions and regular contact to all fields. He has enough bat speed and strength to get to average power, though it shows up more in batting practice than in games at this point. He hits balls hard but has yet to pull them in the air consistently.
Condon has double-plus speed and likes to use it, playing with constant intensity as he tries to make things happen on the bases and runs down balls in the gaps. He’s a quality center fielder who will stay there at the next level, with the added bonus of solid arm strength. A Tennessee recruit, he’s reminiscent of former Volunteers star Drew Gilbert with his 5-foot-11 frame, tools and flair.
His father, George Lombard Sr., played for eight seasons in the majors and has been coaching professionally since 2010, currently with the Detroit Tigers as a bench coach. His older brother, George Lombard Jr., is currently in the New York Yankees organization with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after being selected in the first round by the Bronx Bombers in 2023.
Here's a look at the Gulliver Prep star, and his very short journey from South Miami to Little Havana.
One of the best to come out of Miami
For all the talent Miami has bred lately, Lombard is the best of the bunch, becoming the highest selection to come out of the 305 since Brito standout Manny Machado was picked third overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010.
Lombard joins his brother George (2023), Westminster Christian product Sal Stewart (2022), Mater Academy Charter star Albert Almora Jr. (2012), Machado (2010), Coral Park's Luiz Montanez (2000), and Gulliver Prep's David Espinosa (2000) as the only prep first-rounders out of Miami-Dade County this century.
Why do clubs like Lombard so much? Well, his 6-foot-3 frame is a plus, especially at an elite position like shortstop. His ability to cover ground not just in the field but also from home to first also appeals to clubs. But most importantly, his bat is one that fascinates many scouts. With the Raiders this year, Lombard hit .477 with 10 home runs, 25 RBI, and 52 runs scored, adding 4 doubles and 14 stolen bases.
Lombard was also a solid soccer player along with being elite on the diamond, winning back-to-back state titles with Gulliver. In three varsity seasons on the pitch, Lombard and the Raiders went 60-7-5.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
LEXINGTON, KY - APRIL 07: Infielder Tyler Bell (6) of the Kentucky Wildcats warms up between innings in a game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats on April 7, 2026, at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies selected Tyler Bell, a switch-hitting shortstop from the University of Kentucky, with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.
Welcome to the Rockies, Tyler ‼️
With the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft the Rockies select SS Tyler Bell. pic.twitter.com/jqyHfVNEJZ
Bell is the first first-round selection of the Paul DePodesta era. The 10th overall pick carries an assigned slot value of $6,393,100.
Colorado made the selection after the Atlanta Braves took AJ Gracia ninth overall. The Rockies also hold picks No. 37, No. 38, No. 76 and No. 104 on Day 1.
Who is Tyler Bell?
Bell is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound switch-hitter who throws right-handed. He turned 21 on June 30 and entered the draft ranked as the No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 15 prospect by Baseball America.
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Bell 66th overall in 2024 out of high school, but he chose to attend Kentucky.
Across two seasons with the Wildcats, Bell hit .314/.438/.556 with 19 home runs, 26 doubles and 21 stolen bases.
He took a big step forward in 2026, batting .343/.510/.608 with nine home runs, 19 doubles, 30 walks and 36 strikeouts despite playing with a shoulder injury. While diving for a ball in February, Bell dislocated his non-throwing shoulder and suffered structural damage including a torn labrum.
“It was definitely tough. I had a lot of people on my side telling me to shut it down,” he said. “I know that coach [Nick Mingione] had said the same night that I got hurt that if I didn’t play another game the rest of the year I would still be a first-round Draft pick.
“I just wanted to be out there with my boys and I knew I was good enough to play. It might have hurt sometimes, it might have affected me at times, but just that competitiveness in me — knowing that Kentucky was a special team this year and we had a chance to win a National Championship, and if we were going to do that as a team I knew I had to be part of that.”
Bell also played briefly in the Cape Cod League and appeared at second base, shortstop and third base for Team USA.
A smooth shortstop with some edge
Bell is a switch-hitter who plays with an edge and moves with the smoothness expected from a shortstop.
He is athletic enough to remain at the position, with quick feet, good body control and enough arm strength to complete plays from different angles.
At the plate, Bell’s left-handed swing is quick and compact, with enough bat speed and strength to produce some pull-side pop. He does not need a long swing to generate damage, and his direct path gives him a chance to make consistent contact while still driving the ball.
The numbers support the visual profile. Bell’s 2026 season included a .510 on-base percentage and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, pointing to improved strike-zone control without sacrificing power.
MLB Pipeline gave Bell 50 grades for his hit, power and run tools, along with 55 grades for his arm and defense. His overall grade was also a 55.
Bell does not have one overwhelming carrying tool. His appeal comes from the completeness of the profile.
He earns positive marks for his swing decisions and bat-to-ball ability, and his offensive game is not dependent on selling out for power. From both sides of the plate, he has enough feel for the barrel to contribute in several ways. He is also an extremely patient hitter who had a chase rate of just 13.5% during the 2026 college season and drew 30 walks to just 36 strikeouts.
Defensively, Bell has the athleticism and actions to stay at shortstop. Even if he eventually moves off the position, his glove and experience around the infield should still give him value at second or third base.
That gives Colorado several possible outcomes. If Bell remains at shortstop, his offensive profile becomes especially valuable. If he eventually moves, the Rockies should still have a capable defender with enough bat to fit elsewhere in the infield.
The first statement of the DePodesta era
Bell’s selection offers the first real clue about the type of amateur player Colorado may prioritize under DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes.
The Rockies chose a smooth, athletic shortstop with a compact swing, some pop and a competitive edge. It is less a bet on one elite tool than on a broad collection of useful skills.
One year after selecting Ethan Holliday fourth overall, Colorado has added another young shortstop with the potential to become part of the club’s long-term foundation.
What comes next
The Rockies next select 37th overall in Competitive Balance Round A and then return immediately with the 38th pick to begin the second round.
Coverage of picks 11 through 40 continues on MLB Network, Peacock, MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB+.
What do you think of the pick? Let us know in the comments!
Zach Thornton to pitch Sunday, but starting still up in air
There was a locker in the Mets’ clubhouse for the left-hander, but Thornton might not be the starter for the team’s final game before the All-Star break.
“He is definitely going to figure into the mix,” Green said when asked directly if the 24-year-old would be the starter.
“There’s no determination on what that role exactly is at this present moment,” he continued. “He will figure into our mix at some point tomorrow.”
Asked about his development and readiness to contribute at this level, the interim skipper said that the “things that you love about the guys that have shown [success] up here, he has [that] within him.”
“He’s unafraid, he’s gonna give you what he’s got, he’s gonna step on the mound, and he’s gonna be aggressive,” Green said of Thornton. “Most days he’s gonna fill up the strike zone and he’s gonna attack.
“He had a really good response against Philly, gave up three pretty hard missiles to start that game and then shut them down through the remainder of that game. That’s who I believe him to be. That’s who he is.”
Green added that the Mets have “high hopes for what he can become and not gonna put a limit on where that ultimately will be in the rotation.”
“We think he’s the type of guy that will find a way to exceed every expectation of him,” he continued. “We’re excited to get him into the mix tomorrow; it was a tough time we had to option him from kind of a roster constraint perspective last time.”
In his new role working in relief, Senga delivered a nine-pitch clean inning on Friday night. Could that be a new spot for the former starter rather than pitching bulk innings from the bullpen?
“It’s obviously something that he’s unaccustomed to, so we have to see how he responds to those types of opportunities,” Green said.
Of course, the prospects of Senga’s stuff coming in for a lone inning late in games is attractive.
“You tell me somebody throws a four-seam fastball 97-99 [mph], has a wipeout forkball, like, yes, that can be a back-end piece,” the interim manager said. “Now can you handle the difference in the programming that comes with short bursts out of the ‘pen? We’ll learn that in time.
“I think Kodai has the chance to be an elite starter and an elite back-end piece. His role over the last several weeks has been necessitated by our needs; we’ve had to put him in a place where we’ve needed him, which has largely been lengthy.”
Friday’s appearance was the first chance the Mets got to give him a look in a “one-inning burst,” Green said.
In four appearances as a reliever, Senga has a 5.40 ERA over 11.2 innings, surrendering seven runs on 11 hits (three homers, two doubles)with five walks to 13 strikeouts.
You could just sense the value that Trevor Condon brings to a baseball team.
Whether it was delivering in the clutch, making a highlight-reel play in the field or doing the little things that don't always show up in the box score, Condon developed a reputation as the type of player every coach wants in the lineup. His blend of athleticism, instincts and leadership helped transform him into one of the country's top MLB Draft prospects.
“He works his ass off,” Giants manager Tony Vitello, who recruited Condon to Tennessee, told MLB.com. “Just his mentality about the 24 hours that are in a day is super impressive. Trevor's the same guy all the time – super confident, super energetic.”
Condon was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, surrounded by family and friends. Condon becomes the first draft pick from Etowah (Ga.) since Sawyer Gipson-Long was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Here's a more in-depth look at Condon, and his journey from the Atlanta metro area to St. Louis.
Trevor Condon: Pete-Crow Armstrong 2.0?
Between his contagious energy, his defense, his speed and his impressive bat skills, Condon is very reminiscent of Pete Crow-Armstrong in more ways than one.
The Gatorade Georgia High School Player of the Year raked in his senior season, hitting .504 with 9 home runs and 42 RBI, helping the Eagles to a 33-7 record and a GHSA Class 6A title. While the swing is slightly unconventional like Crow-Armstrong's was, his decision-making is well above average and sprays the ball from foul line to foul line with solid contact.
Couple that in with his 70-graded speed, and Condon's poised to become a solid leadoff hitter along with an everyday center fielder for the foreseeable future, with plenty of potential to become something special in the Major Leagues.
While they do share the same last name, Condon has no relation to fellow Georgian and Colorado Rockie Charlie Condon, who attended The Walker School and starred at the University of Georgia.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
CORAL GABLES - MAY 09: Louisville outfielder Zion Rose (32) runs to first base in the fifth inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Louisville Cardinals on May 9, 2026, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, FL. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With the sixth pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Kansas City Royals selected Zion Rose, a right-handed outfielder from the University of Louisville.
Measuring 6’ 1” and 200 lbs, Rose is primarily a left fielder and swings a potent bat. Rose was injured to begin his junior year at Louisville, but he roared back to slash .417/.491/.646 with six home runs and an 11.0% walk rate against an 8.7% strikeout rate in 173 plate appearances.
Rose was not the best player on the board with the sixth overall pick per aggregate rankings; ESPN, The Athletic, Fangraphs, and MLB.com all had Zion between the 17th and 30th overall range. However, with how the bonus pool structure works and with the Royals also owning the 30th overall pick, it seems likely that Rose will sign for underslot value and Kansas City will get somebody—maybe a high schooler—for overslot value with the 30th pick.
Rose can flat-out hit, and if he hadn’t missed almost half of the spring with an ankle injury, I think he’d be a top 15 pick. The Louisville junior hit .417/.491/.646 in 36 games — nearly all of it in ACC play — after returning from the injury, moving between center field and left field. He looked better in center than expected, though the corner is still the more likely outcome. He has excellent hand-eye coordination and bat speed, whiffing just 10 percent on fastballs this year, and 23 percent on everything else combined, and rarely chases outside the zone until he gets to two strikes. He does land slightly open and doesn’t pull the ball to the outfield as much as he should, which also means there’s some power upside here (with a 90th percentile EV of 104.6 mph, putting him well above the median) with what appear to be minor adjustments. He was a top 100 prospect out of high school, as a catcher at IMG Academy, but went undrafted due to his strong commitment to Louisville.
Rose is a physical right-handed hitter whose bat speed and strength produce high exit velocities and power that plays from foul pole to foul pole. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills, though his tendency to chase pitches cuts into his walk totals and leads to more groundball contact than is desired. He focuses on driving balls from gap to gap and could maximize his plus raw power if he pulls more pitches and drives them in the air more frequently.
Rose is faster than most 6-foot-1, 200-pounders, showing solid run times out of the batter’s box and flashing well-above-average speed on stolen-base attempts. Despite his quickness, he’s at best a fringy defender in left field with arm strength to match. His bat should provide enough offense for him to profile as a regular there, and he has the intensity and work ethic to get the most out of his talents.
He is one of the more interesting college hitters in this draft because despite being as physically mature as any prospect, he has projection on both sides of the ball. Currently a left fielder, there’s the possibility that Rose could return to catching (unlikely) or that, as a comfortably plus runner, he might be able to shift to center field in pro ball. Though he isn’t the most comfortable-looking outfielder, he definitely has the pure speed to play center, and Rose has been lauded for his makeup and work ethic since he was in high school, and seems to be the sort of person who is likely to max out their talent.
The other aspect of Rose’s profile that might shift in pro ball is his style of contact. He is a burly, short-levered contact hitter who is exceptionally short to the ball, but an inordinate amount of his contact is sliced down the right field line. Unlike a lot of other hitters for whom this is true, Rose doesn’t have a noisy, elaborate load, nor does he have scary splits against good velocity; he had a .974 OPS against fastballs 94 mph and above combined across 2025 and 2026, including during summer ball with wood bats. Ideally he can be made more on time to pull so that he can access more of his modest-but-relevant power. If it turns out Rose can’t play center field, then he’s going to be a lower-impact player in a corner, but if he can, then he might have the hit/power combo to be an average everyday performer.
Initial pick reactions
The Kansas City Royals with even a bigger surprise with OF Zion Rose
— College Baseball Archives (@collegeplayers9) July 11, 2026
With the 6th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Kansas City Royals select OF Zion Rose from Louisville. MLB Pipeline’s 30th ranked prospect in the class, here are his scouting grades:
LOL I could have a list of 15 guys the Royals might choose at #6 and Zion Rose wouldn't be on it.
This is an under-slot pick, obviously; the Royals have a lot of money to play with at #30 and beyond. Good thing I trust Brian Bridges. This pick definitely requires a lot of it. https://t.co/UstDQGx8At
